The automatic call recording feature on Xiaomiβs MIUI 12-based smartphones is often a source of annoyance for users. The βThis conversation is being recordedβ system notification appears at the top of the screen during every outgoing or incoming call, even if you never activated this feature consciously.
Complicating the problem, standard MIUI 12 settings donβt always allow this feature to be fully deactivated via the GUI. Depending on the regional firmware and device model (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco X3, Mi 10T, etc.), the shutdown paths may vary, and this article covers all current methods, from basic settings to hidden commands via ADB and editing system files.
Why is there a notification about the recording of the conversation?
The notification βThis conversation is being recordedβ is not a bug, but a feature of the implementation of the call recording function in MIUI 12.
- πΉ Automatic activation via the Dictophone application (in some regional firmwares, the record is enabled by default).
- πΉ Residual settings after updating with MIUI 11, where the function worked differently.
- πΉ Conflict with third-party applications for recording calls (such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR).
- πΉ Regional restrictions: In firmware for India, China and some European countries, recording calls may be mandatory by law.
It's important to understand that the notification itself doesn't mean that the conversation is actually being recorded, and often it's just a false trigger of the system, especially if you've previously used third-party recording apps, but even an "empty" notification is annoying and distracting during the conversation.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
To start with, the simplest method that works on most MIUI 12 devices (including the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco X3 NFC, Mi 10 Lite) does not require root or PC access:
- Open the Dictophone app** (icon with microphone).
- Go to the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner).
- Select the Call Record item.
- Turn off the automatic recording slider.
- Return to the main menu of the app and check if the record icon in the top panel disappeared during the call.
If you don't have Call Record in your settings, your firmware uses an alternative mechanism, in which case you move on to the next method.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Make sure the Dictator app is not updated through Google Play
Close all background applications before setting up
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
Method 2: Reset the settings of the Dictophone application
Sometimes the call record settings get stuck because of a system application failure, and then the reset helps:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the "Dictophon"** list (or com.android.soundrecorder).
β οΈ Warning: Once reset, all previously recorded calls will be deleted. If they are important, pre-copy files from the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ computer.
This method is effective in 60% of cases when the notification appears due to "hang" settings. If the problem persists, move on to more radical solutions.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
For advanced users who are ready to connect their smartphone to a PC, there is a method to disable recordings via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that does not require superuser rights.
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Activate Developer Mode on your phone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute at the command line: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.soundrecorder
- Reset the device.
This command completely disables the Dictophone system application, including the call recording function, and to return it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.android.soundrecorderπ‘
If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers and check that the file transfer mode (MTP) is selected in the phone settings.
Method 4: Editing system files (root required)
For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, the most reliable method available is editing the configuration file responsible for recording calls, which is guaranteed to remove the notification, but requires caution:
- Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.microphone.xml
- Find a line that mentions com.android.soundrecorder and comment on it by adding <!-- beginning --> end-of-life.
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
| Xiaomi model | The path to the file | Need root? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | /system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.microphone.xml | Yes. |
| Poco X3 NFC | /vendor/etc/permissions/android.hardware.microphone.xml | Yes. |
| Mi 10T | /system/system/etc/permissions/android.hardware.microphone.xml | Yes. |
| Redmi 9A | /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml | Yes. |
β οΈ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before making changes, back up the file and make sure you have access to the file. TWRP repair.
What if the phone doesnβt turn on after editing?
Method 5: Remove the Dictator application (root required)
The last measure for those who do not use the built-in voice recorder is to completely remove the system application, which irreversibly removes the Dictophone along with the call recording function, but is guaranteed to solve the notification problem.
Instructions:
- Install ADB AppControl or Titanium Backup (requires root).
- Find the list of applications com.android.soundrecorder.
- Select the Remove option (or Freeze if you want to leave the recovery option).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After deleting all files associated with the application (including call records) will be erased, and if you suddenly need a voice recorder, you will have to install a third-party application from Google Play.
π‘
Removing the system application may disrupt some MIUI features, such as the voice assistant Xiao AI. Before removing, check dependent services through App Inspector (requires root).
Additional recommendations
If none of these methods have worked, consider the following options:
- π Firmware Update: In some cases, the problem is resolved after updating to MIUI 12.5. MIUI 13 where the call recording mechanism is redesigned.
- π± Reset to factory settings: Last resort if the notification appears due to a settings conflict. pre-backup through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
- π οΈ Install custom firmware: firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS do not have built-in call recording from Xiaomi.
- π΅ Using third-party apps: If you need to record calls but without bothersome notification, try Cube Call Recorder ACR deactivated.
It is also worth checking whether the notification is due to the operation of an antivirus (for example, Avast or 360 Security), which can block access to the microphone.