The phone records on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are not just a backup of important conversations, but also potential proof in controversial situations. However, many users face the problem of where exactly these files are stored, how to find them in the maze of folders. MIUI, Unlike iPhones or pure Android devices, Xiaomiโs firmware has its own features, from hidden system directories to proprietary storage formats.
In this article, we will look at all possible storage locations for records (including little-known system folders), explain why they can be โhiddenโ from the user, and provide a free access to the information. 3 And the way we work with them is from manual search to specialized applications. 12/13, Redmi 10/11 And the K series flagships, where the logic of storage may be different, and if you've ever lost an important record or just want to know how to manage those files, read on.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI: where to look first
By default, firmware MIUI (12-14) saves conversation records in a secure system folder that is restricted:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/However, there is a critical caveat: if you use the standard Xiaomi Call Record app, files can be automatically encrypted and stored in the com.miui.voicerecord database. This means that even when you find the folder, you can see files with the.dat or.db extension that will not open with a standard player.
To see the hidden files:
- Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden folders in the settings (usually the item Show hidden files).
- Click the path above - if folders MIUI No, so the records are stored elsewhere (see the next section).
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not rename or move.dat files manually, this may disrupt the system recording application. Use specialized utilities to extract them (about them below).
On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with the MIUI (13) the path may be different:
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Recorders/ โ recorder.
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.voicerecord/files/ โ This is where temporary files are stored.
- ๐ฑ /data/user/0/com.miui.voicerecord/ โ System directory (available only with root rights).
2.Alternative storage locations: cloud, cache and third-party applications
If there are no records in standard folders, check these options:
| Storage source | Where to find | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Web version of i.mi.com โ Section โRecordsยป | Synced only when the option is enabled in Settings โ Xiaomi account โ Mi Cloud โ Synchronization of data |
| Google Drive | Backup folder โ Call Recorder | It works if you use third-party apps (such as Cube Call Recorder) |
| Cash app. | /data/data/com.miui.voicerecord/cache/ | Requires root or ADB. Files can be fragmented. |
| Third-party recorders | Application folder (e.g., application folder, /CallRecorder/) | Format usually.mp3 or.amr, but may conflict with MIUI |
Xiaomiโs cloud services are often ignored by users, although they may be the only source of recovery. For example, if you enabled AutoSync Records in the Mi Cloud settings, files will be available even after you reset your phone.
- ๐ Free account Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB โ if you exceed the limit, old records are deleted.
- โณ Synchronization only works when connected to Wi-Fi (by default).
- ๐ต In some regions (e.g. the EU), the call recording function is legally disabled, and there will be nothing in the cloud.
If you use third-party applications (for example, ACR Or Boldbeast, check their storage settings. Some recorders let you manually select a save folder, like a memory card. SD. In this case, the path may look like this:
/storage/1234-5678/CallRecords/(where 1234-5678 โ identifier SD-map).
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Before removing the recorder application, be sure to transfer all records to another place โ when uninstalling, some programs clean their storage folder.
3. How to retrieve records if they are in encrypted format (.dat,.db)
Files with.dat or.db extension in folder call_rec โ This is not corrupted data, but encrypted records that MIUI It's designed to protect privacy, and you'll need special tools to listen to them.
Method 1: Using Mi Voice Recorder Decoder (requires PC):
- Download the utility with XDA Developers (Search on Request) MIUI call recorder decoder).
- Connect your phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Copy.dat files into the program folder.
- Run decoder.exe and follow the instructions.
Method 2: Convert through ADB (rootless):
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\call_rec\
adb shell am start -n com.miui.voicerecord/.ui.DecoderActivityThis command will copy files to your PC and open the built-in Xiaomi decoder (not working on all versions). MIUI).
Method 3: Online Services (at your own risk):
- ๐ MIUI Tools Decoder โ web version for decryption.
- ๐ GitHub Open Source Repository.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Online services require you to upload your records to other servers. If a conversation contains sensitive information (such as bank card data), use only offline methods.
If none of these methods worked, check:
- ๐ฑ Version MIUI โ on MIUI 14 and newer may require another decoder.
- ๐ง Record settings โ in some regions, Xiaomi is turning off encryption (e.g. India).
- ๐ ๏ธ File integrity โ if the recording is interrupted, the.dat file may be corrupted.
Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings
Download ADB-drivers for Xiaomi
Create a backup copy of the folder call_rec
Check the space available on your PC (.dat files can weigh 50 times).+ MB)-->
4 Why records may disappear: common causes and how to avoid them
Xiaomi Redmi users often experience a situation where records suddenly disappear, and here are the main reasons and ways to prevent them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are deleted after update MIUI | Resetting the cache of system applications | Before updating, copy the folder call_rec PC-only |
| Files disappear after 30 days | Autocleaning in Mi Cloud settings | Turn off the option to delete old records automatically |
| No sound on the record. | Conflict with energy conservation | Add the record app to battery exclusions |
| The record is cut off. | Limitation MIUI duration (1 hour) | Use third-party recorders without restrictions |
One of the most insidious reasons is memory optimization. Battery settings and performance. โ Xiaomiโs memory optimization can automatically close background processes, including call recording:
- Go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Application management โ Recording calls.
