Recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to turn on and configure

Why You Need to Record Calls and What You Need to Know Before Setup

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be useful in dozens of situations, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence for legal disputes. However, before you activate this feature, it is worth considering a few key points. First, the legality of recording conversations is regulated by the legislation of your country - in some regions you need to notify the interlocutor about recording. Second, built-in MIUI tools have limitations: for example, not all versions of the firmware support automatic recording of all calls without additional settings.

The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004J19C) runs on MIUI 12-14, where the recording function is implemented via the Phone app. But here's a caveat: by default, the option can be hidden or disabled due to regional restrictions. If you don't find it on the menu, it doesn't mean your device doesn't "can't" record calls - it probably requires activation through Settings or installing updates.

Another important aspect is the storage of records. By default, files are stored in internal memory in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/calls, But with a lot of calls, it fills up memory quickly, and we'll figure out how to redirect the save to a microSD or to the cloud, and we'll also talk about third-party applications that offer advanced capabilities like transcription or automatic emailing).

Verification of MIUI version and compatibility of the function

Before you try to enable a record, make sure your version of MIUI supports this feature. On Redmi 9, call recording is officially available in firmware starting with MIUI 12.0.3, but in some regions (e.g., the EU) it may be disabled due to privacy laws.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to MIUI version, and the number will be listed (e.g. 12.5.4.0.RJCEUXM).
3. If the version is older than 12.0.2, the feature should work. 11.x and below will require an update or third-party software.

Pay special attention to regional firmware. Chinese (CN) smartphones often have advanced recording features, whereas global (Global) or European (EEA) versions can be stripped down. If you don’t have a write option on your menu, try changing region via Settings → Additional → Region (but note that this may affect some services, such as Google Pay).

Enable call recording via the standard “Phone” application

If your firmware supports the function, you can activate it right during the call or through settings. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. When you call: On the call screen, tap the Record button (Mic icon) If it's not there, the function is disabled in the settings.
2. Through settings: Open the Phone app. Tap three dots in the top right corner → Settings. Select Call Recording (or Call Recording in English). Activate the switch Auto Record or select Record all calls.

If there is no record of conversations on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Microphone (include)

Check the MIUI version (not lower than 12.0.3)

Make sure the phone app is allowed to access the microphone

Free up at least 500MB of memory for records

Turn off the power saving mode for the Phone application

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Important: Once you activate the record, check the save folder. It's the default internal drive. → MIUI → sound_recorder → If you don't have a folder, you can create it manually, and sometimes that solves the problem of saving files.

Solving the problem: Why the record doesn’t work

Even if you turn on the function, you can have a failure, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

A critical feature for Redmi 9: if the recording stopped working after upgrading to MIUI 13/14, try resetting the Phone app settings (Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset).This often helps to return the feature without completely resetting the phone.

Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in feature doesn't suit (for example, due to lack of transcription or time limit), consider third-party solutions.

• 📱 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Records high quality calls, supports cloud storage and automatic tags (important/spam) minus: the free version has a limit on the number of records.
• 🔊 Call Recorder - Automatic Call Recorder is a simple interface, automatic blacklist/whitelist recording, and works even on older versions. MIUI.
• ☁️ Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that bypasses the limitations of Android 10+ It requires manual adjustment, but it gives you maximum control.

When installing third-party applications, consider:

⚠️ Attention: Starting with Android 9, Google has restricted apps from accessing calls for security reasons, and many programs require special permissions to be enabled through the Internet. ADB (for example, android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Without this, the recording may not work smoothly.

To activate hidden permissions:

adb shell pm grant com.application.android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO


adb shell pm grant com.application.android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE

Replace the com.application with a batch program identifier (e.g. com.cube.callrecorder for Cube ACR).

Setup of automatic record saving

By default, the records are saved to internal memory, but this can be changed. Here's how to redirect files to a microSD or to the cloud:

1. On the memory card: Insert microSD into the slot (cards up to the slot are supported) 512 Open the Files app. → Internal storage → MIUI → sound_recorder. Press three points. → Move and select a microSD.
2. In the cloud: Install Google Drive or Mi Cloud. In the recording settings (Phone → Settings → Recording conversations), select Autoboot. Specify the folder in the cloud and the sync frequency (recommended for Wi-Fi only).

For automatic sorting of records by contact:

Settings → Applications → Phone → Additional → Order records by contacts (enable)

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If you often record important calls, set up an automatic folder backup. sound_recorder Google Photos or Mi Cloud>. To do this, add it to the list of synchronized folders in the cloud settings.

Legal aspects: when recording conversations is legal

In most countries, recording telephone conversations is only permitted with the consent of the interlocutor, but there are nuances:

• 📜 Russia: Article 23 of the Constitution allows recording without consent if you are a participant in a conversation and record it for personal needs (not for distribution.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): The explicit consent of the interlocutor is required, recording without notice can lead to a fine of up to 20 million euros.
• 🇺🇸 US: Laws vary by state, and in most cases, notice to one of the parties (you) is sufficient).

To avoid problems:

⚠️ Note: If you are recording a conversation for official purposes (e.g. court), notify the person in advance by saying, "The conversation is being recorded to record information. Do you mind?" This will protect you from allegations of privacy violations.

You can set up an automatic recording notification on Redmi 9.

1. Open Settings → Phone → Record conversations.
2. Enable the option to Notify about the record (or Announce recording).
3. Select the notification frequency: At the beginning of each call or only at the first recording.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 call recording

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On Xiaomi Redmi 9 call recording works stably only under three conditions: the current version of MIUI (12+), allowed access to the microphone and disabled battery optimization for the application "Phone".