How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all the ways from simple to complex

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from storing important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, standard MIUI firmware does not always provide the obvious tools for this feature. Depending on the software version, regional firmware and operator policy, recording capabilities may vary or not at all.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to record calls on the Redmi Note 9, from built-in features (if available) to third-party applications and technical workarounds. We will focus on the nuances of working with MIUI 12/13/14, since these versions are the most common among device owners.

Important: Before using any methods, make sure that recording conversations does not violate local law; in some countries (for example, in Russia) a notification of the second subscriber is required for recording, and in the EU there are even stricter rules (GDPR).

1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI

On some versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 9, the call recording feature may be hidden, but is available through system settings.

  1. Open the phone (calling) application.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the section Record conversations (if such a item).
  4. Activate the Automatic Record switch or select Record manually.

If you don't have a Call Record, your firmware doesn't support this out of the box feature, which is typical of European and global versions of MIUI, where call recording is often disabled due to legal restrictions.

πŸ“Š Your version. MIUI on the Redmi Note 9?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
Another version
I don't know.

In such cases, one of the alternative methods described below will help, but first check if the entries function in the developer menu is hidden:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  4. Find the Call Record item and turn it on (if available).

⚠️ Attention: Activation of the Developer Mode can affect the stability of the phone. Do not change other options in this menu without understanding their purpose.

2.Use of the standard application "Dictorphone"

If there is no built-in recording in the call, you can use the system app Dictaphone, which is available on all Xiaomi devices, this method requires manually running the recording during a conversation, but does not require the installation of third-party programs.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Preparation: Open the Dictaphone app (Mic icon) and leave it to work in the background.
  • πŸ“ž During a call: Click on the Notification Recorder records (if it appears) or quickly open the app through the notification bar.
  • 🎀 Recording: Press the record button (red circle) and the microphone will record the sound. Note that only your voice will record unless you use the speakerphone.
  • πŸ”‡ To record both interlocutors: Activate the speaker during the conversation - then the recorder will be able to capture the sound from the speaker.

Cons of the method:

  • ❌ Low quality recording during hands-free communication (echo, noise).
  • ❌ Inconvenient hand control during a conversation.
  • ❌ Risk of recording interruption when switching between applications.

πŸ’‘

To quickly open the recorder during a call, add its widget to the home screen or notification panel.

3. Third-party applications for recording calls

If the built-in methods do not work, the best option is to install a specialized application. The following programs will work for the Redmi Note 9 (checked on MIUI 12-14):

AnnexFeaturesLink (Google Play)Free?
Cube ACRAutomatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP supportDownloadYeah (with ads)
Call Recorder (from Lovekesh)Simple interface, schedule entry, password protectionDownloadYes.
TruecallerRecord + number detector, spam blockingDownloadYes (premium features paid)
OTT Call RecorderSpecializes in VoIP recordings (WhatsApp, Viber)DownloadYes.

Before installation, check:

  • πŸ”’ Permissions: The application must request access to the microphone, contacts and phone.
  • πŸ“± Compatibility: Some applications do not work MIUI Because of the limitations of Xiaomi. ACR may require additional adjustments.
  • πŸ”„ Updates: Outdated versions of apps often stop writing after Android update.

Cube ACR may need to enable special access:

  1. Open the application settings.
  2. Go to the Recording Settings β†’ Recording method.
  3. Choose Method 1 (API) or Method 2 (Root) (if the phone is rooted).
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to provide additional permissions.

⚠️ Attention: Call recording apps are often removed from Google Play over privacy complaints.If the link doesn't work, look APK on trusted resources (such as APKPure), but be careful with viruses.

4. Recording via Google Drive (alternative method)

A little-known way to record conversations is to use voice input in Google Drive, which is suitable if you only need to record your side of the conversation (for example, to record verbal agreements).

How it works:

  1. Open Google Drive on your phone.
  2. Click + β†’ Download β†’ Record (or Create β†’ Voice Record in some versions).
  3. Start recording before the call starts.
  4. Keep your phone close to your ear so that the microphone can better pick up your voice.
  5. At the end, save the record to the cloud or device.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… No need to install additional applications.
  • βœ… Records are automatically synced to the cloud.
  • βœ… You can add notes and transcribe text.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Only your voice is recorded (unless you use a speakerphone).
  • ❌ The quality depends on the noise level around you.
How to improve the quality of recording through Google Drive?
Use headphones with a microphone to reduce background noise, and you can also turn on Do Not Disturb mode during recording to avoid interruptions with notifications.

5 Recording via a second phone or external device

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to firmware limitations), you can use hardware solutions:

  • πŸ“± Second phone: Put a second smartphone next to it with the voice recorder running.
  • 🎧 Headphones with microphone: Connect the headset to the Redmi Note 9 and record sound through it (for example, using a voice recorder).
  • 🎀 External voice recorder: Professional devices (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) They provide better quality, but require additional costs.
  • πŸ’» Computer: Connect your phone to your PC via ADB Record sound with programs like Audacity (technical skills required).

For recording via ADB (Advanced Method):

  1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
  2. Connect Redmi Note 9 to USB and enable USB Debugging in the developer settings.
  3. In the command line, type: adb shell su tinycap /sdcard/call.wav -r 44100 -b 16 -c 1 -d 0 (root rights required)

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB And root rights can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the phone.

Before recording conversations, read the laws of your country:

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia: Recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court requires proof of its reliability.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί European Union (GDPR): Recording conversations without notifying the other party is considered a breach of confidentiality and may result in fines.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Most states have a one-party rule (one-party consent is sufficient), but some states (e.g. California) require the consent of all states.
  • 🌍 Other countries: In the UAE, Singapore and China, recording without consent is prohibited and can be considered a criminal offence.

Recommendations for the safety of record storage:

  • πŸ” Encryption: Keep records in encrypted archives (e.g, 7-Zip password-wise).
  • ☁️ Cloud: Use Google Drive, Proton Drive with two-factor authentication.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Delete: Clean old records regularly to avoid data leakage.
  • πŸ“± Local storage: On the phone, it is better to store records in a folder protected by apps like AppLock.

πŸ’‘

Even if the recording is legally permitted, it may be illegal to publish or distribute it without the consent of the person involved.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When recording conversations on the Redmi Note 9, users encounter typical errors.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The app doesn't record callsNo permissions or conflict with MIUICheck the permissions in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions. Try another app (like Cube ACR).
Recording interruptedBattery optimization kills background processesAdd the app to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All apps β†’ Select yours β†’ No restrictions.
The voice of the interlocutor is not recorded.The app only captures the microphone.Use a speakerphone or VoIP-enabled apps (such as OTT Call Recorder).
Poor sound qualityNoise, low signal level.Record in a quiet room or use an external microphone.
Records are not retained.Lack of space on the deviceClear the memory or change the save path in the application settings.

If none of the methods work, check:

  • πŸ“΅ Do Not Disturb: It can block the recording.
  • πŸ”• Privacy settings MIUI: Some firmware has a privacy protection clause β†’ Special permits β†’ Recording calls.
  • πŸ”„ Updates: After the update MIUI Features of the recording may disappear.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I record calls to Redmi Note 9 without root rights?
Yes, most methods (built-in functionality, apps like Cube ACR, voice recorder or Google Drive) don’t require root, but some applications may offer advanced features only for rooted devices.
Why can't the recording app see my calls?
This is due to the limitations of MIUI or Android 10+, where access to the call log is limited. Try: Give the application permission to call log manually, use an application with an alternative recording method (for example, through accessibility), install an older version of the application (for example, Cube ACR 2022).
Where are the phone records stored?
Normally, records are saved: In the application folder (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/CubeACR/). In the CallRecordings/ system folder (if built-in function is used); in the cloud (if synchronization is enabled in the application settings); to find records, use a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager) or a file name search (typically,.mp3 or.amr).
Can I record calls on WhatsApp or Viber?
Yes, but standard applications for recording calls often do not work with VoIP (Internet calls). Use specialized programs: OTT Call Recorder β€” records WhatsApp, Viber, Skype. Auto Call Recorder (in settings, enable VoIP Recording). Note that recording VoIP may violate the rules of the services (for example, WhatsApp prohibits this in its terms of use).
How to delete the call records without the possibility of recovery?
To permanently delete records: Use a file manager with the Irreversible Delete feature (e.g. Files by Google); Delete files via PC with programs like CCleaner or Eraser (they overwrite data); Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Resets) to clean it completely. Remember, even after deletion, files can be restored using special software unless they have been overwritten with new data.