Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face the need to keep an important conversation, whether it’s a business arrangement or an order confirmation. However, after the call is completed, many users are lost, not knowing exactly where the system saved the audio file. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS have their own specific folder structure, different from standard Android, which can confuse the beginner.
By default, all records are stored in the device’s internal storage, in a hidden or system directory, accessed through a standard Explorer. Understanding the logic of the Xiaomi file system will allow you to quickly find the files you need, sort them or transfer them to a computer for archiving. In this article, we will discuss in detail the full path to files and the nuances of the call recorder.
Standard path to files in a conductor
To find a saved conversation, you need to open the File Manager application, which may vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Go to the Internal Storage section, where the main file structure of the system is located.
The next step will be as follows: folder MIUI, inside sound_recorder, And now — call_rec. This is where all the audio files recorded through the system functionality are stored.m4a or.mp3 and named according to the date and time of the call, or the name of the contact, if it is stored in the phone book.
You can search files for quick access. Type the Explorer extension in the search bar.m4a keyword call_rec. This will help filter out extra files and find the right record among the many other audio on the device.
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Use date sorting in the explorer to find the most recent records, they will be at the top or bottom of the list depending on the selected parameter.
The full address of the path for manual crossing looks like this:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/If you don’t see the MIUI folder, make sure that hidden files are displayed in the Explorer settings, although in this case the folder is usually visible by default.
Search through the Dictophone app
There's a simpler way to find a record without wandering through folders, and all Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones have a Dictaphone system app preinstalled, which controls not only voice notes, but also the archive of phone conversations.
Open the Dictaphone app. At the top of the screen, you'll see tabs or mode switches. You need a Call Record tab (or phone handset icon) where all files are sorted chronologically, making navigation much easier.
By clicking on a specific entry, you can:
- 🎧 Listen to the conversation immediately after the call is completed.
- ✂️ Cutting off the extra audio parts directly in the editor.
- 📤 Share the file via messengers or email.
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary recording to vacate space.
The advantage of this method is that you don't need to know the technical paths to the files, but if you plan to connect your smartphone to your computer as a drive, you still need to know the physical location of the files.
Set up automatic recording of conversations
To avoid worrying about manually turning on a recording during an important conversation, it’s best to set up an automatic mode, which ensures that no important dialogue is missed out on because of your forgetfulness or rush.
To activate the function, perform the following actions:
☑️ Set-up of car photography
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner or go to Settings.
- Select the Call Record item.
- Activate the Auto Shooting Switch.
You can also configure exceptions here, for example, you can only write down certain numbers or, conversely, exclude the recording from hidden call numbers, and the option is also available to Notify about the recording: if it is turned on, the interlocutor will hear characteristic beeps or a voice warning that the conversation is being recorded.
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. EU countries), due to strict privacy laws, the recording function of conversations may be software-locked or work with a persistent audio notification that cannot be disabled.
Differences in MIUI and HyperOS
With the release of the new HyperOS operating system, which gradually replaces MIUI on the new Xiaomi and Redmi models, the file structure remained virtually unchanged, but the visual design and access to some features could have changed.
Owners of Android-based devices 13 And now, you have to take into account Google's security limitations, and the system can restrict third-party apps from accessing the folder. call_rec. This means that third-party file managers (such as Total Commander) may not see files without additional permissions.
| Parameter | Older versions of MIUI | New MIUI/HyperOS |
|---|---|---|
| File format | MP3 / M4A | Mostly M4A |
| Location. | MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec | MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec |
| Access to third-party applications | Full access | Limited (Scoped Storage) |
| The sound of the notification | Customizable | Frequently fixed |
Despite the updates, the basic principle of data storage in the MIUI folder has remained the standard for the company for several years.
Problems with lack of recording sound
One of the most common problems users face is that the recording is made, the file is there, but only one side is heard when playing (the interlocutor), and your voice is missing or the recording is silent.
This is often due to noise reduction or microphone design: In modern Redmi smartphones, the main microphone for conversations is located at the bottom, and the second microphone (for noise reduction) is located at the top.
Why can't you hear my voice?
To improve quality:
- 🔇 Make sure that the microphone holes are not closed with a finger or cover during the conversation.
- 📞 Try talking into the main microphone (bottom of the case) rather than holding the phone with your ear to the top speaker.
- ⚙️ In the recording settings, check whether the “Speaker Only” mode is worth it if such a item is available in your firmware version.
If the problem persists, you may need to reset the phone app settings or upgrade the system to the latest version.
Transfer and backup of records
Record files take up space in internal memory, which is often limited.To avoid losing important information when changing phones or resetting settings, it is recommended to regularly back up.
The easiest way is to connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-Cable. Select file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the contents of the folder call_rec Don't forget that when you connect to a PC, you may need to confirm on your smartphone screen.
You can also use cloud services. Set up folder sync. MIUI/sound_recorder with Google Drive, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud, this will automatically save new records to the cloud as soon as they are created.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to the factory settings (Hard Reset), all files in the internal memory, including the folder with the records of calls, will be permanently deleted.
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Regularly copying conversation records to a cloud server or PC is the only reliable way to protect data from loss when a smartphone breaks down.
Use of third-party applications
If you don’t like the standard Xiaomi functionality (for example, there is no recording via a speaker or an uncomfortable interface), you can install third-party apps from Google Play, such as Call Recorder or TapeACall.
However, starting with Android 9 and up, Google has imposed severe restrictions on recording conversations for third-party apps: They may not have access to the audio stream, which will result in recording silence.
When installing third-party software, be sure to provide all the requested permissions, including access to the microphone and phone.