Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways from built-in to hidden

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from saving important business information to capturing evidence in controversial situations. However, the standard MIUI features on this model have limitations, and after system updates, some features disappear altogether. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of recording calls, from official decisions to workarounds using third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the legality of recording conversations is governed by the laws of your country: in most jurisdictions, it is required to notify the second participant of the recording, otherwise the material will not have legal force.

Xiaomi Mi 9 (codenamed cepheus) was released in 2019 on the basis of Android 9 Pie with the proprietary shell MIUI 10. Since then, the firmware has been updated to MIUI 14 (Android 13), and in each release the logic of recording calls changed. We tested all methods on the latest versions of the software and selected only working solutions.

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

On Xiaomi Mi 9 with factory firmware MIUI there is a hidden ability to record calls, but it does not work in all regions and depends on the version of the software. In Russian and European builds, the function is often disabled due to legal restrictions, but it can be activated through the phone settings.

To check for a built-in recorder:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Record of Conversations section (if there is no item, read the next section).
4. Activate the switch and select the save format (default: device memory)/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/).

Limitations of the built-in recorder:

• 🔴 Records only incoming calls (outgoing - no).
• 🔴 Does not work with VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram calls).
• 🔴 Files are saved in.amr format with low bitrate (8 kbit/s).
• 🔴 In some firmware, the record is automatically deleted after 30 days.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12.5+ The built-in record may conflict with Google Phone. If the feature disappears after the update, try resetting the Phone app in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Drop it.

2. Alternative applications for recording: TOP-3 proven solutions

If the built-in feature is not available or not satisfied with the quality, third-party applications come to the rescue, we selected the three most reliable options that work on the Xiaomi Mi 9 without root rights and are not blocked by MIUI:

Before installing any application, check the permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. To work correctly, the recorder needs rights to:

• 📞 Telephone (status reading and call management).
• 🎤 Microphone (sound recording).
• 📁 Storage (Save files).
• 🔄 Special capabilities (to intercept audio stream).

Disable battery optimization for the application|

Allow auto-start in the MIUI | settings

Insert "Show over other windows" |

Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)-->

Hidden MIUI settings: how to enable recording through the engineering menu

The Xiaomi Mi 9 has a hidden engineering menu (#4636##) that allows you to activate additional recording features, which doesn’t work on all firmware, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get access to the advanced Modem Test settings.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Modem Test → Audio section.
4. Find the Voice Call Recording option and set the Enabled value.
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

After this manipulation, a call recording button (red circle) can appear in the standard Phone app, but on MIUI 13+, this method only works on firmware for India and China.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the communication module. If after activation the mobile signal is lost, reset the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

4. Google Voice Recording: A Workaround for VoIP Calls

If you need to record calls via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), standard recorders will not help — they work only with regular voice calls. The solution is Google Voice, which is available in some regions (USA, Canada) and allows you to record incoming calls.

How to set up:

1. Install the Google Voice app.
2. Register an account with a US number (you can use a VPN).
3. In the application settings, enable Call Recording.
4. During the call, press 4 on the keyboard - the system will notify the interlocutor about the start of recording.

Cons of the method:

• 🌍 It only works with numbers registered in Google Voice.
• 🎤 Records only incoming calls.
• 📢 Interviewer hears voice notification of recording.

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If Google Voice is not available in your area, use the alternative, SpoofTel, which provides virtual numbers with a recording function, but requires a fee (from $5/month).

5. Rooting and Xposed: for advanced users

If you are willing to sacrifice warranty and security, root access will open up maximum recording capabilities. On the Xiaomi Mi 9 with an unlocked bootloader, you can install Xposed or Magisk modules that allow you to:

• 🔧 Record both ends of the conversation (your voice) + interlocutor).
• 📱 Bypassing restrictions MIUI tap.
• 🔄 Automatically upload records to the cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an account binding Mi).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for cepheus.
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. In Magisk Manager, install the Call Recorder for Magisk module.
5. Restart the device and set up the record in the Call Recorder app.

⚠️ Attention: Rooting voids Xiaomi warranty and can lead to blocking of banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) Before the procedure, make a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

Rooting is a last resort: 90% of call recording tasks are solved without root using the applications in Section 2.

Legal Aspects: What the Law Says About Recording Conversations

The technical ability to record is only half the story, and the question is, can we use these records in court or to resolve conflicts?

In business correspondence or negotiations, it is better to notify the record in advance.

"Good afternoon, I remind you that our conversation is being recorded to record the arrangements.

Exceptions where recording is permitted without notice:

• ⚖️ If the conversation contains signs of a crime (extortion, threats).
• 🏢 For official purposes (if it is prescribed in the internal regulations of the company).
• 📞 When calling emergency services (112, 102, etc.).

7 Where records are stored and how to keep them

By default, records files are saved in different folders depending on the method:

• Built-in recorder MIUI: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/ (amr).
• Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/ (.mp3 or.ogg format)
• Google Voice: Records are stored in the cloud, and you can download them via the web version.

To avoid losing important files:

1. Regularly copy your records to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
2. Use automatic synchronization applications (such as Automate or FolderSync).
3. For long-term storage, convert.amr to.mp3 through Audio Converter.

How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Records:

• 🛠️ Use DiskDigger (Scanning Internal Memory).
• 🔍 For SD-This card is suitable for EaseUS MobiSaver.
• ⚠️ Do not write new files to your device before recovery!

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Mi 9