Can I record calls to Redmi Note 9 without root?
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face a problem: the standard application βPhoneβ in the firmware MIUI does not have built-in recording of conversations, this is due to Googleβs policy that prohibits recording calls without notifying the interlocutor in new versions of Android.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden settings MIUI, Third-party apps and workarounds for Android models 10/11/12. All methods tested on the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS), But it is also suitable for other smartphones in the series. Redmi/Poco base MIUI 12β14.
Important: In Russia, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Use the function only for legitimate purposes (for example, fixing agreements with the consent of the second party).
Method 1: Hidden MIUI recording function (without applications)
Before version 12.5, MIUI had a hidden call recording mode that can be activated through the engineering menu codes. On the Redmi Note 9, this method is unstable, but it's worth trying:
- Open the phone app and dial: ##6484###
- If the code works, the MTK Engineer Mode menu will appear. Go to Telephony β Audio β Normal Mode.
- Activate the Record Call Audio option (if available).
β οΈ Attention: On new versions MIUI 13/14 This is the way that most of the time doesn't work, and if nothing happens after you type in the code, move on to the next method.
An alternative path through settings
On some regional MIUI firmware (e.g. Indian or global), call recording is enabled as follows:
- Open Settings β Applications β Phone β Additional settings.
- Find the list of conversations (if any).
- Choose to Record automatically or ask before recording.
Why is my Redmi Note 9 not recording?
Method 2: Call recording applications (TOP-3 verified)
If the built-in methods didn't work, we're left with third-party utilities, and we've tested dozens of apps and selected those that work well on the Redmi Note 9 without root:
| Annex | Ratings. | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | 4.7β | Records on both sides, supports cloud storage, runs on Android 10-13. | The paid version for recording in high quality, sometimes misses calls. |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | 4.5β | Free, simple interface, saves entries in MP3. | Advertising does not always determine the number of the caller. |
| Truecaller | 4.4β | Record + number detector, integration with contacts. | He does not need to register, not record all calls. |
Instructions for setting up (for example, Cube ACR):
Install the app from Google Play|Open Cube ACR settings and select Record all calls |Enable the option to Show Record Notice (required for Android 10+)|Give permissions to access microphone and phone calls |Check the test call-->
β οΈ Attention: On Android 11+ applications that record calls require permission to access notifications, without it, the recording may not start:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Cube ACR β Permissions β More.
- Activate Show over other windows and Access notifications.
π‘
If the app doesnβt record the voice of the person, try to turn on speakerphone for 1-2 seconds during a conversation β this often helps to activate the microphone.
Method 3: Recording through speakerphone + voice recorder
The most reliable (and legal) method is to use external recordings via a smartphone microphone, suitable for important negotiations where both parties need consent.
What you need:
- π± Second telephone (or voice recorder) to record.
- π Enabled speakerphone on Redmi Note 9.
- π§ Headphones with microphone (optional, for better sound).
Step-by-step:
- Call the interlocutor and activate the speaker connection.
- Place the second phone (or voice recorder) 20-30 cm away from the Redmi Note 9 speaker.
- Run the recording on the second device (for example, through a standard voice recorder).
- At the end of the conversation, save the file and, if necessary, cut the unnecessary fragments in the editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).
Pros of the method:
- β It works on any Android without restrictions.
- β Legal (if the interviewee is aware of the record).
- β Sound quality is often better than software solutions.
β οΈ Attention: When recording via speakerphone, the file may have extraneous noises, and to minimize them, hold a conversation in a quiet room and use a directional microphone (for example, in headphones).
π‘
This method is the only legal option for recording conversations in Russia, if the interlocutor did not give written consent to the recording.
Method 4: Recording via Google Drive (for outgoing calls)
Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record outgoing calls through the web interface. IP-telephony.
How it works:
- Open your browser on Redmi Note 9 and go to Google Drive.
- Create a new file β Other β Google Meet.
- In the Google Meet window, click βCallβ and enter the number.
- During the conversation, click βMoreβ (three dots) β Record the meeting.
Limitations:
- β It only works for outgoing calls.
- β The number should be maintained IP-Telephone service (not all mobile operators allow it).
- β Recording is saved in the cloud, not on the device.
π‘ Tip: If you need to record an incoming call, try calling back the interlocutor via Google Meet and suggest continuing the conversation there.
Method 5: Root access + Xposed (for advanced)
If youβre ready for radical measures, getting root rights will give you access to full call recording via Xposed or Magisk modules, a technique that works for Redmi Note 9 on Android 10/11, but requires technical skills.
What needs to be done:
- Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9 (instruction: miui.su/bootloader).
- Install Magisk to get root (version 25.2+).
- Download the Call Recorder for Magisk module from the Magisk Manager repository.
- Activate the module and restart the phone.
Pros:
- β Record all calls (incoming/outgoing) in high quality.
- β No dependence on apps from Google Play.
- β You can configure automatic saving to the memory card.
β οΈ Attention: Installing root will void the warranty and may lead to the blocking of banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger.
How to return the guarantee after root?
How to save and edit records?
Recorded conversations are usually saved in.mp3 or.amr formats to make them convenient to use:
- π Where to look for files: For Cube ACR: /SDCard/CubeBackups. For the built-in dictaphone: /SDCard/Recordings. For Truecaller: /SDCard/Truecaller/Recordings.
- βοΈ How to trim: Use Lexis Audio Editor or Audacity (on PC).
- π How to protect: Move files to an encrypted archive (for example, 7-Zip password-wise).
Storage tip: Don't keep your phone records for longer than you need, they take up space and can become vulnerable if your device is lost.
- Copy to a PC or cloud (e.g. Google Drive with two-factor authentication).
- Remove the originals from the phone after checking.
Frequent problems and solutions
If the recording is not working, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The app does not record the voice of the interlocutor. | Android 10+ Restrictions on Accessing the Microphone During a Call | Turn on speakerphone for 1-2 seconds or use external recording |
| Recording ends in 30 seconds. | Battery optimization kills background process | Add the app to exceptions: Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization β All apps β Select yours β Without restrictions |
| Files are not saved. | Lack of memory rights | Give permission to access the storage in the application settings |
| Noises on the record | Poor quality of microphone or echo | Use headphones with a microphone or record through a speakerphone |
π‘ Lifehack: If the recording app constantly "forgets" settings, try turning off autocleaning the cache in your phone's settings: Settings β Warehouse β Cleanup β Autocleaning β Shut down.