Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: a complete guide with hidden MIUI chips

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business negotiations to fixing evidence in controversial situations. However, the standard features of MIUI 12/13 on this model have limitations, and some methods work only when certain conditions are met. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to record conversations, from built-in functions to third-party applications, including bypassing the restrictions of Android 10+ and features of the Redmi 9T firmware (codename lime).

It is important to understand that the legality of recording conversations depends on the laws of your country. Most jurisdictions require notifying the second participant about recording. We do not call for breaking laws - the article is purely technical. Also note that since the update to Android 11/12, Google has tightened its policy on the API of recording calls, which affected the operation of many applications.

If you own a Redmi 9T on global or Chinese firmware, some techniques may not work due to regional constraints, such as the built-in MIUI Dialer recording feature, which is officially only available for the Indian version of the software. But don't worry, we'll find workarounds!

1. Built-in recording function in MIUI Dialer (official method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in recording feature in the standard Phone app, but it doesn't work on all Redmi 9T firmware.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Dial the number and make the call.
3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen – if there is a button “Record” (mic icon or mug), then the function is active.

If there is no button, then your firmware does not support writing out of the box, as is the case with the global and European versions of MIUI 12.5+.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware only stores the record in.amr format with a low bitrate (12 kbps.mp3 via an application like Audio Converter.

Where do I look for the tapes?

• 📁 folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec inner-memory.
• 🔍 Or through the Dictatorphone app. → tab "Calls".
• 📱 Alternative: Files → Categories → Audio.

2. Hidden recording function via engineering menu (for advanced)

On the Redmi 9T with Android 10 firmware (MIUI 12), there is a hidden option to activate recording via the engineering menu, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and dial the code: ##36446337## (this is a combination for the MediaTek Helio G85 that is on the Redmi 9T).
2. You will be taken to Engineer Mode → go to Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. Find Normal Mode → Type and select Sph2 (a microphone for recording conversations).
4. Activate the Record Enable option and save the settings.

After that, during the call, the recording will be automatically recorded, but the files will have to be searched manually in the /sdcard/MTKLOG/AudioRecord folder. The recording format is.pcm, you will need to convert to listen.

⚠️ Note: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the phone. → Additionally. → Backup and reset before experiments.

3. Applications for recording calls from Google Play

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, but after the update of Google's Android 11+ policy, most applications lost access to the call recording API, and we tested the current solutions that still work on Redmi 9T:

For installation of Boldbeast Recorder (the most reliable option):

1. Download APK from the official website (MediaTek version).
2. In your phone settings, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Launch the app and select in the settings: Record Mode → Mode 1 (Root not required) Audio Source → Voice Call Uplink + Downlink File Format → MP3 or WAV

Install APK official website|Allow access to microphone and memory|Select Mode 1 record-setting|Activate the option "Record automatically"|Check the save folder (/CallRecordings)-->

Critical information: On the Redmi 9T with MIUI 13+, Boldbeast may not record the voice of the interlocutor due to the limitations of MediaTek Helio G85, in which case only root or alternative methods will help (see section 5).

4. Recording via a second telephone or external device

If the software methods don't work, the analogue method is to record through a second phone or voice recorder, which is a universal method that works on any device, including the Redmi 9T with any firmware.

You'll need:

• 📱 Second smartphone (or voice recorder) with recording enabled.
• 🔊 External microphone (optional, for better quality).
• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (if you record through your phone).

How to write:

1. Put the second phone next to the Redmi 9T speaker (or use headphones with a forked plug).
2. Turn on the recording on the second device before the conversation begins.
3. Make a call in hands-free mode (or through headphones).
4. When finished, save the file and trim the extra snippets in the editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

⚠️ Note: When recording through a speaker, the quality will be worse due to echoes and noise. For important conversations, use a directional microphone (e.g., Boya). BY-M1), second-phone.

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To improve recording quality through the second phone, turn on the noise reduction mode in the microphone settings (if any), and you can also use applications like Voice Recorder & Audio Editor with noise reduction.

5. Recording of Root-Right Calls (for Power Users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will give you access to a full-fledged system-level record of conversations, and on Redmi 9T, you can do that through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for lime (codename Redmi 9T).
3. Squeeze Magisk through recovery to obtain root rights.
4. Install the Call Recorder by Skvalex app (requires root) and set up both sides' recording.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Recording of both sides of the conversation in high quality.
• 📁 Automatic Save to the Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔧 Flexible settings (format, bitrate, save folder).

Risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• ⚠️ Possible problems with OTA-update.
• ⚠️ Risk of "brike" with incorrect firmware.

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root rights are the best way to record calls, but require technical skills. If you are a beginner, it is better to use alternative methods (sections 1-4).

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and SIP-telephony

If you need to record conversations regularly (for example, for a business), consider cloud solutions:

1. Virtual numbers with recording

Services like Zadarma, Mango Office or Binotel offer virtual numbers that automatically record all incoming and outgoing calls.

• 📞 You buy a virtual number and link it to your Redmi. 9T.
• 🎤 All conversations are automatically recorded on the provider’s server.
• 📥 Recordings are available in the personal account in format.mp3.

2. SIP-telephony

Apps like Zoiper or Linphone support the recording of calls through the phone SIP-Minus: both interlocutors must use the accounts. SIP link.

3. Google Voice (for users abroad)

In some countries, Google Voice offers a free recording of incoming calls.

1. Install Google Voice from the Play Market.
2. In the settings, enable Options → Calls → Incoming call options → Enable call recording.
3. During the conversation, press 4 on the keyboard to start recording.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi 9T