Have you had an important conversation on the phone, turned on the record, but now you can't find the file? Or accidentally deleted the record and want to restore it? On Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones (including Note 10/11/12/13 Pro models, Note 9T/8 Pro and others), the records of calls are stored in non-obvious folders, and their location depends on the version of MIUI, how you write, and even regional settings. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations, ways to search and restore records, from standard tools to hidden system folders.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi doesn't always store records in one place. For example, if you used a built-in voice recorder during a call, the file may lie in the Recorder folder, and if the recording was done through a third-party application (like Cube Call Recorder or ACR) you should search in its own directory. In addition, since MIUI 14, the company has tightened its privacy policy, and some records can be automatically encrypted or hidden from the user. We'll show you how to circumvent these restrictions legally and without root rights.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
If you recorded the conversation using the built-in voice recorder (the feature is not available on all Redmi Note models), then the files are saved by default in the folder:
Internal memory → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_recOr alternative way (depending on the firmware version):
Internal Memory of → Recorder → CallRecordsTo find this folder:
- Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
- Go to the Category tab → Audio.
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Show hidden files.
- Look for MIUI or Recorder folders.
Record files usually have an extension.m4a or.amr and names in format Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS. If the folder is not, it means that the recording was conducted through another application or the function is disabled in the settings.
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If you can't see the MIUI folder, try connecting your phone to your computer via USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode. Sometimes system folders only show up when you connect.
2. Where to look for records if a third-party application was used
Popular call recording apps (such as Cube Call Recorder, ACR, Call Recorder by Lovekesh) save files in their folders.
| Annex | The path to the record | File format |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | Internal memory. → CubeCallRecorder | .mp3 or.aac |
| ACR (Another Call Recorder) | Internal memory. → ACR → [phone number] | .amr or.mp4 |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Internal memory. → CallRecorder | .3gp |
| Truecaller (if recording is enabled) | Internal memory. → Truecaller → Recordings | .m4a |
If you don't remember which app you used, check all the folders listed.
- 🔍 Open Settings → Annexes → App management and sort by date of last use.The recording app will be among the newly opened.
- 📁 In the Files application, enter a call or record request in the search - this will help find folders with records.
- 🎧 Check Gallery: Some apps save recordings in Audio.
3. How to find records through system search
If you do not want to manually search for files, use the built-in search by phone:
- Open the Files app.
- In the top line of the search, enter:.m4a for records of the built-in voice recorder;.amr or.3gp for records of third-party applications; call or record for searching by file name.
⋮ → Sorting → By date.
Important: MIUI system search doesn’t always find files in hidden folders. If the record doesn’t show up, try an alternative file manager like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer (they show hidden directories by default).
Open the Files annex"|Enable the display of hidden folders|Search by extensions (.m4a,.amr,.3gp)|Check the Recorder folders, MIUI, CubeCallRecorder|Sort files by date-->
4. Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations
If you accidentally delete a record, you can try to restore it, and the sooner you act, the better the chances of success.
- Check the Recycle Bin: In the Files app, go to the Recycle Bin (Junk Bin icon) section, where deleted files are stored for 15 to 30 days before being permanently erased.
- Use recovery software: Connect your phone to your computer and scan your internal memory with DiskDigger (there is an Android version); Recuva (for PCs, it requires root rights for deep scanning); EaseUS MobiSaver (works without root, but with limitations).
Check the cloud copies
If you're synced to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Dropbox, the records could automatically be uploaded there. Go to the web version of the service and search for files by date.
⚠️ Warning: Do not save new files to your phone after deleting the record - this reduces the chances of recovery.
5.Why records may not be saved (and how to fix it)
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that records are either not saved or disappear after the call is completed.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | No recording permission | Go to Settings → Permissions → Microphone and enable access for the application. |
| File is empty (0 bytes) | Conflict with another application | Close all background programs (especially messengers with voice chats). |
| Records disappear after reboot | The save folder on the SD card that is disabled | In the application settings, change the save path to Internal Memory. |
| No sound on the tape. | MIUI blocks system audio recording | Use applications with function VOIP-records, for example, ACR). |
If the problem is not solved, try:
- 🔄 Update the application to record to the latest version.
- 📱 Reset the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse → Clear the data).
- 🛠️ Recoil. MIUI previous version (if the bug appeared after the update).
How to turn on the call record in MIUI if it is not on the menu?
6 How to transfer records to a computer or cloud
So, to keep your important records safe, you'd better keep them in a safe place.
Method 1: Through USB-cable
- Connect the Redmi Note to your computer using a cable.
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- On PC, open the phone folder, find the records (see sections above) and copy them to the drive.
Method 2: Through the cloud
- 📁 Google Drive: Open the record file → Share. → Save it to Google Drive.
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Cloud → Backup and enable Recorder folder sync.
- 🔗 Telegram: Send the file to yourself in Save Messages (limit - up to 2 GB).
Method 3: Through messengers
You can quickly send a message to yourself via WhatsApp, Viber or Email:
- Open the records file in the Files app.
- Click Share and select the messenger.
- Send the file to yourself or to a backup email.
⚠️ Note: When you send files via instant messengers (especially WhatsApp), files can be compressed, which worsens the sound quality. For important records, use cloud services or direct transfer over the Internet. USB.
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The most reliable way to save records is to automatically upload to the cloud (Google Drive or Mi Cloud) immediately after the call is completed. Configure this in the recording app!
7. Alternative ways to record conversations on Xiaomi
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t suit you, consider alternatives:
- 🎤 Google Call Recording Drive: Some versions of Google Phone (Google Call App) support saving conversations to Google Drive. Install it from Play Market and check for the feature in the settings.
- 📱 Second second SIM-map + Recording on another phone: If it is illegal to record without notice, you can put a second phone next to you and record the conversation on a voice recorder (for example, through Google Voice Search).
- 🔌 Hardware recordings: External voice recorders (e.g. Sony) are suitable for professional use ICD-UX570 or olimpus WS-853), Connect to your phone via a 3.5mm connector or Bluetooth.
Remember that in some countries (e.g. Russia, EU, USA) recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate privacy laws.