How to record a conversation on Xiaomi Mi 9: full ways

Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 often face an unexpected limitation: the standard call recording feature common to other models of the brand may not be available in this version of the smartphone, due to global changes in Google’s privacy policy that affected devices running pure Android or shells close to stock. However, the need to fix important agreements, instructions or legally relevant dialogues does not disappear, and users are looking for working solutions.

Fortunately, the situation is not hopeless, and there are several proven methods to circumvent system limitations. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI Global or China) and the installed version of Google Phone, you can either activate a hidden native feature or use specialized software.

Xiaomi Mi 9 is a flagship device that formally supports recording, but software often blocks this feature depending on the region of sale. Understanding how Android 10 and above works will help you choose the most stable option without the need to obtain root rights.

Why the phone call record for Xiaomi Mi 9 is missing

The main reason for the loss of the recording button in the standard call interface is the update of Google’s security policy: Beginning with certain versions of Android, the search giant banned third-party and system applications from directly accessing the audio stream during a conversation without explicitly warning the interlocutor, a change that also affected the MIUI shell, especially in global versions of firmware.

In the past, users could just press a button and the conversation was stored in the device’s memory. Now the system requires more complex mechanisms for interacting with the microphone and speaker. In the Xiaomi Mi 9, this is manifested in the fact that even if there is a corresponding item on the menu, it can be inactive or completely hidden from the user’s eyes.

It is worth noting that in Chinese versions of firmware (China). ROM) These restrictions are often absent because they are targeted at the local market with different regulatory regulations. ROM) They are in more stringent conditions, where Google Dialer replaces the native call. MIUI, And that's why the search for a solution often comes down to replacing a software component or changing system settings.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to install modified system applications can cause the phone to run unstable. Always back up important data before making changes to the system partition.

Activating hidden function through Google Phone

The easiest and safest way to do this without having to tamper with the system is to activate a hidden feature in the Google Phone app. On the Xiaomi Mi 9, this app is often installed by default in global firmware. The recording function exists but is hidden to users from certain regions, including CIS countries and Europe.

To activate, you need to change the region in the settings of the application itself, which makes the system think that the device is in a country where recording calls is allowed by law (for example, India or the United States), then the necessary button appears in the call interface, and it is important to understand that when using this method, the interlocutor can hear a loud voice notification about the start of recording.

The activation process requires a precise sequence of actions. If you miss the step of cleaning the data, the settings may not apply. Also, you should consider that after updating the Google Phone application through the Play Market, the settings may reset and you will have to repeat the procedure.

Instructions for activation:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (Google’s blue handset icon).
• 📋 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
• 🌍 Find the Region (or Call Record if the region is hidden).
• ✅ Select the country where recording is allowed (e.g. India).

Installation of the native call MIUI Dialer

If the method with Google Phone does not suit you because of voice warning or lack of function, you can try to return your native call from Xiaomi. MIUI Dialer recording function is built natively and works without unnecessary notifications to the interlocutor (although this depends on the version of Android (APK).

The main difficulty is finding a compatible version. Xiaomi Mi 9 has a specific architecture and application signature requirements. Installing an older version can lead to crashes, and a new one may simply not install on top of Google Dialer without completely removing the latter. Often requires the use of ADB to remove the Google system component before installing the native one.

Once installed, you will get the interface that Xiaomi users are used to: the write button appears automatically when a conversation begins. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. This solution is considered the most convenient for those who value integration with the ecosystem. MIUI They don’t want to be limited by Google’s restrictions.

Key features of the native call:

• 🔇 Recording often takes place without audible notification of the interlocutor (depending on the Android version).
• 📂 Automatic sorting of records by contacts in the gallery of the recorder.
• ⚙️ Flexible settings: record all, only selected or only outgoing.

Use of third-party applications for recording

When system methods fail or require too much manipulation, third-party apps from Google Play come to the rescue, with Cube ACR, Automatic Call Recorder and peers leading the niche, using Accessibility Services to intercept audio streams, bypassing standard Android restrictions.

The effectiveness of such applications on Xiaomi Mi 9 depends on the version of Android. On newer versions (Android 11/12/13) Google has closed many loopholes, so the applications can only record your voice, and the voice of the interlocutor will be barely audible or absent. To solve this problem, the application settings often suggest changing the source of sound on Voice Communication or Mic.

An important aspect is setting exceptions to MIUI's power saving system. Aggressive optimization of Xiaomi's battery can "kill" the recording process in the background. You need to manually prevent the system from unloading the recorder application from memory. Without this, the recording can break immediately after you remove your finger from the screen or switch to another menu.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party apps require broad permissions, including access to microphone, phone and contacts. Use only proven high-ranking software to avoid personal data leakage.

Comparison of methods of recording conversations

The best way to choose depends on your technical skills and recording quality requirements.No method is 100% perfect for all scenarios. Below is a comparison table to help you determine your strategy for your Xiaomi Mi 9.

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The most stable quality of digital sound is provided by the method with Google Phone, but it requires the consent of the interlocutor. MIUI Dialer.

Quality setting and file storage

Once you have chosen the method, it is important to adjust the saving settings correctly. In MIUI, the default recording can be in a format that takes up a lot of space, or, conversely, in a too compressed format where speech is not well understood. It is recommended to go to the settings of the recorder or calls and choose the MP3 or AAC format with a bit rate of at least 128 kbit / s.

Record files take up space in internal memory. If you’re actively chatting and talking a lot about work, Xiaomi Mi 9 memory can run out quickly. Set up automatic cleaning of old records or move the archive to cloud storage. Xiaomi’s native call has a synchronization feature with Mi Cloud, but it may not be available in global versions without additional manipulation.

You also have to look at the storage folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ It can be hidden from some file managers on new versions of Android due to folder access restrictions Android/data. Use the built-in conductor MIUI Specialized managers like Total Commander for accessing archives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)