Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the challenge of capturing important conversations, whether it’s a business conversation or a carrier to clarify details. The Redmi 9, powered by the MIUI shell, provides built-in tools for this, but their work can be limited to versions of the Android operating system. Understanding your device’s features avoids losing critical information at the most inopportune time.
There are several proven methods for activating the recording function, each of which depends on the specific firmware version and regional settings of the device. In some cases, the standard functionality is hidden, and the user has to resort to third-party solutions or change system parameters. Below we will discuss in detail all the available methods so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Built-in capabilities of the MIUI dictaphone
Start with the simplest and most reliable option, using the standard functionality provided by Xiaomi. In the shell of MIUI, the Phone application has an integrated sound capture mechanism that does not require additional software. To activate this option, you need to open the call application and go to the settings, usually available through the three-dot menu or the gear in the upper right corner.
The settings menu should find the Call Record or Record Settings section, where the user is given the choice between manually activating the button during a conversation or automatically recording all incoming and outgoing calls. Automatic recording is especially convenient for those who often forget to press the desired button at the beginning of the dialogue.
However, it is worth considering that in new versions of Android (starting with version 11), Google has implemented strict restrictions on access to the microphone during a call. This has led to the fact that in many global firmware, the function can be turned off at the software level or work with a warning that the interlocutor hears an audible signal. MIUI Regional and regional firmware (Global, EU, Russia).
⚠️ Note: When using the built-in feature on some software versions, the interlocutor may hear a loud beep every few seconds notifying you of a recording of a conversation.
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If the recording button is not on the menu, try changing the region in your phone settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Singapore, then restart the device.
Alternative applications for recording calls
If Redmi 9’s regular tools don’t meet your requirements or are completely absent, third-party development comes to the rescue. The Android app market offers many solutions that can bypass standard system constraints. The most popular and stable options are Call Recorder – Cube ACR, Automatic Call Recorder from Appliqato and TapeACall.
These applications work by intercepting audio streams or using hands-free in the background. Once you install such software on Xiaomi, you will need to give it extended access rights. The MIUI security system will actively interfere with the program, so you need to carefully go through all the stages of setting permissions, otherwise the recording will not start.
The sound quality of third-party applications can vary, some of which record the voice of the interlocutor through the speaker, which can lead to echoes or extraneous noises in the room. For best results, it is recommended to use a headset or hands-free mode if the application supports recording through the microphone of the device directly.
Configure permissions and exceptions in MIUI
The most common problem Redmi 9 users face when installing third-party recorders is the aggressive MIUI Optimizer energy saving system. The operating system automatically kills background processes, considering them as unnecessary waste of battery power, which interrupts recording in the middle of a conversation. To avoid this, you need to manually configure the application.
The first thing you do is find the icon on your desktop, press it, and select About, and go to Permits and give the program all the rights you want, especially access to the microphone, phone, and storage, without which the app won't be able to access the audio stream.
Then, it's critical to set up autorun. In the same About menu, find Autorun and activate it. This will allow the program to boot with the system and be ready to go at any time. It's also recommended to add the app to the battery exception list by selecting No Limits mode.
☑️ Setup of permits for the recorder
After performing these steps, restart your Xiaomi smartphone and make a test call. If the settings are correct, the application should automatically start recording when you receive or make a call, and the corresponding indicator may appear in the notification curtain.
Using a voice recorder during a conversation
Another universal method that works on almost all versions of Android without the need to install specialized software is to use the standard Dictator app in parallel with hands-free mode, which is especially relevant if other methods are blocked by the operator or firmware.
To do this, you need to turn on speaker immediately after you connect to the person you're talking to. Then, without interrupting, turn off the call window and start a standard voice recorder. Press the record button and put the phone on the table so that the microphones don't overlap with your palm.
The main disadvantage of this approach is the reduction in sound quality. As the sound will pass through the speaker and be picked up again by the microphone, distortion, echoes and background noises may appear, and you will not be able to use the phone for other tasks during a conversation, since the screen will be occupied by the voice recorder or the bell window.
⚠️ Note: When using the hands-free method, make sure the room is quiet. Any extraneous sounds (TV, other people's conversations, wind noise) will be recorded with high definition.
Comparison of recording methods on Redmi 9
To make it easier for you to decide on how to capture a conversation, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of using the Xiaomi Redmi 9 on your device.
| Method | Sound quality | Automation | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MIUI dictaphone | High. | Complete. | Low. |
| Third-party annexes | Medium/High | Complete. | Medium |
| Speaker + Dictaphone | Low. | Absent. | Low. |
| Recording through the headset | High. | Depends on the software. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, MIUI embedded tools are the most preferred if they are available in your version of the software. They provide the best balance between sound quality and usability. Third-party applications take time to initial configuration, but after configuration work steadily.
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The best choice for everyday use is the built-in MIUI feature, and third-party apps should be considered as a backup option for complex cases.
Where are the records stored and how to find them
After a successful recording of a conversation, the question arises about the location of the file. Depending on the method chosen, audio files can be stored in different directories of internal memory of your Redmi 9. Understanding the structure of folders will help you quickly find the information you need.
If you used Xiaomi’s built-in Phone app, the records are usually saved in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. You can find them through a standard Files Explorer or a sound gallery. Files often have an extension.m4a.aac, which provides good quality with a small size.
Third-party applications like Cube ACR create their own folders in the root of internal memory or in the Android/data directory. The folder names usually match the name of the recorder app. For ease of search, you can use the file sorting function by date of creation.