How to turn on and use the voice recorder on Xiaomi Mi 9: instructions with pictures

Xiaomi Mi 9 has a built-in voice recorder that allows you to quickly record lectures, interviews or voice notes. However, many users face difficulties in the first run: the application can be hidden in the menu or absent from the home screen. In this article, we will discuss all ways to activate the voice recorder, including alternative methods for recording sound if the standard solution does not work.

The Mi 9 features MIUI firmware, which is updated periodically to change the location of system utilities, we have taken into account all versions of the software (from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14) and collected universal instructions, and you will learn how to configure recording quality, save files to the cloud and eliminate common errors, for example, when the recorder does not see the microphone or records a quiet sound.

Where is the voicephone on Xiaomi Mi 9: search for the application

Depending on the version of MIUI, the path to the recorder may vary. Starting with MIUI 12, the app is often hidden in the Tools or Utilities folder. Here's how to find it:

  • πŸ” Method 1: Swipe down the main screen to open the search and type in the query "Dictator" (or "Recorder" in English firmware).
  • πŸ“ Method 2: Open the menu of all apps (swipe up from the bottom of the screen) and find the folder β€œXiaomi Tools” – the recorder is usually there.
  • βš™οΈ Method 3: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Manage applications and sort the list alphabetically.

If the recorder is missing, it may have been disabled in the system settings to return it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show Systems".
  3. Find "Recorder" (or "Dictorphone"), open its page and click "Enable".
πŸ“Š You often use a voice recorder on your smartphone?
Yes, every day.
Sometimes.
Only in emergency cases.
Never.

How to turn on the voice recorder on Xiaomi Mi 9: step-by-step instructions

Once the application is found, you just have to run the recording. Here's a detailed algorithm:

  1. Open the Dictophone app (icon with microphone).
  2. Click on the big red "Record" button in the center of the screen, and you get a timer and a wave diagram of sound.
  3. To pause, press "Suspend" (the icon of two vertical sticks), to stop - "Stop" (square).
  4. Recording is automatically saved to the Recorder folder in the internal memory (path: /Internal Storage/MIUI/sound_recorder/).

By default, files are saved in.m4a (AAC) format with a bitrate of 96 kbit/s. To change the settings:

  • πŸŽ™οΈ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the recorder and select Settings".
  • πŸ“Š In the section "Record quality" you can choose "High" (128 kbit / s) or "Low" (64 kbit / s) to save space.
  • πŸ“ In the "Save Place" specify the folder on the memory card (if it is inserted).

Launch the recorder|Check the microphone volume level|Select the recording format|Make sure there is a free space-->

⚠️ Note: When recording long audio files (more than 1 hour), the recorder can automatically break them into pieces. FAT32, To avoid data loss, keep copies of records regularly in the cloud.

Alternative ways to record sound on Xiaomi Mi 9

If the standard voice recorder does not suit the functionality or does not work, use alternative methods:

MethodAdvantagesDeficiencies
Google Drive (the "voice recording" function)Automatic transcription into text, synchronization with the accountInternet, duration restrictions
Call Recorder (for example, Cube Call Recorder)Recording telephone conversations, filtering noiseCan conflict with MIUI, requires root rights for full functionality
Easy Voice Recorder (Hi-Q MP3 Recorder)Advanced settings (bitrate, formats), widgetsAdvertising in free versions, possible problems with the microphone

To record phone conversations on Mi 9 standard means MIUI requires activating the option in call settings:

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Click on three points β†’ β€œSettings” β†’ β€œRecording conversations”.
  3. Select "Write All" or "Selective Recording".
  4. Note: on some firmware, this function may be blocked by the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline subscribers).

πŸ’‘

If the recorder is recording a quiet sound, check if the microphone hole is closed (located at the bottom of the case next to the USB-C connector).

Set up recording quality and save files

By default, the Xiaomi Mi 9 records M4A (AAC) audio, but you can change the settings for better quality or space saving.

  • 🎚️ Bitrate: In the voice recorder settings, select High Quality (128-192 kbps) for pure sound or Saving Space (64 kbps) for long recordings.
  • πŸ“‚ Format: Third-party applications (e.g. Hi-Q) MP3 Recorder allows you to save files to MP3 or WAV (lossless).
  • ☁️ Cloud Save: Activate sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive to avoid losing records when you reset your phone.

To manually transfer the records to the computer:

  1. Connect the Mi 9 to the PC via USB-cable.
  2. Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification curtain.
  3. Go on the path of internal memory β†’ MIUI β†’ sound_recorder and copy files with extension.m4a.

⚠️ Note: If you use an exFAT microSD card, records longer than 4 hours may be damaged. For reliability, break long sessions into pieces or store them in internal memory.

How to convert records to MP3?
To convert.m4a files to MP3, use the Audio Converter app (available on the Play Market) or online services like Online-Convert. For lossless conversion, choose a bitrate at least 192 kbps.

Solving problems with the voice recorder on Xiaomi Mi 9

Mi 9 users often encounter common voice recorder errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The recorder won't start.Application disabled or damagedInclude it in Settings β†’ Applications or reinstall it through MIUI Lab
Recording is interrupted in 1-2 minutesBattery optimization blocks background workAdd a voice recorder to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All applications β†’ Recorder β†’ Not Optimize
A noise or echo can be heardActivated noise or damaged microphoneTurn off "Voice Improvement" in the voice recorder settings or clear the microphone
Files are not saved.Insufficient memory or access rights errorClear the space in internal memory or give permissions in Settings β†’ Permissions β†’ Storage

If the recorder records a sound with distortions, try:

  1. Reboot your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.
  3. Reset the application settings: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Recorder β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the data.

πŸ’‘

Before resetting the voice recorder settings, be sure to copy important records - they will be deleted along with the application data!

Hidden functions of the voice recorder on Xiaomi Mi 9

Few people know, but the built-in Mi 9 voice recorder can do more than just record sound.

  • 🎀 Voice Notes: Click on the Pencil icon on the right side of the recording screen to add text tags to the audio (e.g., Question 1, Customer Response").
  • ⏱️ Record timer: In settings, you can set automatic completion after a predetermined time (useful for lectures).
  • πŸ”Š Enable the "Voice Improvement" option to suppress noise (only works on the sound control system). MIUI 12+).
  • πŸ“€ Quick Submit: After stopping the recording, click on the Share icon to instantly send the file to Telegram, WhatsApp or email.

For quick access to the recorder, add its widget to the home screen:

  1. Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
  2. Select "Widgets" β†’ find "Dictorphone" (or "Recorder").
  3. Drag the widget onto the screen. Now you can run it with one tap.

πŸ’‘

If you need to record a conversation in a messenger (for example, in Telegram), use the β€œVoice Record” function inside the chat – it saves messages to the cloud and does not take up space on the phone.

Security and confidentiality of records

Records of voice or private conversations may contain confidential information to protect them:

  • πŸ”’ Encryption: Use applications like Secure Voice Recorder that save files encrypted (requires a password to listen to your files).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ For complete erasure of records, use Shreddit utilities (overwrite files with zeros before deleting them).
  • 🚫 Disable access: Turn off voice recorder notifications in the curtain so that outsiders don't see the active recording: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Recorder β†’ Show notifications (turn off).

It is important to keep in mind the legal aspects of recording conversations:

  • In Russia, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
  • In public places (lectures, meetings) the rules depend on the internal regulations of the organization.
  • For judicial purposes, records must be unedited and date/time (enable this option in the voice recorder settings).

⚠️ Note: When using a recorder to record conversations with clients or colleagues, be sure to notify them in advance, otherwise the record will have no legal force and may become the basis for a claim for violation of the right to privacy of correspondence.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the recorder on Xiaomi Mi 9

Can I record phone conversations on Mi 9 without third-party apps?
Yes, but only if your firmware supports this feature. Go to Settings of the phone β†’ Record conversations and activate the option. On some versions of MIUI (especially for the Russian market), this feature may be blocked.
Why does the recorder on the Mi 9 record for only 1 hour and then stop?
This is a limitation of the default FAT32 file system: To write for longer: Reformat the memory card to exFAT (via PC) or break the records manually (press Stop every hour).
How to recover deleted recordings from a recorder?
If you have recently deleted files, check the Recycle Bin folder in the Files app. Use tools like DiskDigger for deep recovery. The chances are higher if you haven't written new files after you delete them.
Can I use the Mi 9 as an external voice recorder for PC?
Yes, through USB-cable in the mode "Audio device" (it is required to enable "Debugging by" USB" In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Then on PC, select Xiaomi Mi 9 as a recording device in audio settings.
Why do you hear a squeak or a squeak in a recorder?
This is interference from electromagnetic waves or a damaged microphone. Try: Record elsewhere (away from routers, microwaves), use an external microphone via USB-C (e.g., BOYA BY-M1), disable "Voice Improvement" in the voice recorder settings.