Where on Xiaomi with MIUI 12 stored recorded conversations: a full guide to search and extract files

Did you record an important conversation on Xiaomi but can't find the file, or did you accidentally delete the record and want to restore it? MIUI 12 the system of storage of audio recordings of calls has its own features - files can be hidden in non-obvious folders, and access to them depends on the firmware version and device model. In this article, we will explore all possible storage locations, access methods (including hidden ones), and alternative search methods, from the standard file manager to the file manager. ADB-team.

It is important to understand that MIUI 12 (like later versions) can automatically archive or encrypt records depending on security settings. For example, on some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10T) files are stored in encrypted form and require special actions to retrieve. We will also look at how to avoid loss of records in the future and what applications will help in their management.

Standard Storage Folders in MIUI 12

By default, MIUI 12 stores conversation records in one of the system folders of internal memory. The path depends on whether the standard Phone application or third-party software was used to record.

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard location for recordings made through a built-in voice recorder or call recording function in the Phone app.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — alternative paths that occur in some models (e.g, POCO X3 NFC).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — Metadata of records may be stored here, but the files themselves are usually missing.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecordings/ — If you have used third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR.

To open these folders:

1. Run the standard File Manager (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Internal Memory (or Device) section.
3. Enable the display of hidden files: click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → turn on Show hidden files.
4. Follow one of the paths that you have been given.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g., Mi) 11 Ultra) folder call_rec It can be empty even if the records exist. MIUI 12 By default, it stores files in a secure storage that is only accessible through ADB root-right.

How to enable the display of hidden folders and system files

If standard folders don't show up, the problem may be file manager settings or MIUI limitations.

1. Open File Manager → click on three dots in the top menu → Settings.
2. Activate options: 🔍 Show hidden files 🔐 Show system files (if any)

Reboot the file manager (close and reopen).

If you don’t have the option to Show System Files, it means your device doesn’t have root rights, which means you’ll need to use ADB (discussed below) or third-party file managers like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer to access protected folders.

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If the folder call_rec Try to search for files by extension.amr or.mp3 through the built-in search in the file manager. type in the search bar *.amr and click Enter.

Search for records through the phone application and call log

Not everyone knows that in MIUI 12, you can find the call logs right in the call log.

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the bottom menu).
3. Find the call that was recorded (marked with the icon) in the list 🎤 or inscribed).
4. Click on the record → in the window that opens, the button Replay or Open the record will appear.

If there is no play button but you are sure the conversation was recorded, try:

• 🔄 Update the phone application through the Play Market.
• 📥 Check for updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data (this won’t delete the records, but can return the play button).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global version for Redmi) 9A) Call recording is disabled by default due to legal restrictions in certain countries, requiring regional firmware (e.g. Indian or Chinese) or third-party applications to be activated.

Access to records via ADB (for power users)

If the records don't show up in the file manager but you're sure they exist, they can be extracted via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires connecting the smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

File transfer

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, do:

adb shell ls /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

or

adb shell ls /data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/

adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\CallRecordings\

(Replace the path with one that is relevant to your OS).

On some devices (e.g. Mi 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5), records are stored in an encrypted folder /data/com.android.providers.media/databases/, and root rights are required to extract them.

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable developer mode on Xiaomi|Activate debugging on USB|Connect phone in file transfer mode |Check device visibility by adb devices-->

Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If you accidentally delete a record, you can try to restore it with specialized utilities, and note that success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and how actively the device memory was used.

Recovery methods:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger (Android app) scans internal memory for deleted audio files. Supports.amr formats,.mp3,.wav.
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (for PC) – require the connection of a smartphone in Mass Storage mode (on modern Xiaomi may not work without root).
• ☁️ Google Drive/Cloud Xiaomi – check if your records are synced automatically (Settings) → Synchronization).

The recovery algorithm through DiskDigger:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Run a full scan (requires root permissions for deep search).
3. Filter results by file type: select Audio.
4. The recordings found can be listened directly to the application or saved to the device.

⚠️ Warning: After deleting a record, do not write new files to the device and do not install updates - this reduces the chances of successful recovery. MIUI, They can permanently delete temporary files.

Third-party applications for recording and storing conversations

If you don't like standard MIUI 12, you can use alternative applications, and they offer more features: cloud storage, encryption, automatic voice-to-text decryption.

Before installing third-party software, consider:

• 📵 Some applications may conflict with the built-in recording function MIUI.
• 🔒 To record incoming calls on new versions of Android (10)+) Access to special facilities is required.
• 📡 Recording conversations may be prohibited by law in your country (e.g., the EU requires you to notify the person you are talking to).

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Third-party apps often save records in more accessible folders, but may consume additional battery and memory.Before installing, check for compatibility reviews with your Xiaomi model.

How to transfer recordings to another medium or to the cloud

To avoid losing important records, it is recommended to back them up regularly.

To the computer via USB:

• Connect your smartphone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
• Open the folder with records (see section above) and copy the files to the hard drive.

2. To the cloud:

• 🌥️ Google Drive: Open the app → press + → Download. → select audio files.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup and enable synchronization of media files.

3. SD-map:

• Open the File Manager → highlight the notes → Move it → choose SD-map.

To automate the backup, you can use applications like Automate or Tasker, which will copy new records to the cloud on a schedule.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi conversation records