Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face a situation when the device begins to automatically save audio recordings of all incoming and outgoing calls without the user’s knowledge. This function, built into the proprietary shell MIUI or HyperOS, was originally conceived for the convenience of conducting business negotiations and storing important information. However, in some cases, constantly filling the memory with audio recordings becomes a problem that requires an immediate solution.
In addition, privacy issues and legal regulations in different countries dictate their own rules: recording a conversation without warning the interlocutor may be illegal. Therefore, the ability to quickly find and deactivate this option is an important skill for any ecosystem user Android. In this guide, we will analyze in detail all the ways to disable the function, from standard settings to working with third-party software.
Standard call settings in MIUI and HyperOS
The first place where you need to look for the recording switch is the built-in “Phone” application. The interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the operating logic remains the same. You need to open the dialing application and find the additional settings menu, which is usually hidden behind an icon with three dots or a gear.
In the menu that opens, you should find the item Call Recording. This is where the main switch is hidden, responsible for automatically saving audio. If the feature is active, you will see a slider in the Enabled position, as well as additional options such as recording only certain numbers or all calls in a row. Disable This slider will instantly stop creating new files.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions (for example, EU countries) due to strict laws on the protection of personal data, the automatic recording function may be completely removed from the firmware at the software level. In this case, you will not find this item in the menu, even if it was there previously.
If you are using an outdated version of the shell, the path may look different. Try going to the general Settings smartphone, then select the section Applications and find the system “Phone” there. The recording control menu may also be duplicated within its settings. Make sure your changes are saved before closing the menu.
If you don't see the Call Recording option in the menu, try clearing the Phone app cache through your smartphone's settings. Sometimes this helps to return missing menu items after updating the system.
It is worth noting that on new models Redmi with shell HyperOS Google is actively implementing its dialer standards, where recording functions may be limited or require voice notification to the interlocutor. This is an important nuance that should be taken into account when updating your device.
Disabling recording for specific contacts
Sometimes the user does not need to completely disable the function, but a targeted setting. For example, you want to record conversations with clients, but you don't want to store conversations with loved ones. The system Xiaomi allows you to flexibly manage this process by creating lists of exceptions or priorities.
To set up a selective recording, enter the menu Call recordingthat we talked about earlier. There you will find the option Record specific numbers. By activating it, you can add contacts from your phone book to the list of those whose conversations will be saved. All other calls will proceed as usual without recording.
- 📞 Black list: You can add numbers to an exception so that they are never recorded, even if general autosaving is enabled.
- 📝 Manual mode: Turn off automation completely and use the record button only during an important conversation.
- 🔒 Privacy: Make sure that recorded files are not shared via cloud services.
This approach saves space in internal memory and maintain a balance between convenience and privacy. However, remember that managing lists requires time and regular updating of the contact book.
☑️ Setting up a selective recording
Third-party applications for recording conversations
Many users install additional apps from Google Play, such as Call Recorder or Automatic Call Recorderto get more advanced functionality. These apps often have their own settings that work independently of the phone's system settings. If you have disabled recording in the settings MIUI, but files continue to appear, the problem may be in third-party software.
Go to the settings of the installed recorder application. Usually there is a main switch Enable automatic recording. Also check the application permissions: it may have access to the microphone and phone, which allows it to intercept calls in the background. Delete or completely stopping such an application will solve the problem.
It is important to understand that with the release of new versions Android (starting from 10 and higher), Google has significantly limited the capabilities of third-party applications for recording calls for security purposes. Therefore, many older recorders may not work correctly or record only your voice, ignoring the other person.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party applications may request suspicious permissions, such as access to contacts, SMS or location. Carefully study the access rights before installing such software on yours Redmi.
Why did third-party applications stop working?
Starting with Android 10, Google changed its security policy, prohibiting third-party applications from accessing the audio stream during a call. Now the system dialer has an exclusive right to process audio, so old recorders often record silence instead of the interlocutor's voice.
