Searching for recorded phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is often a star-studded task, especially after the MIUI shell updates or the transition to Android 11 and later. Xiaomi 10 S users are no exception to the changes in the logic of the file system and Google's security policies. If the audio folder was previously available immediately, now the path to them can be hidden or changed depending on the application used.
In this article, we will take a closer look at where your device folds audio recordings, how to find them through the built-in Explorer, and what to do if standard search methods fail. Understanding the structure of file system directories will help you quickly find the right dialogs, sort them and transfer them to your computer without losing data.
It should be noted that the location of the file directly depends on which application is used to make calls: standard MIUI Dialer or Google Phone. This nuance often confuses owners of Xiaomi 10 S, who expect to find the record in a familiar place, without considering system changes.
Standard path in the Xiaomi file system
By default, the Android operating system in conjunction with the MIUI shell organizes the storage of multimedia data in a strictly defined hierarchy. For most users using standard settings, call records are stored in the internal storage of the device. To get to them, you need to open the Explorer application or Files.
The main directory you are interested in is usually called MIUI. Inside it is a folder. sound_recorder, And now it's a subfolder. call_rec. The full path often looks like internal memory./MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. However, some firmware versions may have different structure, and files may lie at the root of the Recordings or Call folder.
If you use a third-party file manager with system folder permissions, the search can be simplified. Xiaomi's built-in Explorer often has a separate Entries category on the main menu that aggregates all audio files, including voice recordings and call recordings, ignoring the physical paths to the files.
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Search for the.mp3 or.m4a extension inside Explorer if you can’t find the folder manually, which is the fastest way to filter the files you want.
It’s important to understand that since Android 11 came out, access to the Android/data root folder and some system directories has been limited, meaning that some older file managers may simply not display the contents of the right directories, requiring the native MIUI tool or special permissions.
- 📁 Open the “Conductor” app on the main screen.
- 📁 Go to the section "Internal Storage).
- 📁 Find the file «MIUI», later «sound_recorder» and «call_rec».
- 📁 Alternative path: Recordings folder at the root of the storage.
Differences between MIUI Dialer and Google Phone
One key factor affecting file layout is the pre-installed call app. Global versions of Xiaomi 10 S often feature the standard Google Phone, while Chinese or some European builds use their own MIUI Dialer. These two apps use different save algorithms and different directories.
Google Phone by default may not record conversations at all without third-party solutions or using special codes that depend on the region. SIM-If the recording is done through an embedded feature (where it is allowed), the files are often saved to a Phone folder inside the main directory of Recordings or to a hidden application cache that is difficult to access without root rights.
In the case of MIUI Dialer is a simpler situation: the system creates a separate folder for each type of record. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec, But sometimes, depending on the version MIUI (12, 13 or 14), shifting MIUI/sound_recorder/All. Also, it should be borne in mind that Google Phone when recording often warns the interlocutor with a voice notification, while MIUI Dialer can do this silently if the region allows it.
If you’ve switched from one type of call to another, the old records will stay in the folders of the previous app. So if you don’t see recent conversations, check the default settings in Settings → Applications → App Management → Phone to see which software handles the calls.
Search for records through the Dictophone application
The easiest and most reliable way to find the right record without digging into the wilds of the file system is to use the regular Sound Recorder app, which acts as the central hub for all audio files created by the system in Xiaomi smartphones, and even if the files are physically in different folders, the voice recorder interface combines them into a single tape.
When you run an app, you'll see tabs or categories, one of which will be called Calls or Call, and it shows you a chronological list of all the conversations you've recorded. When you click on a particular record, you can listen to it, rename it, delete it, or share it. It's through Share that you can often see the actual path to the file or send it straight to the messenger.
It's easy to sort things internally, you can filter records by date, duration, or contact name, and this is especially useful when you've accumulated a few gigabytes of audio and manual search is ineffective, and you can also tag favorites so that important conversations don't get lost.
