The Xiaomi Redmi Call Log is not just a list of incoming and outgoing calls, but a database of meta-information: call lengths, contacts, dates, and even geolocation (if synchronized with Mi Cloud is enabled), which grows to hundreds of records over time, takes up space in memory, and can become a source of sensitive data leaks, such as when selling a phone or transferring it to third parties.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to clean the call log on Redmi devices (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, and others with a MIUI shell). From basic deletion of individual records to full reset via ADB, choose the method to suit your needs, and learn how to recover randomly deleted calls (if backup is enabled) and why standard deletion via the Phone app doesn’t always work.
1. Standard removal through the application "Phone"
The most obvious way is to use built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for deleting individual records or completely cleaning the log at a time, but the method has a limitation: it does not affect data synchronized with the Mi Cloud (they will have to be cleaned separately).
How to do this:
- 📱 Open the Phone app** (the phone icon on the home screen or menu).
- 📄 Go to the Journal tab** (usually at the bottom of the screen).
- ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Delete" or "Clear Journal».
If the option to “Clear the Journal” is missing, check the MIUI version:
- 🔍 At Redmi Note. 10/11 s MIUI 12/13 The path may be different: Journal → Additionally. → Delete.
- 🔄 Nana POCO s MIUI for POCO Sometimes you need to swipe left on the record to delete it.
⚠️ Note: When deleted via the Phone app, the records disappear only locally. If you have synced with Mi Cloud, the calls will remain in the cloud and recover the next time you log in. To avoid this, turn off sync in advance (see Section 3).
Turn off sync with Mi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync → Call log)
Check backups (if you need important records)
Close all background applications (to avoid crashes)
Restart your phone after cleaning (for changes)
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2. Remove through the "Settings" of the system
An alternative way is to use Xiaomi’s system settings, which not only clears the call log, but also other phone app data, including cache, which is useful if the standard deletion failed or the app freezes.
Instructions:
- Open "Settings»** (⚙️ mainscreen).
| Action. | What's removed | Restored after rebooting |
|---|---|---|
| Clear the cache | Temporary application files | No. |
| Clear the data | Call log, selected contacts in the appendix | Not (unless synced with Mi Cloud) |
| Remove updates | Return the app to the factory version | Yes (magazine can recover) |
If the call log is still displayed after cleaning, check:
- 🔄 Sync with Mi Cloud (turn it off in Settings) → Xiaomi account).
- 📱 Duplicate applications (such as Google Phone or Truecaller) that can store their history).
Once a week.
Once a month
Just before the phone is sold.
Never clean.
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3. Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud
One of the reasons that the call log is returned after deletion is automatic sync with the Xiaomi cloud, which means that if you don't turn off this feature, all deleted records will be restored the next time you connect to the Internet, especially for users who use one Mi Account on multiple devices.
How to turn off synchronization:
- Open "Settings» → «Xiaomi account».
⚠️ Note: Disabling sync stops backing up all data associated with Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos).If you are interested in backups, first export the log manually (see section 5).
If you want to save a backup before disconnecting:
- 📤 Export the journal to a.vcf or.csv file via the Contacts app».
- 🔗 Use third-party utilities like Super Backup (available on Google Play).
What to do if the Mi Cloud is not shut down?
4.Use of ADB for deep cleaning
For advanced users who want to completely erase the log of calls at the system level (including hidden files and databases), the method through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable.
- 🔧 Standard methods do not work (for example, due to a failure) MIUI).
- 📱 You need to delete data without a trace before selling your phone.
- 🛠️ Mass cleaning is required on multiple devices (e.g., in a service center).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode** on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version** until the notification appears.
Settings → Additional → For Developers
ADB-driver
Xiaomi
SDK Platform Tools
Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers or cable.)
adb shell pm clear com.android.contacts
adb shell pm clear com.miui.contactsThese commands will completely reset the data of the Contacts and Phone applications, including the call log.
⚠️ Note: pm clear removes all application data, including favorite contacts and settings. If you need to save contacts, pre-export them to.vcf.
1. Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable (not all cables support data transfer).
2. Enable the option “Debugging by USB (security options)” in the developer settings.**
3. Reboot the phone and PC.
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5. Backup and restoration of the journal
Before cleaning the call log, you should take care of backup – especially if there are important numbers among the records (for example, a business contact or a call from customer service).
Method 1: Through the Mi Cloud
- 📱 Enable log synchronization in Settings → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
- 🔄 Data will be automatically stored in the cloud and available after cleaning (if you do not turn off sync).
Method 2: Local backup via Settings**
- Check the "Call Journal" and click "Create a Backup".
Method 3: Third-party applications
For advanced export, utilities are suitable:
- 📊 Super Backup & Restore – saves the log to.xml or.csv.
- 📄 Call Logs Backup & Restore – allows you to selectively export records.
| Method | File format | Recovery to another device | Requires root. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Cloudy | Yes (on Xiaomi) | No. |
| Local MIUI backup | .bak | Only on the same device. | No. |
| Super Backup | .xml, .csv | Yes (on any Android) | No. |
| Titanium Backup | .tar.gz | Yes. | Yes. |
💡
Local MIUI backups are encrypted and not readable on other devices. Use third-party apps or Mi Cloud to transfer the log to another smartphone (but note that sync only works between Xiaomi devices).
6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If you need to completely erase all data from your phone (for example, before selling), including call logs, contacts and messages, perform hard reset.This method deletes all information without the possibility of recovery (if there was no backup).
How to reset Xiaomi Redmi to factory settings:
- Backup your important data (see Section 5).
- Open “Settings” → “About the phone”.
Alternative method (if the phone is not turned on):
- Turn off the device.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the MIUI Recovery logo appears.
- Select "Wipe Data» → «Wipe All Data».
⚠️ Note: After resetting, all data, including the associated Mi Account, will be deleted. If the phone was protected by Mi Account (link to Xiaomi account), to re-activate you will need to enter the username and password, without them, the device will become a “brick»!