Modern smartphones, including popular models of the series Xiaomi Redmi 9, provide wide functionality for communication, but the issue of recording telephone conversations often causes difficulties for users. This is due to the fact that the security policy Android in the latest versions of the operating system has become significantly stricter. Google developers have limited the access of third-party applications to the audio stream during a call, which has led to silence or recording only the voice of the interlocutor in many apps. However, owners of shell-based devices are in a more advantageous position, since the company often integrates its own recording solutions directly into the standard application "Phone." In this article, we will look in detail at how to activate this feature on your
However, owners of shell-based devices MIUI are in a more advantageous position, since the company Xiaomi often integrates its own recording solutions directly into the standard Phone app. In this article we will look in detail at how to activate this feature on your Redmi 9, what alternatives exist if the standard method does not work, and also discuss the legal nuances of storing such information.
Understanding how audio capture works in your firmware version is key. In some regions, the sale of devices with a call recording function is limited by law, so the software may behave differently depending on the regional firmware (Global, EU, RU or China). Next, we will look at all available setup scenarios.
Checking for the presence of a built-in recording function
The first and most logical step is to check for the presence of a native tool in your smartphone. The shell MIUI 11 or MIUI 12, preinstalled on Redmi 9usually contains a built-in call recorder. To get started, open the standard Phone application, which has a green handset icon. It is through it that the main communication functions are controlled.
In the upper right corner of the screen you will see an icon with three dots or a gear, indicating the settings menu. Click on it to expand the list of available options. You need to find an item that may be called “Call Recording” or “Automatic Recording”. The presence of this item directly depends on what version of the software is currently installed on your device.
If you find the appropriate section, congratulations: your device supports recording at the system level. This is the most preferred option, since it does not require the installation of additional software and works the most stable. In this menu, you can configure the settings for saving files and select which contacts should be recorded automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Call Recording” item is not in the phone settings menu, this may mean that your firmware version is designed for a region where recording conversations is prohibited by law. In this case, you will not be able to activate the function using standard methods.
It is worth noting that the interface may differ slightly depending on the version. MIUI. In some builds, recording settings are included in a separate Voice Recorder application, although most often they are integrated into the dialer. Do not confuse regular voice recording through a voice recorder with recording a telephone conversation - these are different functions with different access rights.
Setting up automatic and manual recording
After you have entered the recording settings menu, the settings control panel will open in front of you. Here you can select the operating mode: manual or automatic. Manual mode means that you will press a special button during a call if you deem it necessary. Automatic mode allows you to record all incoming and outgoing calls without your participation.
To enable automatic mode, find the “Automatic recording” switch and activate it. The system may offer to clarify the conditions: record all numbers or only certain ones. The filtering function by contacts is extremely useful if you want to save conversations only with clients or loved ones, avoiding clogging your memory with unnecessary files.
☑️ Setting up auto recording
Also in this section, the “Record without notification” option is often available. Be careful when using it. In many countries, the law requires warning the interlocutor that the conversation is being recorded. Disabling the voice notification (“This conversation is being recorded”) may lead to legal problems if the recording is used in court or transferred to third parties.
It is important to check the file saving format. Typically, records are saved in .m4a or .mp3format. The format M4A provides better quality with a smaller file size, which is critical for devices with limited internal memory, such as the basic version Redmi 9. Make sure that you have enough free space on your drive.
Periodically check the folder with recordings and delete old files so as not to fill up the internal memory of your smartphone, which can slow down its operation.
Using third-party recording applications
If the standard function is missing or does not work correctly, the only option is to use third-party software supplies from the store Google Play. However, due to changes in security policy Android 10 and above, most of these applications can no longer record the interlocutor's voice directly from the line. They are forced to use a microphone, which reduces quality and can pick up ambient noise.
However, some developers have found workarounds or use special accessibility services (Accessibility Services) to simulate clicks and control recording. Among the popular solutions are Cube ACR, Call Recorder - ACR and Automatic Call Recorder ot Appliqato. Before installing, carefully read reviews, paying attention to compatibility with your version of Android.
When you first launch such an application, it will ask for many permissions. You will need to provide access to your microphone, phone, contacts and, most importantly, enable the accessibility service in the system settings. Without this, the application will not be able to automatically start recording when a call arrives.
- 📱 Cube ACR: One of the most powerful solutions that supports recording not only regular calls, but also conversations in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
- 🎙️ Call Recorder - ACR: A classic application with flexible cloud storage settings and audio compression format.
- 🤖 Automatic Call Recorder: Simple interface and works reliably on older versions of Android, but may require manual configuration on new ones.
It is worth understanding that the effectiveness of third-party apps highly depends on the specific firmware build. Xiaomi. On some devices, they may only record your voice, while the other party will be heard very quietly or not at all. This is a technical limitation that is difficult to get around without obtaining root access.
Why did third-party applications stop working?
Google has introduced strict restrictions on access to the telephony API in Android 10+. Now applications cannot intercept the audio stream directly, which forces them to use a microphone, the quality of recording through which is highly dependent on the acoustics of the room and the noise reduction operation of the smartphone.
