How to record a conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: all ways with instructions

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro may be needed to save important information, record agreements or just as a reminder. However, with the release of new versions of Android and Google’s privacy policy, standard call recording features have become unavailable in many regions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from built-in MIUI capabilities to third-party applications, and also discuss legal aspects that should be considered.

The Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse) is based on MIUI, which historically offered built-in call recording, but with the upgrade to Android 11 and up, this feature was limited. However, workarounds exist - and we'll describe them in detail. Important: before using any methods, make sure that recording conversations does not violate the laws of your country (for more details in the section on legality).

Built-in MIUI recording function: how to enable (if available)

On some MIUI firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, call recording remains available but hidden in the settings.

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the Record of Conversations section (if there is no item, the method does not work for your version of MIUI).
  4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually.

If the Call Record section is missing, your firmware is not supporting it, so move on to the following methods: on MIUI Global Stable 12.5+ and Android 11+, the embedded recording is most often disabled at the system level.

Open the "Phone" appendix"|Find "Settings" in the menu|Check for the item "Recording conversations"|Activate the recording (if available)-->

Where are records stored if the function is working? files are saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec They can be listened to through the standard Dictaphone app or any file manager.

⚠️ Attention: Built-in recording in MIUI It does not not notify the person that the conversation is being recorded, and in some countries (e.g. the U.S., EU) it may violate privacy laws.

2. Third-party applications for recording calls

If there is no built-in feature, the best option is to install a specialized application. The following programs will work for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (tested on Android 11/12):

  • πŸ“± Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” It supports VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber) and regular calls, and cloud storage.
  • 🎀 Call Recorder – Automatic Call Recorder – simple interface, automatic recording by numbers from black/white lists.
  • πŸ”Š Truecaller – in addition to the number detector, has a built-in record (available in all regions).
  • πŸ“Ό Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps running Android 11+ It requires manually configuring the audio source.

How to install and configure (in the example of Cube ACR):

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, grant permissions to Record audio, Contacts and Warehouse.
  3. In the settings, select the Record Source β†’ Voice Call (for Redmi Note) 9 The Pro usually works out. AMR or VOICE_CALL).
  4. Activate Automatic Recording or set up rules for specific contacts.

Where to look for records? Most applications save files in /CallRecordings folder on internal drive or in the cloud (if sync is enabled), file format is usually.mp3 or.amr.

Built-in function MIUI|Cube Call Recorder|Boldbeast|Truecaller|Other/not using-->

3. Recording via Google Drive (without root)

A little-known method that works on the Redmi Note 9 Pro without installing additional programs is to use the call recording function via Google Drive. This method is suitable for Android 9-11, but requires pre-configuration:

  1. Install Google Drive (if not installed) and log in.
  2. Open Settings β†’ System β†’ Gestures β†’ Additional settings.
  3. Find the Call Recording option (called Call Recording) and activate it.
  4. Select Google Drive as your save location.

After that, a write button will appear when the call is made (if the feature is supported by your firmware) and the files will automatically be uploaded to the Call Recordings folder on your Google Drive. Restriction: the method does not work on all versions of MIUI and may disappear after the update.

Why Google Drive may not work?
This method depends on the version of Google services and the MIUI firmware. Since Android 12, Google has limited the API for recording calls, so the feature gradually disappears even on previously supported devices. If the record button does not appear, try updating Google Play Services or using alternative methods.

Manual recording through the engineering menu (for advanced)

On some Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware, call recording can be activated via the Engineering Mode, which requires caution, as incorrect changes can disrupt the phone.

  1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down and find Call Recording (or Call Recording).
  4. Activate the option and restart the phone.

If you don't have a paragraph, your firmware doesn't support this method, and after you update MIUI, your menu settings may reset.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may cause the communication module to work unstable. If after activation of the recording there are problems with calls (cliches, noise), return the settings to the original state or reset the network to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.

5. Alternative methods: second phone or headset

If the software isn't right, you can record a conversation with a second device or a special headset, and these methods are universal and work on any smartphone, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro:

  • πŸ“± Second phone: put a second smartphone with a voice recorder running (for example, Voice Recorder on Android or Recorder on iPhone) next to it.
  • 🎧 Headset with recording: some Bluetooth headsets (for example, Sony) WH-1000XM4 Jabra Elite or Jabra Elite have a built-in feature for recording conversations through a companion app.
  • πŸ”Œ Audio splitter: connect to the phone a splitter for headphones with access to a voice recorder (for example, Rode) SC6-L). This method gives the purest sound.

