Where Xiaomi Stores Phone Calls: Search, Access, and Recover Records

Introduction: How Xiaomi handles call records

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) only automatically record phone conversations when the corresponding feature is activated in the settings. Unlike some brands where records are stored in the cloud by default, Xiaomi stores audio files locally in a protected internal memory folder, which means that only system applications have access to them, and the user can listen to them only through the standard Phone application or the root file manager.

It's important to understand the difference between a call log (a list of incoming/outgoing) and audio recordings of conversations. contacts2.db and are available through the Contacts app, and the second are individual files in.amr or.mp3, If you have not manually enabled recording, conversations are not automatically saved (except in some regions with legal requirements).

Where exactly are the conversation records stored on Xiaomi

By default, audio files of conversations on Xiaomi are placed in a hidden system folder:

/data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/recordings/


or




/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

Access to these folders is limited: without root rights or special tools (for example, ADB), you will not see them through a standard file manager.

• 📁 Through the application "Dictophone": some records are duplicated in MIUI/sound_recorder/ (if synchronization is enabled).
• 🔍 Using Google Drive or Mi Cloud: if call backup is activated (not available on all firmware).
• 🛠️ Through ADB Root Explorer: Requires technical skills and unlocks the bootloader.

On devices with MIUI 12-14, the path may be different, for example, on the Redmi Note 11, the records are stored in:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/

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If you don’t find a folder, try enabling hidden files in the file manager (e.g., in Mi File Explorer: Settings → Show hidden files).

How to Enable Conversation Recording on Xiaomi

By default, the recording function is disabled to activate it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Settings.
3. Select Record conversations (on some firmware, the item is called Auto Record).
4. Specify which calls to record: All, Selected Contacts Only or Manual Mode.
5. Agree with the warning about legal restrictions (in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited).

Once activated, a microphone icon will appear next to the call button — click on it to start recording. Files will be saved in.amr format with the name of the view. Call_20260515_143022.amr (date).

Make sure your phone has enough memory (1 minute of recording ≈ 1-2 MB) |

Check the laws of your country (EU and US require you to notify the interlocutor)|

Turn off battery savings for the Phone app |

Test recording on short calls before important conversations-->

How to Find and Listen to Saved Conversations

There are three main ways to access records:

1. Through the Call Log: Open the Phone App → Click on the recording of the call with the microphone icon (🎤). If there is a record, a Replay button will appear.
2. File Manager: Use Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root permissions: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ Files are sorted by date. Playback will require a player that supports.amr (e.g., a player that supports.amr, VLC).
3. Google Drive (if synced): Log in Drive → Backup → Calls. Please note: this feature does not work on all models and requires authorization in Google account.

In the call log |

In the file manager |

In the cloud storage |

I don't know where to look.-->

Can I recover deleted recordings of conversations?

If you accidentally delete a record, the chances of recovery depend on two factors: (1) Is it less than 30 days (the files are overwritten by the system after that), (2) Did you use your phone after deleting (new data may erase old data).

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 DiskDigger or Recuva: programs scan memory for file residues. Root required for deep analysis.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same partition where records were stored - this reduces the chances of success. SD-card.

How to transfer recordings of conversations to a computer or other device

To copy the recordings to a PC or other phone, follow the instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the phone folder to this computer → Internal memory.
3. Cross the path: MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec Or (for new firmware): Android → data → com.android.providers.media → files → CallRecordings
4. Copy the files you want (.amr or.mp3) to your computer.

If the folder is not visible:

• 🔓 Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View) → Hidden elements).
• 📂 Use it. ADB for extraction (see section above).
• 🌐 Upload files to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) directly from your phone.

To convert.amr to.mp3, use online services such as Online-Convert or Audacity.

Legal aspects of recording conversations on Xiaomi

Telephone records are regulated by the laws of your country, and in most cases:

• 🇨🇳 China: Recording without permission (except law enforcement).

On Xiaomi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global), when you turn on the record, you will automatically receive a voice notification saying, “This conversation is being recorded.” On Chinese firmware (China ROM), this may not be the case — be careful!

⚠️ Warning: Using court records or blackmail may be considered a violation of the law, even if the recording was made legally.Always consult a lawyer before distributing audio files.

Frequent problems and their solutions

If after the MIUI update, the records are no longer saved:

1. Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).
2. Check the permissions for the application (Settings → Permissions → Microphone).
3. Install alternative recording software (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, records can be automatically archived in the Mi Cloud after 7 days of storage on your phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions