How to completely or selectively clear the call log on Xiaomi Mi 9

The Xiaomi Mi 9 call log is not just a list of contacts you've spoken to, but it stores timestamps, length of conversations, missed calls, and even recorded voices (if recording is enabled), and it eventually becomes a real archive that not only occupies a place in the device's memory, but can also be a source of personal information leakage, especially for those who actively use the phone for work purposes or transfer the gadget to other people.

Many MIUI users are faced with the fact that standard cleaning methods do not always work: the delete button may be inactive, and selective erasure takes too long. In this article, we will discuss all possible methods from basic to hidden, including bypassing system limitations. You will learn how to delete individual records, reset the entire history at a time, and also what to do if the Xiaomi Mi 9 does not allow you to clean the log due to errors or locks.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, it's not enough to simply clear the call log. MIUI Data can be stored in Mi Cloud backups or Contacts app cache. For complete confidentiality, reset to factory settings.

1. Standard method: cleaning through the application "Phone"

The most obvious method is to use the built-in tools of the Phone app, which is suitable for most users and does not require additional knowledge.

Open the Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen or menu). Go to the Log tab (usually located at the bottom of the screen next to Contacts). In the upper right corner, click three vertical dots (⋮) and select Delete Call Log. The system will prompt you to select the period: Last 7 days, Last 30 days, or All records.

If the Delete Call Log button is inactive (grey), it may mean:

• 🔒 Change protection is enabled on the phone (for example, through Parental Controls or corporate policies).
• 📱 You have an outdated version. MIUI (below 12.0, where the menu interface differs.
• 🚫 The phone app is malfunctioning (try restarting it or clearing the cache).

MIUI 12.5+ has a selective deletion feature: hold your finger on the desired log entry, then click on the basket icon in the top panel, which is convenient if you want to erase only individual calls.

💡

If the records reappear after cleaning, check sync with Mi Cloud. Disable it in Xiaomi account settings if privacy is more important than backup.

2. Cleaning through phone settings: an alternative method

If the Phone app doesn't respond to commands, try removing the log through system settings, which works even when the call interface crashes.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the list, find Phone (or Contacts if you have MIUI 11 or lower). Open Storage and click Clear Data. Attention: this will delete not only the log, but also the application settings (such as favorite contacts).

For more point cleaning:

1. In the same Phone app settings, select Clear Cache (this won’t delete the log, but can solve the problem with “hung” records).
2. If there is no Clear Data, then your version of MIUI restricts access, and the ADB method will help.

3. Hidden MIUI features: Cleaning through "Safety"

Xiaomi has integrated deep cleaning tools into MIUI that few people use, one of which is the Security module, where you can remove not only the call log, but other traces of activity.

Open the Security app (shield icon). Go to Clean or Deep Clean (name depends on the MIUI version). Scroll down to the Private Data block and select Call Log. Check the required records or click Delete everything. This method is effective if the standard Phone app is malfunctioning.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global) has the option to Protect Privacy Inside Security.

• 🔍 View the statistics of calls by day/week.
• 🗑️ Delete records by date or contact.
• 🔒 Block the display of certain numbers in the journal.

⚠️ Note: In Chinese versions MIUI (China, for example. ROM) Security may not be available or may require a link to a Chinese account. ADB or-side-app.

4.Use of ADB: for advanced users

If none of the above methods worked, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to control your phone through a computer, will come to the rescue. This method does not require root rights, but you need to activate Debugging over USB.

First, prepare the phone:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to enable Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect Xiaomi Mi 9 to your PC via the original cable.

Now run the commands on the computer:

adb shell


content query --uri content://call_log/calls




content delete --uri content://call_log/calls

The first command will show all the log entries (to check), the second will delete them. If you only want to erase calls from a particular number, use:

content delete --uri content://call_log/calls --where "number='1234567890'"

Replace 1234567890 with the desired number.

Developer mode activated

USB debugging enabled

Installed ADB drivers on PC

Original. USB-cable (not charging!)

Backup copy of important data-->

5 Third-party applications: when standard methods do not work

If the built-in MIUI tools refuse to clean the log, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and they are especially useful if:

• 📵 Phone blocked by corporate policy (for example, through Android Enterprise).
• 🔄 You need to automatically clean the journal on schedule.
• 🔍 Export of data is required before deletion (e.g. for reporting purposes).

Recommended annexes:

Before using third-party utilities:

1. Check reviews and rankings on Google Play (avoid apps with a score below 4.0).
2. Do not provide access to SMS or Contacts unless required for the job.
3. After cleaning, restart your phone to avoid conflicts with MIUI.

6.Extreme measure: reset to factory settings

If the call log is not cleared by any method and data privacy is critical (e.g. before selling a phone), only a complete reset remains, which will delete all information on the device, including accounts, photos and apps.

Instructions:

1. Back up your important data through Mi Cloud or manually.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. Once rebooted, the phone will be like new — without a call log and other usage marks.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Mi 9S MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to enter the old Mi Account password if Device Protection was enabled!

If the reset doesn’t help (for example, records are restored after syncing with Google Contacts), turn off automatic sync:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and uncheck the contact box.
3. Repeat the reset or cleaning of the log.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to guarantee that you will delete your call log if it syncs with the cloud or is protected by corporate policies.

Frequently asked questions