How to completely remove the call records on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

Incoming and outgoing calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be over-stuffed and sometimes contain sensitive information that you want to hide. Unlike newer Redmi models (like Note 12 or Redmi 10), where the MIUI interface has undergone changes, Redmi 9 runs on MIUI 12-14 with unique log management nuances. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to clean up history, from standard tools to hidden features that are not written in the official documentation.

It is important to understand that simply deleting records through the Phone app does not always guarantee complete erasure.Residual files can be stored in the cache or backups of Google Account. We will show you how to avoid this and clean the log without traces, including synchronized data. If you need to not just hide calls, but specifically destroy them forever, read the section on deep cleaning through Settings → Memory.

Method 1: Standard removal through the application "Phone"

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Dialer app, which is suitable if you need to delete individual records or clear the entire log at a time, but it has a limitation: synchronized calls (those saved in Google Contacts) can be restored the next time you connect to the Internet.

To avoid this, turn off synchronization before cleaning:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Find your account and disable the Contacts slider.
3. Go back to the phone app.

We now proceed to delete:

• 📱 Open the phone application (icon with a handset).
• 📜 Go to the tab "Journal" (usually the second icon at the bottom).
• ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Delete».
• 🗑️ Tick the required records or click "Select all».
• 🔴 Confirm the removal with the “OK” button».

If the records reappear after deletion, they are recovered from the cloud, in which case proceed to Method 3 (deep cleaning).

Method 2: Cleaning through the “Settings” of the system

This method removes not only visible records, but also temporary files associated with the call log. It is useful if the standard deletion failed or you suspect that the data is still stored in the system. Redmi 9 has a special section called Memory, where you can manually erase the cache of the Phone application.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Cleanup.
2. Wait for the system analysis (it can take up to 30 seconds).
3. Click "More" at the bottom of the screen.
4. Find the Phone app (com.android.dialer) in the list and open it.
5. Click on Clear Cache and Clear Data (the latter will delete all app settings, but not contacts!).

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After cleaning the cache, restart the phone – this will speed up the application of changes and avoid possible interface glitches.

This is more radical than the first, but it doesn't affect cloud-based copies, and if the calls are synchronized with Google, they still have to be manually deleted through the web version of Google Contacts.

Method 3: Deep cleaning with synchronization shutdown

If you need to permanently delete all call records, including backups, follow this instruction, which is suitable for users who want to reset their history without the possibility of recovery.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off sync: Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Turn off sync between Contacts and Call Log (if there is one).
2. Delete the Phone app data: Open Settings → Apps → Application Management. Find Phone and click Storage. Select Clear Data and confirm.
3. Clear the system services cache: Go back to App Management and find Google Play Services. Clear the cache (not data!).

Delete backup copies:

• Open Google Drive on your computer.
• Go to “Backups” and delete files with the name call_logs_*.ab.

After completing all the steps, restart your phone. Now your call history is deleted forever, including hidden copies. If you plan to sell or transfer the device, we recommend you also perform a factory reset (Settings → About Phone → Reset).

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for power users)

If the built-in MIUI tools fail (for example, due to a system failure or a virus), you can use third-party utilities. We tested several applications on Redmi 9 and selected the most reliable ones:

Warning: Before using third-party applications, back up your contacts (e.g., via Settings → System → Backup). Some utilities may accidentally delete not only the log, but also saved numbers.

If after using third-party software calls still appear, check:

• 🔄 Sync with Mi Cloud is not enabled (Settings) → Mi Account. → Cloud).
• 📱 Are there any duplicate calling apps (like Truecaller or WhatsApp) that keep their log).
• 🛠️ Have administrator rights been set for call recording applications (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).

What to do if the call records are not deleted?

Sometimes Redmi 9 users are faced with a situation where the call log is not cleared in any way.

• 🔧 System failure (for example, after a failed update) MIUI).
• 📱 A virus or malware that blocks change.
• 🔒 Work profile restrictions (if the phone is managed via Android Enterprise).

Decisions:

1. Restart your phone in Safe Mode: Press the power button before the menu appears. Press and hold "Switch off," then confirm the safe mode. Try to delete the records again.

Reset the settings of the phone application:

adb shell pm clear com.android.dialer

(Requires USB debugging and a computer).

Check your phone for viruses.

Malwarebytes

Dr.Web Light

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If none of these things worked, it's probably a system failure problem, and in that case, it's only going to help you reset completely (Settings → About Phone → Reset), but it's going to delete all the data from the device.

How to prevent the retention of calls in the future?

To prevent the call history from accumulating again, set up Redmi 9 as follows:

• 🚫 Turn off automatic synchronization: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google → Contacts (off).
• 📵 Stop apps from recording calls: Settings → Permits → Microphone (disable access for unnecessary applications).
• 🔄 Set up automatic cleaning: Use MacroDroid to create the rule: Every 7 days → Clear the call log».

If you make frequent calls at work and want to save only important records, use the tags in the Phone app:

1. Open the right call in the magazine.
2. Click on the icon «⭐» (chosen).
3. These records will not be deleted during a mass clean-up.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting calls on Redmi 9

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If you often clean the log, add the Phone app widget to the home screen, which will speed up access to the removal features.