Xiaomi Redmi phone records conversations: how to turn off this feature forever

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi Redmi automatically records phone calls, but you don’t know how to stop them?This feature can be useful for saving important conversations, but often causes inconveniences from overflowing memory to the accidental spread of sensitive information. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable call recording on Redmi devices running MIUI, including hidden settings, system restrictions and alternative solutions.

The problem is compounded by the fact that different versions of firmware and models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9T, POCO X3, etc.) the path to settings may differ. Moreover, after the updates to MIUI 12/13/14, the menu interface often changes, and some options move or disappear, we took into account all these nuances and prepared current instructions that will help to disable the recording of conversations regardless of the version of your device.

It is important to understand that recording calls can be done not only by the standard Phone application, but also by third-party services (for example, Google Phone or Truecaller), so in this article we will consider all possible sources of problem – from system functions to applications from the Play Market.

Why Xiaomi Redmi is automatically recording conversations

The default call recording function is activated in MIUI for a reason, and the manufacturer has several goals:

• 📞 Legal protection: In some countries (such as India or China), recording conversations helps confirm the terms of a transaction or arrangement.
• 🔍 Fighting spam: Records are used to train algorithms for recognizing fraudulent calls (coupled with the use of a new system of emails). MIUI Security).
• 📱 Backup: In Xiaomi firmware, recording can be turned on automatically when synchronized with Mi Cloud.
• 🤖 Errors: Sometimes the function is activated after resetting settings or updating the firmware without the user’s knowledge.

However, in most regions (including Russia and the European Union), automatic recording of conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate privacy laws.-152 "Personal data, storage of voice recordings without the explicit consent of the participants in the conversation is prohibited, so disabling this function is not only a matter of convenience, but also compliance with the law.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi Redmi to work with customers or partners, be sure to notify them of the record. Otherwise, this may be the basis for a lawsuit for privacy violations.

Method 1: Disabling recording via the standard “Phone” application

The most obvious way is to deactivate the feature directly in the Phone app, but the path to settings depends on the version of MIUI:

For MIUI 12/13/14 (relevant to Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO F4/X5):

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the section Recording conversations (or Call Recording in English firmware).
4. Turn off the Auto-record calls (or Auto-record calls) switch.
5. Delete existing records by clicking Records Management → Delete Everything.

For MIUI 11 and older (e.g. Redmi 8/9):

1. Launch the phone. → Settings (cogs at the top).
2. Select Call Record. → Recording settings.
3. Uncheck the boxes Record all calls and Record only unknown numbers.

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If your menu doesn’t have a Record Conversations item, it could mean:

• 📱 You have a global firmware (e.g. Redmi for Europe) where the function is disabled by default.
• 🔄 The firmware has been updated and the settings have reset (try restarting the phone).
• 🛠️ The phone app has been replaced with a third-party app (e.g. Google Phone).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) after disabling the recording in the settings, the function can be activated again after the restart. MIUI, which is corrected only by a complete reset (see Method 5).

Method 2: Disconnect via MIUI settings (hidden settings)

If the standard path didn't work, call recording can be managed at the system level. MIUI has hidden settings that don't show up in the main menu:

Instructions for MIUI 13/14:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management → Phone.
3. Press Permissions. → Microphone.
4. Disable access to the microphone for the Phone app (this will disable recording but retain the ability to call).

For MIUI 12 and below:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Find the Sound Record and disable access to the Phone app.

Important: Disabling microphone access for the Phone app will not affect call quality, but may disrupt voice dialing or commands for the virtual assistant (if integrated into calls).

💡

If the sound in the calls has disappeared after the microphone is turned off, check the Sound and Vibration settings → Call quality in the basic MIUI parameters.

Method 3: Remove or disable applications that record calls

The conversations can be recorded not only by a standard application, but also by third-party services, most often the culprits are:

• 🔍 Truecaller – a number detector with built-in call recording.
• 📞 Google Phone – an alternative application for calls from Google.
• 🛡️ MIUI Security – a system application that can record “suspicious” calls.
• 📊 Call Recorder – third-party recording programs (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).

How to check and disable:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find suspicious programs in the list (use a name search).
3. For each application: Disable Microphone and Storage. Click Stop (if the button is active). Choose Delete or Disable (for system applications).

Pay special attention to MIUI Security:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Press the three dots at the top. → Settings.
3. Turn off the option of Recording suspicious calls (if any).
4. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

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


adb shell pm revoke com.miui.securitycenter android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO

This will revoke the sound recording permissions of system applications.

After you've done the commands, restart the device. Call recording should stop.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause the phone to work unstable if you enter incorrect commands.We recommend backing up the data before starting (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset).

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Method 5: Resetting settings to factory (extreme case)

If none of these methods worked, the last option is a complete reset, which will remove all the data from the phone, including the recordings of conversations, and return the system to its original state.

How to reset:

1. Back up your important data (Settings → About Phone → Backup).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).

If you don’t want to opt out of the updates, check your recording settings after each install of the new MIUI version. You can also write in support of Xiaomi via the official Mi Community website or forum asking you to remove this feature from the firmware for your region.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi