How to Delete a Conversation Record on Xiaomi 8 Pro: From Standard Methods to Hidden MIUI Features

Introduction: Why it is important to properly delete call records

Xiaomi 8 Pro smartphones running MIUI automatically store conversation records if the corresponding function is activated, these files take up space in the device’s memory, and in some cases can become a source of leakage of confidential information, for example, when transferring a phone for repair or sale without a complete data reset.

Unlike modern models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), where record management is made in a separate menu, on Xiaomi 8 Pro this process has its own nuances. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 9-12), the location of options may vary, and some files remain in the system even after visible deletion. In this article, we will discuss all working methods from basic to advanced, including cleaning through File Manager and ADB.

We will pay special attention to hidden folders where MIUI saves backup copies of records, and explain why standard deletion through the Phone application is not always enough.

Method 1: Remove via the Phone application (basic method)

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Phone app, which is suitable if the recordings were made through a standard MIUI recorder and not transferred to other folders.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the phone application (icon with a handset).
• 🔍 Go to the Records section (the tab may be called History or Calls, depending on the version). MIUI).
• 🗑️ Press and hold the desired entry, then select Delete (or basket icon).
• 🔄 For mass removal, click on three dots in the upper right corner → Choose all. → Delete.

⚠️ Note: This method only removes records from the visible interface. MIUI/sound_recorder or Recordings in internal memory. To check this, use File Manager (see Method) 2).

folder MIUI/sound_recorder inner-memory|Recordings folder on SD-card (if used)|Recycle Bin in File Manager|Backups to Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled)-->

Method 2: Manual cleaning with File Manager

If the records are not deleted after being deleted through the Phone app, they must be found and manually deleted, using the standard File Manager (or any other file manager with access to system folders).

Step-by-step:

1. Open File Manager (Icon with folder)
2. Go to the internal storage of the device.
3. Open the folder. MIUI → sound_recorder (Recordings if the recording was made through another application).
4. Select unnecessary files (usually with the.m4a or.amr extension) and click Delete.
5. Clean the cart in File Manager (Basket section in the side menu).

🔍 How to find hidden records? Enable the display of hidden files in File Manager: click on three dots → Settings → Show hidden files. Look for folders with.recorder or.call_rec.

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If File Manager doesn’t show system folders, use an alternative manager, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer with root permissions (if the device is unlocked).

Method 3: Remove via Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled)

If your Xiaomi 8 Pro is synced to Mi Cloud, the call records could be uploaded to the cloud. Deleting them from your device does not erase copies on Xiaomi servers.

How to clean up your posts in Mi Cloud:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
• 📁 Open the Records or Files section (depending on the region).
• 🗑️ Select unnecessary files and click Delete.
• 🔄 Clean the Mi Cloud basket (Basket section in the side menu).

⚠️ Note: Deletion from Mi Cloud is irreversible. If the records contain important information, first save them to your computer. Also note that Xiaomi can store backups for up to 30 days even after deletion.

Yeah, for all the data.|Yes, but only for contact.|No, I did)|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 4: Reset the Phone app to factory settings

If the records continue to be displayed after manual deletion, the problem may be in the cache or the data of the Phone application. Reset will return it to factory state, but will not delete the files themselves - they must be erased separately (see Method 2).

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or com.android.dialer) and open its settings.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reset the device.

🔧 Once reset, the Phone app will return to standard settings, including the call recording disabled. To activate this feature again, go to your phone Settings. → Recording calls.

Method 5: Advanced removal via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, and it’s critical to remove the records without a trace (like before selling a phone), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi 8 Pro: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification “You’re a Developer” appears. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

command-line

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell

su

(If the phone is rooted, a request for rights will appear)

rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/*

rm -rf /sdcard/Recordings/*

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf permanently delete files, including those that may be hidden from the user. ADB If you're not sure, you can see a specialist.

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ADB-commands allow you to delete files that are not available through the standard interface, but require caution. Always back up important data before using this method.

Additional measures: how to prevent automatic recording of calls

To prevent future call records, disable this feature in the settings:

• 📞 Open the phone» → Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🎤 Go to the Call Recording section.
• ❌ Turn off Automatic Recording or Record all calls.
• 🔒 For individual contacts: Open contact → Recording calls → Never.

🔍 Why does the recording turn on itself? MIUI (particularly MIUI 10–11) the function can be activated after the update or reset.

If you sell or transfer the Xiaomi 8 Pro to another person, perform a full reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset) that will delete all data, including hidden records.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting entries on Xiaomi 8 Pro