How to record a conversation on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 may be necessary to record important agreements, interviews or just save memorable conversations. However, standard MIUI capabilities in this regard are limited, especially after the tightening of privacy policies in Android 10+. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recording calls, including hidden firmware functions, third-party applications and workaround solutions for different versions of Redmi 9 (including global and Chinese versions).

It's important to understand that the legality of recording conversations varies by jurisdiction. Most countries require notifying the other participant of the recording. We don't call for breaking laws, the article is purely technical. Also note that some methods may not work on firmware newer than MIUI 14 due to Google restrictions.

If you own a Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004J19G), a Redmi 9A or a Redmi 9C, the instructions below are for you, too, and the differences in call recording between these devices are minimal.

1. built-in MIUI recording function (not available to everyone)

Some regional versions of MIUI 12-14 for Redmi 9 have built-in call recording, but it is hidden by default.

  1. Open the phone (calling) application.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Recording of conversations.
  3. If there is a point, turn on the option and select Write automatically or Request before recording.

If there is no item, try activating it through the hidden menu:

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In the engineering menu that opens, select Phone Information β†’ Test Menu β†’ Call Record. A switch may appear here. Note that after a reboot, settings may reset.

πŸ“Š Have you ever recorded telephone conversations?
Yeah, regularly.
Only 1-2 times.
No, but I want to learn.
No, and no planning.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global after upgrading to Android 11+ The embedded record is often blocked if you have a Chinese version (China) ROM), The function can work without limitation.

Where do you look for the recorded files? They're saved in the folder:

/sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

The file format is.amr or.mp3, you can listen to them through any player.

2. applications for recording calls from Google Play

If you don't have a built-in feature, you'll have to use third-party utilities.

  • πŸ“± Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” Supports automatic recording, voice recognition and cloud storage, even on Android 13, but requires you to configure access rights.
  • πŸ”Š Call Recorder – Automatic from Appliqato – simple interface, recording format.mp3 adjustable bitrate.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that bypass the limitations of Android 10+. Supports recording from both ends of the line (with the right settings).

How to set up Cube ACR on Redmi 9:

Install the app from Google Play|Open the settings. β†’ Permits β†’ Give all rights requested|Enable the option "Record automatically"|Select the sound source: "Loud Communication" (for better quality)|Add the application to the list of "AutoStart" (Settings) β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start)|-->

An important caveat: Android 11+ does not allow apps to record sound from a microphone while calling, a workaround to use hands-free mode or connect headphones with a microphone, and some apps (such as Boldbeast) offer alternative methods of recording via VoIP protocols.

⚠️ Warning: Call recording apps are often labeled β€œpotentially dangerous” by antivirus software because of microphone and call access. This is a false positive – but download software only from official sources.

3. Recording via a second SIM card or other device

If the software methods do not work, then the hardware bypass remains:

  • πŸ“ž Double call: Use the second phone (or second SIM card in Redmi 9) to call the primary number and record the conversation via speakerphone.
  • 🎧 Headphones with microphone: Connect wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (on Redmi 9 it is!) and record sound through a recorder application (for example, Easy Voice Recorder).
  • πŸ“» FM-transmitter: Connect the phone to the tape recorder via Bluetooth or AUX.

The downside is the deterioration of sound quality and the need to sync two devices, but it is the only way that works on any version of Android without restrictions.

πŸ’‘

If you use the second phone to record, turn on the "Air mode" with active Wi-Fi - this will eliminate interference from incoming calls.

4. Rooting and modified firmware

For advanced users, there's a radical way to get root rights and install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

  • πŸ”§ Install Magisk module for recording calls (e.g. CallRecorder).
  • πŸ“± Use firmware with pre-built-in recording function (e.g, MIUI EU).
  • πŸ› οΈ Set up a record at the core level of the system.

Instructions for rooting Redmi 9:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7 days).
  2. Install. TWRP Recovery for your model (file) twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img for Redmi 9).
  3. Sweep Magisk.zip through recovery.
  4. Install the CallRecorder-Magisk.zip module.
MethodDifficultyRecording qualityIt works on Android 12+.
Built-in MIUI function⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❌ (just old firmware)
Third-party annexes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⚠️ (partly)
Second SIM cardβ­β­β­β­βœ…
Routingβ­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­β­βœ…

⚠️ Warning: Rooting voids warranty and could lead to a device blink.On Redmi 9 with Helio processor G80 It is especially important to use the correct version. TWRP β€” Incompatible recovery files can damage the boot partition.

