Introduction: Why recordings of conversations are โhiddenโ in the system
You turned on a conversation record on Xiaomi Redmi 9 NFC, but after the call is over, you can't find the audio file?This is a typical problem of MIUI users - Xiaomi's operating shell uses non-obvious storage paths for system records. Unlike photos or downloads that get into standard DCIM or Download folders, the conversation records are often "buried" in service directories that are not available through a standard file manager.
The difficulty is compounded by the fact that the location of the save depends on the version of MIUI, the way of recording (built-in voice recorder, the Phone application or third-party utilities), and even on regional firmware settings. For example, in European versions of MIUI 12.5, files can lie in one place, and in global builds of MIUI 14 - in another. This article will help to systematize search, avoiding frequent errors such as checking only the Recordings folder or ignoring hidden system directories.
1. Standard storage location: folder MIUI/sound_recorder
If you used the built-in call recording feature in the Phone app (the microphone icon during the call), then there is an 80% chance that the files will be here:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/Features of this catalog:
- ๐ File format:.m4a or.amr (depending on version) MIUI).
- ๐ File names: contain date, time and subscriber number (example: 20260515_143022_+79123456789.amr).
- ๐ Access: folder can be hidden โ enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.
To open this folder:
- Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or built-in MI File Manager).
- Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
- Find the file. MIUI โ sound_recorder โ call_rec.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If folders sound_recorder No, it means that the recording was made through another application (see section). 3). Also check if the recording function is disabled in the settings of the Phone application: Settings โ Recording of conversations.
2. Alternative system folders: where else to look
If sound_recorder void, check these directories (located in order of probability):
| The way to the folder | When used | File format |
|---|---|---|
| /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ | MIUI 13+ (Global Versions) | .mp3 or.m4a |
| /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ | Recordings via Google Drive or synchronized | .3gp |
| /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecordings/ | Third-party applications (such as Cube Call Recorder) | .mp3, .wav |
| /data/user/0/com.android.phone/files/ | System records (requires root access) | .amr |
Critical detail: folder `/data/user/0/` It's only available with superuser rights, and without it, you'll see a "No Access" message even on a PC. If you don't have root rights, skip that path and check the rest.
How to quickly find all possible folders:
โ๏ธ Searching for conversation records
3. entries through third-party applications: where popular utilities are stored
If youโve used apps from Google Play (like Call Recorder โ ACR, Cube Call Recorder or Boldbeast), the files will be in their own directories.
| Annex | The path to files | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/ | Files are encrypted if protection is enabled |
| ACR (Another Call Recorder) | /storage/emulated/0/ACR/ | Sorting by contacts in subfolders |
| Boldbeast Call Recorder | /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast/ | Supports.wav and.mp3 formats |
| Truecaller | /storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings/ | Recordings are only available in the app. |
Important: Some applications (like Truecaller) don't save files in the public domain -- you can only listen to them through the program interface. If you delete the application, the records can be lost forever.
โ ๏ธ Note: Call recording apps often require additional permissions (e.g. access to contacts or microphone) If permissions have not been granted, the records may not be saved or stored in a "cut" form (e.g., only your voice).
4. How to find records through a PC: step-by-step instructions
If the search on the phone is not successful, connect Redmi 9 NFC to your computer, which will allow you to use advanced search by file creation date.
Instructions for Windows:
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain).
- Open Explorer and go to This Computer โ [Name of your phone].
- In the upper right corner, type the query into the search box:.m4a OR.amr OR.mp3 OR.wav This will find all audio files regardless of the folder.
- Sort the results by date of change โ the conversation records will be among the latest files.
For macOS or Linux, use the terminal:
find /Volumes/[Name TELEFON] -type f \( -name ".m4a" -o -name ".amr" -o -name "*.mp3" \) -newermt "2026-05-01"This team will find all audio files created after May 1, 2026.
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If the phone is not detected on the PC, try another one. USB-cable or port. Also check if the phone screen is unlocked -- some versions MIUI Block access to files when the screen is locked.
5 What to do if the records are not found: 5 ways to restore
If you are sure that the recording was done, but the files are not in the expected folders, try these methods:
- ๐ Check the basket: In MIUI deleted files go into the folder /storage/emulated/0/.trash/ and stored there 30 days.
- ๐ฑ Use search by phone: Open up MI File Manager, click on the magnifying glass and enter.amr or.m4a.
- ๐พ Restore from Backup: If Auto-Reserve is enabled in Mi Cloud, check the Records section in the web version of the cloud.
- ๐ ๏ธ Try Recovery Programs: DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root or PC connection).
- ๐ Check the phone app log: Open call history, tap on recorded conversation - sometimes there's a "Play back" buttonยป.
If the records are critical and not found, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase - they can extract the data through service utilities (for example, Mi Flash Tool).
Why can the records disappear?
6. How to change the location of the records (for future conversations)
To avoid problems in the future, set up saving records in a convenient folder:
For the built-in recorder:
- Open the Dictaphone app (mic icon).
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) โ Settings โ Conservation folder.
- Select, for example, /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ or create a new folder.
For the Phone app:
- Open the phone. โ three-point (โฎ) โ Settings.
- Go to the Record of conversations โ Folder for records.
- Show the way, for example, /storage/emulated/0/Call_Records/.
For third-party applications:
- Cube Call Recorder: Settings โ Record folder.
- In ACR: Settings โ Basic โ Storage folder.
โ ๏ธ Note: Changing the save folder won't transfer old records to the folder, only new files will be saved in the new way. SD-map: when it is removed, records may become inaccessible.
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The most reliable way to avoid losing records is to set up automatic sync with the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Dropbox).