Xiaomi Mi 9 Call Recording: How to Turn on and Configure in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, the feature of recording phone conversations in this device does not work as clearly as in newer models. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and regional firmware, the activation process may differ - somewhere the option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and somewhere it is not at all without additional manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to enable the recording of calls on the Mi 9, from standard settings to third-party applications and workarounds for limited firmware. We will focus on the legal aspects - in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law, so it is important to understand the risks. Also consider the technical nuances: why the recording may not be saved, how to change the file format and where to look for saved conversations.

If you find that the recording button is not in the call interface or the function is unstable, don’t be quick to blame the smartphone. Most often the problem lies in the security settings, software version or conflict with other applications. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for each situation, including solutions for global and Chinese firmware, where the recording functionality can be reduced by the manufacturer.

Checking the support of call recording in your firmware

Before you try to enable a record, make sure your version of MIUI supports this feature at all. In some regional builds (e.g. EU or India), call recording may be disabled at the firmware level due to local privacy laws.

• 📱 Open the Phone app and make a test call (for example, to another number of yours).
• 🎤 While talking, look at the screen: if there is a Record button at the bottom or in the menu (three dots) (usually with a microphone icon), the function is supported.
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Call recording. If there's no partition, your firmware doesn't support recording.

On Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 12/13 for the global version (EEA), the record is often missing out of the box, whereas in Chinese or Russian firmware it can be available. If there is no option, do not despair - then we will consider alternative methods.

Important! If you use firmware for a region where recording calls is prohibited (e.g. MIUI EEA), even after manual activation, the function may not work stable or save files in encrypted form, in such cases it is recommended to either change the firmware region (risky), or use third-party applications.

Enabling recording through standard MIUI settings

If your firmware supports recording, you can activate it through the settings menu. MIUI 12-14 on Xiaomi Mi 9 (except for the EEA-Follow the steps:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Call Recording section (or Call Recording in English).
4. Activate the call recorder switch.
5. Select the recording mode: 🔄 All calls – automatically records incoming and outgoing. 📞 Only outgoing or 📟 Incoming only - selective recording. ⚙️ By numbers – entry only for contacts from the black/white list.

Specify the location of the file storage (internal memory or storage). SD-map).

When activated during the call, the Record button (red circle with microphone) will appear at the bottom of the screen. Press it to start or stop recording. Finished files will be available in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec or through the phone menu → Records.

Check the free space on the device (1 minute of recording ≈ 1-2 MB)

Turn off the power saving mode for the Phone application

Allow access to the microphone in the application settings

Make a test call to check the quality of the recording-->

⚠️ Attention, on some versions MIUI 13/14 After the update, the write settings are reset. If the function stops working, check the Settings section. → Permits → Special access → Record audio and make sure the Phone app is allowed to access the microphone during calls.

Alternative ways to enable recording (if the option is hidden)

If you don’t have Call Recording in your settings, but you’re sure the firmware should support the feature (like the Chinese version of MIUI), try activating it via the engineering menu or USSD codes. These methods don’t work on all devices, but often help unlock hidden options.

Method 1: Code for activating a record

Enter the following code in the Phone application:

##2663##

After that:

1. Select Audio (or Sound).
2. Find the Call Recording item and set the On value.
3. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

Method 2: Engineering Menu (MTK Engineer Mode)

This method is suitable for Mediatek-based firmware (although the Mi 9 runs on the Snapdragon 855, some custom builds may support this method):

1. Install the MTK Engineer Mode app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Normal Mode.
3. Enable the Voice Call Recording option.
4. Reset the device.

Method 3: Change the firmware region (for advanced)

If you're willing to take a risk, you can change your firmware region from EEA (Europe) to Global or India, where recording is allowed.

1. Download the full firmware package for the desired region from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on three points → Select the service pack and specify the downloaded file.
5. Wait until the process is completed (the data will not be erased).

Before installing, check the application permissions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [selected app] → Permissions.
2. Activate: 🎤 Microphone for recording voice. 📞 Phone - to access calls. 📁 Storage – to save files.

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

1. Turn off the energy saving mode for it.

2. Add to the optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications).

3.Reinstall the app with cache cleaning.-->

Important! Some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) block your smartphone if they detect call recording software. If you use mobile banking, check compatibility before installing the recording software or turn off the bank number entry in the app settings.

Where records are stored and how to manage them

By default, the call records files on Xiaomi Mi 9 are saved in one of the following folders (depending on the recording method):

To simplify the work with records:

• 📂 Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to sort files by date or contact.
• 🔄 Convert.amr to.amr.mp3 For better quality (Apps: Audio Converter or Zamzar).
• ☁️ Automatically upload records to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) via Settings → Autoboot in a recording application.
• 🗑️ Set up automatic deletion of old records (in Cube Call Recorder: Settings) → Removal → Delete the records older [X] days).

💡

Record files take up a lot of space! One hour of.wav conversations weighs ~600MB, and.amr ~50MB. Clean your records folder regularly or set up automatic uploads to the cloud.

Legal aspects of recording calls

Before you start recording conversations, check your country's laws, and in most countries, recording calls without consent is illegal and can lead to administrative or even criminal liability.

• 🇷🇺 Russia: It is allowed to record conversations if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court or broadcasting it in public requires the consent of the second participant.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Recording is allowed only with the notification of the interlocutor (Article 317 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine); unauthorized recording is punishable by a fine or correctional labor.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): Recording without consent violates the General Data Protection Regulation. Companies may only use the records for reasonable purposes (e.g. quality control of service).
• 🇺🇸 Laws vary by state, and in most cases, at least one-party consent is required").

To avoid problems:

• 📢 Always notify the person you are recording (e.g., "The conversation is recorded to record the information. You don't mind?").
• 📝 Keep a log of consents (for example, in the CRM-notebook).
• 🚫 Do not distribute the records to third parties without a good reason (for example, at the request of the court).
• 🗑️ Remove the records after the expiration of their period of need.

⚠️ Attention! In some countries (e.g. Germany, France), even storing records without consent is considered illegal, even if you don't distribute them. If you use records for work (for example, record agreements with clients), consult a lawyer about the rules for storing and processing such data.

Solving Call Recording Problems

If the recording is not working or is not working correctly, use this troubleshooting instruction:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).
2. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes the record bugs are patched).
3. Install custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience) where recording is stable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi Mi 9