Where to save conversation records on Xiaomi smartphones: a full guide to search and setup

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi line) automatically store phone records in multiple locations, both internal memory and cloud services. However, users often face a problem: records suddenly disappear, do not appear in the gallery or take up space in unknown folders. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware, which distributes audio files to different directories depending on the OS version, device model and settings of the Phone application.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at all possible record storage locations, including hidden system folders, cloud backups, and alternative paths for specific models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), and learn how to change the way you save, restore deleted files, and why some records may not appear in a standard player.

If you've never changed your conversation recording settings, chances are your files are in one of the five standard locations, but there's a nuance: for example, on devices with MIUI 14+, the path to the folder has changed, and on some models with the Qualcomm chipset, the records are saved by default in a secure partition that is not available without root rights.

1. Standard entries folder in MIUI: where to look by default

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the default conversation records are stored in internal memory along the way:

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

This directory is created automatically when the recording function in the Phone application is first enabled.m4a (AAC-codec) or.amr (for older models) and are named after the template:

call_rec_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_phone_number.extension

However, there are important exceptions:

• 📱 On devices with MIUI 13 and newer (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) file miui_call_rec instead call_rec.
• 🔄 If you have updated the firmware "over the air" (OTA), Old records could remain in the old folder, and new ones could be saved in the new one.
• 🛡️ In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) folder sound_recorder hidden and not displayed in a standard file manager without enabling the mode "Show hidden files".

To check this folder:

1. Open the Files app (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the Internal Memory section → MIUI → sound_recorder.
3. If there is no folder, try the /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call path, which is an alternate location on some firmware.

⚠️ Note: Do not rename the folder call_rec Or the files inside it manually, which can cause the recording function in the Phone app to fail, because MIUI track track track integrity by checksums.

2. Alternative storage paths: model and firmware dependency

MIUI has several developmental lines, and the way records are saved may vary depending on the version and regional build. Below is a table with current data for popular models (based on tests from 2023-2026):

If your model is not listed in the table, the path can be determined experimentally:

1. Make a test call and turn on the recording (lasting 10-15 seconds).
2. Use a file manager with a search function (e.g, FX File Explorer and enter the request call_rec or.m4a.
3. Sort the results by date of creation – the last file will be your record.

Important: On devices with dual SIM-For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G) The records can be divided into folders depending on the number from which the call was made. sim1 and sim2.

💡

If you can't find the MIUI folder in internal memory, check if your smartphone is connected to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP). Some versions of Windows 10/11 hide the MIUI system directories when you connect. Try using PTP or file manager mode right on your phone.

3. Cloud Services: Where Xiaomi sends records automatically

In addition to local storage, Xiaomi can synchronize conversation records with cloud services, both in-house and third-party.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: If the Sync of Records option is enabled in Xiaomi account settings, the files are copied to your cloud storage Records section. → Records. → Calls.
• 📁 Google Drive: When using the Google Phone app (manually installed), records can automatically be uploaded to the Call Recordings folder on Drive. This is true for Android One models (e.g. Mi). A3).
• 🔗 Third-party applications: If you have installed alternative recording programs (such as Cube Call Recorder or Cube Call Recorder) ACR), Check their settings - the path can be any, up to /sdcard/Download/CallRecords/.

To check sync with Mi Cloud:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Cloud
2. Scroll down to the Data Sync section and find the Call Record item.
3. If the option is active, click on it and select View Data in the Cloud.

The critical nuance is that Mi Cloud records are only stored for 30 days at a free rate, and then they are automatically deleted without recovery, and if you want long-term archives, set up exporting files to Google Drive or to an external drive.

⚠️ Note: When you delete a record from Xiaomi’s local memory, it can stay in the cloud — and vice versa.Always check both storages if you’re looking for a specific file.

4. How to change the way records are saved: step-by-step instructions

If you are not satisfied with the standard location of files (for example, they occupy space in internal memory), you can change the way you save them.

• 📂 External SD-Card: Suitable for models with support for adoptable storage (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro. The folder will be created automatically along the way. /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, where XXXX-XXXX — ID your card.
• 🖥️ Network storage: On firmware MIUI 14+ You can set up the storage directly in SMB-This will require the Mi File Manager Pro app.
• 🔄 Cloud default: In the Phone app settings, you can enable automatic booting to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the path to the external SD-map:

Insert SD-slot-card exFAT/FAT32)

Open Settings → Memory → Default Storage

Choose. SD-map and confirm formatting (if required)

Reset the device

Open the application Phone → Settings → Record conversations → Save the Way

Choose. SD-map and confirm-->

If the path selection option is not on the menu, it means that your Xiaomi model does not support transferring recordings to external media, in which case you can use a workaround:

1. Install a file manager with Tasker support (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Create a task to automatically move files from /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ on SD-map 10 minute.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and the newer way of conservation can only be changed for the external SD-Network folders and clouds are configured through third-party applications, as this option is not available in the standard interface.

5.Why recordings are not displayed in the gallery and how to find them

Frequent problem: Record files are on the device, but not visible in standard applications (Gallery, Music or Records).

• 🔍 No indexation: MIUI It doesn't scan your system folders for multimedia. To get files to the gallery, create a.nomedia file at the root of the memory with empty content, and it will force the system to rescan the media library.
• 🎵 Unsupported format: Old models (Redmi) 5A, Mi 8 Lite) saves.amr records, which not all players can perceive. VLC or MX Player to play.
• 🔒 Secure files: On some firmware (for example, MIUI For China, the records are encrypted and require a password to listen to.

If files don’t show up even after you reboot, perform a forced scan:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

This command can be entered via ADB (by connecting the phone to the PC) or the terminal on the device itself (developer rights are required).

For Android 12+ models (such as Xiaomi 12T), there is another reason: the system will divide media files into categories, and the recordings can be entered in the Other Audio Files section to see them:

1. Open the gallery. → Albums. → Audio.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Hidden Files.

6.Recovery of deleted records: working methods

If you accidentally delete a recording of a conversation, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it, and whether the memory of the device has been used since then.

• 🗑️ Basket MIUI: In the file manager of files from Xiaomi there is a basket where garbage is stored for 10 days. → Basket → Recently deleted.
• 🔄 PC Recovery: Connect your phone to your computer and use programs like Recuva or DiskDigger. Important: don't save the recovered files back to your phone, it will overwrite the data!
• ☁️ Cloud Backups: If you have synced with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check your file version history in the service’s web interface.

For recovery through ADB (advanced method):

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging.
2. Run the command to create a dump section with records: adb pull /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\Backup\
3. Use PhotoRec to scan the dump for deleted files.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software directly on your smartphone, they can overwrite the very data you're trying to recover.

7.Privacy settings: who can access records

The default conversation records on Xiaomi are available:

• 👤 You (the owner of the device).
• 🤖 Permitted annexes android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (If the record is stored in internal memory).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud or Google Services (if synchronization is enabled).

To restrict access:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Storage and disable access for unnecessary programs.
2. For the records on SD-Use encryption on the card: Settings → Security → Encryption SD-map.
3. Turn off automatic cloud upload: Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync records.

Important for MIUI Global users: In some regional firmware (e.g. India), the default conversation records are not encrypted, even if the device is locked with a password.

Settings → Additional → Privacy → Encrypting call records

On Android 11+ devices (such as POCO X4 Pro) there are additional restrictions:

• Applications cannot access records created by other programs (e.g., Cube Call Recorder will not see files from the standard Phone app).
• To access the folder call_rec through ADB Requires confirmation on the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi