Where in Xiaomi smartphones are stored records of phone calls: the full guide 2026

You're looking for where Xiaomi or Redmi store conversation records? Maybe you need to restore an important dialogue, transfer audio files to another phone, or just free up memory. Unlike iPhones, where everything is standardized, MIUI devices store records in multiple places -- and not always obvious.

In this article, we'll look at all possible locations, from the built-in Call Records app to hidden system folders that even the file manager doesn't show, how to find files manually, why they might disappear after a MIUI update, and what to do if the record isn't saved, and how to automatically reserve conversations to the cloud so you don't lose them when you reset your phone.

Important: the instructions are relevant for all modern models – from Xiaomi 13 Pro to the budget Redmi Note 12 and Poco X5. If you have an older version of MIUI (up to the 12th), some paths may differ – we will mention this too.

1. Standard Call Records app: where and how to search

The most logical place is the built-in Recording app (or Call Recorder in global firmware), which automatically stores all recorded conversations if the feature is activated in the phone settings.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Call Records.
3. If there is no item, check the History → Microphone icon tab.

In this section, you'll see a list of all saved conversations with date, duration and contact, files stored locally and not synced to the cloud by default, to export the record:

• 📤 Click on the record. → Share. → Choose a messenger or cloud.
• 🔍 To search by date/contact, use the filter (funnel icon).
• 🗑️ To delete unnecessary files, highlight them and tap the Recycle Bin.

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If the Records app is empty, but you are sure you have recorded – check the permissions for the Phone app in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.

Please note that in some regions (e.g. the EU), the call recording feature is disabled by default due to privacy laws. To activate it, go to Phone Settings → Additional → Call Recording and enable Auto Recording.

2. System folders: where the records files are physically located

If you didn't find a record in the app or it was deleted, the files can still stay in the phone's memory. They're stored in hidden folders that don't show up in the standard MIUI file manager. Here are the exact paths:

To see these folders:

1. Install a file manager with hidden file support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Turn on the display of hidden folders in the manager settings.
3. Follow one of the paths indicated.

Critical nuance: files in the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ They don't have a default extension. To open them, add them manually.m4a use a file name or a player that supports raw audio (e.g, VLC).

3. Cloud backups: how to recover deleted records

If the records are missing after a phone reset or MIUI update, you can try recovering them from the cloud. Xiaomi offers two backup options:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud – automatically saves records if sync is enabled (but only in some regions).
• 📱 Local backup - created by manual reservation in Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔄 Google Drive – if you used the Google Phone app to record.

To recover the recordings from Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select Data Recovery → Call Records.
3. Please specify the date of the backup (if several versions are available).

Important: Mi Cloud only stores records for 30 days if you have a free account. For long-term storage, you need to manually export files to Google Drive or to your computer. Also check if Storage Optimization is enabled in the cloud settings - it can automatically delete old files.

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If you have not activated sync with Mi Cloud IS ARE, it will be impossible to restore deleted records after resetting your phone.

4.Why records are not saved: common problems

Sometimes users find that the call record doesn't start or the files don't appear in the folder.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone → Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone.

✅ Permission to microphone for the phone application

✅ Free memory (minimum 100 MB)

✅ Battery optimization for Call Recording disabled

✅ In the recording settings, All calls or Selected contacts are selected

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5 How to transfer the recordings to another phone or computer

If you need to save records off-phone (for example, for litigation or archive), there are a few ways to do this:

Method 1: Through a File Manager

Just copy the files from the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ It's a flash drive or a cloud:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (file transfer mode).
2. Open the phone folder on your computer and find a way to record.
3. Copy files to any folder on the PC.

Method 2: Through the Mi Mover app

If you are moving to the new Xiaomi, use the built-in Mi Mover app:

1. Open Mi Mover on both phones.
2. Choose I give on the old phone and I receive on the new one.
3. In the data list, mark Call Records and start transferring.

Method 3: Export to Google Drive

For long-term storage:

1. Open the Records app on your phone.
2. Select the necessary files → Share → Save to the disk.
3. Select a folder in Google Drive and confirm the download.

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If you want to send a record by mail, first compress it to the archive (for example, via RAR or ZIP). Many email services block attachments with the.m4a or.amr extension due to security policies.

6. Third-party applications for recording: pros and cons

If Xiaomi’s built-in feature doesn’t suit you, you can use third-party recorders, which offer more settings (like schedule recording or cloud sync), but also have drawbacks.

Before installing a third-party application, consider:

• ⚠️ Some recorders require root rights to record both conversations (due to Android 10 restrictions)+).
• ⚠️ In some countries, recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law (for example, in Germany or the United States).
• ⚠️ Apps can consume an extra battery if they are running in the background.

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If you use a third-party recorder, disable the built-in record in MIUI to avoid conflicts. To do this, go to Phone Settings → Additional → Record calls and deactivate the option.

7. Recovery of deleted records: is it possible?

If you accidentally delete a record, the chances of recovery depend on how long ago it happened and whether you used your phone after deleting it.

Method 1: Checking the basket

MIUI has a system basket where files are stored for 7 days:

1. Open the MIUI file manager.
2. Go to the basket section (dumpster icon).
3. Find deleted records (they may be without extension).
4. Select the files → Restore.

Method 2: Recovery programs

If the cart is empty, try specialized utilities:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory.
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS (for PC) – if the phone is connected as a drive.

Importantly, the less you use your phone after you delete it, the better the chances of recovery, and the new data overwrites the old memory sectors.

8.Privacy settings: What you need to know

Recording telephone conversations is the processing of personal data, which is regulated by the laws of different countries, and MIUI has several options that help to maintain confidentiality:

• 🔒 Record notification: in some regions, the phone automatically notifies the person to start recording (this is a legal requirement.
• 🚫 Blacklist: You can disable recording for certain contacts (phone settings) → Call recordings → Exceptions).
• 🗃️ File Encryption: in Xiaomi 13/14 records can be protected with a password (option in the settings of the Records application).

If you use your phone for work, make sure that recording calls is allowed by the company's internal regulations.In some industries (such as banking or medical), storing records without customer consent may violate GDPR or local data protection laws.

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To avoid legal problems, always notify the person you are recording, and MIUI has an automatic voice alert for this - turn it on in the recording settings.

⚠️ Note: Russia has been implementing new rules for storing phone records for legal entities since 2026.If you use Xiaomi for official purposes, read the federal law № 242-FZ (Article 9.1 on the processing of biometric data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi