Where Xiaomi records conversations: where to look for audio files on smartphones Redmi, POCO and Mi

Have you ever tried to find a recording of an important phone conversation on your Xiaomi, but couldn’t figure out where exactly these files are stored? This problem is familiar to many users of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones. The fact is that the MIUI system uses non-obvious ways to store audio recordings, and in some cases files can be hidden or protected from direct access.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all possible locations where Xiaomi stores conversation records, from standard folders to system directories that require special permissions to access. You will learn how to find files manually through the file manager, which applications automatically back up records, and what to do if audio files suddenly disappear after the MIUI update.

Standard folders for storing records in MIUI

By default, the Dictophone app (or Call Recorder in some versions of MIUI) saves audio files in open internal memory directories.

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/ — main folder for recordings from the recorder and calls (relevant to the MIUI 12-14)
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ — alternative location on some models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11)
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/CallRecord/ — Used by third-party applications to record calls (e.g. Cube Call Recorder)

It is important to note that paths can vary depending on the version of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13, the default entries are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.miui.soundrecorder/. To avoid confusion, use the built-in Explorer (Files) and enable the display of hidden folders in the settings.

Hidden System Directories: Where to Look if entries are not in standard folders

If you didn't find files in regular folders, it's possible they're saved in secure system directories. Xiaomi sometimes uses the following paths:

• 🔒 /data/user/0/com.miui.soundrecorder/files/ — requires root rights to access
• 🔒 /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/backups/ — backups of records (hidden by default)
• 🔒 /sdcard/Android/data/com.miui.voicerecord/ — Alternative voice storage (on some firmware)

To view these folders you will need:

1. A file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Activated Developer Mode and enabled USB debugging (in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, press 7 times).
3. Connect to a PC via ADB for manual file copying (command: adb pull /data/user/0/com.miui.soundrecorder/files/./desktop).

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to access system folders without root permissions may cause the Files app to crash or automatically delete temporary copies of records. Always back up your data before manipulating your files. /data.

Differences between models: where to look for records on Redmi, POCO and Mi

The record-saving algorithm may differ even for devices running the same MIUI version. Below is a table with typical paths for popular series:

On POCO Launcher devices (such as POCO X3 Pro), records can be automatically duplicated to the Mi Cloud if sync is enabled. Check this in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backups.

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If you use a third-party application to record calls (such as ACR or Cube Call Recorder), check its settings: often such programs save files to their own folders such as /ACR/ or /CubeBackups/.

How to Recover Deleted or Lost Records

If the records disappeared after resetting, updating MIUI, or accidentally deleting, try the following methods:

• 🔍 Check the basket: In the Files app, open the Recycle Bin section - records can be saved there for up to 30 days.
• 🖥️ Recovery Scanner: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (PC connection and debugging required) USB).
• ☁️ Cloud Copies: Check out Google Drive or Mi Cloud – some versions MIUI Automatically upload records when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Backup copies MIUI: B Settings → Additionally. → Backup can be an archive with audio files.

To increase the chances of recovery:

Do not save new files to your device|Turn off automatic sync with the cloud|Use the original. USB-cable|Charge your phone at least 50%-->

⚠️ Note: If you have used the function "Encrypted storage" in MIUI, It's almost impossible to recover records without a password. /data, including audio recordings.

Call Recording Settings: Where to Save and How to Change the Path

By default, the call recording feature is disabled in MIUI due to legal restrictions in some countries.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Call Recording (or Call Recording in Global Firmware).
4. Activate the option to record all calls or select specific contacts.

To change the way we preserve:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a recorder or call recorder → Warehouse.
3. Click Change next to the default folder (not available on all versions of MIUI).

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the path can only be changed through ADB:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_path "/storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/"

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In global firmware MIUI (EEA), call recording is often locked at the kernel level, and the only way around this is by installing custom firmware or using third-party applications.

Third-party Write Applications: Where They Store Files

If you don't like the built-in MIUI record feature, you can use alternative applications. Popular options and their ways of saving:

• 📱 ACR (Another Call Recorder): /ACR/ or /CallRecordings/ (configure in the application menu).
• 📱 Cube Call Recorder: /CubeBackups/ or /Cube/Recordings/ (Supports cloud storage).
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekara: /lovekara/ (file encryptor).
• 📱 Boldbeast Call Recorder: /Boldbeast/ (Requires manual path adjustment in Settings → Recording Files).

Third-party apps have the advantage of flexibility in settings, such as Boldbeast, where you can choose:

• The file format (.mp3,.wav,.amr).
• Audio source (microphone, top speaker, Bluetooth).
• Automatically send your email or Google Drive.

Important: Since Android 10, Google has restricted apps from accessing the audio stream of calls, so many recorders (including some versions of ACR) can only record your voice, not the person you are talking to. Full recording requires root or special firmware with a modified core.

Security and Legal Aspects of Recording Conversations

Before recording telephone conversations, please read the laws of your country, and most jurisdictions have the following rules:

• 📜 Unilateral consent: The United States, Canada, and some EU countries allow recording a conversation if at least one participant (you) knows it.
• 📜 Bilateral consent: In Germany, France and Russia, recording a conversation without notifying the interlocutor may be considered a violation of privacy law.
• 📜 Exceptions: In business correspondence or in the case of threats, the record may be used as evidence in court (but authentication is required).

MIUI has a built-in recording notice that plays back at the beginning of a conversation (configured in Phone Settings → Call Record → Record Notice) and it is not recommended to disable it, which can lead to legal consequences.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. India), mobile operators block the ability to record calls at the network level. If the feature does not work even with third-party applications, contact your provider for clarification.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi