Have you recorded an important conversation on your Xiaomi Redmi but can't find the file now? Or do you suspect that the phone automatically saves calls but don't know where to look for them? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone users - recorded conversations can "hide" in non-obvious folders, and sometimes disappear completely after updates or resets.
In this article, we will look at all possible locations for Redmi call records (including Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13, and others), explain why files may be lost, and show you how to recover them if they were deleted, and learn how to set up automatic call records and where these files are stored depending on the version of MIUI.
Warning: the location of the recordings depends on whether they were made through an embedded voice recorder, a phone application, third-party programs or system functions, and we will consider each option separately.
1. Standard Storage Place: Records folder in the file manager
If you recorded a conversation with a built-in voice recorder (Dictophone App), the files should be in a standard folder.
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
- Go to the Category tab → Audio.
- Look for the Recordings folder or Recorder.
The files here are usually formatted.m4a or.mp3 and names like "Record_20260515_143022.m4a (Record date and time. If there is no folder, check the hidden files:
- 🔍 In Files, click three dots (⋮) → Settings → Enable Showing Hidden Files.
- 📁 The folder can be called.recordings (with a dot at the beginning).
- 🔄 If you use MIUI 14+, Try the path: Internal storage → MIUI → sound_recorder.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware records from the recorder automatically sync with Mi Cloud. If there are no files on the phone, check the cloud through Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Dictaphone.
2. Call records from the phone app: where 90% of users search
Many people don't know, but Xiaomi Redmi has a built-in call recording feature — but it doesn't work on all models and depends on the firmware region. If you turned on the recording right during the call (Write in the call interface button), the files are searched for like this:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to the Call log.
- Find the recorded call – there should be an icon next to it 🎤 or the inscription.
- Click on the record → Replay or Share.
If the entry is not in the log, check the folder:
Internal storage device → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_recThe files here have.amr format and type names. call_1234567890_20260515143022.amr. If the folders call_rec No, it means your firmware does not support built-in call recording (this is true for European and global versions). MIUI).
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If the built-in record doesn’t work, install a third-party application, such as Cube Call Recorder ACR or Google Play’s Call Recorder. They save files to the CallRecordings folder on the internal drive.
3. Hidden system folders: where MIUI hides records
Xiaomi often hides service files in system directories that are not available through a standard file manager. To find records, you will need a root Explorer (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) or connect your phone to a PC.
Here are the key ways in which records can be stored:
| Type of record | The path to files | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorder tapes. | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/ | .m4a, .mp3 | Standard seat for MIUI 12-14 |
| Call records. | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .amr | Only for firmware with call recording support |
| Screencasters with microphones | /storage/emulated/0/Movies/ScreenRecords/ | .mp4 | If you recorded a voice screen |
| Voice notes | /storage/emulated/0/Notes/voice/ | .m4a | Records from the Notes appendix |
If you connect your phone to your computer, turn on File Transfer Mode (MTP) in the notification curtain. On your PC, use Windows Explorer or Total Commander with hidden files on.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete or move files from folders MIUI/sound_recorder manually, which can cause the recorder to malfunction.
4. Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive and Others
If the phone is synced, the records could automatically be uploaded to the cloud.
- 🌥️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Recorder or Records.
- 📁 Google Drive: Open the app → Menus. → Recycle Bin (sometimes files get there after deleting).
- 🔗 Third-party services: If you’ve used apps like Cube Call Recorder, check their cloud accounts (like Dropbox or OneDrive).
In Mi Cloud, the records are stored for 30 days (for free accounts), then deleted.
- Open the recording in the cloud.
- Press three points (⋮) → Save it to the device.
- Select a folder (for example, downloads).
How to recover records from Mi Cloud after deletion?
5 Recovery of Deleted Records: Programs and Methods
If the records are gone (for example, after resetting or cleaning the memory), you can try to restore them. success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and whether the phone was used after that (new data overwrites old ones).
Recovery methods:
- 📱 Android apps: DiskDigger – searches for audio files even without root. Recuva (via PC) – connect your phone as a drive. EaseUS MobiSaver – supports recovery of.amr and.m4a.
- 💻 Through the computer: Use 7-Data Recovery or Wondershare Dr.Fone (required) USB-cable).
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: If Automatic Backups are enabled in Google Account, check drive.google.com → Backup copies.
Crucially, after deleting your records, DO NOT write new files to your phone (do not take photos, do not install apps) – this reduces the chances of recovery.
Disconnect mobile internet and Wi-Fi
Do not run other applications
Connect the charger (the process may take time)
Use the verified software (DiskDigger, Recuva)
Save recovered files on PC, not phone
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6.Why records disappear and how to prevent it
Xiaomi Redmi users often experience recordings suddenly disappearing, and here are the main reasons and ways to avoid them:
| Reason. | How to prevent |
|---|---|
| MIUI update resets settings | Before updating, copy the folder sound_recorder PC-only |
| Cleaning the cache of the “Phone” application | Do not clean the cache for system applications manually |
| Auto Cleaning through “Safety” | Turn off Settings → Security → Cleanup → Auto Cleanup |
| Sync with Mi Cloud has removed local copies | Turn off auto-removal in Mi Cloud → Settings → Storage Management |
| Third-party software (e.g., “Optimizers”) | Add the folder. sound_recorder excepted |
If you regularly record important conversations, set up automatic backups:
- Download FolderSync or Automate from Google Play.
- Create a task to copy the folder sound_recorder Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Start synchronization once a day.
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The most reliable protection against loss of records is to copy the file to the cloud or to a PC immediately after a conversation. MIUI!
7.Setting up automatic call recording on Redmi
If your firmware doesn't have a built-in recording feature, it can be enabled through hidden settings or third-party apps. MIUI:
For MIUI 12-14 (Global/European firmware):
- Open the Phone app.
- Press three points (⋮) → Settings.
- Select Call Record (if there is no item, your firmware does not support the function).
- Enable Auto Record and select contacts or all calls.
For MIUI on Chinese firmware:
Settings → Additional → Call Recording → EnableIf there is no built-in feature, install Cube Call Recorder ACR and set up:
- 📞 Allow access to microphone and phone calls.
- 🔧 In the application settings, select the format.mp3 (better for compatibility).
- ☁️ Enable autoboot in Google Drive.
⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor may violate privacy laws.