Recording calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from fixing important business negotiations to preserving evidence in controversial situations. However, the standard features of MIUI are not always obvious, and after system updates, functionality may change or disappear. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recording calls, from built-in tools to third-party applications, including bypassing restrictions on different versions of the firmware.

The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004J19C) feature is that recording conversations here depends on the MIUI version and the firmware region. For example, in European builds, the feature is often disabled due to restrictions, whereas in global or Chinese versions it can be available out of the box. We tested all methods on current firmware (including MIUI 14 based on Android 12) and selected working solutions.

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

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a native call recording tool, but its availability varies by region and version of the software.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to Settings. → Recording of conversations.
3. If there is no item, your firmware does not support the function (see the section on alternative methods).

If the option is available, activate it and select one of the modes:

• 📞 Recording all calls automatically records every conversation.
• 🔍 Record only selected -manual mode, where you press the record button during the call.
• 🚫 Not to write – disable the function completely.

Where are the records stored? Files in format.m4a or.amr is saved in a folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec (file-accessible → Internal memory. MIUI 14 changed course Recordings/Call — Check both directories if you can’t find files.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.

2. Hidden recording function: how to enable through the engineering menu

If the phone does not have a recording option, it can be activated via the engineering menu (operates on MIUI 12-14), which requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the communication module.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and dial the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Turn on VoLTE block and turn it on (if disabled).
4. Return to the main menu of the phone and check for the entry option in the call settings.

If the method doesn’t work, try alternative code to activate hidden features:

##83781##

After you enter it, restart the device.

3. applications for recording calls: TOP-5 proven options

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we selected 5 applications that are compatible with Redmi 9 and do not require root rights:

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it must request access to the Microphone, Warehouse and Log, and if there is no permission, the recording will not work.

Make sure that security settings allow sources outside the Play Market (if you install APKs)

Check the free space on the device (records take ~1–2 MB/minute)

Turn off battery optimization for the selected application (in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Battery Optimization)

Create a backup of contacts (in case of failure)

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4. Recording calls via Google Drive: an unexpected life hack

Few people know, but Google Drive can record phone conversations through Voice Input, a method that works even on locked firmware, but requires a stable Internet connection.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Google Drive in your browser on your phone.
2. Press Create. → More. → Voice input.
3. During the call, turn on speakerphone and hold the phone microphone to the speaker (or use headphones with a microphone).
4. Start voice input – the conversation will be recorded in a text file with time stamps.

Cons of the method:

• ⚠️ The quality of the recording depends on the surrounding noise.
• 📶 Requires a permanent connection to the Internet.
• 🕒 Recording is saved in text form, without audio track.

However, this is the only way to capture conversations on firmware where all other methods are blocked (for example, on enterprise devices with Android Enterprise).

5. Rooting and custom firmware: a radical solution

If you’re critical to recording calls and standard methods don’t work, you’ll be left with root rights or alternative firmware, which gives you full control over system functions, but gives you no warranty and can disrupt some services (like Google Pay).

The following is a step-by-step guide for Redmi 9:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Sneak through Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS firmware where the recording function is unlocked by default.
4. For kernel-level recordings, use the Magisk module with the Call Recorder Patch plugin.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Helio G80 (As in Redmi 9, rooting can lead to loss. DRM-Keys (Widevine will not work) L1 for Netflix HD). Before the procedure, make a backup copy of the modem partition!

After rooting, call recording can be configured via:

• 🔧 Magisk module + Call Recorder – Skvalex (the most stable solution).
• 📱 Boldbeast Recorder app (requires root to record on both sides).
• 🛠️ Editing the build.prop file (for experienced users).

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If the audio is lost after rooting, check the Audio Policy settings in the engineering menu (#36446337##).

6. Alternative methods: from second phone to cloud services

If none of the above methods work, consider non-standard options:

• 📱 Second phone: put a second smartphone with a voice recorder running next to it (like an iPhone with Voice Notes) minus poor quality and extraneous noise.
• ☁️ Cloud services: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) offer a service "Recording conversations" for a subscription fee (~100–200 ₽/Records are stored on the operator's server.
• 🎧 Headphones with recording: devices like Sony ICD-TX650 or olimpus TP-8 connect to a smartphone and record sound directly through a 3.5 mm connector.
• 💻 PC + IP-Telephony: If you call via WhatsApp or Telegram, use the desktop version of the messenger + audio capture software (e.g. Audacity).

For business negotiations, Zoom or Google Meet is the best service – they automatically record conferences (including audio) and save files to the cloud. If the interlocutor agrees, transfer the conversation to one of these services.

7 Legal aspects: what the law says

Before making any calls, please check your country’s laws and most jurisdictions have the following rules:

• 🇷🇺 Russia: Recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court requires proof of its reliability.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Similar to Russia, but the record cannot be used as the only evidence in court (Article 31 of the Constitution).
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): In most EU countries, recording without consent is prohibited and punishable by fines of up to 20 million. € (4% of the company’s global revenue).
• 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state; California and Washington require consent from all parties; Texas only one.

If you record a conversation for litigation, notify the person in advance (for example, by saying, “The conversation is recorded to record the terms of the transaction”). In business negotiations, it is better to use specialized services like Rev Call Recorder, which automatically inform the subscriber about the recording.

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Even if the recording is permitted by law, its public distribution (for example, in social networks) without the consent of the interlocutor may qualify as a violation of the right to privacy (Article 152.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 call recording