How to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Owners of budget smartphones often face unexpected functional limitations, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9A was no exception. The main difficulty when recording phone conversations on this device is the lack of the classic “Write” button in the standard call interface, which many are used to on older versions of MIUI. This is due to the transition of Google to its own set of applications, including Google Phone, which is by default embedded in the shell of MIUI 12 and newer versions.

Users need to understand that the absence of a visible function does not mean that it is impossible. There are proven methods to activate hidden capabilities or use third-party software that bypasses system constraints. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure Redmi 9A to automatically or manually capture the audio stream during communication.

Before you start technical manipulation, it is worth noting that the legislation of many countries requires that you notify the interlocutor about the recording. Make sure that your actions comply with the legal regulations.

Reasons for the lack of a recording function in a stock call

The main reason for the disappearance of the familiar button was the policy of Google, which implemented its standards in the Android operating system. Beginning with certain versions of Android, the company obliged manufacturers to use Google Dialer instead of their own designs for making calls, a decision dictated by security and interface unification, but it sharply limited functionality for the end user.

In the case of Redmi 9A, which originally shipped with MIUI 12 based on Android 10, the situation is exacerbated by regional restrictions. The global version of the firmware often lacks the native recording capability available in Chinese builds. The system blocks access to the microphone during a call for third-party applications, making classic voice recorders useless without root rights.

⚠️ Note: Attempting to install modified system files (APK) from unverified sources can lead to unstable phone operation or malware penetration.

Understanding MIUI architecture helps us understand why simple solutions don't work, because it separates call and write processes, and isolates them from each other, and so we have to look for workarounds, like installing special versions of applications or using third-party services that can work around these limitations.

Using the Google Phone app to record

The most legal and stable way is to use the built-in potential of Google Phone. Even if the button is not on the screen, the feature can be hidden in settings or activated by regional codes. Open the Phone app and go to the settings menu by clicking on the three dots in the top corner of the screen.

In the menu that opens, look for Call Record. If it's present, you're lucky you can activate automatic recording for all numbers or select specific contacts. However, in most cases, Redmi 9A either doesn't have this option or is inactive. In some regions, activation occurs automatically after the first call to support or when you change your region in settings.

If the standard path failed, try the following algorithm:

• 📞 Open the Phone app and dial ##7378423## to log into the engineering menu (not working on all builds).
• 🔍 In the phone’s settings search menu, type the word “record” or “call recording” to check for hidden sections.
• 🌍 Change region in system settings to India or Indonesia, where recording features are often unlocked by default.

This is a security policy requirement that cannot be disabled software without deep modification of the system.

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If the button does not appear after changing the region, try to clear the data of the Phone application through the Apps menu → All Apps → Phone → Clear the Data.

Install a modified version of Google Dialer

The most effective solution for Xiaomi Redmi 9A is to install a modified version of the Google Dialer app. Enthusiasts create builds that unlock hidden features, including recording conversations without a warning beep. This method requires caution, but gives the best result.

To start, you need to uninstall updates to the standard Phone app if you can, or simply install a modified APK on top of an existing one. The key is to find a version that supports your region and CPU architecture, usually labeled as "No recording prompt" or "Unlocked."

Once you install the modified application, be sure to go to its settings and turn on the automatic recording function. Also check if the application has all the necessary permissions, especially access to the microphone and contacts.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK-Use only trusted forums and resources with good reputation, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Third-party applications for recording conversations

If you don't want to mess with modified system applications, specialized programs from the Google Play Market will come to the rescue. However, due to the limitations of Android 10 and above, most of them require complex initial configuration, and the leader in this niche is the Cube ACR or TapeACall application.

The principle of their work is to create a conference call or use special access services to intercept the audio stream. When you first run Redmi 9A will ask for extended rights to the application, you will need to allow it to display over other windows and access the microphone.

For successful work, follow the following steps:

• 📥 Download the Cube app ACR or analogue from the official store.
• ⚙️ Activate the "Accessibility" item in the system settings for the selected application.
• 🎙 Enable the source of the recording “VoIP” or “Microphone” in the settings of the application-dictatoron.

It's worth noting that on MIUI, an aggressive energy saving system can kill background recording processes. To avoid data loss, find the installed application in the program list, go to Battery, and select No Limits mode, a critical step for stable operation.

Configure automatic recording through the engineering menu

Some versions of the Redmi 9A firmware have a hidden engineering menu that allows you to activate the recording at the system level, a method that is less common, but worth trying, since it does not require installing third-party software, accessed through special codes or the MIUI Hidden Settings application.

Try typing the code ##3646633## in the call. If the EngineerMode menu opens, go to the Hardware Testing → Audio → AudioDebug tab. There may be hidden switches that log calls. However, in global versions, this input is often blocked.

The alternative is to use Activity Launcher, which allows you to open hidden Android activity.

Activity search: com.android.dialer.callrecord.settings.CallRecordSettingsActivity

If such activity is found, running it can open a hidden menu of call recording settings that is not available through the normal interface.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose can lead to failures in the operation of communication modules or complete failure of the phone.

Where records are stored and how to manage them

Once you have successfully set up the recording process, it is important to know where to look for the files you have received. Depending on the method you choose, the path to the archive may be different. For standard Google Dialer and most system solutions, files are stored in internal memory in the Recordings or Call folder.

Xiaomi users can also find records through a standard voice recorder. Open the Dictator app, go to settings and select the Call Records tab. It's convenient to sort files by date and contact. Files are usually.m4a or.mp3, which ensures compatibility with most players.

It is recommended to periodically copy important conversations to your computer or cloud storage, as when resetting settings or flashing the phone, this data will be lost. Redmi 9A supports microSD memory cards, so you can immediately specify the save path to an external card in the voice recorder settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to get a record without restrictions on Redmi 9A is to install a modified Google Dialer, but this requires careful consideration when choosing the source of the file.