Where Xiaomi Stores Phone Records: Finding Files in Memory and Cloud

Xiaomiโ€™s smartphone phone recorder has long been an integral part of the MIUI shell. However, many users are faced with the problem of where exactly these audio files are stored, how to find them, and why they sometimes disappear? Unlike the iPhone, where records are stored in a separate section of the Phone app, on Xiaomi Android devices, the storage logic depends on the firmware version, smartphone model and even regional settings.

In this article, we will take a look at all possible storage locations, from standard folders in internal memory to Mi Cloud services, learn how to access files through the file manager, why records may not be saved on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 for the European market), and what to do if the audio disappeared after the MIUI update.

Weโ€™ll also look at alternative ways to record conversations โ€” through third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR โ€” and explain why their files are stored in other directories. If youโ€™ve ever lost important records or just want to understand how this feature works on your Xiaomi, POCO or Redmi, this article will provide exhaustive answers.

Standard ways to store records in MIUI

By default, the MIUI shell stores conversation records in a secure system folder that is restricted, and the path depends on the firmware version, but most files are located here:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the path may be different: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/. It is important to understand that these folders are hidden from the standard Xiaomi file manager, and to view them you will need to enable the display of hidden files or use third-party applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager.

Record files are usually.amr or.mp3 and are named by pattern: call_rec_[date [time] [number].amr: call_rec_20260515_143022_+79123456789.amr.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Internal Memory: Main storage location โ€“ folders MIUI/sound_recorder or Recordings.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Hidden files: folders are hidden by default, you need to enable their display in the file manager settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Dependence on the model: on Redmi and POCO The paths may differ from the flagship Xiaomi.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Updates MIUI: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the path may change.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI global-market (EEA) The call recording function may be disabled for legal reasons. call_rec It will be empty even if you have manually turned on the recording.

๐Ÿ“Š What model? Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO You're using it?
Xiaomi 13/14 series
Redmi Note 11/12
POCO F4/F5
Another Xiaomi model
Another brand's device

How to find records through file manager

To access conversation records through Xiaomiโ€™s standard file manager, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen or in the app menu).

2. Go to Categories โ†’ Audio, and you can see the latest recordings, but not all of them.

For full access:

  • Click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ โ€œSettingsโ€.
  • Activate the option โ€œShow hidden filesโ€.
  • Back to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and manually find the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.

If you donโ€™t have a folder, check the alternative paths: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ or /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.android.providers.media/.

Enable the display of hidden files

Check the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec

Check the Recordings/CallRecord folder

Use search format.amr or.mp3

Try a third-party file manager-->

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 15 for Xiaomi 14), records can be stored in the Mi Cloud by default.

  1. Open โ€œSettingsโ€ โ†’ โ€œXiaomi Accountโ€ โ†’ โ€œMi Cloudโ€ โ†’
  2. Check the Call Records section (if available).
  3. Synchronize data if records are not displayed.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you are using duality SIM-maps, records can be divided into folders depending on the line. call_rec_sim1 and call_rec_sim2.

Why records may disappear or not be saved

Xiaomi users often face the problem of having call records suddenly disappear or not saved at all.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Records are not retained.Function disabled in settingsGo to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Phone โ†’ Record conversations and turn on the option.
Files disappear after updatingResetting MIUI settingsCheck the MIUI/backup/CallRecord/ folder, and sometimes the records are transferred there.
Records are available, but not reproduced.Damaged.amr formatUse a.mp3 converter (like Online Audio Converter).
folder call_rec idleRecords are saved to the cloudCheck Mi Cloud or change your storage settings in the Phone app.
Only one side is recorded.Firmware restriction for EEAInstall third-party software (such as Boldbeast Recorder) with manual audio source settings.

On European-based firmware (EEA) devices, call recording may be blocked at the Android kernel level due to privacy laws, in which case even manually enabling the option in the settings wonโ€™t help โ€“ youโ€™ll need to install custom firmware or use alternative apps.

Another common reason for recordings to disappear is memory optimization, where if there's not enough space on the device, the system can automatically delete old audio files.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Cleanup.
  2. Turn off the โ€œAutomatic Cleanupโ€ option for the folder call_rec.
  3. Or move the records to SD-card (if supported).
How to recover deleted call records?
If files have been deleted recently, try data recovery software such as DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root access for deep scanning). Important: do not write new data to your device before recovery, so as not to overwrite deleted files. For cloud backups, check the Recycle Bin in Mi Cloud (stored for up to 30 days).

Alternative methods of recording and storage

If the standard function MIUI You are not satisfied (for example, due to restrictions on the EEA-Third-party applications can be used, and they offer more options: format selection, automatic cloud upload, encryption, etc:

  • ๐ŸŽค Cube Call Recorder ACR: Write down both sides of the conversation, even on EEA-Devices that save files in /CubeRecordings/. Supports Google Drive and Dropbox.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Boldbeast Recorder: Works at the core level, bypasses firmware restrictions. Files are stored in /Boldbeast/.
  • โ˜๏ธ Call Recorder by Lovekesh: Automatically uploads records to Google Drive, folder /CallRecordings/.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Truecaller: Has built-in recording (only for Premium users), files in /Truecaller/Recordings/.

