How to completely disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi 11: all ways

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi 11 automatically records all incoming and outgoing calls, even though you didn't ask for it? Or suddenly you find a folder in your phone's memory with audio files you didn't even know existed? This feature is one of the "chips" of MIUI firmware, but not everyone likes it, especially when you consider that recording can turn on itself after system updates or resets.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi 11 (including the 11 Lite, 11 Pro, 11 Ultra and the other models). 11T), And we'll also explain why the function can be activated without you knowing, and you'll learn how to delete the records you've saved, where to look for hidden settings, and what to do if the standard methods don't work. MIUI (12, 13 and 14) and give security recommendations – automatic records can be a source of leakage of personal data.

Why Xiaomi 11 is recording calls without permission

The MIUI conversation record feature was originally intended as a useful tool for business users or those who want to save important information from calls, but in practice it is often turned on by default or activated after:

• 🔄 Firmware updates – especially when switching to a new version MIUI (for example, 12 to 13).
• ⚙️ Resetting settings to factory, when all parameters return to default.
• 📱 Transfer data from your old phone via Mi Mover or backup.
• 🤖 Automatic optimization of the system that MIUI background-mode.

In addition, in some regions (such as India or China), call recording may be enabled as required by law, and in Russia and Europe, this feature is usually disabled by default, but it is easy to activate it accidentally, for example, by clicking on the record button during a conversation or agreeing to the system's offer to "save important calls."

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that call records appear without you, check your phone for suspicious applications with microphone permissions. Some spyware masquerades as system services and can secretly record conversations.

Where are the phone records for Xiaomi 11 stored?

Before you disable the feature, it is useful to know where to look for files already saved. All call records on Xiaomi 11 are stored in the folder:

Internal memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec

The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and are called by the template: call date time number.format, call_20260515_1430_+79123456789.m4a. To open the folder:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Go to the tab "Category» → «Audio».
3. In the list, find a folder. sound_recorder Or use the search by name. call_rec.

If the folder is hidden, turn on the hidden files in the Files settings (Settings → Show hidden files). Note that records can take up a significant amount of memory space – up to 50–100 MB per month of active use.

Method 1: Disabling recording via phone settings

The most obvious method is to disable the feature in the settings menu, but the path to it may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal algorithm for Xiaomi 11:

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. Turn off the Auto Record (or Auto-record calls) switch.
5. Also, take the boxes off the points: 📞 «Record all calls» 🔄 «Record only selected numbers»

If your MIUI version doesn’t have a Call Record option in your phone’s settings, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Microphone → Disable

⚠️ Warning: Disabling microphone access for the Phone app will block all audio recording features, including voice notes and voice recorder. Use this method only if other methods have failed.

Open settings of the application "Phone"|Call recording deactivated|Automatic recording disabled|The rights to the microphone for the "Phone" are limited (if necessary)-->

Method 2: Delete records through the Dictophone application

In MIUI, call records are duplicated in the standard Dictator (or Recorder) app to delete them:

1. Open the Dictophone app (mic icon).
2. Go to the Calls (or Calls) tab.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Delete All."
4. Confirm the action.

Note that deleting records from Dictophone does not clean the folder. call_rec To completely erase files, use Files (see section above) or specialized cleaning applications such as Clear Master».

💡

Before you delete a record, export important conversations to your computer or the cloud. call_rec, Click Share and select the transfer method (email, Google Drive, etc.).

Method 3: Disconnect via the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use the engineering menu (#4636##) which is suitable for advanced users, as the wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information” (or “Phone Information”).
3. Scroll down to the "Turn off call recording" section (or similar item).
4. Press the switch off button and restart the phone.

If you don’t have one, try the alternative code for MIUI:

##847##

⚠️ Warning: The Engineering Menu provides access to system settings that could cause a loss of warranty or unstable phone performance. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for technical users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can turn off the call recording via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until the message “You’re a developer!” appears.

«Debugging by USB»

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on the "Debugging by USB" switch.
• Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
• Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
• Use the command to disable call recording: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 0
• Reboot the phone.