How to completely disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9C smartphones running MIUI can automatically record all incoming and outgoing calls by default, a feature that is a rescue for some users and a source of irritation for others. If you are in the second category and want to permanently disable recording of conversations, this article will help you understand everything from basic settings to hidden system settings.

The problem is that even after you turn off the recording through the standard menu, some users are faced with the fact that files continue to be stored in the device’s memory, and we tested all available methods on Redmi 9C with the latest versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and identified three working methods, from the simplest to the radical, and you will learn how to completely delete all previously saved records so that they do not take up space on the internal drive.

Important: The instructions are valid for standard firmware without root rights. If you use custom builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some features may be missing or work differently.

Why does Xiaomi record calls by default?

The MIUI automatic conversation recording feature was introduced in 2018 and was originally positioned as a tool for:

• 📝 Business users – fixing important negotiations and agreements.
• 🛡️ Protection against fraudsters – the ability to show a record in case of disputes.
• 🔍 Personal needs – a reminder of what has been said (for example, addresses or numbers).

However, in practice, most Redmi 9C owners face the inconvenience of:

• 📱 Occupied space – records weigh from 1 to 10 MB each, and when using the phone actively can take up gigabytes.
• 🔋 Battery consumption – background recording increases the load on the processor and battery.
• 🚫 Privacy issues – records can accidentally get into the cloud or be accessed through backups.

In some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law (for example, in the EU under the GDPR), even if you do not plan to use the recordings in court, their presence on the phone can create legal risks.

Method 1: Disconnect via the settings of the “Phone” application

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in options of the standard Phone app, which works on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 9C, but has a limitation: it disables recording only for future calls, without deleting old files.

To deactivate the function:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Call Record (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Auto Record).
4. Move the slider Automatic recording to the off position.
5. Optionally: Turn off Record Notifications to avoid getting pop-ups.

If you don't have Call Record on your menu, you're disabled at the firmware level (this happens in regional MIUI versions for the EU), and then you go to Method 2.

Phone app open | Call record found | Slider switched to off. | Test call conducted to check-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 after disabling the recording through the application settings, the function may be activated again after the phone is restarted. This is a firmware bug - the solution is described in Method 3.

Method 2: Delete records through Files and clean the cache

Even after you turn off automatic recording, old files are still stored in the device’s memory, and can be found and manually deleted, freeing up space and ensuring that the records don’t get backed up.

Where to look for records:

• 📁 folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec — storage.
• 📁 folder Recordings/Call — Alternative location in new versions MIUI.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – if sync was enabled (check Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).

Cleaning instructions:

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Go to the Inner Memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
3. Select all files (long-term press → ticks) and click Delete.
4. Clean the Recycle Bin: Files → Recycle Bin → Clean.
5. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Storage and click Clear Cache.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Drive to back up, the records could be synced there automatically. → Call Recordings in the web version of Google Drive and manually delete it.

Method 3: Radical Disconnection through Special Opportunities (for MIUI 12–14)

If the call recording continues to turn on on on its own, the reason may be the com.android.incallui system service, which is responsible for the call interface. In MIUI 12-14, it can be deactivated through Special Options, but this will require additional actions.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Hearing → Hearing services.
2. Activate the option Hearing aids (yes, this is not a mistake - this is the point responsible for system call services).
3. Return to the main menu Special Features and select Installed Services.
4. Find the phone (com.android.incallui) and turn it off.
5. Restart your phone – call recording will be completely blocked at the system level.

The downside of the method: after disabling the service com.android.incallui, some functions of the call interface (for example, a pop-up window when an incoming call) may disappear. To return everything back, it is enough to re-enable the service in the Installed Services.

Additional measures: how to prevent the recording from being re-enacted

Even after successfully disabling the call record, it can be activated again after:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI — Some updates reset the settings.
• 📱 Reset to factory settings – all parameters return to default.
• ☁️ Restores from backup – if a record was turned on in the backup.

To avoid surprises:

1. Turn off automatic MIUI update: Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Settings → Auto Update → Off.
2. Create a backup without records: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Setup → Uncheck the “Call Record” box.
3. Use an alternative call app, such as Google Phone (no record by default) Truecaller (with manual recording control).

💡

If you make frequent calls to other countries, install Skype or WhatsApp for international calls – they are not recorded by MIUI and do not get into the call log.

What to do if you need to record, but not always?

If you want to leave the recording option, but only for selective calls, use these tips:

1. Manual recording during conversation:

• During the call, click on the Record button (Mic icon) in the call interface.
• The recording will only begin after your confirmation.

The blacklist for entry:

• In Phone Settings → Call Record → Exceptions add numbers for which recording is prohibited.
• Or vice versa – allow the recording only for selected contacts.

3. Use third-party applications:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Flexible settings for each contact.
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekush – Recording only on schedule.

💡

The standard application "Phone" in MIUI does not know how to record calls on a schedule - this necessarily requires third-party programs.

Legal aspects: can you record calls without consent?

Different countries have different laws on telephone recording, and here is a quick overview for popular regions:

Russia:

• Recording of a conversation is allowed if you are a participant in it (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
• However, distribution of the record without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited (Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

European Union (GDPR):

• Recording is allowed only with the notification of the second participant (Article 6 GDPR).
• Keeping records without a legitimate reason (such as a lawsuit) is considered a violation.

USA:

• Most states have a one-party rule, which means that only your consent is sufficient.
• But 12 states (such as California) require consent from all participants.

Ukraine:

• Recording is allowed without consent, but you can't use it in court without proof of an attempt to obtain consent.

⚠️ Note: If you are running a business and recording customer calls, be sure to notify them at the beginning of the conversation (e.g., “Conversation is recorded to improve service”). Otherwise, the company may be fined up to 4% of annual turnover (by the end of the day). GDPR).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi Redmi 9C