Where in Xiaomi smartphones stored a recording of the conversation: a full guide to search and extract files

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi devices is a useful feature that helps you capture important information, prove agreements or simply save memorable conversations. However, many users face the problem: where exactly are these records stored, how to find them in the maze of MIUI system folders, and what to do if the Suddenly files disappear after updating or resetting?

In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible locations for storing call records on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Xiaomi, including models with MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS.You will learn not only standard file paths, but also hidden directories, as well as alternative ways of access – from the built-in file manager to the file manager. ADB-We will pay special attention to the nuances that depend on the firmware version, device model and even regional settings.

Standard location of conversation records in MIUI

By default, the Call Recorder app (or Call Recorder in global versions) saves files in a secure system folder. The path depends on the version of MIUI, but most often it looks like this:

  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12–14 HyperOS.
  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recorders/ — Alternative path for some models POCO and old firmware versions.
  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files/ — Hidden directory for records made through system application.

Files usually have a format.m4a or.amr and named by template: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.m4a, where YYYYMMDD — date, HHMMSS — Time of recording, for example, Record_20260515_143022.m4a signifies 15 may 2026 yearly 14:30:22.

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If the folder sound_recorder Empty, check the settings of the application “Recording conversations”: perhaps files are saved to the SD-map or cloud to Mi Cloud.

It is important to consider that in some regions (e.g. the EU), the call recording feature may be disabled by default due to legal restrictions, in which case the folder will simply not be created until you manually activate the recording via Settings → Applications → Recording conversations → Permissions.

How to find records through the built-in file manager

The easiest way to get to the records is to use Xiaomi’s standard Files (or File Manager) and here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the Files app (an icon with a yellow folder).
  2. Go to the Categories (or Categories) tab.
  3. Select the section "Audio" ("Audio").
  4. In the list of files, find the “Recorders” or “Recorders” folder.
  5. Open it and sort files by date ("Date" → "Down") to quickly find the latest records.

If there are no records in the Audio section, try another way:

  • 🔍 In the top line of the search enter call_rec or sound_recorder.
  • 🔍 Alternatively, use the request.m4a or.amr to search for extension.

Open the Files appendix»|Go to “Categories» → «Audio»|Find the Records or Recorders folder»|Sort by date|Check the hidden folders (turn on the display in the settings)-->

If files are not displayed, make sure that the file manager settings include the display of hidden folders: → Show hidden files. Also check if the records are moved to SD-map (if installed).

Alternative Access Methods: ADB and Third Party Applications

If records cannot be found through standard methods, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or third-party file managers with root rights.

  • 🔒 The folder with records is protected by the system (for example, after updating) MIUI).
  • 📱 The device does not recognize files due to a failure.
  • 🔄 Records were accidentally deleted but not yet overwritten (you can try to restore them).

To access via ADB, execute the following commands in the terminal (pre-enabled USB Debugging in the developer settings):

adb shell


su




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

If the folder exists but is empty, check the alternative paths:

ls /storage/emulated/0/Recorders/


ls /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files/
How to enable debugging by USB on Xiaomi
1. Go to Settings → About Phone. 2. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. 3. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. 4. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission when connecting to your PC.

To recover deleted records, you can use utilities like DiskDigger or Recuva (on a PC with a connected device in MTP mode), but the chances of success depend on how long it has been since the deletion and how actively the device memory was used.

Features of storing records in different models Xiaomi

The location of the recordings can vary depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, and the table below is the most common:

Model/SeriesMIUI versionThe path to the recordsNotes
Redmi Note 10/11/12MIUI 12–14/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/Files in.m4a format, sorted by date.
POCO X3/X4/X5MIUI 13 for POCO/storage/emulated/0/Recorders/CallRecordings/The folder can be hidden, permission to access is required.
Xiaomi 12/13/14MIUI 14 / HyperOS/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.soundrecorder/files/It requires root or ADB to access.
Redmi 9/9A/9CMIUI 11–12/storage/emulated/0/Recorders/Records in.amr format, low quality.

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path may be different due to changes in storage structure. If standard methods don't work, try using a device-wide search using Total Commander or FX File Explorer with root mode enabled.

