How to completely disable the recording of phone conversations on Xiaomi: all ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for many users, but not everyone needs it. Automatic audio saving can take up excess memory, create privacy problems or just annoy with constant notifications. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not always make this option obvious: depending on the version of MIUI and the device model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the path to disconnection can be radically different.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to delete call records, from standard settings to hidden developer settings, how to turn off the feature permanently, delete files already saved, and what to do if the recording continues even after menu changes. Importantly, some methods require superuser rights (root), but we will show alternatives for users without them.

Why does Xiaomi record conversations automatically?

Call recording is activated by default in MIUI firmware on many devices, especially in regional versions for India, China and CIS countries.

• 📜 Legal requirements: in some countries, operators are required to keep records of conversations (e.g. India to fight fraud).
• 🔄 Backup: Xiaomi positions this as part of a cloud backup (although files are often saved locally).
• 🛠️ Debugging goals: in test firmware (MIUI Beta) recording may be included for statistical purposes.
• 🎯 Marketing research: Anonymized data is used to improve communication quality (officially denied by the company).

In practice, most users experience a record due to incorrect regional firmware settings — for example, if the device was purchased in India but used in Russia — in which case the system blindly follows the “native” settings, ignoring local legislation.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in menu, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but may not be available on some models for the Chinese market.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Recording of conversations (or Call Recording in English firmware).
4. Turn off Auto-record calls (or Auto-record calls).
5. Remove the ticks opposite Record all calls and Record selected numbers.

If the item Record conversations is not on the menu, try an alternative way:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Microphone (disable)

Phone app open | Found "Talk recording" | All recording options disabled |Mic resolution checked |Test call-->

Important: On some firmware (MIUI for POCO), the write option can be hidden in Additional Settings → Special Options → Call settings. If you can’t find it, read the next section.

Method 2: Reset the settings of the "Phone" application

If the recording continues even after the menu is turned off, the problem may be in the cache or the wrong settings. Try resetting the Phone app to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or com.android.dialer) and open it.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Go back to the main menu of the app and select Reset preferences.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete your call history and customizations (e.g. blacklist). Pre-export contacts to Settings → Google → Backup.

After reset, restart the device and check the recording with a test call. If the problem persists, proceed to method 3.

Method 3: Delete records through file manager

Even after the function is disabled, the old records can remain in the device's memory to delete:

1. Open Files (or any file manager, such as MiXplorer)
2. Go to the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
3. Select all files with the.amr or.mp3 extension and delete them.
4. Clean the cart (if used).

On some devices, records may be stored in other folders:

⚠️ Note: Some records may be hidden. To see them, turn on the hidden files in the file manager settings (Three dots) → Settings → Show hidden files).

If the folders call_rec No, use the file manager search with a.amr or call_.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods fail, you can block the recording at the system level using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the commands:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.incallui




pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.voicerecord

The first command removes updates to the standard call app, the second command disables the record service.

adb shell pm enable com.android.incallui

This will bring back the standard app, but the recording can resume.-->

To completely remove the recording function, root rights and file editing /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk are required (not recommended for beginners).

Method 5: Use of alternative calling applications

If nothing works, replace the standard Phone app with a third-party one.

• 📞 Google Phone (official app from Google, no record of calls by default). Install from Google Play.
• 🔒 Simple Dialer (a minimalist, open source dialer, without surveillance).
• 🛡️ ExDialer (advanced settings, support for design themes).

After installation:

1. Open the phone settings → Applications → By default → Phone application.
2. Select the dialer installed (such as Google Phone).
3. Disable or uninstall the standard Phone app from Xiaomi (via ADB, as in Method 4).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Third-party dialers may not correctly display the history of calls from SIM-Check compatibility on forums before replacing (e.g, 4PDA).

💡

Replacing the standard Phone app is the most reliable way to get rid of call recording, but requires compatibility testing with your Xiaomi model.

What if the recording is secret (without notification)?

If you suspect calls are being recorded without your knowledge (there is no microphone icon during a call, but files appear), follow these steps:

1. Check Active Processes: Install the CPU Monitor or OS Monitor app and see if the com.miui.voicerecord process starts during the call.
2. Scan the system for viruses: Some spyware masquerades as system services. Use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
3. Check application permissions: Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone and disable access for suspicious programs.
4. Install a firewall: The NetGuard or AFWall+ application (requires root) blocks network access for recording services.

If you find suspicious activity, reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) and don’t restore data from the backup – it may contain malicious code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi