Where to look for conversation records on Xiaomi phone: all ways + recover deleted files

Did you have an important phone conversation, turned on the record, but now you can't find the file? Or suddenly found that all the saved dialogues disappeared after the MIUI update? The problem with finding the phone records on Xiaomi is one of the most common among users of the brand. The fact is that the location of files depends on the firmware version, the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and even on the recording method (built-in recorder, Phone app, third-party programs).

In this article, we’ll look at all possible storage locations, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and explain why files can go missing and how to recover them. If you’re using Xiaomi based on MIUI 14 or later, pay special attention to the section on changes in privacy policy – this is critical for the safety of your records.

We warn you right away, some methods require root rights or PC connectivity, but most solutions work without them. Let's start with the simplest.

1. Standard Storage: Records folder in internal memory

In 80% of cases, the recordings of calls to Xiaomi are saved here:

/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/

Or alternatively:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

How to get there:

1. Open the Files app** (yellow folder icon).
2. Go to the Device tab** (or "Internal Memory").
3. Find the Recordings → CallRecord folder.

Files usually have a format.m4a or.amr and named by template: CallRecord_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.m4a, where YYYYMMDD — date, HHMMSS — recording.

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If there is no folder, check the settings of the Phone app: it is possible that the record is disabled or the files are saved elsewhere (see the next section).

An important caveat: on some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50), the folder may be hidden to see it.

• 📁 In the Files app, click on three dots. → «Settings» → Enable "Show hidden files».
• 🔍 If there is no folder after that, try searching for the CallRecord keyword in the same application.

2. Phone application settings: where the saving path changes

If the recordings are made through the standard Phone application** but there are no files in the CallRecord folder, check the settings:

1. Check out the “Storage Location” option.

An alternative path may be indicated here, for example:

/storage/emulated/0/Download/Call_Records/

On MIUI 14+ in some regions (EU, Ukraine), the call recording option is hidden due to privacy laws, requiring a region change to India or a modified firmware installation to return it.

3. System folders and cache: where to look if files "disappeared"

Sometimes the records seem to disappear, but they're actually:

• 📱 Moved to the cache of the application "Phone».
• 🗑️ Removed by the system after update MIUI (particularly relevant MIUI 13 → 14).
• 🔒 Hidden in a secure folder. Android/data/....

How to check:

1. Phone app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Memory. → If there's files with the extension.m4a or.amr, which can be extracted using Root Explorer or FX File Manager.

Android/data

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.dialer/files/Recordings/

This file can only be accessed through root or ADB-team.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of the Phone app through settings - this will delete all unsaved records! First check it for the right files.

4. Cloud services: automatic backups

If your Xiaomi has enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the records could be automatically copied there.

Important: In Mi Cloud, records are only stored if the option “App Data Backup” is enabled** in the Xiaomi account settings. It is disabled by default!

To include:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Application Data → Phone (include)

5. Recovery of deleted records: 3 working methods

If files have been deleted, you can try to recover them, and success depends on how long it has been and whether the phone has been used after it has been deleted.

Do not write new files to your phone.|Turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi|Battery charge > 50%|Install one of the recovery applications-->

Method 1. Recovery applications (without root)

• 🛠️ EaseUS MobiSaver supports recovery.m4a and.amr.

Method 2. via PC (using ADB)

If the phone is not rooted, but there is debugging over USB:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.dialer/app_CallRecord/ C:\Xiaomi_Calls\

This command will copy all records from the system folder to the C:\ disk.

Method 3: Appealing for Xiaomi

If the records are critical (e.g. for a court), you can send a support request stating:

• 📅 Dates and times of conversations.
• 📞 Phone numbers of participants.
• 🆔 IMEI Your device (find in Settings) → The phone. → General information).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi does not guarantee the recovery of deleted records, but in some cases may provide logs from server backups (if any).

6.Why records are missing and how to avoid it

The main reasons for the disappearance of records on Xiaomi:

Tip for POCO/Redmi owners: Install an alternative call recording app, such as Cube Call Recorder ACR or Boldbeast.They save files to a separate folder and are less dependent on MIUI updates.

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The most reliable way to save records is a combination of local storage + automatic upload to the cloud (Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

7. Alternative recording methods: if the standard does not work

If the built-in recording function is disabled or does not save files, use these methods:

• 🎤 Google Drive: Install Google Drive. When you call, click Write (Mic icon) and the file will be saved to the Google folder. Drive/Call Recordings.

Third-party annexes:

• Cube Call Recorder – Records both ends of a conversation (requires you to configure the audio source).
• Boldbeast – works on MIUI 14 with limitations.
• Call Recorder by Lovekesh is a simple interface, saves to MP3.
• 💻 PC Recording: Connect your phone to your computer and use Audacity or OBS Studio for recording sound from a microphone.