Where to look for conversation records on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note: all ways to search and restore

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its owners often face a problem: where do phone records disappear? Unlike flagship models, where the call recording function is integrated into the standard Phone application, on the Redmi 9 Note everything works differently. In this article, we will analyze exactly where the audio files of conversations are stored, how to find them through built-in tools and third-party applications, and what to do if Suddenly records disappear after an update or reset.

It's important to understand that MIUI 12, 13 and 14 have different storage logic, such as newer versions of firmware that can automatically archive files to the Mi Cloud, and older versions can only remain in local memory. We'll look at all possible scenarios, including file manager search, phone application settings, and even remote utilities.

If you have never consciously turned on the recording of conversations, but suspect that it was conducted in the background (for example, at the request of a carrier), check Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ Microphone. There may be β€œunexpected” programs with access to the audio recording.

1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI

By default, Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note saves conversation records in a folder /Internal Storage/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. However, this path is relevant only if:

  • πŸ“± You use the standard Phone app** (not Google Phone or third-party calls).
  • πŸ”§ Recording function is enabled in settings: Phone β†’ ☰ β†’ Settings β†’ Recording of conversations.
  • πŸ“ The folder has not been renamed or manually moved (e.g. via Total Commander).

To check for records:

  1. Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or built-in Mi File Explorer).

⚠️ Attention: If the folder call_rec It is empty, but you are sure that the recordings were kept, check the sync settings with Mi Cloud. In some regions (for example, in the EU), the records are automatically uploaded to the cloud and deleted from the device via the device. 30 days.

πŸ“Š Have you ever searched for conversation records on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, often.
Yes, but without success.
No, you didn't.
I don't know if there's a recording.

2. Search through the Phone application (if the recording was made)

If you've manually enabled recording during the call, you can find files right in the call history.

  1. Open the phone application** (telephone icon).
  2. Go to the Journal section (the tab with the list of calls).
  3. Find the right contact or number that has an icon next to it. 🎀 (microphone).
  4. Slip on the call record – if the audio file is saved, a Replay button will appear.

Please note: Redmi 9 Notes with MIUI 12 and below may not display log entries if:

  • πŸ”„ The call was inbound and the recording setting applies only to outgoing calls.
  • πŸ“΅ The interlocutor used VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram calls are not recorded by standard means).
  • 🚫 The recording function is disabled by the operator (in some countries it is prohibited by law).

πŸ’‘

If the badge 🎀 No, but you're sure it was recorded, try a long press on the number in the magazine - sometimes the play menu is hidden behind an additional tap.

3. Alternative Storage Folders (if the standard one is empty)

On the Redmi 9 Note, records may be stored in non-obvious places, especially if:

  • πŸ“² Installed custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).
  • πŸ”„ Transferring data from another phone.
  • πŸ“ Uses a third-party recording app (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).

Check the following paths:

Folder/pathWhen relevantFile format
/sdcard/CallRecordings/Third-party applications (e.g. ACR).mp3, .wav
/storage/emulated/0/Recalls/MIUI 11 and below.amr
/Android/data/com.android.incallui/files/Recordings via Google Phone.opus
/MIUI/voice_recorder/If the recording was done through a recorder.m4a

Critical nuance: on some firmware folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ To see it, in the file manager, enable the display of hidden files (in Mi File Explorer: ☰ β†’ Settings β†’ Show hidden files).

If you manually search for laziness records, use the built-in search function:

  1. Swipe down the main screen to open the search bar.
  2. Enter the request: call_rec.amr (if you are looking for a record file).
  3. In the results, check the Files and Audio sections.

Alternatively, use Google Files:

  • πŸ” Open the Files by Google app.
  • Go to the Search tab (lap below).
  • Enter the entry or call in English/Russian.
  • Filter the results by date if you remember the approximate call time.

⚠️ Attention: System search MIUI not always find files in the folders of third-party applications, if you used Cube Call Recorder or ACR, Search for records through their built-in menus (usually there is a section called Record History»).

folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec|Record settings in the application "PhoneΒ»|Hidden files in the manager|Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled)|Third-party application folders for recording-->

5. Recovery of deleted records

If the records are missing after:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clearing the cache of the β€œPhone” applicationΒ».
  • πŸ”„ Updates MIUI (especially the 12-to-13 version).
  • πŸ“± Reset to factory settings.

...you can try to restore them.

Method 1: Through the MIUI basket

On the Redmi 9 Note with MIUI 13+, deleted files are placed in a shopping cart that stores for 15 days:

  1. Open the Mi File Explorer.
  2. Tap on. ☰ β†’ Basket.
  3. Find files with the.amr or.mp3 extension and restore them.

Method 2: Specialized Utilities

If the cart is empty, use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root access for deep scanning).