5. Cloud services and VoIP recording

If you make frequent calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or Skype, you can record the conversation via:

  • πŸ’¬ Built-in features of messengers: Telegram has the option of recording voice messages during the call (but not the conversation itself!).
  • ☁️ Cloud Services: Google Voice (not available in all countries) automatically records incoming calls after setting up.
  • πŸ“‘ VoIP proxy: Services like Callnote or Rev Call Recorder redirect calls through their servers and record them.

Redmi 9 is the most reliable way to use Google Voice.

  1. Install Google Voice from the Play Market.
  2. Register and get a virtual number.
  3. In the settings, enable Options β†’ Calls β†’ Incoming call options β†’ Enable call recording.
  4. When you call in, press 4 on the keyboard and the recording will begin.

The downside is that the recording is only available for incoming calls to the Google Voice number, and the quality depends on the Internet connection.

How to Improve Recording Quality Through VoIP
Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile internet |Close background apps that consume traffic |Configure Opus codec in the app (if you have an option) |Connect headphones to reduce echo |

6. Alternative solutions: from voice recorder to smart watches

If none of the above is appropriate, consider non-standard options:

  • 🎀 External recorder: Bring a recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) Modern models record sound from up to 5 meters away.
  • ⌚ Smartwatches: Some models (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 4) have a sound recording function. Sync them with your phone via Bluetooth.
  • πŸ–₯️ Connect Redmi 9 to PC via USB, Turn on the debugging. USB Use scrcpy to stream the screen + recording audio via Audacity.

Recording via PC will require:

adb shell


su




Setenforce 0 # SELinux Disconnect (requires root)

Then run scrcpy --audio=all in the terminal, and the sound is transmitted to a computer where it can be recorded.

πŸ’‘

The most versatile method for Redmi 9 is to use an external voice recorder or a second phone, which is independent of the Android version and does not require rooting.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When recording calls to Redmi 9, users encounter common errors:

  • πŸ”‡ No sound in the recording: Check if the sound is blocking the app to save battery (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Battery optimization. Add a recording app to exceptions.
  • πŸ“΅ Recording ends: Disable the function "Autocleaning cache" in Settings β†’ Storage. Some apps delete temporary records files.
  • 🚫 The app does not run: On Android 12+ You must manually allow access to android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO through ADB: adb shell pm grant com.app.name android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO

If the record stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

  1. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
  2. Install MIUI EU (European firmware) – it often saves features removed from the global version.
  3. Use the Xiaomi Permissions List (Settings β†’ Permissions β†’ Special Permissions β†’ Call Recording).
❓ Can I record calls to Redmi 9 without notifying the other person?
Technically, it is, but the legality depends on the country: in Russia, according to article 138 of the criminal code, recording without consent is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation, but in court such recording can be found inadmissible evidence, the EU and the US require notice.
❓ Why recording apps don’t work on Android 11+?
Since Android 10, Google has banned apps from accessing the audio stream during calls for privacy reasons.Backages: Use hands-free mode. Install apps via ADB with manual rights. Rout your device and modify system files.
❓ Where do we keep the records of Redmi 9 calls?
Depends on the method: Built-in function: /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /sdcard/Recordings/. Third-party applications: Usually in the application folder (e.g, /sdcard/CubeCallRecorder/). Manual recording: To the folder specified in the voice recorder settings. Files can be transferred to the PC or uploaded to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
❓ How to improve the quality of recording?
Tips for better sound: Use wired headphones with a microphone (it smells noise). Turn on Noise Reduction in the recording settings (if any). Write in.wav or.mp3 192 kbps. Avoid recording in noisy places. Use Audacity for post-processing (remove noise: Effects β†’ Noise Reduction).
❓ Can I recover a accidentally deleted recording?
Yes, if the file hasn't been overwritten. Try: Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (requires root for deep scanning). Check the Recycle Bin in the file manager (Mi File Explorer has Recycle Bin function). If the record synced to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud), check the Deleted Files folder. Important: Don't write new files to your phone until you recover!