Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many users face the problem: how to record a phone conversation if the firmware MIUI does not have built-in call recording? In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from standard tools to third-party applications, including bypassing the restrictions of Android 10/11 and the features of working with MIUI 12.5+.
It is important to understand that the legality of recording conversations depends on the laws of your country: in some regions, you need to notify the second subscriber of the recording, in others it is forbidden to record without consent, we are not responsible for misuse of information.
All methods below are tested on the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC) with MIUI firmware 12.0.8โ14.0.2. If you have a different version, check compatibility in the description for each method.
1. Built-in call recording in MIUI (hidden function)
Although there is no visible recording button in the call interface, some versions of MIUI for Redmi Note 9 have retained the recording function but are hidden, and can be activated via the codes of the engineering menu or the developer settings.
First, check if the option is available in your firmware:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##847###
- If you have a menu that says Call Recording, it's supported. If you don't, move on to the next one.
If the code works, activate the recording as follows:
- ๐ฑ Go to Settings. โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the line to turn on the developer mode.
- ๐ง Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers, find Call Record (can be called Auto Call Recording).
- ๐ค Turn on the switch and select the save format (.amr is recommended to save space).
โ ๏ธ Note: On some firmware, after activating the recording through the engineering menu, the button will appear in the call interface, but will only work for incoming calls. Outgoing ones will not be recorded.
Where to look for records:
- Files are saved in a folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.
- File names have a format Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_phonenumber.amr.
2. applications for recording calls from Google Play
If the built-in feature doesn't work, third-party apps will be the most reliable way, but with the release of Android 10 and the tightening of privacy policies, many programs have lost the ability to record conversations. We selected 3 proven applications that run on the Redmi Note 9:
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Yes (to MIUI 13) | Automatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP support | Free Advertising May Not Work on Android 12+ |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Yes (with manual settings) | Easy, no advertising, entry in.mp3 | There is no automatic recording for all contacts. |
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | Yeah (requires tuning) | It runs on Android 11/12, supports root rights | Complicated interface, paid functions |
Instructions for setting up Cube ACR (the most versatile option):
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, give access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
- Select in the settings: ๐ Record all calls. โ Included. ๐ Sound source โ Loud communication (recommended) ๐ Conservation folder โ specify /CallRecordings/
Reboot your phone (required!).
โ ๏ธ Attention: MIUI 14 Android 12 Applications may require additional permission to record audio via ADB. To do this, connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.cube.callrecorder android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Without this, the recording will only come from your microphone (the voice of the interlocutor will not be heard).
Install the application |Give all permissions |Select the sound source "Loud Communication" |Reboot the phone |Check the test call-->
3. Recording through the second SIM-card
If the software methods don't work (for example, due to operator or firmware limitations), you can use hardware bypass.
- ๐ฑ Second phone (even the simplest on Android) 6-9)
- ๐ 3.5mm jack adapter โ 2x 3.5 mm jack (if you record it on a recorder)
- ๐ง Headphones with microphone (optional, for better quality)
Method 1: Calling through a conference
- With Redmi Note 9, dial the interviewerโs number and wait for a response.
- From the second phone, dial your Redmi Note 9.
- On the main phone, click Add Call โ combine conversations into a conference.
- On the second phone, start recording (you can use a standard voice recorder).
Method 2: Connecting through AUX-cable
If you have an adapter, connect:
- One end to Redmi Note 9 audio output (via USB-C adapter โ 3.5 mm).
- The other end is to the audio input of the recorder or the second phone.
- Turn on speakerphone on the main phone and start recording on the second device.
The advantage of the method is 100% performance regardless of the version of MIUI or Android.
4. Record conversations via Google Drive (for VoIP calls)
If you make a call through Google Meet, WhatsApp or Telegram, you can record a conversation without third-party apps โ directly to Google Drive. This method works for Internet calls, but not for regular mobile calls.
Instructions for Google Meet:
- Start the video call in the Meet app.
- Slip on the screen and select More (โฎ) โ Record the meeting.
- Confirm the start of the recording โ the file will automatically be saved to your Google Drive in the Meet Recordings folder.
For WhatsApp:
- ๐น During a video or audio call, swipe down to open the notification bar.
- ๐ฅ Press Screen Record (turn on sound from microphone).
- ๐พ Video will remain in the gallery, but the sound quality will be worse than that of specialized applications.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Recording a screen with the microphone on only captures your voice, and the voice of the interlocutor will only be recorded if he or she is walking through the speaker of the phone (for example, when speaking on speakerphone).
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If you're recording an important conversation through Google Meet, check the space available in Google Drive. Files take ~50-100 MB per hour to write.
5. Rooting and modified firmware (for advanced)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights or installing custom firmware (like LineageOS) will open up access to a full call record, but this method is only suitable for advanced users, because:
- ๐ Violates the warranty (if it is still valid).
- ๐ก๏ธ Increases security risk (vulnerability in modified software).
- ๐ Requires data backup (can be reset to factory settings).
The following is a step-by-step guide for Redmi Note 9:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires binding Mi Account).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model (merlin or merlinx depending on the version).
- Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
- Install Call Recorder for Magisk via Magisk Manager.
After that, a write button will appear in the interface of the standard Phone application. Files will be saved to /sdcard/CallRecordings/ in.mp3 format with a bitrate of 128 kbps.
Risks of rooting on Redmi Note 9
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best way, evaluate your priorities:
| Criteria | Built-in function | Party of annex | Second SIM/phone | Google Drive | Root |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | โญโญโญโญ (voice) | โญโญโญ (depends on apps) | โญโญโญโญ (pure) | โญโญ (only your voice) | โญโญโญโญโญ |
| Difficulty setting up | โญ (if maintained) | โญโญ | โญโญโญ | โญ | โญโญโญโญโญ |
| It's working on MIUI 14. | โ (more often) | โ (Cube ACR) | โ | โ | โ |
| Security | โ | โญโญโญ (risk of data leakage) | โ | โ | โ |
Selection recommendations:
- ๐น If you MIUI 12.0โ12.5 โ Try the built-in function through the engineering menu.
- ๐น For MIUI 13โ14 โ Use the Cube ACR via ADB.
- ๐น We need to record one important conversation. โ second-hand SIM-card.
- ๐น Ready for experimentation โ root-stitch.
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On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14, the most reliable way is to combine Cube ACR + manually configure permissions via ADB. This gives you a record of both voices without rooting.