How to Record Conversations on Xiaomi 9 Lite: All Working Techniques in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Lite (codename cattail) is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of price and functionality. However, many face a problem: standard MIUI firmware does not have built-in call recording. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways – from hidden settings to third-party applications – that run on Xiaomi 9 Lite in 2026.

It is important to understand that recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws of your country. In Russia, for example, according to article 138 of the criminal code, illegal wiretapping of phones is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 rubles. We consider methods exclusively for personal use, for example, for recording important business information with the consent of the second party.

All instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 9 Lite with MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (Android 10-12).If you have a different version, check compatibility in the comments on each method.

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

Check question: Did you know that the Xiaomi 9 Lite has a hidden call recording feature? It doesn’t show up in the default menu, but it can be activated through the code of the engineering menu or settings for specific regions.

It only works on MIUI Global and MIUI Europe (not for the Chinese versions!)

1. Open the Phone app and go to Settings → Record conversations. If there is no item, proceed to step 2.
2. Enter the combination ##284## (test code for the telephony module) in the dialer. In the menu that opens, find the Call Recording item and turn it on.
3. Reboot your smartphone. After that, a recording button (mic icon) will appear in the call interface.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI This method causes network resets. Save before you enter the code. APN-Operator parameters (can be found in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).

2. applications for recording calls: TOP-3 verified versions

If the built-in feature is not available, you can use third-party software, and we tested 15 apps from Google Play and selected the three most reliable ones for Xiaomi 9 Lite:

🔹 How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (do not use APKs from third-party sources – risk of viruses!).
2. When you first start, grant permissions to Record audio, Contacts and Phone.
3. In the application settings, select the write format (MP3 takes up less space) and the folder to save (we recommend Internal Memory → CallRecordings).
4. Activate Auto Record for all calls or only for selected contacts.

Install the application from the official store

Provide all requested permits

Select the recording format (MP3 or WAV)

Set up automatic saving to the cloud

Test the recording of the test call

-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ (If you have updated Xiaomi 9 Lite unofficially) applications may not capture sound from the microphone of the interlocutor due to the limitations of Google, in this case, only root or rollback on Android will help. 10/11.

3. Recording via Google Drive: an unexpected life hack

Few people know, but Google Drive can automatically record incoming calls if you turn on the corresponding feature in Google Phone (a standard telephony application from Google), which works even without root, but requires pre-configuration.

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Install Google Phone from the Play Market (replaces the standard Phone app from Xiaomi).
2. Open Settings → Record calls and enable the option Automatic Record.
3. Select Save entries in Google Drive and specify a folder (e.g. CallRecordings).
4. Make a test call – the record will appear in your Google Drive in.mp3 format.

Importantly, this only works for incoming calls. Outgoing calls won't be recorded.

💡 Useful tip: If the recordings don't appear after you set up, check if the sync with Google Drive is disabled. → Accounts. → Google → Sync your account and enable the Disk option.

Rooting and Magisk modules: for advanced users

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, getting root permissions will open up access to full call recording via system modules. On Xiaomi 9 Lite, this is done through Magisk, a root management tool without hacking the bootloader (on newer versions of MIUI, this is a must).

🔹 What's the matter:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Lite with unlocked bootloader)
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot
• 🔧 Archive with Magisk (last version — v26.4)
• 📁 Call Recorder for Magisk module (you can download it on the forum) XDA Developers)

🔹 Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for cattail (Xiaomi 9 Lite model).
3. Sweep Magisk.zip through TWRP.
4. In the Magisk app, install the Call Recorder module and restart.
5. After the reboot, a write button will appear in the call interface (works for all calls, including VoIP).

/data/media/0/

/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/

/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/

-->

⚠️ Note: After root, you will lose the ability to use banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.), as they block devices with root rights.

5. Alternative methods: no applications and root

If none of the above methods work, consider alternative writing options:

• 🎧 Use of second phone: Put a second smartphone with the voice recorder on next to it (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi) A2 The downside is poor sound quality and extraneous noise.
• 🖥️ Recording via computer: Connect Xiaomi 9 Lite to PC via USB-Cable, turn on File Transfer mode and use programs like Audacity to capture sound from the microphone.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Some operators (e.g. MTS) offer a "Talk Record" service for an additional fee (about 50 rubles / month.

💡 Lifehack for smartwatch owners: If you have Xiaomi Mi Band 7 or Amazfit GTR 4, you can use their built-in microphone to record, and the quality will be worse, but it'll be enough to capture key points of conversation.

💡

The most reliable method without root is the Cube Call Recorder ACR application. It works even on new versions of Android and supports recording VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram) in the paid version.

6 Where records are stored and how to keep them

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

⚠️ Warning: Record files take up a lot of space, like an hour of.wav conversation weighs ~600 MB, and in.mp3 — ~60MB. Clean your records folder regularly or set up automatic deletion of old files (in Cube) ACR This is done in the settings → Records management).

🔹 How to protect records from outsiders:

• 🔒 Move files to an encrypted archive (7-Zip or RAR).
• 📁 Use applications like File Hide Expert to hide a folder.
• ☁️ Upload records to an encrypted cloud (Proton Drive or Tresorit).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi 9 Lite