How to permanently disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 9’s feature can be useful in some situations, such as saving important business information or evidence in controversial moments. However, not all users want their conversations to be automatically stored in their smartphone memory. The reasons range from a trivial lack of space on the internal drive to concerns about the privacy of personal conversations.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable call recording on Redmi 9 running MIUI 12/13/14. You will learn how to deactivate the feature through the standard Phone application, where to look for hidden settings in the system menu, and what to do if the recording continues even after all the manipulations, and how to completely delete all previously stored audio conversation files to free up the device memory.

Important: The procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and MIUI regional build. If you have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some menu items may be missing or have a different name.

Why does Redmi 9 record calls automatically?

On Xiaomi Redmi 9, the conversation recording feature is activated by default in some regional firmware versions.

• 📍 Local laws – in some countries (for example, India, Pakistan) recording calls is allowed without notifying the interlocutor, so manufacturers include it out of the box».
• 🔄 Updates MIUI — post-update MIUI 12.5+ The function can appear even if it has not been used before.
• 📱 Application "Phone" - in some builds it has built-in auto recording for all incoming / outgoing calls.
• 🛠️ Third-party services – if you have set up alternative calls (like Truecaller or Google Phone), they can record too.

Before you turn off the feature, check if it is connected to the installed software. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and see which programs have access to the microphone during calls. If there are suspicious calls, delete them.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (for example, in Russia), recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Method 1: Disconnect via the “Phone” application

The easiest method is to deactivate the recording directly in a standard MIUI call.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner (⋮) and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Recording of Conversations section (or Call Recording in English).
4. Switch the slider "Automatic Recording" to the position Off.
5. Optionally, click Delete all records to clear memory of old files.

If you don't have a Call Record on your menu, it means it's turned off at the firmware level or hidden, and then try the next way.

Make sure you have a standard Phone app (not third-party)

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Close all background apps that may use the microphone

Backup important records (if any)-->

Some versions of MIUI 14 have a record hidden deeper to find it.

1. In the “Phone” app, go to Settings → More.
2. Use special features (or special features).
3. Select Record conversations and turn off all switches.

Method 2: Configure privacy settings in MIUI

If the call recording doesn't go off through the call, try blocking the microphone at the system level.

1. Go to Settings → Privacy (or Privacy).
2. Select Application Permissions → Microphone.
3. Search the list for Phone (or com.android.dialer) and turn off access.
4. Do the same for the Contacts and Google apps (if they are listed).

After that, the system will not be able to use the microphone during recording calls, but note that this can also disrupt voice dialing, voice commands and other functions associated with the microphone.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling microphone access for system applications can cause the call to malfunction. If the call is lost during the conversation after manipulation, return the permissions back and try the third method.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which is a universal way that works even on custom firmware.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to the main settings menu and open Additional → For Developers. Enable USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.

adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 0

adb reboot

If the call recording continues after the command is executed, try an alternative command for MIUI 14:

adb shell settings put global miui_call_recording_enabled 0

Method 4: Resetting the settings of calls to the factory

If the call recording is enabled due to a bug in the phone app settings, you can return it to its original state, which will not delete your contacts, but will reset all call settings (for example, redirect or lock numbers).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or com.android.dialer) in the list and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

After reset, check if the recording function is still there, and if so, it is activated at the firmware level, and it can only be disabled through ADB or the MIUI update.

💡

Before resetting your call settings, export important contacts to the file VCF. To do this, open the Contacts app, click on three dots (⋮) → Imports/Exports → Export to the vault.

How to delete the already saved call records?

Even after the recording function is disabled, the old audio files continue to take up space in the device's memory to delete them:

1. Open the Files app (or any file manager).
2. Go to the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
3. Select all files with the.amr or.mp3 extension and click Delete.

Alternatively:

1. In the "Phone" application, open the Call Log.
2. Tap on any recorded call (marked with microphone icon) 🎤).
3. In the open window of the player, press three points (⋮) and choose Delete.
4. For mass removal, use Settings → Record conversations → Delete everything.

⚠️ Note: Deleting records through the file manager does not clear them from the call database.To completely erase the tracks, use both methods or install a cache cleaner app (e.g. CCleaner).

💡

Check the folder regularly call_rec — Even after disabling the write function, new files may appear due to firmware failures or updates. MIUI.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways, but Redmi 9 continues to record calls, there are possible reasons:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware - update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Custom firmware - some builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu) have their own write settings. Check developer forums.
• 🛠️ Virus software – scan your device with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
• 🔧 Hardware malfunction – if recording is even in safe mode, it may be a problem in the microphone or motherboard.

The last measure is a complete reset – only apply if other methods have not worked. Before doing this, be sure to back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

If the problem persists even after the reset, contact the Xiaomi service center with a request to reflash the device to the official version of MIUI. Please indicate that the recording of calls is conducted without your consent - this may be a sign of incorrect firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 call recording