Phone records on Xiaomi Redmi can take up precious space in the device’s memory or contain sensitive information you want to delete, but not everyone knows that simply clicking “Delete” in the Phone app doesn’t always guarantee complete file erasure. Depending on the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Redmi 10C, POCO X5 etc.) and versions MIUI (13, 14 or HyperOS: Removal methods may differ.
In this article, we’ll look at all possible methods, from standard interface removal to deep file manager cleaning and even recovery of accidentally erased records, and learn exactly where Xiaomi audio files are stored, how to find them manually, and why records are sometimes “returned” after deletion.
If you're worried about data security, check out the section on irrevocable deletion, which will help you avoid file recovery through special programs. And for those who accidentally deleted an important record, we have a manual for restoring it with the help of a computer. MIUI Backup and third-party utilities.
Where are the conversation records on Xiaomi Redmi stored?
Before you delete records, you need to understand where they are physically located in the device's memory. MIUI Stores audio files in one of two folders:
1. Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard place for recordings made through the built-in Phone app». /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ — Alternative path for some models (e.g. Redmi) K50).
2. Memory card (if saved for the SD): /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, where XXXX-XXXX — Your unique microSD ID.
The files are.amr or.mp3 and are named by pattern: call_rec_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr, where:
- 📅 YYYYMMDD — date of record (year, month, day),
- ⏰ HHMMSS — time (hours, minutes, seconds).
To see hidden folders (for example, MIUI), enable the display of hidden files in any file manager (for example, in the standard “Files” from Xiaomi):
- Open the Files app.
- Tap on three points (⋮) → «Settings».
- Activate the option “Show hidden files”.
Why can records be duplicated in different folders?
Method 1: Remove via the “Phone” application
The easiest method is to use a built-in call app.It is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi). 9A, POCO M5 etc.) on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.
Step-by-step:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to the “Records” tab (or “History” tab» → «Recorded on some firmware).
- Find the conversation you want on the list. You can sort the records by date or duration by tapping on the filter icon (🔍).
- Press and hold the record to activate the Select Mode, or tap on three points (⋮) near-file.
- Select “Delete” (or basket icon) 🗑️).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
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Note: Deleting via the Phone app does not clean files from the folder MIUI/sound_recorder They may remain in the device's memory until manual cleaning (see Method) 3).
If you don’t see the “Records” tab, it’s possible:
- 🔧 Recording feature disabled in settings (check Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Permits → Microphone).
- 📱 You've got an old version. MIUI (Up to 11), where records were only saved in the file manager.
- 🛠️ The Phone app was updated via Google Play and lost some of the features (the solution is to roll back to the factory version).
Check the MIUI version in settings (Settings → About phone)
Backup important records (see Recovery section)
Close all applications that use the microphone (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
Connect the charger if the battery level is below 20%-->
Method 2: Delete through call history
On some Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 8 or Redmi) 7A) The records are linked to specific contacts in the call history, and in this case, you can delete them directly from the call log.
Algorithm of action:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Journal tab.
- Find the contact or number that you recorded, and next to that call, you'll have a microphone icon. 🎤 or the inscription "Recorded».
- So, listen to the record and listen to it.
- Press three points (⋮) at the top right corner of the listening screen.
- Select “Delete the entry” (or “Delete the entry» → «Record only, if available).
💡 Tip: If you want to delete all records for a specific contact, use the filtering function: Log → Search (loop) → Enter the name/number → Press "Filter» → Select “Only recorded».
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Note: HyperOS firmware (for example, on the Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) This method may not work, because the records are tied to the Mi Cloud cloud storage, so first turn off sync in Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Call records.
Method 3: Manual Deletion through File Manager
If the records are not displayed in the Phone app or you suspect they are left in memory after deleting, use a file manager.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models, including Redmi 12, Redmi A2 and POCO X4 Pro.
Instructions:
- Open the Files app (or any other manager, such as Solid Explorer).
- Cross the path: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ If the folder is not available, check the alternative paths from the first section.
- Select the records files (you can use multiple highlights by holding your finger on one of the files).
- Click “Delete” (basket icon) and confirm the action.
- Clear the Recycle Bin (if used): in the file manager, go to the Recycle Bin section and delete the files permanently.
🔍 How to find records by date?
Files are named by template call_rec_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr. For example:
- call_rec_20260515_143022.amr — record 15 may 2026 yearly 14:30:22.
- call_rec_20231225_091547.amr — record 25 December 2023 yearly 09:15:47.
