How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 may be necessary to record important information, confirm agreements or just for personal archives. However, not all users know that standard MIUI capabilities are limited – in some regions, the call recording function is disabled due to legal restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of recording conversations, from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also talk about legal nuances that should be considered.

It is important to understand that the recording capabilities vary depending on the MIUI version and the firmware region. For example, on global versions of MIUI for Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS), the function can be blocked, whereas on Chinese firmware it is often available out of the box. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 10/11 - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

If you're looking for a way to record a conversation in secret, we're going to warn you that in most countries, it violates privacy laws. All of the methods described here assume that the person is notified of the recording (automatically or manually). For business calls, we recommend using specialized services with the consent of both parties.

1. Built-in MIUI recording function: where to look and how to turn on

Some Xiaomi Redmi 9 firmware has a hidden call recording feature, but it's not always active.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Call the phone and make a call (or take an incoming call).
3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a button "Record" (mic icon or circle with a dot) at the bottom, the function is available.
4. Press it to start recording. Pressing it again will stop the process.

If the button is not there, try activating it through hidden settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line of the MIUI version to enable the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Call Recording (or Call Recording) option and turn it on.

Where to look for recorded files:

• 📁 folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec inner-memory.
• 🔊 File format:.amr or.mp3 (depending on the version MIUI).
• 🎧 Played by a standard player or through Google Drive.

💡

If the record is not saved, check the permissions for the Phone application in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Storage.

2. Third-party applications for recording: TOP-3 verified versions

If the built-in feature is not available, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we selected 3 reliable solutions tested on Redmi 9:

How to set up Cube ACR (Step-by-step):

Install the app from Google Play|Open Cube ACR and grant permissions to access microphone and storage |In settings, select the recording format (recommended.mp3)|Enable the option to Record all calls or select specific contacts |Check the CallRecorder folder in internal memory for stored files-->

⚠️ Warning: Call recording apps may conflict with energy saving modes MIUI. Add them to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Optimize the battery, otherwise the recording will be interrupted.

Built-in MIUI|Cube ACR|Call Recorder by Lovekesh|Truecaller|Other/Not recording-->

3. Google Drive Recording: A Cloud-Based Way Without Apps

Little-known life hack: Google Drive can record sound from the microphone during a call if you turn on the "Voice Record" function. This method works even on blocked firmware, but has a limitation - only your voice is recorded (from the side of the interlocutor the sound will be quiet).

Instructions:

1. Open Google Drive and click + → Record Voice.
2. Start recording before the call (important!).
3. Make a call through the standard phone app.
4. After the conversation is over, stop recording in Google Drive.

The file will be saved in your cloud storage in.mp3 format. The quality will be lower than that of specialized applications, but the method does not require the installation of additional software.

💡

This method is suitable for recording your comments during a conversation, but does not replace a full-fledged recording of the dialogue.

4. Rooting and modified firmware: for advanced users

If you are willing to sacrifice the warranty, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will give you access to a full call record. On modified firmware, the feature works without restrictions, including:

• 🔧 Recording both sides of the conversation in high quality.
• 📡 Automatic Save to the Cloud (Nextcloud, Dropbox).
• 🛠 Flexible format and bitrate settings.

⚠️ Warning: Rooting voids Xiaomi’s warranty and can make it impossible to use banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger).In addition, the wrong firmware turns the phone into a brick.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Pixel Experience:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days).


2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9 (version 3.6.2+).




3. Download the firmware Pixel Experience from the official website.




4.Swipe through TWRP (wipe dalvik/cache/system before installation).




5. After booting the system, turn on the call record in the "Phone" settings.

List of proven custom firmware for Redmi 9:

• Pixel Experience (based on Android 12/13)
• LineageOS (Stable but without Google Services)
• crDroid (flexible recording settings)

5. Legal aspects: can conversations be recorded without consent

In most countries, the recording of telephone conversations is governed by privacy and personal data laws, such as:

• 🇷🇺 In Russia (Article 23 of the Constitution), recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited if it is used for dissemination or blackmail.
• 🇺🇸 In the United States (state laws) there is a rule of "unilateral consent": if at least one participant in the conversation (you) knows about the record, it is legal.
• 🇪🇺 In the EU (GDPR) recording without consent is considered a violation unless “legitimate necessity” is proved (e.g. fixing threats).

To avoid problems:

• 📢 Always notify the person about the recording (for example: “The conversation is recorded for the record, you don’t mind?").
• 📝 For business calls, use services with automatic notification (such as Zoom or Skype).
• 🚫 Do not distribute records without the consent of participants.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany, France) even personal storage of records without consent can result in a fine of up to €20,000 GDPR. Before recording, clarify local laws.

6. Alternative methods: from headset to second phone

If the software methods are not suitable, consider hardware solutions:

How to record a conversation with a second phone:

1. Put the second smartphone next to the main one (or use a headset with a microphone).
2. Turn on the voice recorder (for example, the standard voice recording app on Android).
3. Start recording 5-10 seconds before the call so you don’t miss the start.
4. After the conversation, export the file via Google Drive or Telegram.

💡 Tip: For better sound, use a directional microphone or place a second phone in the camera. 15-20 Avoid noisy rooms - background sounds spoil the recording.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi 9