How to completely remove the call log on Xiaomi Redmi 5: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a popular smartphone with extensive customization options, but even power users sometimes have difficulty clearing their call history. Unlike current models where the MIUI interface has undergone significant changes, Redmi 5 (released in 2017) runs on earlier versions of the shell, from MIUI 8 to MIUI 10. This means that standard methods for removing call logs may differ from current instructions for new devices.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to clean up your call history, from basic (via the Phone app) to radical (data reset), and focus on the nuances associated with the MIUI version, as well as alternative methods for cases where standard settings do not work, and if you encounter a problem that the call log is not deleted or is restored after cleaning, here you will find solutions.

1. Delete individual records through the “Phone” application

The easiest and most obvious way is to delete the recordings directly from the Phone app, which is a good way to get rid of a few specific calls without affecting the whole story.

Open the Phone app (the phone icon) and go to the Log tab, where you'll see a list of all incoming, outgoing and missed calls, to delete the individual entry:

• 📱 Press and hold your finger on the desired number.
• 🗑️ In the menu that appears, select Delete.
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK.

If you need to delete multiple entries at once, use Multiple Choice Mode:

1. Put the button on it. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner.
2. Choose Delete.
3. Tick the required records and click Delete.

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If the log shows duplicate entries (e.g., the same number multiple times in a row), try updating the Phone app first via Google Play – this can fix the problem without manual cleaning.

2. Completely clean the call log through settings

If you need to delete all your call history at once, you can use the built-in cleanup feature in MIUI settings.This method works on all firmware versions for Redmi 5, but the path to the menu may vary slightly.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section.
3. Select Application Management.
4. Find the phone (or Contacts in some versions) in the list and tap it.
5. Open the Warehouse.
6. Click Clear Data → Clear the Call Log.

On MIUI 9/10, the path might look like this: Settings → All settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Clear Data. If there is no Clear Call Log button, then your firmware version stores data differently, try the next method.

3. resetting of the “Phone” application data (radical method)

If the standard methods didn’t work, you could resort to a full reset of the Phone app, which would not only delete the call log, but also all the app settings (such as favorite contacts or call settings).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and open it.
3. Press Warehouse.
4. Select Clear All Data (or Reset in some versions).
5. Confirm the action.

Turn off sync with Mi Cloud

Keep important contacts manually

Remember your call settings (for example, forwarding)

Check if you are using the phone app to record conversations-->

Important! Once reset, the Phone app will return to factory settings, which could affect:

• 📞 Call volume settings;
• 🔕 List of selected contacts;
• 📱 Number number identification parameters (if you use them).

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when memory ends

Never clean.-->

4. Delete via file manager (for power users)

The Android call log is stored as a database. On Xiaomi Redmi 5, this file is usually located along the path:

/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

To remove it manually, you will need root rights or access through ADB. Without them, you cannot change system files.

If you have root, follow the following steps:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path indicated above.
3. Delete the file. contacts2.db.
4. Reset the device.

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Deleting the database file will not only reset the call log, but all contacts! Be sure to back up through Settings → System → Backup before you do it.

If there are no root rights, but you have access to ADB, you can use the command:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.contacts

This command will reset all the Contacts app data, including the call log.

5.Use of third-party cleaning applications

If built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities like Call Logs Backup & Restore or Clean Master (although the latter is often criticized for aggressive advertising), which allow you to not only clean the journal, but also create backup copies of it.

Examples of Call Logs Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the call log.
3. Go to the Control tab.
4. Select Delete all records.
5. Confirm the action.

The advantage of this method is that you can selectively delete records by date, call type (incoming/outgoing), or specific number, but beware: some applications require additional permissions that can affect privacy.

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Before using third-party apps, check reviews on Google Play – many log cleanup utilities contain malicious code or show hidden ads.

6. Resetting the phone to factory settings (last resort)

If none of these methods work, the last option is a complete reset, which will not only delete the call log, but also all the data on the phone, including apps, photos and settings. Use this method only as a last resort!

Resetting instructions:

1. Make a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
5. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

Once reset, the device will return to a “out of the box” state, you will have to reconfigure MIUI, install applications and restore data from the backup.

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Factory reset deletes all data without recovery!If you forgot to save contacts, try restoring them via Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled).

Comparison of Call Log Cleaning Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have compiled a comparative table:

Frequently asked questions

If none of these methods worked, it may be that the problem is that the system files are corrupted, in which case we recommend upgrading the firmware to the latest available version for Redmi 5 or contacting Xiaomi’s service center.

Remember, cleaning your call log regularly not only frees up memory, but also increases the privacy of your data, especially if you're selling or transferring your phone to another person.