Where Xiaomi Stores Records of Conversations: Hidden Paths, Backups, and Recovery

You may be looking for where Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco store phone records, you may have accidentally deleted an important audio file, you want to transfer the recordings to another medium, or you just check if the recording is automatic. Unlike messages or photos, the recordings of calls do not always lie in obvious folders - their location depends on the version of MIUI, smartphone model and even the recording method (built-in voice recorder, Calls app, third-party programs).

In this article, we will look at all possible storage locations for Xiaomi records, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and how to recover deleted files if they are missing from the gallery. Separately, we will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 behave differently). If you recorded conversations through third-party applications like ACR or Cube Call Recorder, there are separate instructions for them, too.

We warn you in advance that some folders may be hidden from the user, and access to them requires debugging via USB or a file manager with root permissions. But don't worry, we will show legal ways without risking warranty.

1. Standard folders for MIUI entries

If you have used the built-in call recording feature in the Phone app, the files must automatically be saved to one of the following folders:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainland MIUI 12–14. Here, the files are named by template. Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.mp3.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path for some models (e.g. Poco) X5 Pro).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/CallRecordings/ — if the recording was conducted via Google Phone (installed on some global firmware).

To find these folders:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings (the option “Show hidden files”).
3. Go one of these paths. If you don't have a folder, try another one.

Important! Some firmware (especially Chinese) have their call recording disabled by default due to local laws. To activate it, go to Settings → Apps → Calls → Record conversations and turn on the option.

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If the folder call_rec Check the recording settings in the Calls app: it is possible that files are saved to the Mi Cloud cloud or to the cloud. SD-map.

2.Where third-party applications look for records

Popular call recorders -- ACR, Cube Call Recorder, Boldbeast -- store files in their folders. Here are the typical ways:

If you don’t remember which application you used, check all of the folders listed. Note: some programs (like Boldbeast) allow you to choose a manual save path – look at the application settings, Storage or Save location.

A critical nuance: on Xiaomi with MIUI 13+, third-party applications for recording calls may not work without additional settings due to the limitations of Android 12+. To fix this, you need to manually give permission to record audio via ADB:

adb shell appops set [package_name] android:record_audio allow

Where [package_name] — Application identifier (e.g. com.nll.acr for ACR).

3. How to find records if they are not displayed in the gallery

A common problem: the recording files are on the device, but they are not visible in the standard gallery or music player.

• 🔍 Files are hidden by the system: MIUI By default, hides some folders. Use a file manager with the option to “Show hidden files” (for example, use the file manager, FX File Explorer).
• 📁 Incorrect format: If the record is saved to.amr or.ogg, the standard player MIUI It might not recognize it. VLC or MX Player.
• 🔄 Gallery cache not updated: Reboot your device or manually update your media base via Settings → Annexes → gallery → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• ☁️ Cloud Files: Check Mi Cloud (Records or Other Files.

If files are missing after the MIUI update, try to restore them through the Recycle Bin (folder /storage/emulated/0/.trash/) or specialized utilities like DiskDigger. Please note: recovery is possible only if new data was not written to the deleted files.

4.The entries on SD-card

If you have selected the call record settings to save SD-Map, search for files in the following ways:

• 📁 /storage/[SD_CARD_ID]/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — dictaphone.
• 📁 /storage/[SD_CARD_ID]/Android/data/[package_name]/files/ — for third-party applications (where [package_name] — ID programs, such as com.nll.acr).
• 📁 /storage/[SD_CARD_ID]/Recordings/ — universal folder for some firmware.

To see the contents SD-map:

1. Connect the card to the PC via the card reader or directly through the smartphone in file transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Use Windows/macOS Explorer or File Manager on your phone.
3. If the folder is not, check if the saving settings in the recording application have gone wrong.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) record SD-The card may not work due to Adoptable Storage limitations, in which case, transfer files manually or use internal memory.

5. Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If the records have been deleted, you have several ways to get them back:

1. Check the MIUI Recycle Bin: Open Gallery → Albums → Recycle Bin. Or go on the path /storage/emulated/0/.trash/ in the file manager.
2. Use recovery software: DiskDigger (for Android) scans internal memory, Recuva or EaseUS (for PC) if you connect your smartphone as a drive.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the same partition where the records were stored.

Check backups:

• In Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• In Google Drive: if sync is enabled through Google One.

If you have recorded via Google Phone, check the folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.google.android.dialer/files/CallRecordings/. These files can automatically sync to Google Drive.

Check the basket. MIUI|Use DiskDigger (without writing new files)|Connect your phone to your PC and scan Recuva|Check backups in Mi Cloud/Google Drive|Make sure files are not hidden (enable the display of hidden folders)-->

6.Security: How to Protect Records from Unauthorized People

Records of conversations may contain confidential information to protect them:

• 🔒 Encryption: Use applications like Cryptomator or ES File Explorer (Option "Encrypt File»).
• 📂 Hidden folders: Move entries to a folder with a dot at the beginning of the title (e.g, /.private_calls/) — It will not be displayed without the inclusion of hidden files.
• ☁️ Password Cloud: Upload records to Mi Cloud or Google Drive by password-protecting the archive (for example, via 7-Zip).
• 📱 Application protection: Set a password for the application to record (for example, in the ACR There is an option for App Lock).

On MIUI 14 you can also use the function of Private Mode:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Private mode.
2. Add the file with the records to the list of protected.
3. Install. PIN-code or fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor violates privacy laws.

7. Frequent problems and solutions

Let’s look at common mistakes and ways to correct them:

If the call record stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the cache of the Calls app (Settings → Apps → Calls → Memory → Clear the cache).
2. Reset the application settings to factory.
3. Install an alternative dialer (e.g. Google Phone).

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On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ for stable call recording through third-party apps, be sure to turn off battery optimization for them and give permission to record audio via ADB.

Frequently asked questions