Recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways to activate and configure

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still a popular device even a few years after its release, but many users are faced with the problem: how to turn on recording phone conversations? Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware and regional settings, the feature can be hidden, disabled or completely absent.

It is important to understand that recording calls is regulated by law: in most countries (including Russia), the consent of the interlocutor is required to record a conversation, we do not call for breaking the law, but only describe the technical capabilities of the device. If you use the recording for personal purposes (for example, fixing important agreements), clarify the legal aspects in your region.

In this instruction you will find:

• 🔍 Where to look for the built-in recording function in MIUI differentiation
• ⚙️ Step-by-step setting up through the standard application “Phone»
• 📱 Review of the best third-party apps with support for Redmi Note 9
• ⚠️ Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
• 🔄 Alternative methods for firmware without built-in recording

Let’s start a detailed analysis of each method – from the simplest to the most complex.

1. Verification of the built-in recording function in MIUI

In some versions of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 firmware, the call recording feature is available out of the box, but its location depends on the MIUI version and regional build.

Open the standard Phone app (Trainer icon) and follow the following steps:

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
2. Select the Settings item.
3. Scroll down to the Call Record section (in some versions, Recording Conversations).

If there is no section, try an alternative path:

• 📞 During the call, click on the Record button (if it appears on the screen).
• 🔎 In the search bar settings (Settings) → Search) enter “call record».
• 🌐 Make sure your region does not block the feature (for example, in the EU, the record can be disabled by default).

If there is no built-in option, don't worry, in the next sections we'll look at alternative methods, but in the meantime, check if the function is hidden due to operator limitations.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for India (MIUI India) call recording is disabled by default due to local laws. Try changing the region of the device to Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. Russia or China), but note that this may affect the operation of some services.

2. Set up recording through the standard application "Phone"

If you have a recording function in your firmware, you need to configure it correctly. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

Go to Phone → Settings → Record calls and configure the following settings:

• 🔄 Automatic Recording: Select All Calls, Outgoing or Incoming Only.
• 📁 Reservation folder: by default, records are stored in /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. If you wish, change the path.
• 🔊 Sound source: Enable the option of Recording from the microphone, if you want to capture your voice.
• 📛 Notification: activate the recording alert (required to comply with laws in some countries).

After setting up, check the function:

If the recording does not start, the reason may be:

• 🚫 Operator restriction (for example, MTS or Beeline block a recording at the network level).
• 🔇 No permission to access the microphone (check in Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 📱 Outdated version of the Phone app (update via Google Play or Google Play) MIUI App Store).

💡

If the recording works but the sound is quiet, try turning on microphone amplification in the recording settings or use headphones with a microphone for better quality.

3.The Best Third-Party Call Recording Apps

If the built-in feature is missing or is not running smoothly, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested several solutions and selected the most reliable ones for the Redmi Note 9:

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK or install it through Google Play.
2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested (microphone, access to calls, storage).
3. In the application settings, select the recording format (we recommend MP3 to save space).
4. Activate auto recording or set up manual mode.

Important: Cube ACR applications can conflict with MIUI energy-saving modes. Add them to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, otherwise the recording will be interrupted.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) block recording programs when calling customer support, in which case you will have to use built-in tools or temporarily disable third-party recorders.

4. Solving call recording problems

Even after you set it up properly, the recording may not work, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Recording does not start automatically.

• 🔧 Check if the function is disabled in the settings of the “Phone” application».
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to reset temporary data.
• 🔄 Update the Phone app via Google Play (if available there).

Problem 2: Only one side of the conversation is recorded.

• 🎤 Enable the option Record from the microphone in the recording settings.
• 🔊 Check if you are using a Bluetooth headset (some models don’t transmit audio to the record).
• 📶 Try disabling VoLTE in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Challenge 4G.

Problem 3: The records are not saved or disappear.

• 📁 Make sure there is enough memory on the device (records take up) ~1-2 MB/minute).
• 🔍 Check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec via file manager.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Phone application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse.

If none of these methods worked, your firmware may have hardware limitations, and only flashing it to a custom version of MIUI or LineageOS (more on that in the next section) will help.

5. Alternative methods: debugging and custom firmware

For advanced users willing to take drastic measures, there are two ways to get the call record back:

Method 1: Enabling a Hidden Function through ADB

Some versions of MIUI hide the call recording, but you can activate it over the command line.

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1
3. Reset the device.

After that, a recording button should appear in the “Phone” application.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience has built-in call recording without restrictions, but this requires:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
• 📥 Custom recaveri installations (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Experience with firmware (risk of “bricking” the device).

💡

Flashing will void the warranty and may result in data loss. Before the procedure, make a full backup via Settings → Additional → Backup.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consult a specialist or stop at third-party applications.

6. Legal aspects of call recording

Before using the recording of conversations, read the norms of your country. In Russia, according to Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and Art. 138 of the Criminal Code, recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed only in cases:

• 📜 Fixing evidence for trial (e.g. threats or fraud).
• 🔒 Protection of rights (for example, recording a conversation with a mobile operator).
• 📞 If the interlocutor is notified in advance of the recording (for example, through an autoinformer).

In most European countries (including Ukraine and Kazakhstan), the requirements are similar, but penalties for violation are stricter, for example, in Germany, an unauthorized recording can incur a fine of up to €10,000.

To avoid problems:

• 🎤 Always alert the person to the recording (e.g., "The conversation is recorded to record the arrangements. You don't mind?»).
• 📄 Keep the records no longer than necessary.
• 🚫 Do not distribute records without the consent of the participants in the conversation.

💡

In business correspondence or negotiations, it is better to use specialized services (for example, Zoom with the recording function) - they automatically notify participants and store consent.

7. Optimization of record storage

Call records take up memory quickly, especially if you're recording all the conversations.

Tips for saving space:

• 🗑️ Set up automatic deletion of old records (e.g., over 30 days) in the recorder app.
• 📀 Save important records to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) and delete local copies.
• 🔊 Convert records to Opus format or AAC (they occupy 2-3 less space than MP3).

How to find and delete unnecessary records:

1. Open a file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go to the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec or /Recorder/calls (third-party).
3. Sort the files by date and delete the unnecessary ones.

To clean up automatically, use apps like Files by Google that analyze memory and suggest you delete large or old files.

Frequently asked questions