The built-in voice recorder on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) often runs in the background, recording sound even when you don’t expect it, raising concerns among users, from accidental battery consumption to the risks of leaking confidential conversations. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to turn off the voice recorder, from standard MIUI settings to radical methods using ADB.
It’s important to understand that different firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) have different paths to customization. We tested the instructions on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models — all methods work, but some require developer rights or root access. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), some features may not be available.
Before you start, check if the recorder is actually active: open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Recorder and look at the Battery Use section. If there is activity, your phone records sound in the background.
1. Standard disconnection of the recorder through the MIUI settings
The easiest way to do this is to block the recorder from accessing the microphone and background activity, and this method doesn't delete the application, but it prevents it from working:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the "Dictophone" (or Sound Recorder in English firmware) in the list and tap it.
- Select Permissions and Disable: 🎤 Microphone (prohibition of sound recording) 🔄 Auto-start (prevents work in the background) 📱 The windows are on top of other windows (if any)
Go back and click Limit Background Activity → select “Disable”.
After this, the recorder will not be able to record the sound, even if you try to run it manually. However, the application itself will remain in the system.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After the microphone is turned off, the recorder can continue to appear in the notification panel. This does not mean that it records sound, it just hangs in memory.
2. Disconnection through "Special Opportunities" (hidden method)
MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to disable system applications without root rights. This method works on firmware up to MIUI 14 (HyperOS may not):
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
- Turn on the Dictophone slider (if it is on the list) and turn it off immediately.
- Return to the main settings menu and open the Applications → Recorder → Storage.
- Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to remove the recorder: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.soundrecorder For some models (e.g. POCO) another command may be required: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.soundrecorder
Once done, the recorder will disappear from the application menu and stop working, and you will need to reset or flash it back.
⚠️ Note: On some phones (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11) after removing the recorder through the phone ADB If this happens, restart the device or execute the command: adb shell pm install-existing com.android.soundrecorder
Debugging is on. USB|Installed ADB Tools on PC|The phone is connected by the original cable|Backup of important data is made-->
Disconnection via security settings (for MIUI 14 and HyperOS)
In the new firmware versions, Xiaomi added a separate section to control the recording of sound, to turn off the recorder here:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Application Permissions → Microphone.
- Find the "Dictophone" in the list and turn off the slider.
- Go back and open Privacy → Special Access → Recording the sound.
- Make sure the recorder is not on the list or is turned off.
HyperOS also introduced Privacy Protection, which blocks microphone access for all applications except system applications, to activate it:
- Open Settings → Privacy → Privacy Protection.
- Turn on the "Mic Lock" slider.
- Add the recorder to the list of blocked applications.
Important: In HyperOS, the voice recorder can be integrated into the Notes app. If you still record the sound after you turn it off, check the permissions for that application.
5. Alternative ways: disabling through Safe Mode and factory settings
If the recorder is not turned off by standard methods, you can try the following options:
| Method | Action. | Effects of consequences | Is backup required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Mode | Turn off the phone. Press the power button + volume down button until the MI logo appears. Release the power button, but keep the volume down until Safe Mode boots up. | The recorder will be temporarily disabled until you restart the phone. | No. |
| Resetting settings | Settings → About Phone → Resets → Reset all settings (does not delete files, but resets permissions). | All permissions of applications are reset, including a voice recorder. | Recommended |
| Firmware rollback | Install an older version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery. | The recorder may be missing or have fewer functions. | I'll be sure. |
Safe Mode is useful for checking whether the voice recorder problems are related to third-party applications, and if you don’t record sound in this mode, one of the apps you installed (possibly with administrator rights) is to blame.
What if the recorder itself turns on after the update?
6.Spyware Check: How to Make Sure Recording Is Actually Disabled
Even after the tape recorder is turned off, some users fear that the recording is being done covertly.
- 🔍 Monitoring microphone activity: Install Access Dots (available on Google Play) which shows when a microphone or camera is being used. MIUI 14 and HyperOS have a built-in indicator - a green dot in the upper right corner of the screen when using the microphone.
- 📊 Checking battery consumption: Open Settings → Battery → Using the battery and see if there's activity from the recorder. If so, it's still working.
- 🛡️ Virus scanning: Use Malwarebytes or the built-in “security scanner” in your home. MIUI (Settings → Memory. → Scanner).
If you find that the microphone is activated without your knowledge, but the recorder is turned off, the problem may be in another application.
- 🤖 Applications with Administrator Rights (Settings) → Passwords and security → Administrator privileges).
- 📱 Call recording applications (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).
- 🎧 Apps for streaming or voice chat (Discord, Zoom).
💡
If after all the manipulations the recorder continues to record sound, the most likely reason is custom firmware with preinstalled spyware, in which case only a complete flashing through the Fastboot will help.