How to completely disable the recording of conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a popular smartphone with advanced features including automatic phone recording, which can be useful for storing important information, but often causes problems ranging from accidentally saving private conversations to breaching privacy. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable call recording, including hidden MIUI settings, system settings and third-party solutions.

It is important to understand that the writing mechanism depends on the firmware version, MIUI regional build, and installed applications. For example, in the global version of MIUI 12.5, the path to settings may differ from the Chinese MIUI 13. We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific versions of the software.

If you find that the record is turned on by itself or not disabled through the standard menu, do not rush to reset the settings. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved through hidden settings or cleaning the cache of system applications.

Why Redmi Note 8 Pro Records Conversations Automatically

The call recording feature in Xiaomi is activated for several reasons, and not always consciously by the user.

• 🔹 System setting by default: In some regional versions MIUI (For example, for India or China, the entry is included out of the box to comply with local regulations.
• 🔹 Phone app: Built-in call software (com.android.dialer) can automatically save conversations when battery power is low or the network signal is poor.
• 🔹 Third-party apps: Messengers like Truecaller or Call Recorder have their own recording mechanisms that work in parallel with system systems.
• 🔹 Firmware error: In versions MIUI 11-12.0.3 was a bug where the record was activated after the update OTA.

To determine the exact source of the problem, check:

1. The MIUI version in Settings → About the phone.
2. List of applications with microphone access in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Microphone.
3. Availability of records files in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/calls (Use the file manager).

⚠️ Attention: If in the folder sound_recorder files with the.amr extension or.mp3, But you didn't turn on the recording, which is a sign of the hidden service, and then you'll need to reset the settings of the Phone app. 3).

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in system options, which is suitable for most versions of MIUI, but may not be available in custom firmware or Chinese builds.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Settings".
3. Go to the "Talk Recording" section (or "Call Recording" in English).
4. Turn off the Automatic Recording (or Auto-record) switch.
5. Make sure there are no active rules for specific contacts in the “Exceptions” submenu.

If the "Recording of conversations" item is not on the menu:

• 🔍 Check the version. MIUI: into MIUI 13+ The path may be different - settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permits → Sound recording.
• 🔍 Update the Phone app via Google Play (if you use a global version).

In Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.0.1.0 firmware (released in 2020), conversation recording is managed via a hidden developer menu. To activate it, go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times.

Method 2: Clearing data and resetting the "Phone" application

If the recording continues after the settings are turned off, it could be a corrupted cache or application data, which can help bring back the standard settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or "Dialer") in the list and tap it.
3. Select "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
4. Then click Clear Data (this will reset your call history!).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the data will delete the call log. Pre-export it through Settings → Google → Backup or manually copy the calllog.db file from the folder /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/ (Root rights are required).

After the reset, check:

• 📞 Do new records appear in the folder? MIUI/sound_recorder.
• 🔊 Whether the recording is activated when the call is made (the microphone icon in the status bar).

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If the recording still turns on after the reset, try turning off battery optimization for the Phone application in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization. Sometimes the system will force recording services to "save energy."

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can block the recording at the system level using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Activate "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your PC and type in the command line:

adb shell pm revoke com.android.dialer android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO


adb shell pm revoke com.android.dialer android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

These commands revoke the phone application's permission to record sound and access the storage.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📵 Check the absence of records in the folder sound_recorder.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Improper use can disrupt other functions (e.g. voice dialing) and back up your adb backup before execution.

Method 4: Using third-party applications to block recordings

If system methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities to intercept recording requests or block access to the microphone during a call.

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 🛡️ App Ops – allows you to disable individual permissions for any application without root.
• 🔇 NoRoot Firewall - blocks network access for recording services. Effective against cloud storage.
• 📵 Disable Service – disables system services, including com.android.server.telecom, responsible for recording.

Instructions for App Ops:

1. Install the application and give it access to the "Special Features".
2. Find the phone in the list (com.android.dialer).
3. Turn off the "Recording Sound" and "Reading Contacts" permissions.
4. Restart the phone app.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.
• ✅ You can flexibly configure permissions for other applications.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some functions (such as voice dialing) may stop working.
• ❌ Module applications require regular updates.

Method 5: Manually delete records files and lock folder

If the recording was already activated, conversation files could accumulate in the smartphone memory, they can be deleted manually, and also block the creation of new ones.

How to find and delete records:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Going the Way: Internal Memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → calls.
3. Select all files with the.amr or.mp3 extension and delete them.
4. Clean the Recycle Bin in the file manager.

To prevent the creation of new records:

• 🔒 Create it in a folder. sound_recorder It's a blank file called.nomedia (no extension) that hides the folder from the system scanners.
• 🔐 Use an app like FolderLock to lock your folder with a password.
• 📁 Move the folder. sound_recorder elsewhere (e.g., on the other hand) SD-Create a symbolic link in its place (root required).

⚠️ Note: Deleting.amr files does not cancel the recording function itself. To fully deactivate it, combine this method with one of the previous ones (for example, cleaning the cache or deactivating the recording function). ADB-team).

Additional measures: checking for spyware

If the recording of conversations is activated by itself, despite all measures, there is a risk of infection with spyware.

• 📲 Smartphone previously connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
• 🔓 Applications from unverified sources are installed.
• 🔄 The battery is discharged faster than usual.

How to check the system:

1. Download the antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Mobile) and perform a full scan.
2. Check the list of apps with microphone access in Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Microphone.
3. Remove suspicious programs, especially those with names like CallRecorder, SpyApp, or SystemService.
4. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.

Signs of spyware:

If you suspect it, do a full reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset. Before you do, save important data!

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Spyware is often disguised as system applications, and if there is a com.android.system.recorder or similar on the process list, that's a good reason to check.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off recording conversations