Why Xiaomi Redmi calls are recorded and how to fix it
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones running MIUI often automatically store audio recordings of incoming and outgoing calls, a feature that may be useful for business or personal purposes but is a source of frustration among users who value privacy. Reasons for activating recording range from random inclusion in settings to preset regional firmware features (for example, in some Asian countries, call recording is activated by default for legal purposes).
Compounding the problem, record files take up space in the deviceβs memory, and their accidental distribution (such as when synchronized with the cloud) can create security risks. In this article, we will examine all the ways to disable recordings, from standard MIUI settings to manually deleting files through the file manager, and also consider the nuances for different versions of firmware and Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and others).
Method 1: Disabling recording via phone settings
The most obvious method is to deactivate the function in the settings menu. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path to the option may differ, but the general logic remains:
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the Call Recording section (in some versions β Call Recording or Call Recording).
- Move the slider to the off position. or uncheck the box from the Automatic Recording item.
If there is no such section in your menu, check out the alternative path:
- π± Settings β Annexes β Application management β Phone. β Permits β Recording of sound (turn off permission).
- π§ Settings β Additionally. β Special facilities β Call recording (for older versions) MIUI 11-12).
Make a test call to another number|Check the folder. `Recordings` file-manager|Make sure there is no record icon in the notifications|Restart your phone to apply changes-->
Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13 Global), the recording option may be hidden due to regional restrictions, in which case the ADB method will help.
Method 2: Manually delete records through file manager
Even after the function is disabled, the old records remain in the device's memory, to free up space and ensure that all audio files are deleted:
- Open the standard Files by Xiaomi (Files by Xiaomi)
- Go to the Internal Storage folder β MIUI β sound_recorder β call_rec (or Recordings in new versions).
- Select all files (long pressing) β Β«Select All") and press Delete.
If the folder is missing, check the alternative paths:
- π Internal Storage β Recorder β Calls (for) MIUI 14).
- π SD-card β MIUI β sound_recorder (If the records are stored on the memory card).
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Use a search in the file manager for the keyword βcallβ or βrecordingβ to find all the hidden folders with entries.
Note: Manually deleting files does not cancel the recording function itself β new calls may continue to be saved unless you turn it off in the settings.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)
If call recording is not disabled by standard methods (for example, due to customized firmware or regional restrictions), the ADB team will help. This method requires connecting the phone to the computer and enabling the developer mode.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect Redmi to your PC, install ADB drivers, and open the command line.
- Enter the command: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 0
To check the current status of the record, use the command:
adb shell settings get global call_recording_enabledIf the result is 1, the record is active; 0 is disabled.
What to do if ADB is not working?
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If standard methods don't work, you can use Google Play apps that block the recording at the system level.
- π‘οΈ AppOps β allows you to manage application permissions, including recording sound.
- π Disable Call Recording β a specialized tool to disable the function (requires root rights).
- π± MIUI Hidden Settings β Reveals hidden firmware options, including recording settings.
When using third-party utilities, consider the risks:
β οΈ Note: Apps requesting root access may disrupt the system or cause a loss of warranty.Pre-installing check reviews and rankings on Google Play.
For applications without root rights (e.g. AppOps):
- Install and open the application.
- Find the phone in the list (com.android.dialer).
- Turn off the resolution. Sound recording (RECORD_AUDIO).
Problems and Solutions: Why the Recording is Not Shutting Down
Sometimes even after all the instructions are completed, the call recording continues, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording option is not in the settings | Regional firmware (e.g. Indian or Chinese version of MIUI) | Install global firmware or use ADB |
| Recording resumes after rebooting | Failure of system settings | Reset the settings of the Phone application in Settings β Applications |
| Record files appear despite the function being disabled | Viral software or third-party app records calls | Check your phone with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) |
| No access to the record folder. | The folder is hidden or protected by the system | Use a file manager with root rights (e.g. Root Explorer) |
If the problem persists, check for system updates: newer versions of MIUI 14 and higher can manage call recording via Settings β Privacy β Recording conversations.
Yes, and it was unexpected | Yes, but I quickly turned off the function | No, I didn't have that problem | I don't know, I didn't check-->
How to prevent future call recording
To avoid re-enablement, follow these guidelines:
- π Check your settings regularly after updates MIUI β sometimes functions are reset.
- π΅ Turn off automatic sync with Mi Cloud if you donβt want records to be saved in the cloud.
- π‘οΈ Set a password to the folder with records (via Safe Folder in the MIUI).
- π± Before selling or transferring your phone, perform a full reset (Settings) β The phone. β Resetting settings).
Preventive tip: If you make frequent calls at work and are afraid of accidentally recording, use alternative calling apps (like Google Phone or Truecaller) where the recording feature can be permanently disabled.
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Even after you turn off the recording in your settings, some versions of MIUI can save short conversation snippets to analyze the quality of the communication. To completely eliminate this, turn off the recording permission for the Phone system application.