Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the challenge of finding a specific audio file deep in the file system. When a conversation is recorded but not seen anywhere in standard folders, panic sets in. In fact, the MIUI or HyperOS shell directory structure has its own logic that is easy to understand with knowing the exact paths.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where exactly audio recordings are stored on the Redmi Note 9 Pro model. You will learn how to find hidden folders, how the paths for voice recorders and call recording differ, and how to transfer these files to your computer without losing structure.
Understanding the Android file system will help you not only quickly find the right tracks, but also competently organize backup. MIUI 12/13/14 usually hidden in a directory MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec, What is different from standard Android paths.
Standard paths to files in a conductor
By default, all media files on the Redmi Note 9 Pro are distributed in strictly defined directories. If you use the standard Dictophone app or call recording function, the system automatically creates the corresponding folders in internal memory, and you can find them through any file manager, for example, the built-in Explorer.
The main directory for all system audio recordings is at the root of the internal storage: /MIUI/sound_recorder/. This is where the subfolders from the records lie, and it's important not to confuse this folder with system files, the deletion of which can disrupt the smartphone.
There's a separate directory for phone records, and it can be called call_rec plainly Call_rec. Inside this folder, files are usually sorted by date of creation, making it easier to find the right dialog. If you can't see this folder, maybe the system file hiding settings have a filter on them.
Audio recordings made through third-party applications can be located in completely different places, often in the root of the memory or in a folder. Android/data/. However, native Xiaomi functions always adhere to a single standard for placement in a folder. MIUI.
Differences between recording and recording calls
Many users mistakenly believe that all audio files are in the same pile. In fact, the Redmi Note 9 Pro clearly separates recordings made through the Dictophone app from automatic recordings of incoming or outgoing calls, this is done for ease of sorting and data security.
Talk recordings often have a higher saving priority. Even if you clear the tape recorder cache, the call files can remain intact in their specific folder. This is an important nuance when trying to free up space on the device.
⚠️ Note: File format may vary. Call records are often saved in format.m4a or.aac to save space, whereas a recorder can use.mp3 or.wav depending on the quality settings.
If you're looking for a specific file, pay attention to the time of creation. System call records often have a phone number or date in their title, making it easier to identify them among hundreds of other files.
Search through application settings
The fastest way to know the exact path to files is not to wander through folders, but to ask the application itself. In the MIUI shell, storage settings are often placed in a separate menu inside the Dictophone or Phone program.
To check the path, open the Dictophone app, click on the menu (usually three dots or bars) and select Settings. There will be a Save Path or File Location option. By clicking on it, the system will open the desired directory in the Explorer.
The algorithm for call recordings is similar:
- 📱 Open the phone application (green handset).
- ⚙️ Click on three dots in the corner and select Settings».
- 🔊 Find the section "Recording calls».
- 📂 There may be a folder or button “View records” that will take you to the desired directory.
Sometimes the path can be changed manually by the user if the storage setting has been previously made. SD-In this case, the standard paths in the internal memory will be empty.
☑️ Checking storage settings
Using hidden folders and displaying system files
In some firmware versions, a folder with call records can be hidden from the user's eyes to prevent the accidental deletion of important data. If standard search does not yield results, you need to enable the display of hidden files.
In standard Xiaomi Explorer, you do this through a menu. Click on three bars in the corner, select settings, and activate the "Show Hidden Files" slider. Then you'll see folders at the beginning of the name or system directories that were previously invisible at the root of the memory.
It's also worth checking the.MIUI folder (with a dot at the beginning), sometimes the system hides backups or temporary records there, which is rare, but when you're looking deep for lost files, you should look there.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful when removing files from hidden system folders. Deleting an excess file can cause a malfunction of the Phone or Recorder application».
Comparison of storage methods on internal memory and SD-map
If you have a memory card installed in your Redmi Note 9 Pro, you could set up a memory card to save records on it. This changes the path structure. Below is a table comparing the location of files in different scenarios.
| Type of record | Internal Memory (The Way) | SD-map (Wayway) | File format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dictaphone | /MIUI/sound_recorder/ | /MIUI/sound_recorder/ (map) | MP3 / WAV |
| Calls. | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | M4A / AAC |
| Screencast (sound) | /MIUI/screen_recorder/ | /MIUI/screen_recorder/ | MP4 |
| FM Radio. | /MIUI/sound_recorder/fm/ | /MIUI/sound_recorder/fm/ | M4A |
As you can see from the table, the structure of the folders on SD-The card completely replicates the internal memory structure if you choose the card as the primary storage, the main difference is the physical location of the data, which affects the speed of access and reliability of storage.
When connecting a smartphone to a computer via USB, internal memory SD-The maps are displayed as separate devices. Don't confuse them when copying files, otherwise you may duplicate the data or lose it when formatting.
Access and rights issues in Android 11/12/13
With the release of new versions of Android (starting with version 11), Google has tightened its file system access policy, making it harder for apps and even file managers to access the Android/data folder and some system directories without special permissions.
On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which has received updates to Android 11 and higher, you may encounter a situation where the Explorer sees the folder but does not let you open its contents.
To circumvent this limitation, you can use special file managers such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer, which are able to request extended access rights through the system API. Xiaomi’s standard Explorer usually asks for the necessary permission when you first try to log into a secure folder – you just need to confirm the action.
If you're using a computer connection, Android restrictions also apply. You'll see folders, but access to Android/data may be limited. You'll want to use wireless transmission methods or specialized software for full access.
Recovery and transfer of records
Once you've found where the records are stored, it's a question of whether they're safe. call_rec They're not synced to Google Photos or Google Drive by default. You need to set it up manually.
For automatic backup, you can use the Google Drive or Yandex.Disk application. In the settings of these programs, add a folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/ This ensures that even if you lose your phone, the records will remain in the cloud.
When transferring to a new phone, simply copy the entire folder. sound_recorder When installed on a new Xiaomi device and the voice recorder is launched, old records are often picked up automatically if the folder structure is saved.
If the records are missing after the system update, check the Recycle Bin in the Dictophone or Files app. Deleted files can be stored there for up to 30 days, after which they will be permanently destroyed.