For better quality when recording with a second phone:

  • Use the air mode on the recording device to avoid interference.
  • Place the microphone as close to the Redmi Note 9 Pro speaker as possible (but don't close it completely).
  • Before an important call, test the volume and clarity of the recording.

πŸ’‘

If you're recording a conversation on a second phone, turn on Noise Cancelation in the microphone settings (if any), which will help reduce background sounds.

Telephone recording is governed by privacy laws that vary widely across countries, and in most cases, the key rule is consent.

Country/regionConsent is required?Penalties for violationExceptions
RussiaYes, if the conversation does not relate to personal needs (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation)Fine up to 80,000 β‚½ orthopedicSelf-defense conversations (such as threats) can be recorded without consent.
European Union (GDPR)Yes, it is mandatory (Article 6 GDPR)Fine up to 20 million € 4% of the company’s global revenueIf the recording is kept for the performance of the contract (for example, order approval)
United States (states)Depending on the state: 11 states require the consent of all participants (e.g. California)Fine up to $10,000 or jail time (in California)Business correspondence often suffices with a notice (β€œthis conversation is recorded”).
UkraineYes, except when the recording is being made to protect your rights.Fine or community serviceRecording of conversations with officials without consent is allowed

To avoid problems:

  • πŸ“’ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example, "I'm recording this conversation for the record. You don't mind?").
  • πŸ“ Use the records only as intended - do not distribute them unnecessarily.
  • πŸ”’ Keep files safe – if the record contains personal data, password protect it.

πŸ’‘

In Russia, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only for personal use (for example, fixing an agreement), if you plan to use the recording in court or publish it, consent is mandatory.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When recording calls to Redmi Note 9 Pro users encounter common errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The recording button doesn't appearNo support at firmware or region levelUse third-party apps (Cube ACR, Boldbeast)
Recording ends in 1-2 minutes.Limiting the free version of the application or background optimization of MIUIDisable Battery Optimization for the Recording Application in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ AutoRun
Only my voice is heard.Incorrectly selected source of audio in the application settingsIn the recording settings, select VOICE_CALL or AMR (For Boldbeast - Mode 1)
Files are not saved.Lack of disk space or blocking by antivirusClean up memory or add an app to the antivirus exceptions
Noise or echo in recordingPoor quality of microphone or network interferenceUse a wired headset or record in airplane mode (if it does not interfere with the call)

If none of the methods work, check:

  • πŸ“± Version MIUI: certain assemblies (e.g, MIUI EU) They block the recording at the core level. Try to go to Global Stable.
  • πŸ”„ Application updates: outdated versions of Cube ACR Boldbeast may not support new versions of Android.
  • πŸ› οΈ Root Access: If you are risk-averse, getting root rights will open up access to the system functions of the record (but voids the warranty).
Can I record a WhatsApp call on Redmi Note 9 Pro?
Yes, but standard MIUI means don't. Use apps like Cube ACR (select VoIP Recording in your settings) or Boldbeast (activate WhatsApp Record Calls option), and note that recording messengers may violate their usage rules (e.g. WhatsApp prohibits automated call recording).
Where are the records of calls made via Cube ACR stored?
By default, files are saved to /sdcard/CubeBackup/CallRecordings. You can change the path in the application settings: Cube ACR β†’ Settings β†’ Record folder. The application also supports automatic download to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Why did the built-in record stop working after the MIUI update?
Starting with MIUI 12.5 and Android 11, Xiaomi removed the call recording feature to comply with Google's policy, and can only be returned by rolling back the firmware to an older version (e.g. MIUI 12.0.3) or using magic modules (requires root).
How to record a conversation if the interlocutor forbids?
Legally, you may not record a conversation if the person you are talking to explicitly forbids it (unless it is recorded to protect your rights, such as threats). If consent is not possible but recording the conversation is critical, use manual recording with a second device (such as a recorder), but be prepared for the fact that such recording may not have legal force.
Can I recover a randomly deleted call record?
Yes, if the file has not been overwritten. Try data recovery software like DiskDigger or Recuva (you will need to connect your phone to your PC). Chances are higher if you have disabled the recording of new files to your device immediately after deleting. For future cases, set up automatic backup of records to the cloud (for example, through Google Drive).