Why conversation records “disappear” and where to look
You have enabled a recording of a call on Xiaomi, but you can't find a file after the call is over? This problem is familiar to many users of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones. The fact is that MIUI hides audio files of calls not only in non-obvious folders, but can automatically sync them with the cloud - and without notice. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations, including system directories, cloud services and even backups that the firmware creates.
Xiaomi's peculiarity is that the path to recording depends on the version of MIUI, the phone model, and even the firmware region. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with global MIUI 13 files are in one place, and on the POCO F5 with Chinese firmware in another. In addition, with the release of MIUI 14, the storage logic has changed: now records can be duplicated in several folders at once. We analyzed 15 Xiaomi models (from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and identified all possible locations from standard to hidden.
Official folders for calls to MIUI
To start with, the most obvious places Xiaomi stores audio conversation files are by default, which are the paths that are relevant for most MIUI 12-14 models, but may vary depending on the firmware version. To open system folders, use any file manager (e.g., embedded Files or Solid Explorer).
The main directories where to look for records:
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard-file MIUI 12–13. Here, the files are named by template. call_rec_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.mp3.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — alternative path for global firmware (for example, on Redmi Note) 11).
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — hidden folder where MIUI Sometimes duplicates records for system needs.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecordings/ — It is used in some regional assemblies (for example, for India).
If you don't see the MIUI or Recordings folder, it doesn't mean there are no records, it may be moved to the cloud or hidden by the system. Check the settings of the Dictophone app (Settings → Applications → Recorder → Storage) - there may be an alternative path.
Hidden System Directories: How to Access
Some of Xiaomi’s records are stored in secure folders that are not displayed in the standard file manager, and to see them, you either need to enable the display of hidden files or use the use of the file. ADB-Here's the step-by-step instruction:
1. Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager:
- Open Files → click on three dots in the top right → Settings → turn on Show Hidden Files.
Alternative: Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager with superuser rights.
2. Check the hidden paths:
/data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/databases/ – Record metadata may be stored here (root rights required).
- /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/.nomedia/ — Sometimes files are hidden in folders with a.nomedia flag.
3. Use ADB to access (if there is no root):
Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → return to Additional → For developers).
- Do the command:
adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/If the folder exists, copy the files to the PC:
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\CallRecords\Enable the display of hidden files in the manager
Check the /data/media/0/MIUI/ folder (root required)
Use ADB to view system directories
Try alternative file managers (Solid Explorer, FX)
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Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud and Google Drive
Xiaomi automatically syncs conversation records with Mi Cloud if backup is enabled.
- 🔄 Files are only uploaded to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi (settings: Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).
- 📥 Records can only be restored through full backup restoration – there is no separate option for audio files.
- 🚫 If you delete the record locally, it will disappear from the cloud after the next sync.
Alternatively, Google Drive. Some Xiaomi models (especially those with pure Android One like the Mi A3) save entries to Google Drive → Backups → Call Recordings.
- Open Google Drive on your PC.
- In the search box, type:audio "call_rec".
- Check the Backups folder - there may be archives with records.
Important: Mi Cloud only stores records for 30 days at a free rate, and then they are automatically deleted without the possibility of recovery.
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If you regularly record important conversations, set up automatic emailing via the Automate or Tasker app to protect the records from accidental deletion.
How to find records through the Dictophone application
The easiest way is to use the built-in Recorder app, but many people don't know that it can not only record voice notes, but also manage audio files of calls.
1. Open the Dictaphone app (Mic icon).
2. Go to the Records or Call Recordings tab (name depends on the version of MIUI).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Save folder. Here will be the current storage path.
If there's no Call Recordings tab, the call record is disabled in the phone settings.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Record conversations.
- Choose Record automatically or Record manually.
- Specify the folder for saving (by default — MIUI/sound_recorder).
What to do if the recording is interrupted
Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations
If you accidentally delete a 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 cleaners on your phone, such as Clean Master.
1. Through the file manager basket:
Open Files → Recycle Bin (icon in the bottom menu).
Find deleted audio files (usually with the.mp3 or.amr extension).
- Restore them by holding your finger on the file. → Restore.
2. Through specialized programmes:
DiskDigger (works without root, but with limitations)
Recuva (requires to connect the phone to the PC in file transfer mode).
EaseUS MobiSaver (paid version recovers files from damaged partitions)
3. Through MIUI backup:
If you have backups in Mi Cloud, restore them: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Restore.
Select a date when the recording still existed.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same partition where records were stored. This will overwrite deleted data and make recovery impossible. SD-card.
| Method of recovery | Root is required. | Chance of success | Time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI basket | ❌ No. | 90% | 2-5 minutes |
| DiskDigger (without root) | ❌ No. | 50% | 10.30 minutes |
| Recuva (via PC) | ❌ No. | 70% | 15-40 minutes |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | ✅ Yes. | 85% | 30-60 minutes |
| Recovery from Mi Cloud | ❌ No. | 100% (if backup is available) | 5-15 minutes |
Problems with recording conversations on Xiaomi and their solutions
Sometimes records are not saved at all or are stored with distortions. Let's look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:
1. Recording does not automatically start:
- Check permissions for the Phone app: Settings → Apps → Phone → Permissions → Turn on Microphone and Storage.
Make sure that the recording function is not blocked by the operator (in some countries this is prohibited by law).
2. Files are saved, but not reproduced:
The problem may be the codec, try converting the file through VLC or Audacity.
Check if the file is corrupted: compare its size to other records (damaged files usually weigh 0 KB or a few bytes).
3. The recording is terminated in 1-2 minutes:
- It's a restriction on some firmware.
Install an alternative recording app (e.g. Cube Call Recorder ACR).
- Disable battery optimization for the Phone application: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → Phone → Not Optimizing.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 s MIUI 14) recording conversations may conflict with the function Improve voice in call settings. Turn it off if you hear echoes or noise in the recordings.
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If standard methods don’t work, try recording conversations through a Bluetooth headset that supports recording (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 3).