Call history on Xiaomi smartphones can take up precious space in the memory of the device, and sometimes urgently need to remove the trace of a particular conversation. Unlike messages, calls are not always synchronized with the cloud, which makes them difficult to manage. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods, from standard removal through the MIUI interface to hidden functions of the engineering menu, which work even on locked devices.
Feature of firmware MIUI It stores call logs in multiple places, in the Phone app, in system logs, and sometimes in Mi Cloud backups, and we'll look at not only basic settings, but also little-known tricks like how to delete calls through the phone. ADB Or using a file manager with root rights. We will pay special attention to the Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13, where the interface may be different.
1. Standard removal through the "Phone" application
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Phone app, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-15 models and does not require additional rights, but it has a limitation: you can not delete all calls at once without confirming each number.
To clear up the story:
- ๐ฑ Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- ๐ Go to the tab "Journal" (usually the second icon at the bottom).
- โ๏ธ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Delete".
- ๐๏ธ Check the unneeded entries or click "Select All" for complete cleaning.
- ๐น Confirm the action with the button "Delete".
In some models (for example, POCO F4) Instead of three dots, there can be a button. โฎ โ Settings โ If you don't have an option, update the Phone app via Google Play.
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If you only need to delete one call, swipe left through the log entry and click "Delete".
2. Mass removal through MIUI settings
If the standard method didn't work (for example, because of a failure of the Phone application), you can use system settings, which removes the entire history without the possibility of selective cleaning.
Instructions:
- Open "Settings" (โ๏ธ).
- Go to the Apps โ Application management.
- Find the phone in the list and tap it.
- Select Warehouse โ Clear Data โ Clear the Call Log.
- Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
โ ๏ธ Note: This method will also reset the phone app settings, including selected contacts and call forwarding options. On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, VoLTE may need to be re-activated after data clearing.
3. Removal via engineering menu (for advanced users)
The engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to manage low-level phone settings, including call logs, which is suitable for non-root devices, but requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the communication module.
Step-by-step:
- ๐ Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- ๐ง In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- ๐ Scroll down to the "Call Log" block".
- ๐๏ธ Click on Clear Call Log (on some firmwares, the option may be called Delete Call History).
If the combination doesn't work, try the alternative code: ##284## (Team Module Test). Redmi 10 and older models may need to enter PIN-code SIM-map.
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
4. Removal via ADB (no root)
If standard methods donโt work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to your computer, but does not violate the warranty and works on all Xiaomi models with an unlocked bootloader.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- ๐ฑ Included debugging by USB (Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ Press 7 times, then return to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers โ Debugging by USB).
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original).
Cleanup commands:
adb shell
content query --uri content://call_log/calls
content delete --uri content://call_log/callsThe first command will show all the log entries (to check), the second will delete them. If you want to clean only incoming or outgoing, use filters:
content delete --uri content://call_log/calls --where "type=1" # Incoming
content delete --uri content://call_log/calls --where "type=2" # Outgoingโ ๏ธ Attention: MIUI 14+ Additional confirmation may be required on the phone when executing content delete commands. ADB Issuing permission denied error, try getting temporary root through Magisk first (only for unlocked devices).
5. Cleaning through the file system (root required)
For users with superuser rights, the most radical method available is direct deletion of the call database, which is guaranteed to clear all traces, including hidden system logs.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db.
- Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-map).
- Open the database to anyone. SQL-editor (e.g., editor, DB Browser for SQLite).
- Please contact us at DELETE FROM calls;
- Save the changes and restart the phone.
Alternative path (for new versions of MIUI):
/data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db| Method | Need root? | Deletes everything? | Difficulty | Is it good for MIUI 15? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard removal | โ No. | โ Yes (selectively) | โญ | โ Yes. |
| Cleaning through settings | โ No. | โ Yes (fully) | โญโญ | โ Yes. |
| Engineering menu | โ No. | โ Yes. | โญโญโญ | โ ๏ธ Partially. |
| ADB | โ No. | โ Yes. | โญโญโญโญ | โ Yes. |
| File system | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | โญโญโญโญโญ | โ Yes. |
Install ADB Tools on PC
Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi
Connect your phone to the original cable
Check the availability of the device by the team `adb devices`
Backup of important data-->
6.How to remove calls from Mi Cloud backups
Many users forget that the history of calls can be stored in Mi Cloud, Xiaomi's cloud service, and even after cleaning the phone, the data can be restored the next time you log in.
Steps to remove from the cloud:
- ๐ Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- ๐ Select the section "Reserve copies".
- ๐ Find the latest backup of your device and click "Delete".
- ๐ Create a new backup with no call history (clean the log on your phone before doing so).
If you use contact sync through Google Account, check Google Contacts as well โ sometimes calls are duplicated there under the โRecentโ section.
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Disabling automatic synchronization in Mi Cloud (Settings โ Xiaomi Account โ Mi Cloud โ Synchronization โ Call Log) will prevent the reappearance of deleted records.
7. Recovery of Accidentally Deleted Calls
If you accidentally cleared an important story, you can try to restore it, and success depends on whether the data on the phone was overwritten after it was deleted.
Recovery methods:
- ๐ Recovery from Mi Cloud: If sync was enabled, check backups in the cloud (see Section 6).
- ๐ฑ Recovery apps: Programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can scan a phone's memory for deleted records. ~30โ50%.
- ๐พ Local backups: If you have backups through adb backup or TWRP, Try to extract data from the archive.
On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+, the chances of recovery are lower due to the encryption of user data.If the phone has been rebooted after deleting, the probability of success tends to zero.