Have you been searching for a recording of an important conversation on your Xiaomi but donโt know where to look for it? Or do you want to set up an automatic recording of calls but donโt find it on the menu? Youโre not alone โ many users are faced with the fact that standard MIUI tools are not always obvious, and the records sometimes โhideโ in unexpected folders.
In this article, weโll look at all the ways you can find saved conversations, from built-in MIUI 14/15 features to third-party apps that work even on older Redmi and POCO models, and why records sometimes disappear after a system update and how to restore them.
Spoiler: If you havenโt set up a call record in advance, the chances of finding a randomly saved conversation are minimal โ but itโs still worth checking!
1. The standard call recording function in MIUI: where to look for files
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a built-in call recording feature, but it needs to be activated beforehand. If you haven't, skip this section and read about third-party apps.
Where to look for records if the function was enabled:
- ๐ Records folder in the gallery: open the Gallery app โ Go to the Albums tab. โ Find the Records folder or Call Recordings.m4a or.mp3.
- ๐ File Manager Search: Use the built-in Explorer (or Files by Google) and search for a query call_record record.
- โ Log of calls: in some versions MIUI A recording icon appears next to the contact (if the conversation has been saved.
If the folder is not, check the settings:
- Open the phone. โ press โฎ (three-point) โ Settings.
- Select Call Recording (Call Recording).
- Make sure the function is enabled and the correct contacts are selected (e.g., โWrite allโ or โOnly unknown numbersโ).
โ ๏ธ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU), recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.
2. Hidden folders and system directories: where Xiaomi stores records
If you turned on the record, but you can't see the files in the gallery, they could have been saved in a hidden system folder.
| Xiaomi model | The path to call recording | File format |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .m4a or.amr |
| Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11 | /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ | .mp3 |
| Older models (MIUI 11 and below) | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/ | .amr |
How to open hidden folders:
- Use Explorer (built-in or Solid Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files: โฎ โ Settings โ Show hidden files.
- Follow one of the paths from the table above.
If there is no folder, try connecting your phone to your PC and use a drive search with keywords: call, record, voice.
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If the recording is not played on the phone, copy the file to your computer and open it via VLC Player โ it supports all audio formats.
3. Third-party Call Recording Apps: TOP-5 for Xiaomi
If the built-in feature doesnโt work or you need advanced features (like both-side recording or cloud storage), install one of these apps:
- ๐ค Cube ACR (Free but with advertising, records incoming and outgoing calls, supports cloud backup. MIUI Due to the limitations of Android 10+.
- ๐ฑ Call Recorder by Lovakara (paid, ~300โฝ) โ Automatically saves entries in Google Drive, there is a function of transcription (converting speech into text).
- ๐ Automatic Call Recorder (free) โ simple interface, sorting records by contacts. POCO F3/F4.
- โ Rev Call Recorder โ Records and sends files to the cloud, suitable for business users.
- ๐ก Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps that bypasses restrictions. MIUI on new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
How to set up Cube ACR (Step-by-step):
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, give access to the Microphone, Contacts and Warehouse.
- In the settings, select the Record Format โ MP3 (for better quality).
- Activate the option to record automatically.
- To record incoming calls, turn on the Inbuilt Recording Module (root is required on some models).
โ ๏ธ Note: Call recording applications may conflict with MIUI, If you're not recording, try turning off Battery Optimization for the app in your phone settings.
Install the application from an official source |Provide all necessary permissions |Select the recording format (MP3/AAC) |Disable battery optimization for the application |Test the recording of the test call-->
4. How to Recover Deleted Call Records on Xiaomi
If you accidentally deleted a post or it disappeared after resetting your settings, try these methods:
Method 1: Checking the basket
In MIUI, deleted files are first put into the bin and stored for 30 days to recover:
- Open the gallery โ Albums โ Basket.
- Find the deleted entry (see by date or contact name).
- Click on the file and select Restore.
Method 2: Data recovery programs
If you're not in the cart, use tools like DiskDigger or Recuva (for PC).
- ๐ Do not save new files to your phone until you recover them โ they can overwrite deleted data.
- ๐ Connect Xiaomi to PC in File Transfer Mode (MTP).
- ๐ In Recuva, select search by format.m4a,.mp3,.amr.
Method 3: Cloud backups
If you have used Google Drive or Mi Cloud to back up:
- Open Settings โ Google โ Backup.
- Check if the call recording is synchronized.
- Restore the data from the last copy.
Why do records disappear after MIUI update?
5. Features of recording calls on different models Xiaomi
Not all Xiaomi smartphones work the same way with call recording.
| Model/Series | Support for embedded recording | Limitations | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | Yes (MIUI 14+) | Does not record VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Use Cube ACR for messengers |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yeah, but it's 2-3 seconds late. | Sometimes breaks the recording when switching to speakerphone | Update the firmware to the latest version |
| POCO F4/F5 | Yes, but without informing the interviewer. | In some countries, the function is disabled by default | Enable manually in the phone settings โ More |
| Older models (Redmi 9, Mi A3) | No (or is not working smoothly) | Limitations of Android 9 and below | Install Boldbeast with root rights |
On POCO and Redmi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Global), call recordings can be legally disabled to activate them:
- Switch to firmware for Russia/India (via Fastboot or XiaomiTool).
- Or use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global call_recording_support 1
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On models with pure Android (for example, Mi A1/A2/A3) built-in call recording is not required โ third-party software is required.
6 Legal nuances: can you record calls to Xiaomi
Before setting up an automatic record, make sure you're not breaking the law. The rules vary by country:
- ๐ท๐บ Russia: It is allowed to record conversations without notice if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, you can only use the recording in court if the interlocutor was informed.
- ๐ช๐บ European Union: Most countries (e.g. Germany, France) require the consent of both parties, and for illegal recording, you can get a fine.
- ๐บ๐ธ U.S.: Laws vary by state, California requires consent of all participants, Texas only one.
- ๐ฎ๐ณ India: Recording allowed, but not distributed without consent.
How to defend yourself legally:
- ๐ข Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example, "I'm recording this call to record information. You don't mind?ยป).
- ๐ Keep consent: if the conversation is important (for example, with a bank), request confirmation of the SMS email.
- ๐ซ Do not distribute records unnecessarily โ this may be considered a breach of confidentiality.
โ ๏ธ Attention: B MIUI European-style (EEA) Call recording is often disabled by default due to GDPR. To activate it, you may need to change the region of the phone.
7. Alternative methods: recording calls without applications
If none of the above methods worked, try these options:
Method 1: Turn on speakerphone and record on recorder
- ๐ During the conversation, press the speaker.
- ๐ Open a second device (such as another phone or laptop) and record the sound through a Voice Recorder.
- ๐ฑ On Xiaomi you can use the built-in Dictaphone (application Sound recording).
Method 2: Use a Bluetooth headset with a record
Some headsets (such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or JBL Live Pro+) have a conversation recorder feature.
- Connect the headset to the phone.
- Activate the recording via the manufacturerโs app (e.g. Sony Headphones Connect).
- The file will be saved on the headset or in the cloud.
Method 3: Recording via PC (for VoIP calls)
If you call via WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom on Xiaomi, you can record the sound from the screen:
- ๐ป Connect your phone to your PC via scrcpy (a program to manage Android from your computer).
- ๐ฅ Start recording the screen through OBS Studio or Bandicam.
- ๐ Select the sound source โ Stereo Mix (to record system sound).