Where in Xiaomi smartphones are stored call records and how to find them

Have you recorded an important conversation on Xiaomi, but can't find the file? Or just want to know where the system stores audio recordings of calls? In this article, we'll look at all possible storage locations, from standard MIUI folders to hidden directories, and how to access them through built-in tools and third-party applications.

The process of finding records depends on how you created them: through a built-in voice recorder, the call recording function in the Phone app, or third-party programs like Cube Call Recorder. We will consider each option, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14) and popular models - Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others.

Importantly, if you don't find records in obvious places, the problem may be in saving settings or even operating system limitations, for example, in some regions, call recording is disabled by default due to legal requirements.

Standard folders for storing call records in MIUI

By default, MIUI saves call records in one of two folders, depending on which application you used. Here are the main directories worth checking:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/ — It stores records made through a built-in recorder (com.miui.soundrecorder.m4a or.mp3.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/CallRec/ — a folder for records created through the record function in the Phone app (com.android.dialer) The file name often contains the subscriber number and date.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/ — Sometimes records are saved here if you manually specified this folder in the app settings.

To open these folders:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).
2. Or use any file manager on your phone (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
3. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings (if the folders are not visible).

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If the CallRec folder is empty, check the recording settings in the Phone app: it is possible that the save is disabled or the files are automatically deleted after a few days.

Some firmware (especially the global versions of MIUI for Europe) may not have a CallRec folder at all, because call recording is blocked at the software level due to privacy laws, and you will have to use third-party apps.

How to find records through the application "Phone"

If you've recorded conversations through the standard Phone app, you can find files in the interface of the program -- no folder search. Here's how to do this:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Journal section (watch icon in the bottom menu).
3. Find the contact or number you need to record.
4. Touch the call record – if the conversation was recorded, the playback icon will appear on the right (🎵).

Note that in some versions of MIUI (e.g., 13.0.6 for Redmi Note 11), call recording is disabled by default to activate it:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Recording calls.
• 🔧 Enable Automatic Recording or select Record All Calls.
• 🔧 Specify the folder to save (by default it is CallRec).

Whether the recording function in the "Phone" app is enabled |

Selected folder to save files |

Is there enough space on the internal storage?|

Does the antivirus block access to the microphone?-->

If no new files appear after you turn on the record, check the permissions for the Phone application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions.
2. Make sure the microphone and storage are on.

Search for records through the built-in voice recorder

If you used a separate Dictaphone app (com.miui.soundrecorder) to record conversations (for example, via speakerphone), the files are stored in a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder. To find them through the app itself:

1. Open the Recorder (the microphone icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
2. All records are sorted by date. Touch any one to listen to or share.
3. To find a file in your phone’s memory, click on the three dots next to the record and select Details – there will be a path specified.

Features of the voice recorder in MIUI:

• 🎤 Records are retained in format.m4a (AAC-codec, which provides good quality with a small size.
• 🔄 Automatic deletion of old files can be disabled in the application settings.
• 🔒 Files are not encrypted, so they are easy to copy to a PC or cloud.

Important: if you recorded a conversation through a voice recorder during a speakerphone call, the quality may deteriorate due to echoes or noises.

Where records from third-party applications are stored

If you use third-party programs to record calls (such as Cube Call Recorder, ACR, or Boldbeast), the files are stored in folders set in the settings of those applications.

To find records from third-party apps:

1. Open the app itself – there’s usually a History or Records section.
2. Click on the entry and select Open folder or Share to see the path.
3. If the app doesn’t show a path, use a file manager and search by name (such as CubeBackup).

Warning: Some applications (like Truecaller) save records in the cloud instead of on the device. Check your sync settings if you don't find files locally.

How to Recover Deleted Call Records

If you accidentally delete a call record, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it, and whether you have used memory cleanup software (such as Clean Master).

• 🗑️ Basket in MIUI: Some files get into the basket (/storage/emulated/0/.trash/) and stored there 15 Check it out with Mi File Manager.
• 🔄 Recovery software: Use DiskDigger, Recuva (on PC) or Undeleter. Important: Do not write new files to your phone until you recover!
• ☁️ Cloud Backups: If you have Google Drive or Mi Cloud sync enabled, check the Backups folder.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select Full Analysis (requires root rights for deep scanning).
3. Mark the Audio file types and specify the folder to search (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/).
4. After scanning, select the files you want and save them to a safe place.

⚠️ Note: if you used the garbage cleanup function in Xiaomi’s Security App, the chances of recovery are minimal – the program irrevocably deletes files, bypassing the basket.

How to transfer call records to PC or cloud

To avoid losing important records, it is recommended to regularly copy them to your PC or cloud storage.

• 🖥️ Through USB-cable: Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode (MTP). Open a folder with records (for example, CallRec) and copy files to your computer.
• ☁️ Through the cloud: Open the file manager, highlight the records and click Share. Select Google Drive, Mi Cloud or another service.

Through FTP-server

1. Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer on your phone.
2. Activate the built-in FTP-server and connect to it from the PC.

We recommend that you check the local legislation before recording.