You recorded an important conversation on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, but now you can't find the file? Or just want to know where the default audio recordings of calls are saved on this smartphone? Unlike the iPhone, where all data is synced with iCloud, Android devices (including the Redmi Note 9) store records locally - and their location depends on the recording method, the version of MIUI, and even the settings of a particular application.
In this article, we'll look at all the possible places to store conversation records, from standard MIUI folders to hidden third-party application directories, how to find files through the file manager, why they can disappear after a system update, and what to do if the record is not saved, and also a unique life hack to restore deleted audio through MIUI backups, which few people know about.
Standard location of records in MIUI
If you used the built-in call recording feature in the standard Phone app (com.android.dialer), then the files should be stored in one of the system folders. On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12-14, the default path is:
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ โ mainfolder MIUI 12 newer.
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ โ Alternative path in some regional firmware.
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.dialer/files/ โ Temporary files may be stored here if the recording is not completed correctly.
The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_phone number.m4a. For example: Recording_20260515_143022_+79123456789.m4a.
Importantly, if you don't see the MIUI folder in the root directory, it doesn't mean it's not there. In MIUI 13+, it can be hidden.
- Open Files (standard MIUI manager)
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) โ Settings โ Show hidden files.
- Go back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and check for the MIUI folder.
โ ๏ธ Attention: After update MIUI beforehand 14+ The path to the records may change to /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/CallRecordings/. This is due to Google's policy of restricting access to system folders.check both directories!
Posts through third-party apps: where to look?
If you use alternative applications to record calls (such as Cube Call Recorder ACR, Call Recorder by Lovekesh or Boldbeast), the files are stored in their own folders.
| Annex | The path to the records | File format |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder ACR | /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/ or /storage/emulated/0/ACR//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// | .mp3, .wav |
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast Recorder/ | .mp3, .aac |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ | .amr, .mp3 |
| Truecaller (if recording is enabled) | /storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings/ | .m4a |
Some applications (e.g. Boldbeast) allow you to manually configure the save path to check the current directory:
- Open the call record app.
- Go to Settings โ Save folder (or similar section).
- Pay attention to the indicated path - it may differ from the standard one.
Tip: If you canโt find the application folder, try searching the file manager for the keywords: call, recording, record or file extension (.mp3,.amr).
Check the settings of the application (section "Save folder")
Search in the file manager for extensions (.mp3,.amr)
Make sure the app has recording rights and storage access
Try restarting the app โ sometimes files appear after restart-->
Why records can "disappear" and how to fix it
Redmi Note 9 users often experience a problem when the Suddenly call records disappear from the folder.
- ๐ Update MIUI: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 14) the system can transfer files to another folder or reset access rights.Solution: Check new paths (see table above) and give permission to the Phone app to access the storage.
- ๐๏ธ Cache Clearing: If you cleaned the Phone app's cache through Settings โ Applications, temporary records files may have been deleted.Solution: Restore data from backup MIUI (guideline).
- ๐ฑ Settings reset: After resetting to factory settings, all local records are deleted.Solution: Use Google Drive, Mi Cloud for automatic backup.
- ๐ Limitations of Android 11+: Starting with Android 11, apps are prohibited from writing files to arbitrary folders.Solution: Update the recording app to the latest version or use SAF (Storage Access Framework for manual folder selection.
If the files are missing for no apparent reason, try the following:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode).
- Use a data recovery program (such as DiskDigger or Recuva) and scan your internal memory for audio files.
- Check the /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.dialer/cache/ folder โ sometimes there are temporary copies.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13+ Built-in call recording may not work due to Google's Android 12 restrictions+. In this case, use third-party applications with support API 31+, For example, Cube Call Recorder ACR (Configure the audio source on VoIP).
How to turn on the call record if it disappeared after the update?
How to save records in the cloud automatically
To avoid losing important conversations, set up an automatic backup to the cloud. On the Redmi Note 9, you can do this in a number of ways:
Method 1: Through the Mi Cloud
MIUI offers built-in cloud storage, but it doesn't reserve call records by default.
- Go to Settings โ Xiaomi Account โ Mi Cloud.
- Put it on the backup of the device.
- Select Backup Settings โ turn on Other Data (records may be stored here).
- Run the backup manually.
Limit: Mi Cloud only provides 5GB for free, so itโs best to use Google Drive for a large number of records.
Method 2: Google Drive (most reliable)
To automatically upload records to Google Drive:
- Install the Automate or Tasker app from Google Play.
- Create a new flow with a trigger New file in the folder (specify the path to the folder with records).
- Add the action Download the file to Google Drive.
- Set up authorization and select the folder to download.
An alternative is to use the FolderSync app, which syncs selected folders to the cloud on schedule.
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If you record calls frequently, create a separate folder in Google Drive (like Call Recordings) and set up automatic sorting by date, making it easier to find the file you want months or years from now.
Recovery of deleted records: step-by-step instructions
If you accidentally delete a recording of a conversation, don't despair - it can be restored before the data has been overwritten with new files. The following methods will work on the Redmi Note 9:
Method 1: Using a backup copy of MIUI
MIUI creates local backups once a week, but they're only stored for 30 days.
- Go to Settings โ About Phone โ Backup and Reset โ Local Backup.
- Select the latest backup (before the date of deletion of files).
- Click Restore and confirm the action.
- After restarting, check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.
Method 2: Recovery programs
If there is no backup, use specialized utilities:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ DiskDigger (Android): Scans internal memory for deleted audio files, works without root, but is more efficient with it.
- ๐ป Recuva (Windows): Connect your phone in mode USB-drive-and-scan drive.
- ๐ฑ Dumpster (Android): Recycle Bin application that saves deleted files (you need to install it in advance).
Important: The less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery, and new files (photos, videos, updates) can overwrite deleted data.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the same memory partition where records were stored! This will reduce your chances of success. Use a PC or other phone.
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The best way to avoid losing records is to set up automatic upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or regularly copy files to your PC.
How to Change the Default Records Saving Place
If you don't like the standard record folder, you can change it, depending on what application you use.
For the standard "Phone" application
Unfortunately, MIUI doesn't have a built-in option to change the save path, but you can use a workaround:
- Download the file manager with support FTP-servers (e.g. Solid Explorer).
- Connect to your phone via FTP from PC.
- Move the folder. call_rec in the right place (for example, in the SD-map).
- Create a symbolic link (root required) or use FolderMount to redirect the path.
For third-party applications
Most third-party recording applications allow you to select a save folder:
- Open the application settings (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).
- Find the save folder or the Storage section.
- Select Select a folder and specify a new path (for example, /storage/omeulated/0/Downloads/Call_Records/).
- Confirm the selection and restart the application.
If you want to keep records on SD-map, take note:
- ๐ฑ Starting with Android 11, apps are not allowed to write files to external drives without the explicit permission of the user.
- ๐ง In the application settings, you may need to manually specify the path to SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/1234-5678/CallRecords/).
- โ ๏ธ Some applications (e.g. Boldbeast) require formatting. SD-Cards as internal memory (through Settings) โ Warehouse).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you're working with Redmi Note 9 call records, you often have a problem with the same problem, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording does not start automatically | Disabled feature in settings or restrictions Android 12+ | Enable recording manually in the Phone app or use third-party software with support for new APIs |
| Files are recorded but not reproduced | A codec or save error is damaged | Try to play the file on your PC or convert it via VLC |
| Records are saved in.nomedia format | The app hides files from the gallery | Rename the file (remove.nomedia) or enable the display of hidden files |
| No sound on the record (silence) | MIUI restrictions for recording conversations or incorrect audio source | In the app settings, select VoIP as the source or use the headset |
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the phone application:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ Phone.
- Slip it on the vault. โ Clear the data.
- Restart the phone and check the recording.
Last Chance: If recording is critical and standard methods donโt work, contact Xiaomiโs service center to request data extraction via the service. EDL-mode (confirmation of possession of the device is required).