How to disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9C smartphones have a built-in feature that automatically activates the first call. For many users, this option comes as a surprise – especially when it turns out that all conversations are stored in the device’s memory without warning. If you find audio files marked CallRecord in the gallery or received a notification about a space shortage because of them, this article will help you figure out how to completely disable the recording and delete existing files.

It is important to understand that the recording mechanism on the Redmi 9C is different from other Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3). There is no separate Dictator app here - the function is integrated into the standard telephony module. This means that the settings are hidden deeper, and disabling them requires strict follow-up instructions. In this article, we will look at all the available methods, from basic disconnection through the menu to manual removal of system files for experienced users.

Why does Redmi 9C record conversations automatically?

Call recording on Xiaomi Redmi 9C is activated by default in some regional firmware.

• 📜 Local laws: In some countries (e.g. India, Indonesia) recording conversations is allowed to protect users from fraud.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: post-update MIUI 12.0.5 and above, the function can be activated independently.
• 📱 Operator Settings: Some mobile providers integrate recording services through SIM-map (e.g. Jio in India).

Record control is non-intuitive: MIUI does not have a single on/off switch; instead, the system suggests setting the record separately for each contact or turning it off globally through hidden settings, which is why many users do not know the existence of audio files for months until they encounter a memory overflow notification.

Method 1: Disabling recording via phone settings

The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for users with any firmware version and does not require permission.root.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the section Record conversations (on some firmware, the item may be called Call recording).
4. Turn off the Automatic Recording slider (if it is active).
5. In the Exclusions submenu, check if there are any contacts with the forced entry (remove them from the list).

If the Call Record section is not on the menu, your firmware is using an alternative path.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone on the list → Permits.
3. Disable the permission of Record audio (this will block the function completely).

Method 2: Manually Delete Record Files

Even after the function is disabled, Redmi 9C still has previously stored audio files that take up space in memory and can pose a privacy risk.

1. Open the Files app (or any file manager, such as MiXplorer).
2. Cross the path: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ Or alternatively: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/
3. Select all files (with a long press). → "Select All" and press Delete.
4. Clean the Recycle Bin in the file manager so that the deletion is final.

Important: folder call_rec To see it, in the file manager settings, enable the option "Show hidden files".

⚠️ Note: If you use cloud backup (such as Mi Cloud or Google Drive), recorded conversations could sync there automatically.

Method 3: Disconnect via the engineering menu (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use the MIUI engineering menu, which requires caution, as wrong actions can disrupt the phone.

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 (some firmwares call it Disable Voice Recording).
4. Click on it and confirm the action.

After restarting the device, the recording function will be deactivated at the system level. If the item is missing, try the alternative code:

##847##

⚠️ Attention: Changes to the engineering menu may cause a malfunction of the telephony module. If calls stop working after the recordings are turned off, reset the network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

How to check if the recording is actually disabled

To make sure that conversations are no longer being saved:

• 📞 Call another phone (for example, a city number) and talk for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔍 After the call is complete, check the folders: /MIUI/sound_recorder/ and /Recordings/ availability of new files.
• 📊 Open the Settings. → Memory. → Memory analysis and make sure the Audio section doesn't grow.
• 🛡️ Use the DiskUsage app from Google Play to visually monitor your seat.

If files continue to appear, the record is activated at the level SIM-(e.g. by a communications operator) in this case:

1. Call your mobile operator to see if the call recording service is connected.
2. Send. USSD-request *111*123# (for Airtel, Jio or *100# (for Vi) for checking active services.
3. If the service is connected, disable it with command *111*123*2# or through the operator’s personal account.

💡

To completely eliminate recording conversations, disable the microphone permission for all applications except Camera and Recorder. This can be done in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Microphone.

What to do if the recording is enabled by the operator

In some countries (e.g. India), mobile operators default to activating the call recording for all subscribers, ostensibly for security, but in practice puts a load on the phone's memory.

If USSD-The team did not work, contact the operator through:

• 📲 Official application (for example, MyAirtel, Vi App).
• 💬 WhatsApp or Telegram chats (support numbers are usually listed on the operator’s website).
• 📞 Hotline (Jio – 198, Airtel – 121).

💡

Operator recording of conversations is independent of your phone's settings. Even if you turn off the feature in MIUI, the operator can continue to save conversations on its servers. The only way to stop this is to turn off the service through the operator.

Alternative solutions: applications for recording management

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, which allow you not only to disable the recording, but also to manage existing files. 9C:

• 🔧 Call Recorder Skip: blocks automatic recording at system level (requires permission) ADB).
• 🗃️ Files by Google: Finds and Deletes Hidden Recording Audio Files.
• 🛡️ App Ops: Disables permissions for the telephony module (root rights required).

To install Call Recorder Skip:

1. Download APK from the official website (XDA Developers).
2. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access.
3. Open the app and select Disable Call Recording.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command via ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.server.telecom/com.android.server.telecom.settings.CallRecordingSettingsActivity

⚠️ Note: Apps requiring root rights may cancel Redmi warranty 9C. Before using them, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi 9C