Where conversation recordings are stored and how to find them
Understanding the file structure of your Redmi 9 will help you quickly find the information you need. By default, all recordings made through the built-in tool MIUIare saved in a special folder inside the internal memory. The path to them usually looks like this: MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.
To access these files, you can use a standard explorer called “Explorer” or “File Manager”. Open it, go to the “Internal Memory” section and follow the directory indicated above. Here the files will be sorted by date and time of the call, which makes it easier to find a specific conversation.
| Record type | File path | Format | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in (MIUI) | MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec |
.m4a | Direct access through Explorer |
| Third-party (Cube ACR) | Android/data/com.catalinagroup.callrecorder |
.mp3 / .wav | Requires permission to access files |
| Third-party (ACR) | CallRecorder in the root of memory |
.amr / .mp3 | Direct access through File Explorer |
If you are using a third-party application, the path may be different. Many modern voice recorders save data in a protected folder Android/data, access to which on new versions of Android is limited to third-party file managers. In this case, it is better to listen to the recordings directly through the interface of the recorder application itself.
For convenience, it is recommended to set up synchronization of important recordings with cloud storage. The built-in Voice Recorder application in MIUI often has integration with Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud. This will allow you not to lose valuable information if your smartphone is lost or broken Redmi 9.
Problems with sound quality and their solutions
Often users are faced with a situation where a recording has been made, but it is impossible to understand the words of the interlocutor. This may be due to the operation of the noise reduction system, which can be quite aggressive. Algorithms try to cut out background noise, but sometimes they “cut off” the frequencies of the human voice along with it. Redmi 9 can be quite aggressive. Algorithms try to cut out background noise, but sometimes they cut off the frequencies of the human voice along with it.
To improve the situation, try holding the phone in the standard position near your ear during a call, without covering the bottom microphone with your hand. If you are using a headset or speakerphone mode, the recording quality through the built-in voice recorder may change as the audio source changes. Some applications allow you to select the recording source in their settings: microphone or voice stream.
In the settings of third-party applications there is often an “Audio Source” item (Audio Source). Try going through the available options: Mic, Voice Call, Voice Communication. For each smartphone model and Android version, the best option may be different. Trial and error here is the only way to find a working solution.
⚠️ Warning: The quality of speakerphone recordings is almost always lower than when talking through an in-ear speaker, since the microphone picks up more echoes and ambient sounds. Use this recording mode only as a last resort.
It's also worth checking to see if you have Absolute Silence or similar sound enhancement features enabled in your Bluetooth settings if you're using wireless headphones. Sometimes a conflict between Bluetooth drivers and the recording system leads to a complete absence of sound in the file.
Experimenting with selecting the audio source (Audio Source) in the settings of the recorder application is the most effective way to improve the audibility of your interlocutor.
Legal aspects and data security
Recording telephone conversations is not only a technical, but also a legal issue. In the Russian Federation and many other countries, recording your own conversation for personal use is generally not prohibited. However, using this recording as evidence in court or publishing it in the public domain without the consent of the other party may violate the law on personal data and secrecy of communications.
Always remember that distributing a recording of a conversation where the personal data of another person is discussed may entail administrative or even criminal liability. If you are recording a conversation with a client or business partner, the best tone is to warn about this at the beginning of the conversation.
The security of the files themselves is also important. The folder with entries on Redmi 9 is not password protected by default. Anyone who gains access to an unlocked phone will be able to listen to your confidential conversations. It is recommended to use the "Hidden Folder" function in Explorer MIUI or set a password for the voice recorder application, if such an option is available.
- ⚖️ Personal use: Generally legal if the recording is not shared with third parties.
- 🚫 Publishing: Prohibited without the written consent of all participants in the conversation.
- 🔒 Protection: Use encryption or hidden folders to store sensitive information.
In addition, some corporate security policies prohibit recording work conversations on personal devices. Make sure that you do not violate the internal regulations of your company by storing official information on your personal smartphone.
Is it possible to record a conversation if the interlocutor is on speakerphone?
Yes, you can record a conversation, but the quality will depend on the distance between the phones and the level of background noise. The built-in voice recorder will record everything that the microphone of your Redmi 9 hears, including the echo from the speaker of the interlocutor.
Why did the record button disappear after an Android update?
Google regularly tightens security policies. After a major system update, access to the call recording API could be completely blocked for the standard application, unless the manufacturer (Xiaomi) added a special exception for your region.
How to transfer call recordings to a computer?
Connect Redmi 9 to the computer via a USB cable, select file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the files from the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec to the PC hard drive.
Does recording a conversation affect traffic consumption?
No, recording a conversation occurs locally on the device and does not use Internet traffic. Traffic is consumed only if you have configured automatic uploading of recordings to cloud storage.
Is it possible to recover a deleted call recording?
If you do not have a backup copy in the cloud or on your computer, it is almost impossible to recover a deleted file using standard Android tools. There are paid apps for data recovery, but they do not guarantee results.