Where on Xiaomi Redmi saved conversation records: 5 storage places + recovery

Where did the call records on your Redmi go?

You've turned on a recording of an important conversation on Xiaomi Redmi, but you can't find it now? The problem is familiar to many: MIUI hides audio files in an unobvious way, and standard file managers often "don't see" them. In this article, we'll look at all possible storage locations, from open folders to system directories, where the record might have gone after an update or a reset.

The thing about Redmi (and MIUI in general) is that the way you save it depends on the firmware version, the smartphone model, and even the way you write it. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13, the files are in one place, and on the Redmi 12 with MIUI 14, the files are in another place, and we tested 7 models and identified 5 universal locations where you should look first, and we will also tell you how to return the record if it “disappeared” after cleaning the cache or reflashing.

Warning: some folders are hidden by default from the user. To see them, you will need to enable the display of hidden files in any file manager (for example, in Mi File Explorer or Total Commander).

1. Standard Records folder: Where to look 90% of the time

By default, MIUI saves call records in an open directory, available without root permissions.

• 📁 MIUI 12–14: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — There are files with the.amr extension or.mp3 (The file name usually contains the date and number of the subscriber, for example: 20260515_143021_+79123456789.amr.
• 📁 Old versions (MIUI 11 below): /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/. Note: The folder may be called CallRecord or CallRecording – check all options.
• 🔍 How to find it quickly: Open Mi File Explorer, type in search call_rec If there are no files, try searching for *.amr.

Important: on some models (e.g. Redmi 9A), recording is only saved if you manually press "Write" during the call. Automatic recording (by local law) can be disabled - check settings in Phone → Three dots → Settings → Call recording.

If the folder is empty but you are sure that the record was, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After upgrading the firmware path to the folder could change (see section about hidden directories).
• 🧹 Cache cleanup: Some “optimizers” (e.g., Xiaomi’s Security) delete “unnecessary” audio files.
• ☁️ Cloud Backup: The record could automatically download to Mi Cloud (check Section 3).

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If the record is not played back, try renaming the file by adding an extension.mp3 For example, instead of.amr: 20260515_143021.amr → 20260515_143021.mp3.

2. Hidden system folders: how to access

MIUI hides some entries in secure directories that don't show up without additional settings.

To see these folders:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as FX File Explorer or Root Explorer).
2. In the manager settings, enable the option to Show hidden files and System folders.
3. If you need root rights, get them through Magisk (instructions for Redmi – in a separate article).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete or rename files in system folders /data/ or /system/. This can lead to loss of functionality of the phone or a reboot cycle. If the recording is critical, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center to request the extraction of data.

3.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage: Checking Backups

MIUI can by default upload call records to Mi Cloud, especially if you have automatic backup enabled.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down to the Device Backup section and click View Data.
3. In the list, find Call Records or Audio Files. If you have one, click Restore.

If there are no records in the cloud, but you are sure they have been downloaded there, try:

• 🌐 Mi Cloud Web Version: Log to i.mi.com from your PC, log in and check Device → [Your Redmi] → Files.
• 📧 Data Export: In the Mi Cloud settings on your phone, select Export Data – sometimes records are archived.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings and do not recover data from the Mi Cloud within 30 days, the records can be permanently deleted from Xiaomi servers, in which case only recovery through third-party utilities remains (see section 5).

4. Third-party recording applications: where they store files

If you're using third-party applications, rather than a standard MIUI recorder, like Cube Call Recorder, ACR, or Boldbeast, the storage paths will be different.

Tip: If you don’t remember which app you used, check the microphone’s permissions in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.
2. Look at what programs are allowed to access, and among them will be the recording app you want.

Check the application folders in /storage/emulated/0/

Search for files by extensions.mp3,.amr,.ogg

View the notification history (maybe there is a link to the record)

Open the app itself – sometimes records are only available through its interface-->

5. Recovery of Deleted Records: 3 Working Methods

If the record was deleted (accidentally or after reset), you can try to restore it. Success depends on how long it took and how actively the phone's memory was used.

Method 1: Recovery programs (without root)

Use utilities like DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver or Recuva (for PCs).

1. Install the program on your PC or phone.
2. Connect Redmi in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Select the scan for audio files (.amr,.mp3).
4. Wait until it is completed (it may take up to an hour).
5. Look at the files found and save the ones you need.

Method 2: Recovery through ADB (for Advanced)

If the record was in the system folder, it can be extracted through ADB pull:

adb shell


su




find /data -name ".amr" -o -name ".mp3" | grep -i call




exit




adb pull /data/.../found file.amr C:\recovery\

⚠️ Warning: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights. Wrong commands can lead to data loss.

Method 3: Contacting a service center

If the record is critical (for example, for the court), and self-recovery did not help, contact the official Xiaomi service with a statement about the extraction of data from memory. Clarify that you need call recordings - this will speed up the process. The cost of the service: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the complexity).

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The faster you start recovering, the better the chances of returning a record. Once a file is deleted, its memory space is marked as "free", but the data remains until it is overwritten with new files. Disconnect the phone from the Internet and do not save new data to increase the chances.

6. How to prevent future loss of records

To avoid losing important conversations, set up Redmi on this checklist:

Enable automatic recording in Phone → Settings → Recording calls

Specify a separate folder for records (not system) in the settings of the recorder

Set up autoexport to the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Drive)

Regularly transfer records to a PC or external drive

Install a backup app (such as Automate for automatic backup)-->

Additional advice:

• 🔧 Turn off optimization for the write application: go to Settings → Annexes → [Your voice recorder] → Battery → No restrictions.
• 📡 Use two recording methods: for example, a standard recorder. MIUI + Cube Call Recorder, so you get a duplicate.
• 🔒 Encrypt important records: Apps like Signal or Session let you encrypt audio files.

If you record calls frequently, consider buying a Redmi with a larger storage capacity (128GB or more) or using an A2 class microSD card to store records, which will reduce the risk of data loss when internal memory overflows.

FAQ: Frequent questions about call records on Xiaomi Redmi