How to completely disable the recording of calls on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is a useful feature for business correspondence or fixing important agreements. However, not all users want their conversations to be automatically stored in the device’s memory. The reasons range from wanting to save space on the internal drive to concerns about privacy. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not always make this process intuitive — the option may be hidden in non-obvious menu sections or not at all in some versions of MIUI firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable the recording of calls on Redmi Note. 8/9/10/11/12 And other models in the series, including hidden settings and workarounds for older versions of the software, you'll learn how to deactivate the function through the standard menu, with the help of the engineering mode, and what to do if the write option is not displayed in the settings at all. We will focus on the nuances for different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14) And explain why after updating the system parameters can be reset.

Why does Xiaomi record calls by default?

The automatic conversation recording feature has been introduced in MIUI since version 10, but has been widely adopted since the release of MIUI 12, and is positioned by the manufacturer as a tool for business users and those who often conduct important phone conversations.

From a technical point of view, Xiaomi uses the record to:

• 📊 Communication quality analysts (interferences, breaks, signal level are recorded in the background).
• 🔄 Improvements to the Xiao Voice Assistant AI (if it's activated).
• 📁 Archiving conversations in the Mi Cloud (when synchronizing your account).
• 🛠 Diagnostics of problems with microphone or speaker (in service centers).

It is important to understand that even if you do not see the recorded files in the gallery, they can be stored in a secure folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/ It can be downloaded to the cloud, and it can be downloaded to some Redmi Note models (like Notes). 9 Pro for Indian market) recording is activated automatically on the first call and does not turn off until manual intervention.

⚠️ Note: In Russia and EU countries, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws on the protection of personal data (for example, Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation or the law on the protection of personal data). GDPR). Before using the function, clarify local legislation.

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

The easiest method is to deactivate the recording directly in the call app. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained:

1. Open the Phone app** (the phone icon on the home screen).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Settings»**.
3. Scroll down to the "Talk Recording" section (or "Call Recording" in English firmware).

If you do not have a “recording” menu item, you will:

• 📱 You have a global firmware (for example, MIUI Global) where the function is disabled by default.
• 🔄 Software update required (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛠 The function is hidden by the manufacturer for your region (needs a workaround).

Make sure you have the latest version of MIUI.

Check for the "Recording conversations" item in your phone settings

Turn off sync with Mi Cloud (if you use it)

Restart the device after the changes-->

On the Redmi Note 10/11 with MIUI 13+, the path can look like this: Phone → Settings → Additional → Call Recording. In some cases, the option is hidden under the item “Improving Calls”** – you can also turn off the analytics of communication quality.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard method didn't work, try turning off the recording via the engineering menu, which is suitable for Redmi Note 8/9/10 models with custom or regional firmware. Be careful: improper actions in engineering mode can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app** and enter the combination: ##4636###.
2. In the menu that appears, select “Phone Information” (or “Phone Information”).

If #4636### doesn’t work, try the alternative codes:

• #83781## – Disables background recording for diagnosis

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 the engineering menu can be blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, then your firmware restricts access to these settings. ADB).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed and call recording is still active, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but is guaranteed to work on any Redmi Note regardless of the version of MIUI.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi Note to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Use the command to disable call recording: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 0
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

If the recording is still active after the reboot, try the additional command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.incallui/.CallRecordingService

This will completely disable the recording service, but it can affect the standard Phone app. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.incallui/.CallRecordingService

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

Method 4: Delete recorded files and clean up cache

Even after the function is disabled, the old records can remain in the device's memory to delete them completely.

1. Open the Files app (or any file manager, such as MiXplorer*).

If the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ missing, check in:

• 🔍 Hidden folders (enable display in file manager settings).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud Cloud Storage – Records Could be Synced There.
• 🗑 Recycle Bin – sometimes files are moved there instead of being completely deleted.

💡

Deleting records does not guarantee that they will not recover after the next call: first turn off the recording function (Method 1-3), then clean the files.

Problems and Solutions: Why is the recording not switched off?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, Xiaomi Redmi Note continues to record calls.

1. firmware with regional restrictions

On devices in India (MIUI India) or China, the recording of calls can be sewn into the system.

• 🌍 Change the firmware region to Global through Settings → Additionally. → Region (resetting will be required).
• 🔄 Install custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu) where the function is disabled by default.

2. Conflict with other applications

Some programs (e.g. Truecaller, Cube Call Recorder) can include recordings themselves.

• 📱 Setting these applications for the recording option.
• 🚫 Permissions to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.

3. Reset to factory settings

If nothing helps, do a full reset (don’t forget to back up!):

1. Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data.
2. After the reboot, don’t restore data from the backup – set up the phone as new.
3. Check if the call record is active (usually disabled after the reset).

Yeah, through standard settings.

Yeah, but I had to use ADB.

No, nothing worked.

I didn’t have that function in the first place.-->

Alternative solutions: If nothing works

If all of these methods are powerless, consider the following options:

1.Use of a third-party application for calls

Set up an alternative call, such as:

• 📞 Google Phone (official app from Google, without recording function).
• 📱 Simple Dialer (a minimalist open source call).

After installation:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → By default → Phone App**.
2. Select the installed call as the primary call.

2.Blocking access to microphone

Limit the standard phone app to the microphone:

1. Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions.
2. Turn off the Microphone resolution.

Cons: This can disrupt voice calls (such as WhatsApp or Viber).

3. Contact the service center

If call recording is activated at the firmware level (for example, on Redmi Note for corporate customers), contact the official Xiaomi service with a request to reflash the device on the global version of MIUI. This is a paid service, but guaranteed to solve the problem.

💡

Before you visit the service center, take a screenshot of the settings, where you can see that the recording is active, which will help technicians diagnose the problem faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls on Xiaomi Redmi Note