- Choose the Battery. โ No restrictions.
- Turn on Auto Start and Background Activity.
Another trap is regional restrictions, where in some countries (e.g. the EU), Xiaomi is turning off the call recorder feature under privacy law.
- ๐ Try changing your phone region to India or Russia (via Settings) โ Additionally. โ Region).
- ๐ฑ Install a third-party recorder (like Boldbeast, which bypasses restrictions).
What to do if the records are missing after resetting the settings?
5. How to transfer recordings to another phone or PC: step-by-step instructions
Transferring records from Xiaomi Redmi requires care, especially if files are encrypted.
Method 1: Through a file manager (for unencrypted files)
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec Alternative path (see section) 1).
- Copy the files.mp3,.amr.m4a computer.
- If the files are.dat, decrypt them first (see Section 3).
Method 2: Mi Cloud (for synchronized records)
- ๐ Go to i.mi.com from your PC.
- ๐ Sign in with the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
- ๐ Go to the Records section and select the desired files.
- ๐พ Click Download - records will be saved in format.mp3.
Method 3: Through ADB (system-file)
If the records are stored in a secure folder (for example, /data/), Use these commands:
adb pull /data/user/0/com.miui.voicerecord/files/ C:\redmi_call_rec\
adb shell "chmod 644 /data/user/0/com.miui.voicerecord/files/*"The second command changes the permissions to the files so they can be copied.
Method 4: Through Third Party Applications
Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager allows you to access system folders without root:
- ๐ Open the file manager and enable Root access (if any).
- ๐ Move to the /data/data/com.miui.voicerecord/.
- ๐ Copy files to a memory card or cloud.
โ ๏ธ Note: When transferring records to iPhone, format conversion may be required..amr files are not played in a standard Apple player - use VLC or convert into.m4a via Online-Convert.
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The most reliable way to save records is to export them to the PC or the cloud on a regular basis, and don't rely on your phone's internal memory alone, even without resetting them. MIUI can clear the cache of the application record when there is a shortage of space.
Recovery of Deleted Records: Is It Possible?
If the records have been deleted, the chances of recovery depend on three factors:
- Time โ the sooner you start recovery, the higher the probability (MIUI Re-records memory in 1-2 weeks).
- Memory type โ Recovery is more difficult on eMMC (budget models) than on eMMC UFS (flagship).
- Post-delete action โ Installing apps or shooting videos reduces the odds.
Recovery methods:
Method 1: PC programs
- ๐ฅ๏ธ DiskDigger โ scans internal memory for file residues.
- ๐ Recuva โ works with a connected phone in mode MTP.
- ๐ฑ GT Recovery (for Android) โ No root, but less effective.
Instructions for DiskDigger:
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Select the program to scan internal memory.
- Specify formats.mp3,.amr,.dat.
- Wait until the scan is completed (may take several hours).
Method 2: Using a backup of the Mi Cloud
If synchronization has been activated:
- Get in to Mi Cloud. โ Basket.
- Check the storage period โ files are stored there for up to 30 days.
- Restore the required records to the original folder.
Method 3: Appealing for Xiaomi
In rare cases (for example, if the records are needed for the court), you can send a request to the support team:
- ๐ง Write to support@xiaomi.com Request for Call Records Recovery.
- ๐ Attach evidence of the importance of records (e.g. case number in court).
- ๐ Response time is up to 14 days, but the chances of success are low.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use root access recovery software unless you know it. Incorrect actions can lead to complete data loss or phone blink.
7. Call recording settings on Xiaomi Redmi: how to enable and optimize
To avoid problems with saving records in the future, set the settings correctly:
Step 1: Enabling the record
- Open the Phone app.
- Press. โฎ โ Settings โ Recording calls.
- Enable the option of Automatic Recording.
- Choose which calls to record: All, outgoing or incoming only.
Step 2: Optimizing Storage
- ๐ Specify the save folder: Settings โ Storage folder โ Memory card (if any).
- ๐ Enable Auto Sync with Mi Cloud (but watch out for the 5GB limit).
- โณ Set the maximum recording duration (by default - 1 hour).
Step 3: Permissions and exclusions
To keep the recording running smoothly:
- ๐ Add the Phone app to battery exclusions (Settings) โ Battery โ Optimizing memory).
- ๐ถ Allow auto-start (Settings) โ Permits โ Auto-start).
- ๐ค Check access to the microphone (Settings) โ Confidentiality โ Permits โ Microphone).
Step 4: Solving recording problems
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | Restart your phone or clear the phone app cache |
| No sound of the interlocutor | Enable Recording on both sides in the Recorder settings |
| App flies out | Update MIUI or roll back to a stable version |
On the Redmi models with MIUI 14+ A smart recording feature has been introduced that automatically saves only important conversation snippets (for example, with keywords like โcontractโ or โpaymentโ) to set it up:
- Go to the Record Settings โ Smart recording.
- Add the keywords.
- Enable the option to Save only marked fragments.
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If you record calls frequently, turn off Memory Optimization in your battery settings. MIUI can close the recording process if it is considered to be โbackgroundโ, which causes the file to break.