Where on Xiaomi Redmi 5 are stored conversation records: search, save and restore

You might want to restore an important dialogue, transfer files to another medium, or just understand how the storage system works on this smartphone. Unlike current models, the Redmi 5 (released in 2017) has its own peculiarities in organizing the file structure, which can complicate the search.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at all possible storage locations, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and how to extract files without losing quality, even if they donโ€™t show up in the gallery. Youโ€™ll learn which apps automatically save conversations, how to turn on call recording (if the feature is disabled), and what to do if the Suddenly files disappear after the MIUI update.

We will pay special attention to alternative search methods โ€“ through the file manager, ADB-At the end of this article, you will find answers to common questions, including problems with the file format (.amr,.mp3) Compatibility with other devices.

1. Standard location of call records on Xiaomi Redmi 5

By default, Xiaomi Redmi 5 saves conversation records in one of two folders - depending on which application was used to record.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ โ€” standard folder for records made through a built-in voice recorder or call recording function MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ“ SD-map (if installed): /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, where XXXX-XXXX โ€” unique identifier of memory card.
  • ๐Ÿ” Hidden files: Sometimes records can be stored in a folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/, But they're not visible without the inclusion of hidden files.

Important: If you use third-party recording apps (like Cube Call Recorder or CallX), the paths will be different, usually creating their own folders at the root of internal memory or on the back of the back of the back of the back. SD-map, for example:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ /CallRecordings/ (Cube Call Recorder)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ /CallX/Records/ (for CallX)

To check these folders, open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) and manually enter the path in the address bar. If the folder does not appear, turn on the hidden files in the manager settings.

๐Ÿ“Š What version? MIUI You're using Redmi 5?
MIUI 9
MIUI 10
MIUI 11
Another.
I don't know.

2. How to enable call recording if the function is disabled

On Xiaomi Redmi 5, conversation recording can be disabled by default due to regional restrictions or MIUI settings.

  1. Open the phone application (call).
  2. Press three points (โ‹ฎ) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the section Record conversations (on some firmware - Record calls).
  4. Turn on the Record automatically switch or select Record manually (a button will appear during the call).

If you don't have a Record Conversations menu, your version of MIUI doesn't support the system-level function.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Install a third-party app from Google Play (e.g. Automatic Call Recorder).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Update. MIUI Up to the latest available version for Redmi 5 (maximum โ€” MIUI 11).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Use it. ADB-command to unlock hidden functions (more in the next section).

๐Ÿ’ก

If recording does not start automatically, check if the application blocks it to save battery (for example, Security or Battery Saver).

3. Search for records via ADB (for power users)

If the records don't show up in file managers, but you're sure they exist, you can try finding them through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling USB Debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 5: Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:
adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

If the folder exists but is empty, try searching in other directories:

adb shell find /storage/ -name ".amr" -o -name ".mp3"

This command will find all files with the.amr (standard format for MIUI recordings) and.mp3 extensions (used by some third-party applications).

What if ADB canโ€™t find the files?
If the commands return an empty result, it is possible: 1. The records were deleted (check the basket in file managers). 2. The files are saved in the cloud (for example, in Mi Cloud, if synchronization was enabled). 3. The recording application used its own encryption (relevant for some third-party recorders).

4.Why records may disappear and how to recover them

Xiaomi Redmi 5 users often face the problem of suddenly disappearing records.

Reason.How to preventRecovery method
Cleaning the cache of the โ€œPhoneโ€ applicationDo not manually clean the cache through Settings โ†’ Apps.You canโ€™t restore it, but you can enable auto-save in the cloud.
Update MIUI without backupBefore updating, copy the folder call_rec PC-only.Use DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your memory.
Reset to factory settingsKeep the notes on. SD-map or cloud in advance.Recovery is possible only through specialized utilities (for example, EaseUS MobiSaver).
Damage to the file systemAvoid extraction SD-card-writing.Connect your phone to your PC and start chkdsk (for Windows).

If the records are missing after the firmware update, try the following:

  1. Check the /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ folder โ€“ sometimes MIUI saves backups before updating.
  2. Use Google Drive or Mi Cloud: It is possible that the records were automatically uploaded to the cloud.
  3. Install a data recovery application (such as Dumpster) if it was activated before being deleted.

๐Ÿ’ก

The most common reason for loss of records is to clear the cache of the system application Phone. Always back up important files!

5. How to transfer recordings to another medium

To save the conversation records on Redmi 5 and transfer them to your PC, flash drive, or cloud, follow this instruction:

Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager

Connect. SD-map USB-storage device (if necessary)

Make sure there is enough space on the target medium

Close all applications that can block files (e.g. players)

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Modes of transfer:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ On the computer: Connect Redmi 5 PC-only USB-Cable. Select file transfer mode (MTP) In the notification on your phone. Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ And copy the files to the hard drive.
  • โ˜๏ธ Install Google Drive or Mi Cloud. upload files manually or set up automatic folder sync call_rec.

Nana SD-map:

  1. Open the file manager, find the records.
  2. Select files, click Move and select SD-map.

When choosing a third-party application, pay attention to:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Privacy Policy โ€“ Some programs send data to servers.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Possibility to work MIUI โ€” Not all apps work correctly with the shell Xiaomi.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Cleaning up the phone app will delete all call history and stored records. Make sure to back up before doing so!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I recover records after resetting the phone to factory settings?
Recovery is possible, but the odds depend on whether files have been overwritten by new data. Use programs like EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone to scan internal memory. If the phone hasn't been actively used after a reset, the odds are ~30-50%. To increase the odds: Don't install new apps after a reset. Don't write new files (photos, videos). Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode and scan the memory.
Why are records saved in.amr format instead of.mp3?
The.amr (Adaptive Multi-Rate) format is used by default in MIUI, as it takes up less space (about 10 times smaller than.mp3 at comparable quality). However, its main drawbacks: Not all players support.amr (for example, the standard Music app on iPhone). The sound quality is worse than that of.mp3, especially at low frequencies. To change the format, install a third-party voice recorder with coding settings or convert files after recording.
How to record a conversation if the function is disabled by the operator?
In some countries (e.g. India or the EU), call recording is prohibited at the operator level. Bypass: Use a second phone with the recorder on (put it next to it). Turn on speakerphone and record via an external recorder (e.g. Sony ICD-UX570). Install a speaker recording app (e.g. Call Recorder - ACR) that bypasses the restrictions by recording through a microphone. Important: notify the recorder before recording to avoid legal problems.
Can I set up automatic email sending?
Yes, but not through standard means. MIUI. You will need to: Install a voice recorder app that supports cloud export (for example, CallX or Cube Call Recorder). In the application settings, find the Self-Send or Cloud section. Connect a Gmail, Dropbox or Yandex Drive account. Set up the rules: For example, send more records for a longer period of time. 1 The alternative is to use Tasker or Automate to create an automatic file copy script from the folder. call_rec email.
Why do records take up so little space?
As mentioned earlier, MIUI defaults to.amr with a low bitrate (usually 12.2 kbit/s). For comparison,.amr (12.2 kbit/s) โ€“ ~1 MB for 10 minutes of recording..mp3 (128 kbit/s) โ€“ ~10 MB for 10 minutes..wav (1411 kbit/s) โ€“ ~100 MB for 10 minutes. If you want better quality, select.mp3 or.m4a for a third-party recorder with a bitrate of at least 64 kbit/s.