Where Xiaomi Poco M3 stores conversation records: all possible file locations

Xiaomi Poco M3 is a popular smartphone with a phone recorder, but many users are faced with the problem: where exactly are these files stored? Unlike Xiaomi flagship models, where the path to records is obvious, budget devices like the Poco M3 often hide them in non-standard directories or require additional settings to access.

In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations for Poco records. M3 — standard-file /MIUI/sound_recorder/ Hidden system directories, and why files can “disappear” after an update MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to the differences between the firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14) and the nuances of working with the Dictator application».

If you don't find the records in obvious places, don't panic, they may be saved in the Mi Cloud or require special mode in your settings, and we'll also look at ways to recover deleted records and alternative ways to find them through ADB or root file managers.

Standard storage locations for Poco M3 recordings

By default, the Xiaomi Poco M3 stores conversation records in one of three folders, depending on the version of MIUI and the recording method (built-in voice recorder or third-party app).

• 📁 Internal memory: /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — main folder for records made through the standard Dictophone application (relevant to the MIUI 12 and 13).
• 📁 Folder "Records»: /Recordings/ or /Recorder/ — alternative location if the recording was done via Google Drive or other services.
• 📁 SD-map: /storage/extSdCard/MIUI/sound_recorder/ — If the settings indicate saving to an external drive.

It's important to keep in mind that paths may vary depending on the regional firmware, for example, in the global version. MIUI POCO M3 records are often kept in /MIUI/voice_recorder/, And in Chinese, in /MIUI/sound_recorder/call/. To test the exact path:

1. Open the Dictophone app (mic icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the “Preservation Place” section – the current path will be indicated here.

If the settings do not specify the location of the save, and the records are not displayed in the gallery, check the /MIUI/.recorder/ folder (hidden directory, you need to enable the display of hidden files in the file manager).

Why conversation records may not be in folders

If you are sure you have recorded but the files are not in the standard directories, the reasons may be:

• 🔄 Automatic Deletion: The settings of the recorder can enable the option “Delete records older than X days” (by default – 30 days).
• 📱 Resetting: After resetting to factory settings or updating MIUI The path to folders could change.
• 🔒 Restrictions of rights: Some firmware blocks access to system folders without root rights.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Records could sync to Mi Cloud and not be stored locally.

A common problem with the Poco M3 is the conflict between global and Chinese firmware, for example, if you flashed a device from MIUI China to MIUI Global, the paths to the records may get lost.

⚠️ Note: Before changing the firmware, copy the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ Once you've got the firmware, restore it manually, or the records will be lost.

Another nuance: if the recording was done via Google Phone (a call app from Google), the files can be stored in /Android/data/com.google.android.dialer/files/. However, on Poco M3, this application is often missing by default.

Search for records through file manager

If standard methods don’t work, use an advanced file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

1. Install a file manager from Google Play.
2. Enable the display of hidden files (in the manager settings).
3. Go to the root directory of internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/).
4. Enter the search box.amr or.mp3 (record formats on Xiaomi).

If the search does not yield results, check the following hidden folders:

Important: Accessing folders in /data/ requires root rights or ADB. Without them, system directories will not be available.

Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If the records were deleted accidentally, they can be tried to recover using specialized utilities. M3 fit:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – works without root, but with limitations.
• 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – requires a phone connection in mode MTP.
• 📱 Dumpster – an application for “basket” on Android.

Instructions for recovery through DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the “Full Scan” section (requires root for deep search).
3. Filter the results for.amr,.mp3,.m4a extensions.
4. Save the recovered files to SD-map.

If the records were deleted long ago (more than 30 days), the chances of recovery are minimal - MIUI overwrites the free space, in which case only a backup from Mi Cloud or Google Drive will help.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save new files to your phone after deleting the records, this reduces the likelihood of successful recovery.

How to turn on recording conversations if the function is disabled

On some Poco M3 firmware, call recording is disabled by default due to regional restrictions (e.g. in the EU) to activate it:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Settings”.
3. Go to "Talk Recording" (or "Call Recording").
4. Enable the option “Write automatically” or select “Write selectively”.

If you don't have "Talk Record" on the menu, your firmware doesn't support the function.

• 📲 Install an alternative call app (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) ACR).
• 🔄 Switch the device to MIUI Global or MIUI EU (Unofficial firmware with extended functions).
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB-command to force recording to be turned on (PC required).

For inclusion through ADB:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1

After completing the command, restart the phone.

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If the recording is enabled but the files are not saved, check if access to the microphone for the Phone application is blocked in the permission settings.

Exporting records to a computer or cloud

To avoid losing records, regularly transfer them to your PC or cloud storage.

• 🖥️ Through USB: Get Poco on. M3 computer-on MTP And copy the files from the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Enable synchronization in the voice recorder settings (“Settings”) → Cloud»).
• 📤 Po Po Po email/Messenger: Select files in the file manager → «Send» → choose a method.

For automatic synchronization with Google Drive:

1. Install the application “AutoUpload for Cloud”.
2. In the settings, specify the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ source.
3. Select Google Drive as your goal and set up your download schedule.

Important: When exported via instant messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp), files can be compressed, which degrades quality. Use Google Drive or Mi Cloud to maintain original quality.

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Regularly exporting records to external media is the only reliable way to avoid losing them when system failures or reset settings.

Alternative ways to record conversations on Poco M3

If the built-in recording function is not working or missing, consider third-party solutions:

To install Cube Call Recorder ACR:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select the sound source: “Voice Calling” (to record the voice of the interlocutor).
3. In the settings, turn on “Auto Record” and specify the folder to save.

Note: Some apps (such as Truecaller) may conflict with a standard Xiaomi voice recorder.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Poco M3 conversation recordings