The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI firmware does not have a built-in call recording feature, which creates problems for users who need to save important conversations β whether itβs business negotiations, interviews or evidence for litigation. In this article, weβll look at all possible ways to record conversations on the Redmi 9A, including hidden settings, third-party apps and workarounds using a second device.
It is important to understand that recording telephone conversations is regulated by law: in most countries (including Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan) the consent of the interlocutor to record is required, otherwise the audio file will not have legal force.
Why is there no built-in call record on Redmi 9A?
Xiaomiβs MIUI-based smartphones have previously had a conversation record feature, but it has been removed from official firmware for several reasons:
- π Legal restrictions: in the EU and some other regions, recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited, so manufacturers remove such functions to avoid legal claims.
- π Google policy: Google Play apps will not be available from 2022 API Recording calls without special permission, which makes it difficult to implement the function.
- π± Hardware limitations: budget models like Redmi 9A Do not support simultaneous recording of voice from the microphone and speakers at the program level.
However, there are workarounds. For example, in some regions (India, Indonesia), the recording function remains in the firmware, but it is disabled on Russian and European devices. Check your version of MIUI in Settings β About phone - if you have global firmware (MIUI Global), then there is no function.
Method 1: Using applications to record calls
The most reliable method is to install third-party software, but since 2021, Google Play has blocked most applications for recording calls due to changes in privacy policies.
- π± Cube Call Recorder ACR β One of the few apps that still runs on Redmi. 9A. Uses its own recording engine but requires access permissions.
- π Boldbeast Call Recorder β supports recording on Xiaomi, but you need to manually select the settings for MediaTek Helio G25 (Redmi processor 9A).
- π² Automatic call recording (from) RV Apps β Simple app, but may not work on the latest versions of Android 10/11.
To keep the recording running smoothly, follow the following steps:
Install the app from the official website (not from Google Play)
Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, memory, phone)
In the application settings, select the recording format (e.g..mp3 or.aac)
Turn off battery optimization for the application in MIUI settings
Check the recording with a test call-->
Important: on the Redmi 9A, because of the MediaTek Helio G25 processor, some applications can only record your voice, not the person you're talking to, and in this case, turning on the speakerphone while you're talking will help, so the microphone will capture sound from the speaker.
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If the app does not record the voice of the interlocutor, try to turn on the βSpeakingβ mode or use headphones with a microphone β this often solves the problem.
Method 2: Recording through the second device
If the software methods don't work, you can use a second device (another phone, voice recorder, or computer) to record a conversation, which is universal and independent of the smartphone model.
You'll need:
- π± Second phone or recorder with a good microphone.
- π Headphones with microphone (optional, for better quality).
- π A sound recording app (such as Voice Recorder or Hi-Q) MP3 Recorder).
Algorithm of action:
- Call your Redmi 9A to your second phone (or vice versa).
- Turn on speakerphone on the Redmi 9A and place it next to the second device.
- On the second device, start recording the sound.
- After the conversation, save the file and, if necessary, cut the extra fragments.
Cons of the method:
- β οΈ The quality of the recording depends on the acoustics of the room and microphone.
- β οΈ The interviewer may hear an echo or noise.
- β οΈ A second device is required.
How to improve the quality of the recording through the second device?
Method 3: Enabling a hidden write function in MIUI (only for certain regions)
On some MIUI firmware for Redmi 9A, the call recording function is hidden, but it can be activated via an engineering menu or region change, which does not work on all devices and can lead to unstable phone operation.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Tap the MIUI version several times until the notification βYou became a developerβ appears.
- Go back to the basic settings and open Additional β for developers.
- Find the region and change it to India.
- Reboot the phone.
- After restarting, open the Phone app and check for the recording button.
If the recording button does not appear, try another method:
Enter the dialer code: ##6484##
This will open the MTK Engineer Mode menu. Go to Hardware Testing β Audio β Normal Mode β Type and select Sph2 Mode. Save settings and restart the phone.β οΈ Attention: changing the region in the developer settings may cause some services to crash (e.g. Google Play or banking applications!
Comparison of Conversation Recording Methods on Redmi 9A
To choose the best way, compare all options on key parameters:
| Method | Recording quality | Difficulty setting up | Legal purity | Equipment required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party of annex | Medium (depending on the software) | Medium | Consent of the interlocutor is required | Only a smartphone. |
| Second device | Low/medium (interference noise) | Simple. | Consent required | Second phone/dicaphone |
| Hidden MIUI function | High (if working) | Difficult. | Consent required | Only a smartphone. |
| Google Voice (for the United States) | High. | Simple. | Legal in the U.S. | Google account |
As you can see from the table, the most balanced option is to use third-party applications if they work correctly on your firmware, the second device method is suitable for one-time recordings, and the hidden MIUI function is suitable for experienced users.
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Redmi 9A doesn't have a 100% reliable way to record calls, and the best choice depends on your needs: apps are good for regular use, and a second device is good for one-time use.
Legal aspects of recording telephone conversations
Before recording conversations, read the laws of your country:
- π·πΊ Russia: recording of conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed, but such file cannot be used in court as evidence (Article 138 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation.
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: recording without consent is prohibited and punishable by a fine (Article 182 of the CUOAP.
- π°πΏ Kazakhstan: Recording is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation, but distribution of the recording without consent is prohibited.
- πͺπΊ EU: Most countries require the consent of both parties (GDPR).
If you're recording a conversation for personal use (for example, to keep important information in mind), the legal risks are minimal, but if you plan to use the recording in court, notify the person in advance of the recording.
β οΈ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), even storing a recording of a conversation without consent is considered a violation of privacy law.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you record calls to Redmi 9A, you're going to see some common errors.
- π The app does not record the voice of the interlocutor. β Turn on speakerphone or use headphones with a microphone. Also check the settings of the application (for example, in Boldbeast you need to select Mode 9 for MediaTek).
- π΅ Recording is terminated or not retained β Disable Battery Optimization for the Application in Settings β Annexes β Permits β Optimizing the battery.
- π Too quiet a sound β Increase the volume of the microphone in the engineering menu (#36446337## β Audio β Normal Mode β Mic).
- π± Application not installed β Download. APK from the official developerβs website (e.g. Boldbeast) and not from third-party sources.
If none of the methods work, check:
- Android Version (Redmi 9A runs on Android 10/11 with MIUI 12).
- Root rights (some apps require root, but itβs not secure)
- Antivirus settings (some programs block the recording as βsuspicious activityβ)