Redmi Note 10/11/12|POCO X3/X4/X5|Xiaomi 12/13/14|Redmi 9/9A/9C|Another model-->

What to do if the records disappear after the MIUI update

One of the common problems is that records are lost after a firmware update, and this is because of:

  • 🔄 Resetting the settings of the application “Recording conversations».
  • 🗃️ Transferring data to a new storage (e.g., from a new storage facility) /Recorders/ into /MIUI/sound_recorder/).
  • 🚫 Mistakes in data migration when switching to HyperOS.

Here’s what you can do to restore:

  1. Check backups: If you used Mi Cloud, the record may have been saved to the cloud. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
  2. Use it. ADB: Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\Xiaomi_Rec This will copy all available records to the computer.
  3. Check the Recycle Bin: MIUI 14 has a Recycle Bin feature in the file manager, where files are stored for up to 30 days.

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After updating MIUI, always check the /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ folder – sometimes the records are saved there in the archive.

If the records are gone, set up an automatic backup in Google Drive or Mi Cloud in the future.

  1. Open the "Recording of conversations" app.
  2. Go to Settings → Backup.
  3. Select a cloud service and enable automatic synchronization.

Before using a recording of conversations, it is important to keep in mind the legal aspects: in most countries, recording telephone conversations is allowed only with the consent of all participants in the conversation.

  • 📞 You record a conversation for personal use (for example, to remember important information).
  • ⚖️ Recording is used in court as evidence (but authentication is required).
  • 🚨 You report threats or criminal activity (in some jurisdictions, this is permissible without consent).

EU countries (including Russia) have strict GDPR rules, which can result in fines, for example, in Germany, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is considered a violation of the right to privacy (§ 201 of the German Criminal Code).

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To avoid problems, always notify the person you are recording. In the Xiaomi Call Recorder app, you can turn on an automatic alert: Settings → Record notification.

On some MIUI firmware (especially in the Chinese market), the call recording function may be blocked at the system level.

  • 🔓 Installation of global firmware (e.g, MIUI EU).
  • 📱 Use of third-party applications (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) ACR).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with conversation records on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Records are not retained.No permissions for the applicationGo to Settings → Applications → Record conversations → Permissions and enable access to the microphone and storage.
Files are damaged.Failure while maintainingTry playing the record through VLC Player or convert the format with Audacity.
No sound on the record.Mistake of microphone or codecCheck the microphone settings in Settings → Sound → Record quality. Try a different format (e.g..wav instead of.m4a).
The file is empty.Files moved or hiddenSearch the entire device with a.m4a or.amr filter.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Record Conversations app settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find “Talk Record” and select “Storage”.
  3. Click on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
  4. Reset the device.

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Before resetting the application, copy the folder with records to your PC – cleaning the data will delete all the saved files!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer recordings of conversations to a computer?
Yes, to do this, connect your smartphone to the PC through USB-cable in file transfer mode (MTP). Then copy the files from the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /Recorders/ Alternatively, you can use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or send files to yourself by email.
Why are records kept in poor quality?
Record quality depends on the codec settings. MIUI uses the.amr format with a low bitrate (about 16 kbps) by default. To improve the quality: Open "Talk Record." Go to Settings → Record quality. Select the format.m4a or.wav (if available). Note that.wav files will take up much more space.
How to enable automatic recording of all calls?
To record all incoming and outgoing calls automatically: Open the Call Record app. Go to Settings → Auto Record. Enable the option to Record all calls. Select contacts or numbers that you want to exclude from the recording (optional). Note that automatic recording can quickly fill up the device's memory. It is recommended that you set up automatic deletion of old files (for example, older than 30 days).
Can deleted records be restored?
The chances of recovery depend on how long it has been since the device was deleted and how actively the device memory was used: 🔍 Use data recovery applications such as DiskDigger or Undeleter. 💻 Connect your device to your PC and scan your memory with Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery. ☁️ Check backups in Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Importantly, the faster you start a recovery, the better the chances of success!
Why is my Xiaomi not using a conversation recorder?
The lack of function may be related to: 🌍 Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. EU) recording calls is prohibited at the firmware level. 📱 Device model: On budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1) function can be reduced. 🔄 Version MIUI: In some builds (e.g. Chinese) the application is hidden. Solutions: Install global firmware (e.g., global firmware, MIUI EU). Use third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder ACR Call Recorder by Lovekesh, activate the hidden function through the ADB: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1