File management and memory cleaning
After you have turned off the recording function, a large number of old audio files may remain on your device. They take up valuable internal memory space that could be used for photos or apps. Files are usually stored in a special folder, which can be accessed through a standard explorer.
Open the application Explorer and navigate to the path MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec. This is where all call recordings on smartphones are saved by default. Xiaomi. You can select all the files in this folder and delete them permanently. If you are using a third-party recorder, look for the folder with the name of this application in the root of the internal memory.
| File type | Extension | Approximate size | Where search |
|---|---|---|---|
| System recording | .m4a or .mp3 | 1-5 MB per call | MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec |
| Third-party software | .wav or .mp3 | 2-10 MB per call | CallRecorder/Recordings |
| Temporary file | .tmp | 0 KB (empty) | Application cache |
| Voice message | .amr | 0.5-2 MB | Dictaphone/Notes |
Regular cleaning of this folder will help keep your smartphone in good shape. You can also configure automatic deletion of old recordings through the settings of the recording application itself if you plan to use it manually in the future.
Call recording files are not automatically deleted when the function is disabled. You need to manually go to the MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec folder and clear it to free up space.
Resetting the Phone application settings
In rare cases, software glitches occur when the recording switch does not respond to presses or the function turns on by itself after a reboot. In such a situation, an effective solution would be to reset the settings of the “Phone” system application to factory settings. This action will not delete your contacts, but will return all dialer parameters to their original state.
To perform a reset, go to Settings smartphone, then select section Applications → All applications. Find the application in the list Phone (green tube icon). Click on it and select Clear, and then Reset settings or Clear all. After this, restart the device and check the function.
This procedure also helps to correct errors related to number identification or speakerphone operation communications. If the recording problem is caused by a software code conflict after a system update, such a reset is often the only working solution without flashing the device.
Path for reset:
Settings → Applications → All applications → Phone → Wipe → Reset settings
Legal aspects and ethics of recording
The issue of recording telephone conversations is regulated by the laws of different countries. In the Russian Federation, according to Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, violation of the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations is a criminal offense. However, judicial practice shows that recording your own conversation for personal use (as evidence in court) is often permissible if you are a participant in the conversation.
However, the distribution or publication of such recordings without the consent of the interlocutor is strictly prohibited. When using the recording function on Redmi it is recommended to notify the other party that the conversation is being recorded. This will not only comply with ethical standards, but will also protect you from possible legal consequences.
- ⚖️ Personal use: As a rule, it is allowed to record agreements.
- 🚫 Publication: Prohibited without the written consent of all participants in the conversation.
- 🏢 Business: In commercial activities, an official warning about recording (voice menu) is often required.
⚠️ Attention: Legislation may change. Before using recorded conversations as evidence in official settings, consult with a lawyer regarding the current regulations in your region.
If you are using the recording for work, add the phrase at the beginning of the conversation: “The conversation is being recorded for quality control.” This will remove most of the ethical and legal issues.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why do files still appear after recording is turned off?
Most likely, you have a third-party application installed for recording calls, which works regardless of the Xiaomi system settings. Check the list of installed apps and remove unnecessary recorders, or go to their settings and disable autosave.
Is it possible to recover deleted call recordings?
If you deleted files through Explorer and emptied the Recycle Bin (if you have one), it is impossible to restore them using standard means. There are special apps for data recovery, but they do not guarantee success, especially if new information has already been recorded in place of the deleted files.
Where are call records stored on Redmi?
By default, system records are located in the folder Internal memory/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. Files from third-party applications can be stored in folders with the names of these applications in the root of the internal memory or on the SD card.
Does the phone record conversations in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)?
The standard call recording feature in the Phone app only works with regular cellular calls (GSM/VoLTE). Conversations in instant messengers use the Internet channel and are not recorded by this function. To record calls on WhatsApp, you need special third-party solutions that work unstable.
Does recording a conversation affect the quality of the call?
In modern smartphones Redmi the impact on the quality of the call is minimal. The processors are powerful enough to process the audio stream and store it in parallel. However, on very old models or with a poor network signal, you may experience a slight increase in audio latency.