  1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
  2. Select the full scan (you need root for this).
  3. Filter the results in.amr/.mp3 format.
  4. Save the recovered files to the memory card.

Method 3: Through Mi Cloud Backup

If synchronization is enabled:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup.
  2. Check if there is a record section in the archive.
  3. Restore the data to the device.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery via Mi Cloud will overwrite current records! pre-copy important files elsewhere.

Why can the records disappear after the MIUI update?
When transitioning MIUI 12 on 13 (And above, the folder structure changes. /MIUI/sound_recorder/ The update may also reset the permissions of the Phone application, which will cause it to lose access to old files. In some cases, the records remain on the device, but become invisible to the user without root rights.

6. How to enable automatic recording of all calls

If you want Redmi 9 Note to record default conversations:

  1. Open the phoneΒ»** β†’ ☰ β†’ Settings.

Limitations:

  • 🚫 In some countries (such as the United States) automatic recording is prohibited – the option will not be available.
  • πŸ“΅ Recording does not work for VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Viber).
  • πŸ”‹ Continuous recording consumes an additional battery (about 5-10% per day).

If there is no recording of conversations in the settings:

  • πŸ“₯ Update the Phone app via Google Play.
  • πŸ”§ Install Google Phone (the official Google app) – it has a built-in record.
  • πŸ“² Use third-party solutions (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) ACR).

πŸ’‘

Automatic recording may conflict with privacy laws in your region. Before activating the function, check local regulations (for example, in Russia you need to notify the interlocutor of the recording).

7. Third-party applications for recording and searching

If the standard Redmi 9 Note is not satisfied, consider alternatives:

AnnexFeaturesWhere records are kept
Cube Call Recorder ACRVoIP call recording, cloud storage/CubeBackup/
Call Recorder by LovekushAutomatic recording, file encryption/CallRecordings/
Google PhoneOfficial decision from Google (requires manual recording)/Android/data/com.google.android.dialer/files/
TruecallerRecord + Spam Identification/Truecaller/Recordings/

When using third-party applications:

  • πŸ“‘ Some programmes (e.g, ACR) Requires battery optimization to be turned off for proper operation.

How to transfer recordings from an old phone:

  1. Connect Redmi 9 Note to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi conversation records

❓ Why my Redmi 9 Note doesn't have a call recording option?
It could be related to: πŸ“± Regional restrictions: in some countries (e.g. the United States) recording calls is prohibited at the firmware level. πŸ”§ An outdated version MIUI: Update the system to the latest version through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system. πŸ“² Custom firmware: if you have an informal build (like LineageOS), there may be no record function. Solution: install Google Phone from Google Play - it has an embedded record (but requires manual activation for every call).
❓ Can I record calls? WhatsApp/Telegram on the Redmi 9 Note?
Standard facilities MIUI They don't record VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) and they need third-party apps: πŸ“± Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” Supports VoIP recording, but requires customization for each messenger. πŸ”§ Call Recorder by Lovekush – works with most VoIP, but may conflict with battery optimization.Please note: recording VoIP calls may violate messenger rules (for example, WhatsApp prohibits this in its terms of use).
❓ Where do records go after resetting the phone to factory settings?
When you hard reset, all local records are deleted to save them: πŸ“ Copy the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec on a PC or memory card before resetting. ☁️ Enable sync with Mi Cloud (if the feature is supported in your region). πŸ”„ Use third-party backup apps (e.g. Cube Call Recorder can save records to Google Drive).If the reset is already done, try recovering files via DiskDigger (see section below). 5). Success depends on whether the data has been overwritten by new files.
❓ How to change the format of saving records (from.amr to.amr.mp3)?
By default, the Redmi 9 Note saves.amr (low quality, low weight) records to be exchanged for a new one.mp3: πŸ“± Install a third-party app (e.g. Call Recorder by Lovekush). πŸ”§ In its settings, select the Record Format β†’ MP3. πŸ“ Specify the folder for saving (preferably on the memory card, so as not to clog the internal memory:.mp3 It takes up 3-5 times more space than.amr. When using the record actively, it may be necessary to clean the storage every 1-2 months.
❓ Is it legal to record conversations without the consent of the interlocutor?
Laws vary by country: πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί Russia: It is allowed to record conversations for personal use, but it is forbidden to distribute records without the consent of the interlocutor (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Most states require the consent of all participants in a conversation (e.g. California). πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Rules vary, but usually notice is required (in some countries explicit consent) Recommendation: if the recording is in a business context, always notify the interviewee (e.g.: β€œThe conversation is recorded to record the arrangementsΒ»).