Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: everything from built-in tools to hidden chips

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 can be useful in a variety of situations, from fixing important business agreements to saving memorable conversations with loved ones. However, standard MIUI features are not always obvious, and third-party applications require caution in use. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of recording calls, from hidden firmware functions to trusted third-party utilities, and also explain the legal nuances to consider in 2026.

The Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) feature is that the default call recording feature is disabled in global versions of MIUI due to legal restrictions in some countries. However, it can be activated via an engineering menu or alternative methods. If you use a smartphone on Chinese firmware (China ROM), recording is available out of the box - but with file storage clauses.

It is important to understand that the technical possibility of recording does not always mean its legality. In Russia, for example, according to article 138 of the criminal code, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor can be regarded as a violation of the confidentiality of correspondence if the recording is used to the detriment of another person.

1. Built-in MIUI recording function: how to enable (if any)

In some regional versions of the Redmi Note 9 firmware, the call recording feature is present, but hidden.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Call the phone and make a call (or take an incoming call).
3. During the conversation, pay attention to the screen: if there is a button "Record" (mic icon or mug) at the bottom, then the function is active.

If there is no button, try calling it through the engineering menu:

##4636## → “Phone Information” → “Battery Settings” → “Other Settings” → Enable “Call Record”

Importantly, this method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, and if you don't open the menu after you enter the code, your firmware doesn't support it, so move on to the following methods.

2. Google Drive Recording: Official, but Limited Way

Google Drive offers a built-in call record feature, but with significant limitations:

• 📱 It only works for incoming calls.
• 🔊 Only the voice of the interlocutor is recorded (your voice is not recorded).
• 📁 Files are saved to the cloud by taking up space on the disk.

To activate the recording:

1. Open Google Drive and go to Settings → Backup → Calls.
2. Turn on the option "Record incoming calls".
3. After the conversation, the recording will appear in the Google Drive → Calls folder.

The downside is that the sound quality is low and your voice is not recorded, but it's completely legal and doesn't require third-party apps.

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If you need to record an outgoing call through Google Drive, use a workaround: ask the person to call you back, so the recording is activated automatically.

3. Third-party applications: TOP-3 proven utilities for Redmi Note 9

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of utilities and selected the three most reliable for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:

Before installing, check the app's permissions: it must request access to the microphone, storage, and phone, and if there is no permission, the recording will not work.

Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 500MB) |Check the Android version (must be at least 9.0) |Deactivate battery optimization for the app |Allow auto-start in the MIUI-->

4. Hidden opportunities MIUI: engineering menu and ADB-team

For advanced users who are ready to work with technical settings, there are two ways to activate the recording through system tools:

Method 1: Engineering Menu (MTK)

Redmi Note 9 is built on the processor MediaTek Helio G85, which gives access to the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code ##36446337# (or #4636###) in the Phone app.
2. Go to Audio → Normal Mode → Type → Mic.
3. Enable the option of "Voice Call Recording".

After that, a recording button should appear in the standard Phone app, and if the menu doesn't open, your version of MIUI has blocked this method.

Method 2: ADB-teams (requires PC)

This method will require a computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB phone-on:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1


adb shell settings put global call_recording_notification_type 0

The first command activates recording support, the second disables recording notification for the interlocutor (in some countries this is a mandatory requirement), after completing the commands, restart the phone.

5. Alternative methods: second phone and headset

If the software methods are not suitable, you can use hardware solutions:

• 📱 Second phone: put another phone next to you with a voice recorder running, minus the low quality and the extraneous noise.
• 🎧 Headset with recording: some Bluetooth headsets (for example, Sony) WH-1000XM4) They have a built-in voice recorder, and it's recorded from the side of the person.
• 🔌 External voice recorder: professional devices like Olympus WS-853 They provide better quality, but require additional costs.

For the second phone method, we recommend using applications like Voice Recorder from Sony or Hi-Q MP3 Recorder – they support noise cancellation and save files in high quality (up to 320 kbps).

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Hardware recording methods are legal in 100% of cases, as they do not affect the software part of the phone and do not record the metadata of the call (number, time).

6 Where records are stored and how to keep them

Depending on the recording method, files are saved in different places:

To transfer the recordings to another medium:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
2. Copy files from these folders to your computer.
3. For long-term storage, convert.amr to.mp3 via Audacity or online converters.

Important:.amr files are low-space, but low-quality. For important records, it is better to use.wav or.mp3 with a bit rate of at least 128 kbps.

7.Legal Aspects: What the Law Says in 2026

In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:

• 📜 Article 23: Guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations.
• 📜 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Article 138): violation of the secrecy of correspondence is punishable by a fine of up to 80 000 ₽ or compulsory.
• 📜 CC (Article 152.2): recording may be considered a violation of the right to privacy.

But there are important nuances:

⚠️ Note: If you record a conversation for personal use (for example, to keep important information in mind) and do not distribute the recording, it is not considered a violation, but if the recording is used for blackmail, public disclosure or in court without the consent of the interlocutor, it is already illegal.

In the business world, it's common to warn people about recording, for example, saying, "A conversation is recorded to record an agreement. Do you mind?" removes all legal risks. In some countries (for example, in the United States), the law requires that you notify them about the record, in Russia this is a recommendation, but not a requirement.

If the record is required for trial, it can only be used as evidence if:

1. The interviewee was notified of the record (preferably in writing).
2. The recording has not been edited and is preserved in its original form.
3. The contents of the record are directly relevant to the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi Note 9