Important: Deleting files manually does not clear them from the Phone application database. After such an operation, the records may continue to appear in the interface, but when you try to play back, you will see an error. To fix this, clear the Phone application cache in the settings (Settings). → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
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If the folder sound_recorder If you have no files, try searching for records through the built-in file manager search. Type.amr or.mp3 filter the results by date of change.
Method 4: Irreversible Deletion (for privacy)
If you want to ensure that you can delete your records so that they can’t be restored even with special programs (such as DiskDigger or Recuva), use one of the following methods:
Method 1: Rewriting files
- Install a secure removal app like Shreddit or Secure Delete.
- Select the records files in the folder call_rec.
- Run the “Returnless Deletion” (or “Shred”) function. The application will overwrite the data with random symbols 3-7 times.
Method 2: Encryption + Formatting (for advanced users)
- Create a backup copy of important data.
- Encrypt internal memory through Settings → Security → Encryption of the telephone.
- After encryption, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
- This will completely destroy all files, including records, without the possibility of recovery.
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Warning: Irreversible Deletion: If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, it is better to perform a full reset than selective deletion of files. Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi: 1. Turn off your phone. 2. Press the power button + volume up until the logo appears MI. 3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. 4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed.
Method 3: Use ADB (tech-savvy)
If you have access to Android Debug Bridge (ADB), You can manually clean the database of records:
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to enable developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- Open the command line on your PC and type: adb shell su rm -rf /data/data/com.android.dialer/databases/callrecorder.db This will delete the database of records (root rights required).
Method 5: Delete records from the Mi Cloud
If your Xiaomi Redmi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, the records can be automatically uploaded to the cloud, and removing them from your phone alone won’t clean up your cloud storage.
How to delete posts from Mi Cloud:
- Open “Settings” → “Xiaomi Account” → “Mi Cloud” →
- Tap on Sync and turn off the Call Record option (if it is active).
- Return to the Mi Cloud main menu and select “Storage Management”.
- Find the Call Records section (or Other Files» → «Audio»).
- Select unnecessary entries and click “Delete”.
- Confirm the action and wait for synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).
📌 Note: Mi Cloud has a recycle bin where files are stored for up to 30 days to delete them permanently:
- Go to the “Basket” in the Mi Cloud menu.
- Select the records and click “Clear the basket”.
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Note: If you use Google Drive for backup (e.g., through Google One), the records may be duplicated there too. Check the Backup folder in Google Drive and manually delete unnecessary files.
How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Records
If you delete an important recording of a conversation, don’t despair — you can try to restore it. Success depends on how long it has been since you deleted and whether you used the phone after that (new data can overwrite old files).
Method 1: Recovery through MIUI Backup
- Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
- Select Local Backups (if you have previously created a backup).
- Find the backup copy made before deleting the records and tap on it.
- Select "Restore» → tick "Call Records" (or "Telephone Application Data»).
- Confirm the recovery and wait for completion.
Method 2: Third-party recovery programs
Recovery of deleted.amr files or.mp3 can be used:
- 📱 DiskDigger (there is a version for Android without root).
- 💻 Recuva (if you connect your phone to your PC) MTP).
- 📱 Undeleter (works with internal memory and microSD cards).
Instructions for DiskDigger:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Start the scan (select “Full Scan” for deep search).
- After completion, filter the results by expanding.amr or.mp3.
- Select the files you need and click “Restore”.
- Save the records to a safe place (for example, on a PC or cloud).
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Warning: The more you use your phone after deleting (installing apps, taking photos, recording new conversations), the lower your chances of recovery. At the first sign of data loss, immediately turn off the Internet and do not write new files.
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If the recording was deleted more than 30 days ago and the phone was actively used, the chances of recovery are close to zero, in such cases only backup in Mi Cloud or on external media will help.
Table: Comparison of recording deletion methods on Xiaomi Redmi
| Method | Difficulty | Time. | Guarantee of disposal | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the phone app. | ⭐ (simple) | 1-2 minutes | Low (files can remain in memory) | Quickly delete individual records |
| Through call history. | ⭐ (simple) | 1-3 minutes | Medium (depending on firmware) | Delete records for a specific contact |
| Manual Deletion through File Manager | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | 3-5 minutes | High (when cleaning the basket) | Mass deletion or if the recordings are not displayed on the “Phone” |
| Irreversible removal (ADB/encryption) | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | 10–30 min | Absolute. | Confidential Data Before Selling Your Phone |
| Removal from Mi Cloud | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | 5-10 minutes | High (when cleaning the basket) | If you have synchronization with the cloud |