Records of phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones are automatically saved in the system application “Calls” if the corresponding function is activated. Over time, these files take up space in the memory of the device, and their accidental distribution can create privacy problems. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to delete records, from manually erasing individual files to completely cleaning through system settings.
The MIUI feature is that call records are stored not only in the visible folder, but also in protected areas of the system, which means that simply deleting through the file manager often fails. We tested all methods on the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14/15) and identified those that work on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other current devices of the brand.
1. Delete records through the Calls app
The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in Phone app (or Calls, depending on the version of MIUI), a method that is suitable for selectively deleting unnecessary records without risking damage to system files.
Instructions:
- Open the phone application (the icon with the handset).
- Go to the “Records” tab (or “Journal” → “Records” in older versions).
- Click on the desired entry and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds to activate the selection mode.
- Check boxes for any files you want to delete.
- Click on the “Basket” icon (or “Delete”) in the upper right corner.
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI After deleting the records remain in the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec To ensure that you erase files, restart the device after cleaning.
Record date (so as not to delete important conversations)
File size (maybe it’s worth freeing up space in another way)
Availability of backup (if records are valuable)
Contacts (will the link to the subscriber be removed)-->
2. Cleaning through Files (File Manager)
If the records are not displayed in the Calls app or you want to delete them manually, use the File Manager system, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to the loss of other data.
Step-by-step:
- 📁 Open the Files app (Folder icon).
- 🔍 Go to the Internal Memory section → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
- 🗑️ Select the files you need (usually.amr or.amr format.mp3) and press "Delete».
- 🔄 After deleting, clean the basket in the file manager (Basket section» → «Clean up»).
⚠️ Note: Some records may be stored in a folder /Android/data/com.android.providers.media Deleting files from there without backup is risky, and it can damage the media library.
Where else can the records be stored?
3. Automatic cleaning through MIUI settings
MIUI offers a built-in automatic deletion feature that is handy if you don’t want to manually control the process, but important conversations can go missing without the ability to recover.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Calls → Storage of records.
- Activate the "Autoclean" option.
- Set a storage period (e.g., “30 days” or “Memory Lack”).
- Confirm the changes by clicking “Save”.
| Autocleaning parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Delete in 7 days | All records over a week are automatically erased. | Suitable for business correspondence |
| Remove if there is a lack of memory | The system decides which files to delete. | Risk of losing important data |
| Don't remove | Records are kept indefinitely | Requires manual control |
| Delete everything except the chosen ones | Only star-marked records are retained. | The best option |
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when memory ends
Never clean.
Keep important records separately-->
4. Recovery Mode Removal (for power users)
If records are not deleted in standard ways (e.g. due to a system failure), you can use Recovery Mode, which will reset all Calls data, including records, but will not affect other files on the device.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the power and volume buttons simultaneously before the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe Data” → “Wipe App Data”.
- Find the app “com.android.dialer” (or “com.miui.phone”) and confirm the cleanup.
- Reset the device.
After this procedure, all records will be permanently deleted, including the history of calls and settings of the Phone application. Use the method only if other methods have not worked.
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Before entering Recovery Mode, make sure the battery is at least 50% charged. interruption of the process can cause the system to crash.
5. Use of third-party applications
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party cleaning utilities.
- 🛠️ Files by Google – Finds and removes duplicate records.
- 🧹 CCleaner – Clears the cache of the Calls app».
- 🔍 SD Maid – Retrieves residual files after deletion.
- 📱 Call Recorder Cleaner - Specialized software for recordings.
⚠️ Note: Apps will need access to device memory and call log. Check reviews on Google Play before using - some utilities contain ads or collect data.
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The application side can delete records that are not available through standard MIUI tools, but the risk of data leakage is higher.
6.Recovery of accidentally deleted records
If you accidentally erase an important record, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and whether the device has been used since then (new data can overwrite old files).
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 Recycle Bin Check: Xiaomi File Manager has a Recycle Bin section where files are stored for up to 30 days.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: If sync with Mi Cloud is enabled, records can be backed up.
- 💾 Recovery Programs: DiskDigger, Recuva (requires root rights for deep scanning).
- 📞 Contact the operator: In rare cases, records are stored on the servers of the mobile operator (you need to specify the number).
⚠️ Attention: The faster you start recovery, the better the chances of success:
- Do not write new files to your device.
- Do not install system updates.
- Use a memory card (if the records were on it) rather than internal memory.
7. How to turn off call recording permanently
If you don't want calls recorded automatically, turn off this feature in the settings. This will also prevent unnecessary files from accumulating.
Instructions:
- Open the phone» → «⋮» (menu) → «Settings».
- Go to the "Call Record" section.
- Turn off the Automatic Recording switch.
- For individual contacts, click “Exceptions” and add numbers that should not be recorded.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) Call recording is managed through Settings → Special facilities → Record conversations. Check both sections if the function doesn't turn off.
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Turning off automatic recording saves disk space and increases battery life (recording conversations consumes additional battery power).