Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 can be required in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving conversations with loved ones. However, the standard features of MIUI are not always obvious, and some methods require additional settings or installing third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of recording calls, from official functions to workarounds for different versions of the firmware.
The Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) feature is that call recording can be hidden depending on the firmware region or MIUI version. For example, in European builds (MIUI EU) recording is often disabled for legal reasons, whereas in global or Chinese versions it is available out of the box.
1. Built-in MIUI recording function: where to look and how to turn on
The easiest way is to use the built-in recording feature, if it's available in your firmware. On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12-14, the path to settings may differ, but the general logic holds. Check the following steps:
Open the phone application, then go to ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → If this is not the case, then the function is disabled at the firmware level. In this case, try an alternative path: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits → Record audio and activate permission.
- 📱 Global/Chinese firmware: recording is usually available by default, but requires manual inclusion for each contact.
- 🌍 European firmware (EU): function is hidden because GDPR, It can be activated through the developer settings (see section 3).
- 🔄 Update MIUI: after upgrading to the new version of the settings, records may reset - check them after the update.
If the built-in record works, the files are saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (file-accessible → Internal memory. Record format —.m4a (AAC), It provides good quality with a small size.
2. Third-party applications for recording: TOP-3 solutions with pros and cons
If the built-in feature isn't available, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of options and selected the three most reliable ones for the Redmi Note 9, given its MIUI compatibility and minimal battery impact.
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Link (Play Market) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | ✅ Recording both sides of the conversation✅ Cloud backups✅ Works on MIUI rootless | ❌ Advertising in the free version❌ Requires setting up access rights | Download |
| Call Recorder – ACR | ✅ VoIP support (WhatsApp, Telegram)✅ Flexible quality settings✅ Automatic transcription | ❌ Paid functions (such as the cloud)❌ Sometimes he doesn't record incomings. | Download |
| Truecaller | ✅ Built-in recording + spam-blocker✅ Free for basic functions✅ Number recognition | ❌ Recording only after the subscriber's response❌ Registration is required | Download |
Before installing any application, check the permissions: it must have access to Microphone, Warehouse and Phone. MIUI may also need to enable Auto Run and Display over other windows in the application settings.
⚠️ Note: Cube Call Recorder apps may conflict with battery optimization MIUI. After installation, add them to the settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Select the application → No restrictions.
Install the application from an official source |
Provide all requested permits |
Disable battery optimization for the application|
Check the test call for the quality of the recording-->
3. Hidden recording activation via developer settings
On the Redmi Note 9 with European firmware (MIUI EU), call recording is often blocked, but it can be unlocked through the developer settings. This method works on MIUI versions 12-14, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the stability of the system.
Algorithm of action:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Call Recording option and turn it on.
- Restart the phone – the feature should appear in the Phone app.
On some MIUI builds, there is no “Talk Record” item in the developer menu, which means that the function is locked at the kernel level, in which case only flashing to the global version or using third-party applications will help.
What to do if there is no “Recording conversations” item in the developer settings?
4.Write through Google Drive: Cloud-based method without apps
Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record audio directly during a conversation if you turn on the voice input function. This method does not require the installation of additional programs, but is only suitable for outgoing calls and only records your voice (the subscriber is not audible).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open Google Drive and click on it. + → Vote recording.
- 🎤 Start recording, then call the subscriber (not vice versa!).
- 🔊 Turn on speakerphone so your voice is clearly recorded.
- ⏹ Stop recording after the conversation is over – the file will be saved to My disk → Vote recordings.
The downside is the low quality of the recording (mono, 8 kHz) and the lack of voice, but it is the only way that works on even the most "closed" MIUI firmware without root rights.
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For better quality, before recording, turn off noise cancellation in the microphone settings: Settings → Sound → Voice Improvement → Off.
5. Hardware solutions: external voice recorders and headsets
If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to legal restrictions or technical problems), consider hardware devices. they guarantee the recording of both sides of the conversation without depending on the firmware of the phone.
Device options:
- 🎙 Digital voice recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570): connects to the phone through 3.5 mm audio input (need adapter) USB-C → 3.5mm for Redmi Note 9. Records directly from the line.
- 📞 Record headset (e.g. Plantronics Voyager 5200): Some models have a built-in microSD conversation recording feature.
- 🔌 Bluetooth recorder (e.g. Tascam) DR-10L): attaches to the phone and records sound through the microphone, synchronized over time.
The advantage of hardware solutions — 100% legality (recording is conducted on an external device) and high quality of sound (up to the end of the recording process) 48 keto/16 The disadvantage is the additional cost (from 2 000 ₽) and the need to carry a device with you.
⚠️ Note: When using an external voice recorder with a connection to the Redmi Note audio input 9 It can automatically switch to headphone mode, blocking the built-in microphone. To avoid this, use a support adapter. CTIA/OMTP or turn on the recording through the microphone recorder.
6.Legal aspects: when recording a conversation is legal
In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the secrecy of correspondence) and the Federal Law "On Personal Data", the main rule is that recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is legal only if you are a participant in it (paragraph 1 of Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
- ⚖ For personal use: the record is permitted, but it cannot be published or transferred to third parties without consent.
- 💼 For business: if the conversation concerns work issues, the employer must notify employees of the entry (Article 86 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation).
- 📢 For the Court: The record may be used as evidence, but the court may request the original file without editing.
In some countries (e.g. the EU), the rules are stricter: recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor can be considered a violation of the law. GDPR and be punished with a fine of up to 20 million €. If you travel frequently, check local laws.
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In Russia, recording a conversation is legal if you are a participant, but it can only be used in court or in the media with the consent of the other party or by a court order.
7. Optimization of recording quality: settings and equipment
The quality of the recording depends not only on the method, but also on the right settings. Here's how to improve the sound on the Redmi Note 9:
For embedded recording:
- 🔊 Enable Noise Reduction in Phone Settings: Settings → Sound. → Improving voice → On.
- 📶 Use it. 4G/VoLTE instead 3G — The quality of the connection is higher, which means that the recording will be clearer.
- 🔋 Charge the phone to 50%+ — low-charge MIUI Automatically reduces performance, which can affect recordings.
For third-party applications:
- 🎛 In the application settings, select the format WAV or MP3 192 kbps for better quality.
- 📱 Turn off traffic savings in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks – this will prevent recording breaks.
- 🔄 Clean the app cache regularly to avoid crashes.
If the recording quality remains poor, the problem may be the phone's microphone, and you can check its performance through the engineering menu: dial ##4636## and select Phone Information → Check the microphone.