Where Xiaomi Stores Call Records: Finding Files in Memory and Cloud

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a useful feature that helps to capture important conversations, interviews or simply preserve the memory of loved ones. However, many users face the problem: where exactly are these records stored? Unlike photos or videos, audio files of calls are not always obvious in the file manager, and their location depends on the version of MIUI, device model and even the way they record.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible storage locations, from standard folders in internal memory to Xiaomi Cloud services, learn how to find files manually, why they might disappear after a system update, and what to do if the record is not saved. And for those who use third-party write apps, we’ve prepared a separate section with the nuances of their work on MIUI.

Standard location of call records in MIUI

By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in the system folder, but its path may vary depending on the firmware version. In the latest versions of MIUI 13-14 (based on Android 12-14), the files are usually located here:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — main folder for records made through the standard Dictaphone or Phone application.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path on some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 or POCO X4 Pro).
• 🔍 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — Metadata of records can be stored here (but not the files themselves).

The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: CallRecord_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_XXXXXXXXXXX.m4a, where XXXXXXXXXXX — The phone number: CallRecord_20260515_143022_79123456789.m4a.

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If the folder call_rec empty, check the recording settings in the Phone application: it is possible that the saving is disabled or files are automatically deleted through the phone 30 Days (this can be changed in Settings) → Recording calls → Storage).

It is important to note that on Android 11+ and MIUI 12.5+ devices, access to system folders may be limited. If you can’t see the folder through standard Explorer, try:

1. Use a Root Explorer (e.g., FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer with superuser mode enabled).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and view files through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder (sometimes system folders are only visible like this).
3. Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings (the option to Show hidden files).

How to find records through the application "Phone"

The easiest way to listen to or export recordings is to use the built-in Phone app. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Log tab (the clock icon at the bottom of the screen).
2. Find an icon call on the list 🎤 (It means that the conversation was recorded).
3. You tap the tape, you open the audio file panel.

• 🔊 Listen to the recording (playback button).
• 📤 Share (send a file via messenger or save to the cloud).
• 🗑️ Delete (hold your finger on the recordings to call the delete menu).
• ℹ️ View details (date, duration, subscriber number).

If there's no icon in the magazine 🎤, But you're sure the recording was done, check it out:

• 🔧 Phone recording settings → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Call recording.Perhaps the feature is disabled for a particular contact or all calls.
• 📱 Application permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits and make sure Microphone and Storage are enabled.

Cloud storage: Xiaomi Cloud and Google Drive

If your device is synced to Xiaomi Cloud, call records can be automatically uploaded to the cloud, but this functionality does not work on all models and depends on regional settings.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down to Sync and find Call Records (or Recorder).
3. If the option is active, the recordings are available on i.mi.com in the Cloud → Recorder section.

Alternatively, you can manually upload your recordings to Google Drive or Dropbox.

• 📲 Find the entry in the Phone app (as described above).
• 📤 Click Share and select Save to Drive (or another cloud service).
• 🔒 Make sure the file is saved in a secure location – some cloud services automatically delete files after 30 days unless they have been marked as important.

An important nuance: since 2023, Xiaomi has limited free cloud storage to 5 GB (previously 10 GB).If your records take up a lot of space, the system can automatically delete old files.

• 📉 Regularly clean unnecessary records manually.
• 💾 Transfer important files to a PC or external drive.
• 🔄 Turn off autosynchronization for recordings if you don’t need it (Mi Cloud) → Synchronization → Call records).

Why Call Records Are Disappearing or Not Saved

Xiaomi users often face the problem of suddenly disappearing or not being created at all, and here are the main reasons and ways to fix them:

Critical information: On some models (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), call recordings may be blocked due to Android 13+ privacy policy.In this case, the standard Phone app will not be able to record conversations without root rights. Alternatively, use third-party apps with support for Android 10+ APIs, such as Boldbeast Call Recorder.

Free space on the device (minimum 100 MB)

Permissions for the Phone application are included

Do not disturb activated mode

Test recording checked (call to another number)

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Third-party Write Applications: Where They Store Files

If standard MIUI capabilities are not enough, users install alternative applications to record calls.

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — saves files /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/ or /storage/emulated/0/ACR/.
• 📞 Boldbeast Call Recorder – Uses a folder /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast/ It supports recording on Android. 10–14 rootless.
• 🔊 Call Recorder by Lovekara – Records in the /storage/emulated/0/CallRecorder/.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Record both directions (your voice) + The other side, even on new versions of Android.
• ✅ Automatic download in Google Drive or Dropbox.
• ✅ Advanced audio quality settings (bitrate, format).

However, there are also disadvantages:

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Cube) ACR) may conflict with MIUI Optimization is a system function that enforces the back-end closure of the recording process. To make the recording work consistently, add the application to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications and select No Limitations.

If you use Boldbeast, look for the Fix Recording Issues settings (in the app menu). Mode 1 or Mode 9 is usually suitable for Xiaomi, but experimentation may be required.

How to transfer call records to a PC or other phone

There are several ways to export records from Xiaomi, and choose the right one depending on the size of the files and the tools available:

Method 1: Through USB-cable (most reliable)

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB-C (or Micro-USB for older models).
2. On your phone, select the data transfer mode: File Transfer (MTP).
3. On PC, open this computer. → Find the Xiaomi device → Go to the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
4. Copy.m4a or.amr files to any folder on your PC.

Method 2: Through messengers or the cloud

If the cable is not available:

• 📤 Open the entry in the Phone app, click Share and select Telegram, WhatsApp or Email.
• 🖥️ Upload files to Google Drive/Yandex Disk and download them to PC.
• 🔗 Use Xiaomi Cloud (if sync is enabled) – files will be available on i.mi.com.

Method 3: Through FTP-server (for advanced users)

If you need to transfer a lot of files:

1. Install the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer app on your smartphone.
2. Activate it. FTP-server (option in the side menu).
3. Connect to the server from your PC via FileZilla or Windows Explorer (enter the address of the view) ftp://192.168.x.x:port).
4. Copy files from the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.

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When transferring records to a PC, it is recommended to convert.amr files to.mp3 for compatibility. Use Audacity programs or online converters.

Security and Legal Aspects of Call Recording

Before recording conversations, it is important to understand the legal consequences. In most countries (including Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan), recording calls without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited unless you are a participant in the conversation (for example, recording someone else's dialogue).

• 📜 Article 23 of the Constitution states that recording a conversation is permissible if you are a participant in it and do not distribute the recording publicly without the consent of the second person.
• 📜 Ukraine: Recording is allowed for personal use, but distribution without consent is prohibited.
• 📜 EU (GDPR): The express consent of the interlocutor to the recording is required.

Recommendations for the safe use of records:

• 🔒 Store files in encrypted form (for example, in an archive with a password).
• 🗣️ Warn the person about the recording (for example: “I’m recording the conversation for the record, you’re happy with it?»).
• 🚫 Do not post posts on social networks or messengers without the consent of the second participant.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with firmware for China (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra with MIUI CN) Call records can be automatically encrypted, and to listen to them on another device, you need a password from the Mi Account account associated with the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi