Where on Xiaomi are stored records of phone calls: a complete guide to search and extract files

Records of phone conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones POCO — It's not just a handy feature, it's also an important tool for capturing important information, but many users are faced with the problem of where exactly are these files stored, how do they find them in the device's memory, and can deleted records be recovered? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of storing call records on devices. MIUI, including hidden folders, file formats and backup methods.

Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi uses its own logging logic, which may vary depending on the firmware version and the phone model. MIUI 10-11 records may be kept in public domain, while in MIUI 12-14 They are often hidden from the user. In addition, some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) They can use Mi Cloud cloud storage to synchronize records, making it difficult to manually search for records.

If you're looking for a way to retrieve records for litigation, archiving, or just to free up memory, this guide will help. We'll look at not only standard storage pathways, but also alternative access methods, including the use of a new method of access. ADB, File Managers with Root and Third Party Application Rights.

Standard ways to store call records on Xiaomi

By default, phone records on Xiaomi smartphones are stored in the device's internal memory.

• 📁 /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard layout for most models on MIUI 12-14. The files are stored in.amr format or.mp3 patterned call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.
• 📁 /sdcard/Recordings/Call/ — alternative path for some firmware (e.g. global versions) MIUI for POCO F3 or Redmi K40).
• 📁 /sdcard/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — a hidden folder where temporary copies of records can be stored (available only through root or ADB).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud — if sync is enabled, records can automatically be uploaded to the cloud. → Backup copies → Call records.

It's important to consider that the paths can vary depending on the regional firmware, for example, on the Chinese versions. MIUI (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) records are sometimes stored in encrypted form in a folder /data/user_de/0/com.miui.voicerecord/, Access to which is only possible with superuser rights.

If you don't find the records in the specified folders, try using the built-in file search.

1. Open the standard Files application (or any file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
2. In the search bar, enter the extension.amr or.mp3.
3. Filter the results by the date of creation – this will help you find the right files faster.

How to Enable Recording of Conversations and Configure Save

Before searching for records, make sure that the call recording function is activated. MIUI This can be done in several ways:

1. Through phone settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Record conversations. Enable Automatic Record or select Record all calls. Specify the save format:.amr (compact but with poorer quality) or.mp3 (Better quality, but more weight).

During the call:

Press the Record button (Mic icon) during a conversation. The file will be saved automatically after the call is completed.

On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The recording option may be hidden due to regional restrictions, and it will help to install an alternative call app, such as Google Phone or Truecaller, which supports recording on all devices.

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If the recording option is not in the settings, check if it is disabled by the carrier. SIM-map.

Also pay attention to storage settings:

• 📱 Store on your device – files are stored in internal memory.
• ☁️ Sync with Mi Cloud – records are uploaded to the cloud (requires authorization in your Xiaomi account).
• 🔄 Autodelete old records – if enabled, files older than 30 days will be deleted automatically.

Finding Hidden Records with the Help of ADB and root access

If standard methods didn't find records, maybe they're stored in secure system folders. ADB (Android Debug Bridge or root rights.

First, let us consider the method of ADB (no root):

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell ls /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ If the folder exists but is empty, try: adb shell find /sdcard/ -name ".amr" -o -name ".mp3"
3. Download files on PC: Adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\Call_Records\

Additional folders are available for users with root access:

• 🔓 /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases/ — Media file database where metadata of records can be stored.
• 🔓 /data/user_de/0/com.miui.voicerecord/files/ — Sometimes temporary records are stored here.

If you don't want to use ADB or root, an alternative method is to install file managers with extended rights, such as FX File Explorer or Mixplorer: They allow you to view system folders without root, but with limitations.

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Use of the ADB — The safest way to access hidden files without the risk of damaging the system. Root access gives more options, but requires caution.

Recovery of Deleted Call Records

If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them, and success depends on whether the files were overwritten with the new data.

1. Through the Recycle Bin: Some file managers (such as Mi File Manager) have a Recycle Bin feature where files are stored. 30 Check the folder. /sdcard/.recycle/.
2. Through specialized programmes: 🛠️ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files. 🛠️ Recuva (for PC) – requires a phone connection in mode MTP and pre-recognition of memory image. 🛠️ EaseUS MobiSaver – supports.amr and.amr recovery.mp3 Xiaomi devices.

Through backups:

If automatic backup is enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check the archives. For example, in Mi Cloud, records can be stored in the Backups section. → Application data → Phone.

The faster you start recovery, the better the chances of success. After deleting files, avoid writing new data to your device (don't install apps, don't take photos).

To increase the chances of recovery, you can create an image of internal memory using the help of ADB:

adb shell su -c "dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/mmcblk0.img"

Then scan the image on your PC using Autopsy or FTK Imager.

Cloud storage of records in Mi Cloud and Google Drive

Many Xiaomi users are unaware that their call records can automatically sync with cloud services.

To enable synchronization with Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud
2. Enable the Synchronization of application data.
3. Go to the backup copies → Settings → Select "Phone".

Note that when you change your device, your Mi Cloud records are not always automatically restored. To transfer them to your new phone, download the archive manually through the Mi Cloud web version (i.mi.com) and extract files from the folder. backup/phone/.

Alternative applications for recording and storing calls

If the standard function of the recording in MIUI You are not satisfied (for example, due to restrictions on the duration or format of files), you can use third-party applications:

• 📱 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports VoIP call recording (WhatsApp, Viber), saves files to /sdcard/CubeBackups/.
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – Allows you to choose the format (.mp3,.wav,.ogg) and save folder.
• 📱 Truecaller – In addition to spam detection, it records calls and stores them in the cloud (available by subscription).
• 📱 Boldbeast Call Recorder is one of the few apps running on Xiaomi with Android 12+.

When using third-party applications, consider:

• ⚠️ Some applications may conflict with the built-in recording function MIUI. Turn off the standard entry in the phone settings.
• ⚠️ Android 10.+ Applications require special permissions to record calls. ACR Asks to install it as a default call app.

To redirect recordings to the cloud automatically, set up integration with Dropbox or Google Drive in the app itself. ACR It's done this way:

1. Open the app and go to Settings → Cloud Storage.
2. Select the service (Google Drive, Dropbox) and log in.
3. Specify the folder to download and enable the Autoboot option.

Security and Legal Aspects of Recording Conversations

Recording telephone conversations is not only a technical issue, but also a legal one, with different privacy laws in place in different countries:

• 🇷🇺 In Russia, recording of a conversation is allowed only with the consent of the interlocutor (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), except for fixing evidence for the court (but notification of the second party is required).
• 🇺🇦 In Ukraine, recording without consent is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 31 of the Constitution of Ukraine).
• 🇪🇺 The EU countries are operating GDPR, which strictly regulates the processing of personal data, recording without consent may result in a fine.
• 🇺🇸 In the U.S., laws vary by state, and in most cases, unilateral consent is required (i.e., you can record if you're involved in a conversation).

On Xiaomi devices, when you turn on the call record, a notification appears for the interlocutor (in some regions). MIUI For the EU, before recording begins, a voice message is played: "This conversation is being recorded"; this notification can only be disabled through editing system files (root required).

⚠️ Warning: Using court records without respecting legal norms can lead to them being declared inadmissible evidence.Always check local law before recording conversations.

If you are recording conversations for work (such as a journalist or a call center employee), you must:

• Get the written consent of the interlocutor.
• Keep records in a secure form (for example, in encrypted archives).
• Delete files after their expiration date.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often face typical problems with call records, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the records are missing after the update MIUI, Try the following steps:

1. Check the folder. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec_old/ — Sometimes old files are moved there.
2. Restore data from the Mi Cloud backup (if it was created before the update).
3. Remove the firmware to the previous version (if the problem appeared after the update).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2 or Mi A3 with pure Android, the standard call recording feature is not available due to Google's policy, in which case only third-party software will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions