Recording conversations on Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite: 5 proven ways (2026)

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, the feature of recording phone conversations in this model is not implemented clearly - it is not in the standard interface, as on some other Xiaomi devices. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recording calls, from hidden MIUI settings to third-party applications with advanced capabilities.

It is important to understand that recording conversations is regulated by your country’s law, and most jurisdictions require notifying the person about the recording, otherwise it may be a violation of the right to privacy. We do not encourage the use of these methods for illegal purposes, but only describe the technical capabilities of the device.

If you’ve owned the Mi 9 Lite since you bought it, you may have noticed that some features disappear or move to other menus after the MIUI updates, due to Xiaomi’s policy of optimizing the interface and complying with local laws. So the methods that worked in 2020-2022 may not be available today – we have updated the information to the current firmware version (MIUI 14/15).

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

The checkpoint question is, did you know that the Mi 9 Lite originally had a built-in call recording feature, but it's hidden from users in some regions? It's not a bug, it's a feature of MIUI localization. Let's figure out how to activate it.

The first step is to check the current firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If you have a version below 12.5, we recommend updating: in older builds, the recording function may not work stable or at all. Update is performed through Settings → System Update.

• 📱 Method 1: Open the Phone app, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Settings → Record conversations. If there is no item, move to the next method.
• 🔧 Method 2: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version MIUI in your phone settings), then turn on the option to Show Record Conversations in Settings → Additional → Special Features.
• 🌐 Method 3: Set India region in your phone settings (Settings → Additional → Language and Region). In this region, the call recording function is available by default.

⚠️ Warning: When you change region, some services (such as Google Pay or banking apps) may temporarily stop working. Once you set up the record, return the original region.

If the built-in feature never came, don’t be discouraged – in the following sections, we’ll look at alternative solutions that work on 100% of devices, regardless of the version of MIUI.

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

When the regular funds don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of Google Play apps and selected three of the most reliable Mi 9 Lite-compatible solutions, all of which support.mp3 or.aac recording, have flexible quality settings, and notify you when you start recording (which is important for compliance).

You can install any of these apps through Google Play.

1. Open the application and provide all the permissions requested (access to microphone, contacts, phone calls).
2. Select the recording format (MP3 is recommended for better quality).
3. Activate Auto Record for all incoming/outgoing calls or select specific contacts.
4. Check the record storage folder (usually /CallRecords in internal memory).

⚠️ Warning: Some apps (like Truecaller) may conflict with Xiaomi's Phone system app. If incoming calls are missing after installation, turn off autorecording in the app's settings or delete it.

Important for the Mi 9 Lite: Due to the Snapdragon 710 processor, some applications can only record your voice, not the interlocutor. To record both sides, select the voice source (VoIP) instead of the microphone in the application settings.

Install the application from the official store|Provide all permissions manually|Check the free space on the phone (1 hour recording) = ~50MB)|Set up automatic deletion of old records-->

3. Hidden recording via Google Drive: an unexpected life hack

Few people know, but Google Drive can record phone conversations without installing any additional apps, and it works with a voice input feature that activates during a call, and the downside is that it only records your voice, but it's 100% legal and doesn't require root rights.

Instructions:

1. During the call, click on the Speaker icon to turn on speakerphone.
2. Open Google Drive and create a new Google Document.
3. Click on the microphone icon (Voice input) in the document keyboard.
4. Place your phone so that the microphone picks up your voice, and it starts recording automatically and it's saved in the document.

After the call is over:

• 📄 Open the document you created in Google Drive.
• 🔊 Press Tools → Voice Input → Show a story to listen to the recording.
• 💾 Save the audio file to the device via File → Download → MP3.

This is a good way to handle important business negotiations, where you want to record your lines, and for a full dialogue record, you should use specialized applications from the previous section.

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If recording via Google Drive is interrupted, check if the MIUI Battery Optimizer is blocking it. Add Google Drive to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Google Drive → No Limits

4. Recording through the second device: when nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked (for example, due to the strict limitations of MIUI in your area), the one-size-fits-all method is to record a conversation on a second device, it can be another smartphone, voice recorder, or even a smartwatch, and the main advantage of the method is that it works on any phone, including the Mi 9 Lite, and does not depend on the firmware versions.

