How to completely disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 5 proven ways

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still a popular smartphone among users who value balance of price and functionality, and one of the controversial features of this model is automatic phone recording, which can work in the background without the owner’s knowledge. Depending on the version of MIUI and regional settings, this feature is either activated by default or hidden in the depths of the menu.

The problem is that not only does recording calls take up space in the device’s memory, but it can also violate privacy laws in some countries (e.g., the EU requires notifying the person to record), and conversation files are often stored in an unprotected form, which poses risks when a phone is lost, and in this article we will look at all possible ways to disable the recording, from standard settings to radical methods for power users.

Why does Redmi Note 7 record calls automatically?

The MIUI conversation recorder feature was originally designed as a feature for business users and those who want to keep important conversations, but in practice it often works without the device owner's explicit consent.

• 📱 Regional firmware settings: In some countries (India, China) recording is enabled by default due to local laws.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI. After upgrades to versions 10-12, the function can appear even if it was not previously available.
• 📲 Third-party applications: Some dealers or carriers install recording software (e.g., Xiaomi's Call Recorder).
• ⚙️ The Redmi Note 7 has a service menu (#4636##) where the recording can be activated.

It is important to understand that even if you do not see the notifications about the record, the files can be saved in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/calls Or in the Mi Cloud. Check this out before you switch off.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in system options, which is suitable for most versions of MIUI 10-14, but the path to the menu may vary slightly.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section Recording conversations (or Call Recording in English firmware).
4. Turn off the automatic recording slider.
5. Remove the ticks opposite Record all calls and Save to the cloud.

If you don't have a Call Record on the menu, it's either turned off at the firmware level or hidden, and then move on to the next way.

Make sure it's in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder no old files|Check the Mi Cloud for records|Backup important conversations (if needed)|Turn off call synchronization in Settings → Xiaomi account

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Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (for experienced)

If the standard settings don't work, the recording can be activated at the modem firmware level to turn it off:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636## (if it doesn't work, try ##36446337###).
2. In the menu that opens, select Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Voice Call Recording block.
4. Press Disable and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu - this can lead to network loss or modem failures. If after disconnecting the recording, mobile Internet is lost, reboot.

If the codes don't work, the engineering menu is blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only manual editing of system files (method 4) will help.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

For users who aren't afraid of command prompt, there's a method to disable recordings via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).It doesn't require superuser rights, but it will require a computer.

Steps:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode). Then: Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 7 Enter the command line: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 0
4. Reboot the phone.

To check if the shutdown has worked, enter the command:

adb shell settings get global call_recording_enabled

If answer 0, the recording is disabled.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers and reconnect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.

Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)

For those with superuser rights, you can completely remove the recording module from the system, a method that is guaranteed to disable the function at the kernel level, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/CallRecorder or /system/app/CallRecorder.
3. Remove or rename the CallRecorder folder (for example, in the CallRecorder_bak).
4. Go to /system/etc/permissions and delete the file com.miui.voiceassist.xml.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete failure).If after the changes the phone does not turn on, try to recover via Fastboot with official firmware.

Method 5: Delete Records and Clean Traces

Even after the feature is turned off, the phone may still have old records files, which must be manually deleted to make room and avoid data leakage.

Where to look:

• 📁 folder /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/ — storage.
• 📁 folder /sdcard/Recordings/ — alternate-position.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud → Calls are cloud-based copies.
• 🔍 folder /data/data/com.android.providers.media/ — cache of records (requires root).

To delete files:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and use Windows/macOS Explorer.
2. Or install a file manager on your phone (like FX File Explorer).
3. Select all files with the.amr or.mp3 extension and delete them.
4. Clear the basket and cache of the phone application in the settings.

Frequent problems and solutions

When you turn off a record, Redmi Note 7 users face typical difficulties.

1. There is no "Talk Record" item in the settings.

Reason: You have a global firmware (like MIUI Global) where the function is hidden, so the solution is to use ADB or an engineering menu.

2.The recording continues after the shutdown.

Reason: The function is activated by a third-party application (e.g. Truecaller or banking software). Solution - check the application rights in Settings → Applications → Rights → Microphone.

3. After editing the system files, the phone does not turn on.

Reason: build.prop is damaged or critical module is removed. Solution - run your phone through Fastboot with official firmware (you can download it on Xiaomi website).

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If you are not sure about your actions with root or ADB, you should contact the service center. Mismanipulation of system files can deprive you of warranty.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions