Where in Xiaomi smartphones are stored records of phone conversations: all the ways to find and extract files

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a useful feature that helps capture important conversations, interviews or business information. However, many users face the problem: where exactly are these records stored in the device's file system? Unlike photos or downloads, audio files of calls are hidden in non-obvious folders, and their path depends on the version of MIUI, phone model and even regional settings.

In this article, we will explore all possible record storage locations, including system directories, cloud services, and hidden folders, and learn how to access root-free files, recover deleted records, and circumvent restrictions. MIUI We'll focus on some firmware. MIUI 14/15, where the storage logic has changed from older versions.

If you have never manually enabled recording, check first if it is activated in your region. In some countries (e.g. the EU), Xiaomi is turning it off by default due to legal restrictions. To make sure, go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Recording conversations. If there is no option, then your firmware is not supporting it, and records are simply not created.

For those who believe that records were being kept but can't find them, we've prepared step-by-step instructions for scenarios ranging from the standard path in the file manager to using ADB to access hidden folders, and if files have been deleted, we'll tell you how to recover them with specialized utilities.

1. Standard location of MIUI records: where to look first

In most cases, audio conversation files are stored in an open folder accessible through any file manager.The path depends on the MIUI version and the phone model, but the overall structure looks like this:

For MIUI 12-15 (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13/14):

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

For older versions (MIUI 11 and below, such as Redmi 8/9 or Mi 9):

/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/

If you are using Xiaomi’s stock file manager (Files), the path can be found as follows:

Please note: in some firmware folders call_rec To see it, in the file manager settings, enable the display of hidden files (Settings) → Show hidden files).

2.Why entries are not in the standard folder: possible reasons

If there are no files in the above paths, it doesn't always mean that the records are not being kept, and here are common reasons why the folder may be empty or missing:

• 🔴 Regional restrictions: Some firmware (e.g. EU) has locked the recording of conversations at the software level.

Another nuance: on some models (POCO X3/X4, Redmi K40/K50), recordings can be saved in.opus format, which not all players support. To listen to such a file, download VLC or convert it through online services.

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If the folder call_rec It's empty, but you're sure it was recorded, try looking for files by extension.m4a.amr – This will help you find lost audio files.

3. Cloud Storage: How to Verify Records in Mi Cloud

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi added an option to automatically sync conversation records with the Mi Cloud, which means that files can not be stored locally, but immediately uploaded to the cloud.

If you have the data in the cloud but not on your phone, you can download it back:

1. Check the files with ticks.
2. Press More. → Download.
3. The files will be saved to the Download/CallRecords folder.

Important: Cloud records are stored for a limited time (usually 30-90 days depending on the Mi Cloud tariff) and are deleted after expiration without recovery.

4 Hidden folders and system paths: how to access without root

In some cases, records are stored in secure system folders that are not accessible through a standard file manager, such as firmware in India or China, the path may look like this:

/data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/

You don't have to get root rights to get there. Here are 3 ways to do it:

Method 1: Use ADB (without root)

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your phone via USB and enable Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → return to Additional → For Developers).
3. In the command line, perform: adb shell ls /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/

Method 2: File Manager with access rights (e.g. FX File Explorer)

Method 3: Backup with Mi PC Suite

• 🖥️ Set up Mi. PC Suite on the computer.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone and create a backup.
• 🖥️ In the archives, find a folder. backup/MIUI/sound_recorder/.

5. Recovery of Deleted Records: Programs and Instructions

If the records were deleted (manually or by the system), you can try to restore them, and success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and how much memory was used, and the faster you start recovering, the better the chances.

First, check the basket in the file manager Xiaomi:

1. Open the Files → Recycle Bin.
2. Find files with the.m4a,.amr, or.opus extension.
3. Select them and press Restore.

If there is nothing in the cart, use specialized utilities:

The critical nuance is that if you delete the records and continue to use your phone (installing apps, shooting videos, downloading files), the new data will overwrite the memory sectors where the audio files were stored, which will make recovery impossible, so at the first sign of loss of records, immediately disconnect the phone from the Internet and do not write new data.

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The highest chance of recovering deleted records is in the first 24 hours after deleting, and the longer you wait, the less file traces you have left in your memory.

6. Alternative recording methods: third-party applications and their folders

If you don’t like the standard MIUI recording feature (for example, due to region or sound quality restrictions), you can use third-party applications. They usually offer more settings: format selection (MP3, WAV), automatic saving to the cloud, eliminating certain contacts.

Popular applications and their storage paths:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder: /CubeBackup/ or /CallRecordings/
• 🎤 ACR (Another Call Recorder): /ACR/ (files are sorted by date)
• 🎤 Call Recorder by Lovekush: /CallRecorder/
• 🎤 Boldbeast Call Recorder: /Boldbeast/ (Supports Xiaomi with MIUI 14)

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Work in regions where the standard record is blocked.
• ✅ Allows you to choose the source of sound (microphone, top speaker, Bluetooth).
• ✅ You can set up automatic deletion of old records.

Important: Some applications (e.g. Boldbeast) require manual configuration for Xiaomi. Once installed, go to the program settings and select:

Recording. → Recording settings → Recording mode: 1 (for MIUI)

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If the third-party app doesn’t record conversations, check if MIUI blocks it. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Autostart and enable autorun for the write program.

7 Legal aspects: can conversations be recorded without consent

Before using a recording of conversations, it is worth checking whether it is allowed by the laws of your country. In most cases, one-way recording (where you record a conversation but do not alert the interlocutor) is prohibited unless the consent of the other party is obtained.

• ⚖️ You are a participant in the conversation (in some countries, for example, in Russia, this is allowed for personal use).
• ⚖️ Recording is done for security purposes (e.g., threat recording).
• ⚖️ The interlocutor is notified in advance of the recording (for example, through an autoinformer).

The European Union (including the EEU) has strict GDPR rules that make recording conversations without consent a breach of confidentiality, and can be fined by both individuals and legal entities.

If you use the records for commercial purposes (such as business), you must:

• 📝 Get written consent to the recording.
• 📝 Keep the records no longer than necessary.
• 📝 Provide access to records upon request (e.g., to the customer).

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), even storing recordings of conversations without an explicit need may be considered illegal.If you are not sure about the legal nuances, consult a lawyer or use the records only for personal needs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi