Why Call Records Are “Disappearing” and Where to Look for Them
You had an important conversation on the phone, turned on the recording, but now you can't find it? This is a problem that many Xiaomi Redmi owners face, especially after updating MIUI or resetting, the fact that the system saves audio files in different places depending on the recording method, the firmware version and even the model of the smartphone.
For example, on the Redmi Note. 10 Pro MIUI 13 Default records are hidden in a folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec, on the Redmi. 9A s MIUI 12.5 — into /Recordings/Call. Add cloud backups, third-party recording apps, and a built-in voice recorder, and you get a maze. In this article, we'll take a look at all the storage locations you can find, from the obvious to the hidden.
Before you start your search, check two things:
- 📱 Call recording permission: in some countries (e.g. EU) the function is blocked by law. → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: post-update MIUI 14, the path to records might have changed.
Method 1: Standard application "Dictophon"
If you used a built-in Xiaomi voice recorder (a wave microphone icon), the recordings are automatically saved in its interface.
- Open the Dictophone app** (if it is not on the desktop, search through the system search).
- Go to the “Records” or “Calls” tab (the name depends on the version of MIUI).
🔍 Where are files physically stored? The record folder is usually on the way:
/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/
or
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/If you don't have a folder, don't panic. Some models (like the Redmi K50) may have different paths, use a file manager with root rights, or turn on hidden files (more on this in the next section).
💡
If the recorder is empty, but you've been recording for sure, try sorting files by date of change. It may be in a shared /Recordings/ folder without subfolders.
Method 2: Search through the file manager
The System Explorer** (Files) in Xiaomi often hides technical folders to see all the records:
- Open Files → Categories → Audio.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Show hidden files”**.
- Manually follow the paths from the previous section or use the search for keywords: call, rec, record.
⚠️ Note: If you connect your phone to your computer MTP (File transfer mode, some records may have remained in the cache:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/cache/It sometimes stores temporary copies of audio files that are not displayed in a standard conductor.
What if files are available but not reproduced?
Method 3: Cloud backups
If you activated sync with Mi Cloud, the records could automatically upload to the cloud.
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Make sure sync is enabled for the Dictator or Call Records app.
🔄 Important: Cloud records can be stored in compressed form to be extracted:
- 📥 Download the archive with a backup to your computer.
- 🔍 Use the search for.amr extensions,.mp3,.m4a inside ZIP-file.
- 📁 Remove the required files to a separate folder.
If there is nothing in the cloud but you are sure that sync has been enabled, check the Mi Cloud Recycle Bin - files are stored there for up to 30 days.
Is voice recorder synchronization enabled in Mi Cloud?
Are there backups for the required period?
Is the cloud storage basket checked?
Have you tried the browser (i.mi.com)-->
Method 4: Third-party applications for recording
If you're using third-party programs like Cube Call Recorder, ACR, or Boldbeast, the records are stored in their own folders.
| Annex | The path to the records | File format |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | /CubeBackup/ or /CallRecordings/ | .mp3, .amr |
| ACR (Another Call Recorder) | /ACR/ or /CallRecorder/ | .mp3, .wav |
| Boldbeast | /Boldbeast Recorder/ | .mp3, .aac |
| Truecaller | /Truecaller/Recordings/ | .m4a |
⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Boldbeast) require root rights to record calls on new versions of Android.If records suddenly stopped being saved after upgrading to Android 12+, Check the settings of the application – you may need to change the recording method to Root Mode or Alternative Mode.
If you have deleted the application but the records are still there, use Total Commander or FX File Explorer with root permission to find files by extension.
Method 5: Recovering Deleted Records
If you accidentally delete the records, you can try to restore them.
- Install a recovery application, for example: 🛠️ DiskDigger (free version looking for audio files). 🔍 Recuva (needs root or PC connection). 📱 GT Recovery (specialized in Xiaomi).
“Inner Memory” and start a deep scan.
.amr
.mp3
.m4a
Critical: On Xiaomi Redmi with F2FS file system (used on newer models) the chances of recovery are lower than on ext4. Check the type of FS through the DevCheck app (Section Storage).
If the recovery didn’t work, try extracting data from Google’s backup (if it was created):