Xiaomi Redmi 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face the problem: how to legally and reliably record phone conversations? Unlike flagship models, there is no built-in feature to record calls out of the box, but this does not mean that the task is impossible. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from official workarounds to third-party applications, taking into account the latest restrictions of Android 10/11 and Google Play policy.
It is important to understand that recording conversations is regulated by law: in most countries (including Russia), it requires the consent of the interlocutor. We will not discuss legal aspects, but remind you that using recordings in court or for blackmail without the consent of the other party can lead to serious consequences.
Feature of Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2004J19G) in that he works on MIUI 12-14 Android-core 10/11, Where Google has blocked access to API Call recordings for third-party applications, which means that many popular programs (like Cube Call Recorder) have stopped working without a call. ROOT-But there are workarounds, and that's what we're going to talk about.
1. Built-in Call Recording: Why Itβs Not and How to Enable Hidden Mode
Newer Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 10) have an official chat recording feature, but Redmi 9 doesnβt have one for two reasons:
- π± Limitations MIUI: In the budget models of 2020 Xiaomi has removed this option to save resources.
- π Google policy: with Android 10 recording calls through API Prohibited for all manufacturers.
However, Redmi 9βs firmware still has traces of this feature, which can be activated through a hidden menu of engineering settings, which doesnβt work on all versions of MIUI, but itβs worth trying:
- Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##36446337###
- In the menu that appears, select EngineerMode (MTK) β MTK Settings.
- Go to Telephony β Call Recording and enable Enable Call Recording.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
Make sure that MIUI is not newer than 12.5.3
Use the standard Phone app (not Google Phone)
Do not update the firmware after activation β the function may disappear
Make a backup copy of your contacts-->
If you've had a recording button in the call interface after this manipulation, congratulations! But most of the time, this only works on the firmware for India (MIUI INDIA), because it's legal to record calls. The global versions (MIUI Global) will require alternative methods.
β οΈ Attention: changing the engineering settings may cause the communication module to malfunction. If the mobile signal is lost after activation, reset the network settings to Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting settings.
2. Google Drive Recording: An Official, But Inconvenient Way
The most legal method that doesn't require third-party apps is to use Google Drive, which is suitable for recording important conversations, but has significant limitations:
- π€ Itβs just your voice (microphone) and not the sound from the line.
- π± Requires a loud speaker or headset with microphone.
- β±οΈ Start recording manually before the conversation begins.
Instructions:
- Open Google Drive and click + β Record Voice.
- Place your phone next to the speaker (or use a headset).
- Start recording before you answer the call.
- After the conversation is over, save the file to the cloud.
The downsides are obvious: the quality of the recording leaves much to be desired, and the interlocutor will hear an echo if the loud speaker is turned on, but the method is 100% legal and does not require any. ROOT-You can use an external microphone to improve the sound. USB-C (for example, BOYA BY-M1).
Built-in function (if any)
Party of annex
Google Drive/Dictatorphone
I don't record calls.-->
3.Third-Party Apps: What's Working on Redmi 9 in 2026
With the release of Android 10, Google has blocked access to the API Call recording for all applications except system applications, which means that most popular programs (like Call Recorder β ACR Cube Call Recorder is no longer available. ROOT-But there are a few ways around it:
| Annex | Need a ROOT? | Records both sides? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | No (but manual settings are needed) | Yes. | Google Play |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | No. | Just your voice (microphone) | Google Play |
| Call Recorder β RMC | Yes. | Yeah (full recording) | XDA Developers |
The most reliable version for Redmi 9 without ROOT is Boldbeast Call Recorder.
- Install the application and select in the Record Mode β Mode 1 settings.
- Enable Fix Recording Issues β Fix for Xiaomi phones.
- All permissions (including access to contacts and microphone)
- Reboot the phone.
If the recording does not automatically start after that, try to manually enable it during the call via the Boldbeast notification. Importantly, some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block the recording at the network level, in which case only ROOT will help.
Why did the apps stop working after the MIUI update?
4. Recording through the second SIM-map IP-telephony
One of the most reliable, but little-known ways is to use the second one. SIM-card-and-service IP-Telephony (e.g. Google Voice or Zadarma:
- π You call the other person with the second. SIM-cards (or through) IP-telephony).
- π§ On the main phone (Redmi 9) receive the call and turn on the speakerphone.
- π± On the second device (or in the web interface) IP-telephones) recorded conversation.
Advantages:
- β Both parties are recorded without loss of quality.
- β Not required ROOT or special applications.
- β Legally (if you notify the interlocutor).
Implementation will require:
- π± Second phone (may be old) or tablet with SIM-card.
- π Service account IP-Telephony (free of charge: Zadarma, Sipnet).
- π Headset with microphone for better sound.
The downside is that you need an extra device, but if you have a spare smartphone (like the Redmi 4A or the Samsung J2), it will give you the cleanest sound without noise.
π‘
If you use IP-telephone, set up the forwarding of incoming calls to SIP-So you can record all conversations automatically through the service's web interface.
5. Recording via computer: for advanced users
If you want to record a conversation with maximum quality and no restrictions, you can use a PC or laptop as an intermediary.
- π₯οΈ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
- π Cable USB-C β USB-A (telephone-connection).
- ποΈ A sound recording program (e.g. Audacity or OBS Studio).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Turn on the phone for developers β debugging by USB.
- Install it on a PC. ADB Tools and execute command: adb shell settings put global capture_audio_output 1
- Run a sound recording program and select Stereo Mix (or Microphone Input if you use a headset) as the source.
- Start recording on a PC, then call from your phone.
This method allows you to record a conversation in.wav format with a bitrate of up to 320 kbps, which is comparable to professional equipment. However, it requires preparation and is not suitable for spontaneous calls. Also note that some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky) can block ADB as a potential threat.
β οΈ Attention: After recording through ADB Return the setting to its original state with the command adb shell settings put global capture_audio_output 0, Otherwise, you risk disrupting the system sounds.
6. Alternative solutions: voice recorders and external devices
If all the software methods don't work, the hardware option is to use external recording devices, which is the most reliable option for those who often have important conversations.
Device options:
- π€ Digital voice recorders (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570 or olimpus WS-853) β They are placed next to the phone and record sound through a built-in microphone.
- π» Bluetooth recorders (e.g., Bluetooth recorders, TASCAM DR-10L) β They are attached to the headset and record the sound directly.
- π± External sound cards (e.g. iRig Pre 2) β connect via USB-C They allow you to record the conversation in a studio capacity.
The advantages of hardware solutions:
- β Not dependent on the limitations of Android or MIUI.
- β You can use it with any phone.
- β The sound quality is higher than that of software methods.
Cons:
- β Additional expenses (2,000 to 15,000) β½).
- β It is difficult to carry with you (except for compact recorders).
For the Redmi 9, the best choice is the TASCAM DR-10L, which is attached to the headset wire and records sound in WAV 48 kHz/24-bit format. The device automatically divides files by conversation and saves them to a microSD.
π‘
Hardware recorders are the only way to record a conversation 100% legally and without the risk of blocking a Google account (as is the case with modified apps).