You'll need:

• 📱 A second device with a voice recorder (even the old Xiaomi Redmi 4A will do).
• 🔊 Headphones with microphone (optional, for better quality).
• 📶 Quiet room without echo.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the Mi 9 Lite on the table and turn on speakerphone (Dynamic during the call).
2. Place the second device next to you (15-20 cm away) and start recording on it through a standard recorder.
3. For better sound, use headphones with a microphone connected to the second phone – place the microphone closer to the Mi 9 Lite speaker.
4. After the call, stop recording and save the file. If necessary, cut the extra snippets in any audio editor (for example, Lexis Audio Editor).

⚠️ Warning: This recording method can cause interference and echoes, especially if the room is not acoustically soundable. Before an important call, test the recording quality on a short test call.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on any phone, including the Mi 9 Lite with any version of MIUI.
• ✅ Does not require additional applications to be installed on the main device.
• ✅ Legal – you don’t interfere with your phone’s system files.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Low quality recording compared to specialized applications.
• ❌ The second device must be prepared in advance.
• ❌ Risk of interference if there are noise sources nearby.

5. Root Access: A Radical Method for Advanced Users

If you’re willing to take the risk of rooting your Mi 9 Lite, there are additional possibilities for recording calls, a method that only works for advanced users, as doing the wrong thing can lead to a loss of warranty or even a build-up of the device.

What root access gives you to record calls:

• 🔓 Ability to record system-level calls (all conversations, including those via instant messengers).
• 📁 Saving records in a hidden folder that is not available for conventional applications.
• 🛠️ Set up automatic deletion of old records on schedule.

How to get root on Mi 9 Lite:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (en.miui.com/unlock). This will take up to 72 hours (waiting for SMS- code).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) through fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

1. In TWRP, you can use Magisk to obtain root rights.
2. Install Call Recorder for Magisk via Magisk Manager.

After that, the Call Recorder section will appear in the phone settings with advanced options.

• 🚫 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) will stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.
• 🔄 OTA- updates MIUI will no longer be installed automatically.
• 📉 Performance issues may occur if the rights are not configured correctly.

⚠️ Warning: On the Mi 9 Lite with a Snapdragon 710 processor, unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device. back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and reset before starting the procedure.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to dwell on one of the previous methods. Root access is a powerful tool, but it requires a responsible approach.

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Root access on Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite gives you the maximum ability to record calls, but it is not warranty and can disrupt key services. Use this method only if other methods do not work and you are ready for the consequences.

Legal Aspects: What the Law Says About Recording Conversations

The technical ability to record conversations doesn't mean that it can be used without restrictions. In most countries, phone records are governed by privacy and personal data laws. Let's take a look at the key points for the most popular jurisdictions.

What does this mean for you:

• 📢 Always notify the person you are talking about if you plan to use it as evidence or share it with others.
• 🔒 Store records in a secure location (for example, in an encrypted folder or in a cloud with two-factor authentication).
• ⚖️ If a record is required for court, ask your lawyer if it is admissible as evidence in your country.

In some cases, verbal notification at the beginning of a conversation (e.g., "I'm recording this conversation to record an agreement. Do you mind?") will protect you from charges of illegal recording.

Xiaomi is not responsible for misuse of the recording features, and some versions of MIUI even have a warning: "Recording conversations may violate local laws. Use at your own risk."

7. Alternative ways to capture conversations

If recording a conversation is not possible for some reason, consider alternative methods of capturing important information:

• 📝 Manual notes: When you talk, quickly write down key points in a notebook or Google Keep app. Use voice notes if you don't have time to type.
• 📧 Written confirmation: After the call, send the person a letter or a message summarizing the arrangements (e.g., "As we agreed on the phone, you will send the documents by the 15th. Right?") This will create written evidence.
• 🎤 Conference Recording: If a conversation is via Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp, use the built-in conference recording feature (available on desktop versions of instant messengers).
• 📱 Call Duplicate: Set up call forwarding to a second number (e.g., Google Voice) where recording is allowed by default.

The Rev Call Recorder (rev.com/callrecorder) is especially useful for business correspondence, and it provides a free number in the United States to which you can transfer a call, record a conversation and send a transcript to an email. Minus: it only works for international calls.

If you often have to record phone conversations, consider buying a digital recorder with a phone call recording function (for example, Olympus TP-8 or Sony ICD-UX570), which connects to your phone via Bluetooth or cable and records the conversation in high quality, complying with all legal regulations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite