Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to save an important phone conversation, whether it is a business conversation or clarifying the details with the operator. However, after the call is completed, many users are lost in the wilds of the file system, not knowing exactly where the device saved the audio file. Search for a record can become a real quest, especially given the regular updates to the MIUI shell and the transition to the new HyperOS, which periodically change the structure of the menu and access to the system folders.
Understanding the logic of storage in Android is key to success. Unlike some other manufacturers, Xiaomi uses a standard, but sometimes hidden from the eyes of the average user directory structure. By default, all records are stored in internal storage, not on the Internet. SIM-It's a map or a cloud, unless you set up the sync separately, which means that even if you change the sync, you can do it. SIM-The files will remain in the phone’s memory, but their location may not be obvious without knowing the exact path.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to detect audio files, from the standard Phone app to manual search through Explorer. We will touch on the nuances of working with new versions of Android, where Google has increased restrictions on access to system folders, which directly affected owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones, you will learn how to quickly find the right files, sort them and even change the default saving path to free up space on the system drive.
Search through the standard phone application
The most obvious and quick way to find a record of a particular conversation is to look at the call history. The standard MIUI Dialer or Google Phone app (depending on the region and firmware version) has a convenient integration of media files with the call log. You don't have to go into files if you remember the approximate time or number of the interlocutor.
Open the Phone app and go to the History or Journal tab, and find the contact or number you want in the list. If you've recorded a conversation, or if you've recorded it, you'll see a special icon next to or underneath the number -- usually a small tape recorder or a symbol -- and if you click on the call card, you'll see a play button that allows you to listen to the dialogue right away.
However, if you just need to copy a file or send it, you don't need to play it one playback. The call log interface often has an "i" button or three dots in the corner of the screen. By clicking on them, you'll be taken to a detailed call menu where you can access the "Record" or "Record File" option, from which you can send the file via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or messengers.
- 📞 Open the call log and find the number you need.
- 🔍 Click on the speaker icon or the letter “i” next to the number.
- ▶️ Select "View the recording" or "Send».
- 📂 If you have a Google Phone, click on three dots. → «Records of conversations».
It’s worth noting that Google’s latest updates to Android 11, 12, 13 and 14 have implemented strict privacy restrictions, and now Google’s Phone app can hide direct access to files through a File Manager, forcing users to listen to records only inside the app, which is designed to protect personal data but creates inconveniences for those who want to archive files manually.
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If you don’t see the log entry icon, make sure that the auto record function is enabled in the Phone app settings (three dots → Settings → Call Record).
The exact path in the file manager
For those who prefer to work with the file system directly or want to move files to the computer, knowing the exact path is critical. In Xiaomi smartphones, the folder structure is quite logical, but has its own peculiarities depending on whether you use a standard Chinese dealer or a global version with Google services.
In most cases, especially on older versions. MIUI In Chinese firmware, the path to files is as follows: internal memory. → folder MIUI → folder sound_recorder → folder call_rec. This is where all your voice recordings and phone conversations in format lie.mp3 or.
This is different if you use global firmware with the Google Phone app, in which case the system can redirect records to a different directory that meets Google's security requirements. The path can change to: Internal Storage → Phone → Call. Sometimes the folder can be simply called Recordings or Call Recordings at the root of internal memory.
What do I do if the folder is empty?
For easy search, use the built-in sorting tool. Open Explorer, go to Audio or Records. The system automatically scans the device and gives you a list of all the audio files, and you can sort them by the date of change to find the latest ones.
- 📁 Open the File Manager (File Manager) application).
- 💾 Select "Internal drive».
- 📂 Find the file. MIUI phone.
- 🎧 Move to the sound_recorder → call_rec call.
It's important to remember access rights. On new versions of Android, when you first open a folder, the system can ask permission to access files. You have to click "Allow" or the explorer will show a blank page. Without that permission, you can neither listen to nor copy the file.
Features of working in HyperOS and new MIUI
With the release of the HyperOS shell and update to MIUI 14 Android-based 13/14, Google requires that voice recorders and telephony applications use a secure storage system, which means that direct access to the folder is possible. /Android/data/ For third-party file managers, it may be restricted or closed entirely.
If you have recently updated and can’t find old records, check the path /Android/data/com.android.phone/files/CallRecording. However, due to security limitations, a standard Explorer may not let you inside this folder, in which case the system will suggest using special system access or redirect to a storage application.
☑️ Checking storage settings
Users often wonder whether it is possible to change the way of saving to a memory card. SD? In newer firmware versions, this feature is often blocked by developers to ensure the stability of the system and prevent data loss when retrieving the card. SD-Map" is not in the menu settings of the recorder, so in your version of Xiaomi it is technically impossible without obtaining the rights Root.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | Android version | A typical path to the records | Access to third-party RPs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Android 10 / 11 | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec | Complete. |
| MIUI 14 | Android 12 / 13 | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec | Limited. |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Android 14 | /Android/data/... (depending on the dialer) | Prohibited without special rights |
| Global ROM (Google Dialer) | Android 11+ | /Phone/Call or within the application | Only through the app |
Owners of HyperOS devices are advised to regularly back up their records folder, as when settings are reset or flashed, this data can be lost irrevocably, especially if it is stored in system partitions that are formatted when a new OS is installed.
Use of cloud services and synchronization
Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are closely integrated with cloud services, so you don’t have to worry about losing important conversations when your device breaks. The main tool is Mi Cloud. If you have a Mi Account account, you can set up automatic voice recorder sync.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Recorder. Turn on the sync switch. After that, all new records, including phone conversations (if processed by a system recorder), will be uploaded to the cloud, which is especially convenient if you want to access the recording from a computer or other device.
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Cloud sync is the only reliable way to save records when your smartphone is completely broken, as local files will be lost.
Also worth mentioning is Google Drive. Some versions of Google’s Phone app allow you to back up conversation records directly to your Google account. However, this feature is not available in all regions and depends on the specific version of the app. You can check this in the Phone app settings → Call Record → Recording.
Keep in mind that cloud storage isn't limitless.The base volume of the Mi Cloud is just 5GB, which isn't much if you're recording long conversations in high quality.It's recommended to periodically clear the cloud or buy extra fare if the records are critical.
- ☁️ Go to the Mi Account settings.
- 🔄 Select the section "Cloud».
- 🎙️ Activate synchronization for the "Dictophone».
- 📲 Check the download status in the notification curtain.
Access problems and their solution
Often, users are faced with a situation where the record seems to have been recorded, but the file disappeared or does not open. One common reason is the overflow of the cache of the Phone or Dictator application, the system may not have time to close the file correctly after the call was completed, which led to its corruption.
Why is the recording interrupted?
If files aren't visible in Explorer, try clearing the Explorer app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Find Explorer → Memory → Clear the cache. This won't delete your files, but will update the file system index, and missing folders may appear.
⚠️ Warning: Never delete system files from a folder.android_secure Or hidden files with the prefix ".." at the root of the drives, even if they take up space, which can disrupt applications that record and store data.
Another problem is file formatting. Sometimes records are saved in.m4a or.ogg format, which not all players read out of the box. If the file is not played, try changing its extension to.mp3 through renaming (this doesn't always work, but often helps) or use a universal player, such as VLC Player.