Where Xiaomi stores conversation records: all possible folders and access methods

Have you turned on a call recording on Xiaomi but can't find a file? Or have you accidentally deleted an important audio file and want to restore it? In Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi smartphones, call recordings can be stored in different places, depending on the MIUI version, device model, and even regional settings. In this article, we'll take a look at all possible storage folders, explain why files sometimes "disappear", and show you how to move or restore them.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi doesn't always use standard save paths. For example, in some firmware, records can be automatically archived to the Mi Cloud cloud, and in others, they can only remain in local memory. In addition, with the update of MIUI 14+, the storage logic has changed: files can now be broken down by date or contacts. If you use third-party write applications (such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR), the paths will be different. We'll look at all scenarios.

Before you start searching, check two things: 1 Make sure the recording is actually done on some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 12T or Redmi Note 11) the function may be disabled by default due to legal restrictions. 2 Remember that the entries from two SIM-The cards can be stored in different folders.

1. Standard folder for MIUI entries (primary storage location)

In most cases, the call records on Xiaomi are saved in the folder. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. This path is relevant for firmware MIUI 12–14 Most of the models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 11T/12/13. But there are nuances:

• 📁 For MIUI 14+: file call_recordings instead call_rec.
• 📱 On new flagships (for example, Xiaomi) 14): records are sometimes kept in /sdcard/Recordings/.
• 🔄 After resetting the settings: the path can reset to the standard /sdcard/MIUI/voice_recorder/.
• 🌍 For global firmware: in some regions (e.g. EU) folder is hidden because of GDPR.

To open this folder:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. Go to the "Category" section» → «Audio" or use search by word call_rec.
3. If the folder is not displayed, turn on the display of hidden files: Settings → Show hidden files.

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If the folder is empty but you're sure it was, check the date filter in the Files app, and sometimes the files are hidden under the old dates because of a time synchronization failure.

File format: records are saved in format.m4a (AAC) The file name usually contains the phone number or contact name, date and time: +79123456789_20260515_143022.m4a.

2. Alternative storage paths (if records are not in the standard folder)

If /MIUI/sound_recorder/ empty, check out these locations:

If you use a third-party application to record, the paths will be different:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder: /sdcard/CubeBackup/ or /sdcard/CallRecorder/.
• 📞 ACR (Another Call Recorder): /sdcard/ACR/ (file-format.3gp).
• 🔊 Boldbeast Call Recorder: /sdcard/Boldbeast/ (requires manual path adjustment).

3. How to find records through the Dictator app

Many users don’t know that Xiaomi can listen to call recordings directly through the standard Dictophone app.

1. Open the Dictophone app** (if not, install it from Google Play or GetApps).

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. the EU), the Calls tab may be hidden for privacy reasons:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Recorder.
2. Click on “Permissions” → “Calls”** and turn access on.
3. Restart the app.

If the Call tab is missing even after permissions are enabled, your firmware can be modified (e.g. custom xiaomi.eu), in which case the records are only accessible through the file manager.

4.Why call records disappear and how to recover them

A common problem is that the user is sure that he has recorded, but the file has disappeared.

How to recover deleted records:

1. Use recovery software: DiskDigger (for rootless devices), Recuva (if you connect your phone to a PC), EaseUS MobiSaver (paid, but with a high chance of recovery).

Check out Mi Cloud:

i.mi.com

“Backups” → “Call Records”** (if the feature was enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you use device encryption (included in Settings) → Security → Encryption, it's impossible to recover records without a password, and only backup in Mi Cloud or PC will help.

5 How to transfer call records to a computer or other device

If you need to save your records for a long time or make room on your phone, transfer them to your PC or the cloud.

Modes of transfer:

• 🖥️ Through USB: Connect your phone to your PC. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) On the PC, open "This computer» → [Your phone name] → «Internal memory. Go to the folder with the records (for example, /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/) and copy the files.

Through Mi Cloud:

1. Open Settings → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
2. Enable Call Records** (if available).
3. Go to i.mi.com from your PC and download the files.

Through messengers:

Telegram

⚠️ Note: When transferring via instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Viber), files may shrink, which will worsen the quality. @SaveAsBot) Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).

6. Call recording settings: how to turn on, disable or change the save path

If you want to change the save location or set up an automatic record, do the following:

How to turn on call recording (if the function is disabled):

1. Open the phone app** (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → “Settings” → “Call Recording.”
3. Enable the option to “Write Automatically” or select “Write Manually” (for individual contacts).

How to change the save path (MIUI 13+ required):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Memory.
2. Click Clear Data** (this will reset the current path settings).
3. After the reboot, open any conversation and start recording – the system will prompt you to select a new save location.

How to record calls to a memory card (SD):

• Put the memory card in the phone.
• Open Settings → Memory → Default Storage and select “Memory Card”.
• Restart the Phone app. New recordings will be saved to SD file /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/.

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On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12) write on the SD-The card may not work due to Android 12 limitations+. In this case, use third-party applications such as Boldbeast, which support saving to external media.

7.Challenges with Xiaomi Call Recording and Solutions

If the recording is not maintained or the files are not saved, check these points:

⚠️ Note: On models with Android 13+ (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) You may need to disable battery optimization for the Phone application»:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
2. Find the Phone app and select “No Limits”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi