Why Redmi 9 is Recording Conversations and How to Stop It
Did you find that your Xiaomi Redmi 9 automatically saves audio files of calls β and thatβs a concern? β No wonder: the MIUI conversation recording feature can work covertly, taking up device memory and posing privacy risks, and in some regions, it even violates privacy laws.
In this article, weβll look at all the ways you can disable a record, from standard MIUI 12/13 settings to manually deleting system files (for power users), and why the feature can turn on itself, and what to do if the settings arenβt saved after a reboot.
Important: on Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC, M2004J19G, etc.), the algorithm for recording depends on the firmware version. If you have custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some of the instructions may not work, we will warn you about this separately.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in options of the system. In MIUI 12.5 and later, the path to write settings may be different, so we will consider both options.
To start, check the current shell version: go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version. If you have a version of 12.0.x or older, follow this instruction:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings.
- Go to the Recording of Conversations section (or Auto Record in some localizations).
- Turn off the slider Automatic Recording and uncheck the boxes Record all calls and Record selected numbers.
β οΈ Warning: If the function is activated again after shutdown, the reason may be a security update MIUI (Especially in firmware for India or China, where only manual removal of the system system can help. APK β see method 3.
Open app "Phone" | Found section "Talk recording" |Slip "Self recording" translated to "off."|Removed all numbers from the list of exceptions-->
Method 2: Delete records through File Manager
Even after you turn off auto record, you can still have old files on your device, and they're stored in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec borrow from 50 MB to 1+ GB (depending on the number of calls) to delete them:
- Open File Manager (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
- Going the Way: Internal Memory β MIUI β sound_recorder β call_rec.
- Select all files (usually.amr or.mp3) and click Delete.
- Clear the Recycle Bin, as files can be recovered when rebooted.
π Advice: If the folder call_rec - no, check the hidden directories. MIUI They are displayed after clicking on three points. β Show hidden files.
| File type | Size (medium) | Can I safely remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| .amr | 1-3 MB per minute | Yes. |
| .mp3 | 5-10 MB per minute | Yes. |
| .ogg | 2β6 MB per minute | Yeah, but it's rare. |
| .nomedia | 0 KB | No (system file) |
β οΈ Note: Delete files from the folder sound_recorder It doesn't turn off the recording function itself! It only frees up the memory. 1 or 3.
Yeah, I noticed the files in my memory.|I suspected, but I didn't.|No, I just found out now.|I don't care.-->
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If the standard settings don't work, you'll have to intervene in the system processes, which requires unlocked bootloaders and access to the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for MIUI 11-14 firmware.
π Preparation:
- π§ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
- π± Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then additionally β For developers β Debugging by USB.
- π Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
π Instructions:
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.incallui
pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.voiceassistThese teams:
- Disable the standard call interface (com.android.incallui), which is responsible for recording.
- Deactivate the voice assistant Xiaomi (com.miui.voiceassist), which can intercept the audio stream.
β οΈ Warning: Once these commands are completed, the standard Phone app will disappear. To make a call, install an alternative (e.g., Google Phone or Truecaller) and only return the original app via reset or flashing.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If you don't want to interfere with system files, you can block the recording using third-party utilities.
- π‘ App Ops β allows you to disable permissions for system applications without root. Search com.android.incallui and deny access to the Microphone and Storage.
- π Disable Service - blocks background recording processes. Requires root rights.
- π± Call Recorder Block - a specialized application to disable auto recording (does not work on all firmware).
π‘ Important: Applications without root may not work smoothly, such as after an update MIUI You'll reset your settings. call_rec availability of new files.
π‘
Before installing third-party utilities, check their reputation on XDA Developers.Some recording blocking apps collect user data themselves.
Why does the recording turn on on on its own?
Redmi 9 users often complain that the recording feature is activated without their knowledge.
- MIUI Updates: Once security patches are installed (especially in regional firmware for India or China), the settings are reset.
- Sync with Mi Account: If you are logged in to a Xiaomi account, some settings (including call recording) may sync to the cloud.
- Viruses or malware: Some applications (such as fake βoptimizersβ) may include a record to collect data.
- Firmware error: MIUI 12.0.8-12.0.11 had a bug that caused the recording to turn on after the reboot.
π How to check:
- π Go to Settings. β Annexes β Application management β Phone. β Permits and see if there is access to the Microphone and Warehouse.
- π Use VirusTotal or Malwarebytes to scan your device for viruses.
- π± Check the list of auto-run applications in Settings β Battery β Auto-start.
π‘
If the record is turned on after each MIUI update, the only radical way is to disable automatic system updates in Settings β About Phone β System Update (but itβs not secure!).
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all methods are tried and Redmi 9 continues to record calls, the following are the last steps:
- Reset to factory settings: Create a backup of data. Go to Settings β About phone β Reset. Choose to Erase all data.
β οΈ Warning: This will delete all files, including photos and contacts. After reset, immediately disable the recording via Method 1, so that the function does not turn on again.
Reflashing to the global version of MIUI
If you have firmware for China (CN) or India (IN), it may have a forced recording function. Install Global ROM via Fastboot or TWRP.
Appeal for Xiaomi support
Write to the official support describing the problem.
- The phone model (M2003J15SC or other).
- A version of MIUI (e.g. V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM).
- Firmware region (Global, CN, IN, etc.).
In MIUI China (CN) firmware, call recording can be hard-wired into the system without being disabled by standard methods, with the only way out being to flash it to a global or European version.