How to record calls to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all methods with instructions

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be useful in a variety of situations, from saving important business information to fixing evidence in controversial conversations. MIUI This is not always a feature that comes out of the box. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to record calls, from built-in tools to third-party apps, and also discuss legal aspects that are important to consider.

Many users mistakenly believe that recording conversations requires root rights or complex technical manipulations, and in fact most methods work without breaking into the system, and some do not even require installing additional programs, the main thing is to set up the device correctly and choose the right tool.

We have tested all the methods described below on Redmi 9 with the latest version. MIUI (If your smartphone is running on an older firmware, some menu items may be slightly different, as we will mention in the relevant sections.

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

Starting with the version MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a built-in conversation recorder feature, but it's hidden by default and doesn't work in all regions:

Open the Phone app and go to Recents, tap the three-point menu in the top right corner and select Settings. In the window that opens, look for Recording Conversations (if not, see the next section).

If the option is available, you will only have to:

  • πŸ“± Turn on the switch Automatic recording for all calls or select specific contacts
  • πŸ”Š Specify sound source: Voice only (saves space) or Full sound (includes ambient noise)
  • πŸ“ Select a folder to save records (by default this is the case) MIUI/sound_recorder/calls)

Important: the built-in record only works for incoming and outgoing calls through the standard Phone app, and if you use WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messengers to make calls, this method is not suitable.

πŸ“Š You’ve already tried recording calls to Xiaomi?
Yes, built-in means.
Yes, through third-party apps.
No, but I want to learn.
No, I don't need that.

2.Why there is no recording feature in your region and how to unlock it

One of the most common questions is, "Why don't I have a Setting Record?" Because Xiaomi restricts this feature in some countries because of local laws, such as in the EU and the US, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may be illegal.

This limitation can be circumvented in two ways:

Method 1: Change of the region of the system

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ About the phone and tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, activate the developer mode
  2. Return to the main settings menu and open additionally β†’ Region
  3. Select India (recording feature allowed) and restart your phone

Method 2: Installation of a modified APK

If the change of region didn't work, you can manually install the Phone app from the Indian region.

  • πŸ“² Download. APK from a reliable source (e.g. APKMirror) by selecting the Redmi 9 version marked India
  • πŸ”§ In security settings, allow installation from unknown sources
  • πŸ“₯ Install. APK and reboot the device.
What happens if you choose the wrong region?
Certain functions MIUI They're region-bound, for example, local services (weather, news) may disappear, or pre-installed apps may change, but the basic work of the phone is not affected, and the region change is reversible.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK This can cause unstable phone operation.Be sure to back up your data through Settings before doing so. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

3.The Best Third-Party Call Recording Apps

If the built-in methods don't work or they don't work, third-party programs come to the rescue.-3 Apps that are stable on Redmi 9 and do not require root rights:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
Cube ACRRecording from both sides, cloud storage, automatic deletion of old filesAdvertising in the free version, sometimes does not catch calls from some operatorsGoogle Play
Call Recorder by LovekushLightweight, no ads, supports VoIP recording (WhatsApp, Viber)Interface in English, no cloud backupGoogle Play
TruecallerBuilt-in entry + number detector, spam blockingRegistration required, recording available only to premium usersGoogle Play

Before installing any app, check the reviews from the last month β€” some programs may stop working after Android updates. Also note the permissions: the call recording app must request access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) block the work on phones with third-party recorders. If you use a mobile bank often, check compatibility in advance.

Guide to Cube ACR setup (Step-by-step)

Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” The most popular solution among Xiaomi users. Let's consider its configuration in detail:

Step 1: Installation and initial setup

  • πŸ“₯ Download the app from Google Play and open it
  • πŸ”˜ Click Skip in the Welcome window (if you don't need registration)
  • 🎀 Allow access to microphone and contacts

Step 2: Choosing a Sound Source

Go to Settings. β†’ Source of the recording and select:

  • Voice Communication is the best option for Redmi 9, recording both voices

Step 3: Automatic recording

In the Auto Record section, set up:

  • πŸ“ž All calls or only contacts
  • πŸ“ Folder to save (it is better to choose internal memory) β†’ CallRecords)
  • ⏱ File format: MP3 (saves space) or WAV (quality)

Install the application from an official source |

Allow all requested permits |

Select the sound source of Voice Communication"|

Test the recording of the test call|

Listen to the sound quality recording-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Cube ACR If recording does not start automatically, try the Cube settings. ACR Enable the option to use your call interface.

5. Alternative methods: recording via second phone or PC

If the software solutions don't work, you can use hardware methods. They're less convenient, but they work 100 percent of the time.

Method 1: Recording via second phone

Put the second smartphone next to you and turn on the recorder.

    For better results, use noise-canceling voice recorders, such as Smart Recorder.

    Method 2: Recording via PC (for important negotiations)

    Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB And use software like Audacity to record sound from a microphone:

    • πŸŽ™ High quality recording (with a good microphone)
    • πŸ’Ύ Ability to edit and save a file on PC

    Disadvantage: requires a wired connection, which is not always convenient.

    Critical nuance: when recording via PC, be sure to turn off the option "Echo suppression" in Windows settings - otherwise the voice of the interlocutor will be almost not heard.

    6 Where records are stored and how to keep them

    By default, call records files are stored in different locations depending on the method:

    Built-in recording MIUI:

    Way: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/

    File format:.m4a (You can open any player)

    Cube ACR:

    Way: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/ or folder of your choice

    Format:.mp3 or wav

    Truecaller:

    Way: /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.truecaller/recordings/

    Format:.mp3

    To transfer the recordings to another medium:

    1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode)
    2. Find a folder with records in Windows Explorer
    3. Copy files to a hard drive or flash drive

    πŸ’‘

    For long-term storage of important records, upload them to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) and set a password to the folder. This will protect files even if the phone is lost.

    In Russia, the recording of telephone conversations is regulated by Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation (right to privacy) and Article 138 of the Criminal Code (violation of the secrecy of correspondence).

    When the record is legal:

    • βœ… You are recording a conversation you are participating in.
    • βœ… The interviewee gave explicit consent (oral or written)
    • βœ… The record is kept for official purposes (if you notify the interlocutor about it)

    When the record is illegal:

    • ❌ You are recording a conversation with third parties without their knowledge.
    • ❌ Use the recording to blackmail or spread personal information
    • ❌ Keeping a hidden record for purposes not related to ensuring your security

    ⚠️ Attention: In the case law, records are often only accepted as evidence if the person is notified of the recording, such as saying at the beginning of a conversation, "I'm recording to record information. Do you mind?", can be a strong argument in your favor.

    In some countries (for example, in the United States under the laws of individual states), only one party to the conversation is notified of a legal record, but Russia has a β€œbilateral consent” rule.

    8. Frequent problems and their solutions

    Even with the right setup, Redmi 9 users sometimes face challenges, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

    Problem.Possible causeDecision
    Recording does not start automaticallyConflict with another application or battery settingsAdd Cube. ACR Exceptions to battery optimization: settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Cube ACR β†’ No restrictions.
    Only my voice is heard.Incorrectly selected source of soundIn Cube settings ACR Select Voice Communication instead of Microphone
    The records take up too much space.Selected format WAV or high qualitySwitch to the switch. MP3 bitrate 64-128 kbit/s in the application settings
    App doesn't see callsNo permission to access telephone functionsGo to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Cube ACR β†’ Permissions and turn on all switches

    If none of the methods helped, try resetting the phone app settings:

    1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management
    2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
    3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache
    4. Reset the device

    πŸ’‘

    Most of the problems with recording calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9 are related to battery optimization settings or the wrong audio source.Always start your diagnosis by checking these settings.

    ❓ Can I record calls to Redmi 9 without installing additional apps?
    Yes, if you have a built-in recording function in your region MIUI. To activate it, try changing the region to India through the developer's settings, and if you don't have the option even after you've changed the region, you can't do without third-party apps.
    ❓ Why the recording is broken through 5-10 minute?
    This is a typical problem with activated battery optimization. Add an app to write in exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ [appendix] β†’ Also check if the phone overheats during long conversations, which can lead to forced recordings being completed.
    ❓ Where do records go after updates? MIUI?
    In major system updates, folders with records are sometimes reset. Before updating, copy all files from the system. /MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/ and /CallRecords/ To cloud storage or PC. After updating, check if the saving path in the writing application settings has changed.
    ❓ Can I record WhatsApp calls on Redmi 9?
    Standard recording methods (built-in function) MIUI For WhatsApp, use specialized programs like Call Recorder by Lovekush (you need to enable the option of recording VoIP) or record the sound using a second phone / PC. Please note that recording messenger calls may violate their usage rules.
    ❓ How to make sure that the interlocutor does not know about the record?
    Technically, it is almost impossible to hide the fact of the recording - an experienced interlocutor can notice a slight echo or background noise. Legally in Russia, a hidden recording is allowed only if you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is conducted for personal purposes (not for distribution).