Hidden functions of the Dictaphone
Note that the Dictaphone app on Xiaomi 10 S can sync with the Xiaomi Cloud if this feature is activated, which means that even when you delete a file from your phone, it can remain available in cloud storage for 30 days (or longer, depending on the tariff).
- 🎙️ Open the "Dictophone" or "Sound Recording" application».
- 🎙️ Switch to the Calls tab at the top or bottom of the screen.
- 🎙️ Use contact name search to quickly locate the file.
- 🎙️ Click on three dots next to the record to access the file management menu.
Configure automatic preservation and quality
So you don't have to worry about manually turning on the record every time, you need to set up the automation correctly, and in the Dictaphone app or in the call settings (Settings → Call Recording), you can activate Automatic Recording mode, and you can select the settings here: record all numbers, only unknown or only favorite contacts.
Recording quality is another important parameter. On the Xiaomi 10 S, with its powerful processor and good array of microphones, you can choose between standard and high quality. High quality (HD) takes up more space but provides better legibility, which is critical for important negotiations. Standard quality often uses a codec with strong compression, which saves space.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File format | MP3 or M4A (AAC) | M4A for better balance of quality and size |
| Sound source | Microphone or Systemic sound | System sound (if available) for cleanliness |
| Autopreservation | On/off | Include for all or for a select few |
| Storage | Memory of the phone or the cloud | Local + backup in the cloud |
Remember to check your storage settings periodically if you have selected the option to save SD-map (if the model supports extension or is used) OTG), Make sure the card is in good working order. A memory card failure can damage the database of records, and it will be extremely difficult to restore them.
☑️ Checking the recording settings
Access problems and hidden folders
A common problem for Xiaomi 10 S users is the inability to find files through a computer when connecting via USB. This is due to the fact that modern versions of Android hide system folders from external access in Charge Only mode or even in File Transfer mode, unless special permissions are given.
To get around this limitation, when connecting to a PC, select the File Transfer mode» (MTP). If the folder with records is still not visible, try using the protocol. FTP or SMB. In the conductor MIUI There is a function of “Remote management” or “Network access”, which allows you to get full access to the file system of the smartphone via Wi-Fi, bypassing restrictions USB-protocol.
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Use of the FTP-access through the built-in conductor MIUI — The most reliable way to copy hidden system files to a computer without root rights.
Also worth mentioning is the.Trash or Recycle Bin folder, which doesn't disappear instantly, but instead, it goes to the Dictaphone or Gallery app basket (if it was from a video), where it's stored for 30 days. If you accidentally delete an important file, check that section first.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the cache of the Phone or Dictator application through Android settings (Settings) → Annexes → Memory. → Clear cache) your records are not usually deleted, but cleaning the Application Data can cause the call list and settings to disappear completely, although the audio files themselves may remain in folders».
Cloud Synchronization and Backup
For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is critical to set up synchronization. Xiaomi Cloud service allows you to automatically upload call records to the cloud, which not only protects against data loss when your phone breaks, but also frees up space in the internal memory of the Xiaomi 10 S.
You can set up your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → Recorder and activate sync. Please note that only 5 GB is available for free, so when you use the call record, the place can quickly run out. In this case, it makes sense to use third-party cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, setting up an automatic upload of the record folder through synchronizing applications.
Backing up to your computer is also a viable method. call_rec This is especially important before upgrading your firmware or resetting your phone to factory settings, as a full reset (Wipe Data) is guaranteed to delete all local files.
- ☁️ Go to the Mi Account settings on your device.
- ☁️ Select the “Xiaomi Cloud” section and find the “Dictorphone” section».
- ☁️ Turn on the sync switch.
- ☁️ Check the download status in the web version of the cloud i.mi.com.
⚠️ Note: When synced via Mi Cloud, remember that when you delete a file on one device (for example, you cleaned your phone), it will automatically be deleted in the cloud and on other connected devices.