When using third-party applications, consider:

  1. Permissions: The application needs permissions to access the microphone, memory, and phone calls.
  2. File format: Some programs save to.wav or.ogg, which takes up more space.
  3. Compatibility: Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ may require additional settings in Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Package Installation.

To automatically sync records to the cloud, set up integration within the app itself, such as in Cube ACR:

  1. Open the application settings.
  2. Go to Cloud Storage โ†’ select the service (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  3. Log in and specify the folder to download.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you often record important conversations, create a separate folder on the SD-card (if there is a slot) and set up automatic saving there.This will protect files from accidental deletion when cleaning internal memory.

How to transfer records to a computer or other device

To copy the recordings of calls from Xiaomi to a PC or other smartphone, use one of the following methods:

1. Through USB-cable:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
  2. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
  3. Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec on your phone and copy files.

Over wireless network:

  • Use Mi Drop (the file transfer application built into MIUI).
  • Or send files to yourself via Telegram (the @SaveAsBot bot allows you to upload files up to 2GB).

3. Through the cloud:

  1. Upload the recordings to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
  2. Open the cloud on another device and download the files.

If.amr files are not played on a PC, install codecs (such as the K-Lite Codec Pack) or convert them to.mp3 using Audacity or online services.

โš ๏ธ Note: When sending email or messenger messages,.amr files may be compressed, which degrades quality. For important conversations, use.zip archiving before sending them.

๐Ÿ’ก

The most reliable way to save records is to automatically upload to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or to the cloud. SD-This will protect files from loss when you reset your phone or update your firmware.

Features on different models Xiaomi

The logic of recording storage may vary depending on the model and regional firmware, and here are the key differences:

Flagship models (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold)

  • Encrypt your records (starting with MIUI 14).

Mid-segment (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5):

  • Limit the duration of the recording (maximum 2 hours per file).
  • The default format is.amr (mono, 8 kHz).
  • Nana EEA-The Firmware Function Can Be Disabled.

Budget models (Redmi A2, POCO C55)

  • Record only the incoming sound (your voice is not recorded).
  • Files are stored in /Recordings/CallRecord/ without encryption.
  • There is no integration with Mi Cloud.

On HyperOS devices (a new shell instead of MIUI, debuted on Xiaomi 14), the path to recording has changed: /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.miui.voicerecord/.

To find out the exact path for your model:

  1. Install a file manager with a search (e.g. Total Commander).
  2. Enter.amr or.mp3 in the search.
  3. Sort the results by date of creation.

Before using the call record, please read your country's laws, and most countries only allow recording of the call with the consent of the caller.

  • ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ Russia: It is allowed to record without notice if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Laws vary by state (some require the consent of all participants).
  • ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU: Most EU countries require notification of interlocutor.

On Xiaomi devices with firmware for the EEA (European Economic Region), the recording function is disabled by default or is limited.

  1. Install. MIUI EU ROM (flat-panel EEA-restraint).
  2. Or use third-party apps with manual audio source settings (e.g. Boldbeast with the option of "Fix recording issues").

In some countries (e.g. Germany), recording conversations without consent may be considered a violation of data protection law (GDPR).If you use the records for legal purposes, consult an expert.

โš ๏ธ Note: Even if a record is authorized, publishing or distributing it without the consent of the person involved may result in legal liability.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi conversation records

Can I recover records after resetting the phone to factory settings?
If the records were stored only in internal memory, no, they will be deleted. Exception: if you synced them to Mi Cloud or Google Drive before reset. In this case, files can be returned from the cloud. SD-card (if supported).
Why on my Redmi Note? 11 no folder call_rec, though the record is on?
Probable reasons: You have a firmware for EEA-region (record blocked) records are saved elsewhere (check out) /Recordings/ or /Android/media/). The function works, but the files are immediately uploaded to Mi Cloud. Try to make a test call and after it is completed, immediately check the folders through the file manager with the hidden files enabled.
How to change the format from.amr to.mp3?
The standard MIUI settings do not allow you to change format. Solutions: Use third-party applications (such as Cube ACR or Boldbeast) where you can select.mp3 in the settings. Convert files after writing using Audacity or online services (Online-Convert). The.mp3 format takes up more space, but provides better quality and compatibility.
Can I record calls via WhatsApp or Telegram on Xiaomi?
The standard MIUI feature only records regular phone calls. For instant messengers: WhatsApp doesn't have a built-in record, but you can use a screen recording (with a notification of the interlocutor). Telegram has a feature to record voice messages, but not calls. To record VoIP calls, use third-party applications that support VoIP recording (for example, ACR with a Record VoIP call option enabled).
How to turn off automatic recording of all calls?
If the feature is global and interferes, turn it off: Open the Phone app. Click on three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ Settings. Go to Record Conversations and turn off Auto Record. On some firmwares, the path may be different: Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Recording calls.