On Xiaomi smartphones, the phone record function is not as obvious as on other Android devices. Many users face the problem of turning on the record, and where to look for the file? Depending on the version of MIUI, the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and even the region of the firmware storage paths may differ, and even after updating the system or resetting, the records sometimes “disappear” from the usual folders.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible places Xiaomi can save audio conversation files, from standard directories to hidden system folders, and why records may not be saved at all, how to restore them, and what applications will help automate the process. If you’ve ever lost an important record or just want to understand how it works, read on.
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1. Standard Storage Folders in MIUI: Where to Look First
On most Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite) the default conversation records are saved in two main places:
First, check the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec It's in the internal memory of the device. MIUI 12–14. The files here are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: call_[date [time] [time].m4a. For example, call_20260515_143022.m4a — record 15 may 2026 yearly 14:30.
Secondly, on some devices (especially global firmware) records may lie in a folder. Recordings/Call Or just call at the root of the internal storage. 2021 Redmi Note of the Year 9 Pro, Mi 10T). Note: If you use a memory card, the path may change to /storage/[ID_map]/MIUI/....
- 📁 Main folder: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
- 📁 An alternative path: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/
- 🔍 File formats:.m4a,.less often.mp3
- ⚠️ Exception: By POCO shelled POCO The launcher path may be different – see Section 3.
⚠️ Note: If you connect your phone to your computer USB, Enable the File Transfer Mode (MTP) Notification curtain, otherwise the records folders may not appear in the conductor. Windows/macOS.
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2. Hidden system folders: where Xiaomi hides records from the user
Sometimes you can't see the conversation records in the standard directories, but they still exist. Xiaomi can save them in hidden system folders that don't show up in the regular file manager.
- Install a file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer) with support for hidden files.
- Enable the option to Show hidden files in the manager settings.
- Take one of the paths: 🔒 /data/user/0/com.android.server.telecom/files/ — There may be temporary copies of the records. 🔒 /data/media/0/MIUI/debug_log/ — Sometimes the records are duplicated here for debugging.
Critically, the /data/ folder is only available with root rights. Without it, you'll see a message that you don't have root rights. If you don't have root rights, try an alternative method -- see Section 5.
| folder | Do you need root rights? | File format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| /data/user/0/... | ✅ Yes. | .amr, .wav | Temporary files can be automatically deleted |
| /MIUI/debug_log/ | ❌ No. | .m4a | Duplicate records for debugging |
| /Android/data/... | ❌ No. | .nomedia | They may be hidden from the gallery. |
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3. Features of POCO records and global firmware
POCO smartphones (e.g., POCO X5 Pro, POCO F5) and global firmware devices (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Lite Global) often use alternative storage paths, which is because these versions of MIUI feature call recording via another system application, com.miui.voiceassist.
Where to look for POCO records:
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/POCO/voice_recorder/calls/ — mainfolder.
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Download/Call Recordings/ — If the setting “Save to Downloads” is enabled».
- 🔊 Format:.opus (less commonly) or.m4a.
On global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 5G Global), the path can be /storage/emulated/0/Music/CallRecordings/. This is due to Google’s requirements for processing audio files in Android 12+.
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4.Why conversation records may not be saved
If you have enabled a call record but the file does not appear in the folder, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🚫 Android-level ban: With Android 9, Google has restricted apps from accessing the microphone during calls. On some Xiaomi firmware, recording only works if you manually confirmed permission for the Phone app.
- 🔕 Regional restrictions: In India, the EU and some other regions, the default call record is disabled due to privacy laws, and to enable it, you need to change the region of the device to Russia or Indonesia in the settings.
- 🗑️ Auto-cleaning: B MIUI There is a garbage cleanup feature that can delete old records (over 30 days) without notice.
- 📵 Application Conflict: If you have third-party recording apps installed (like Cube Call Recorder), they may block the regular feature.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) recording conversations can only work through Google Drive or other cloud services due to tightening of privacy policy. → Recording calls → Preservation site.
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5. How to Recover Lost Records of Conversations
If the records are gone, don't panic. Here's a step-by-step recovery plan:
- Check the Recycle Bin: MIUI has a system basket where files are stored for 7-30 days. Open Files → Recycle Bin and find files with the.m4a or.amr extension.
- Use specialized programs: 🛠️ DiskDigger – Search files by signature (supports.m4a). 🛠️ Recuva (for internal memory only if you connect your phone as a disk).
Check the cloud copies:
Mi Cloud
Google Drive.
call
record
Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data (to prevent overwriting files)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Install a recovery application (DiskDigger, Undeleter)
Check the basket at MIUI
Connect the phone to the PC in mode MTP-->
Important: The faster you start recovery, the better the chances. After deleting, files don't disappear immediately, they're marked as free space and overwritten with new data. Avoid installing new apps or taking photos/video before recovery.
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6. Third-party applications for recording and their settings
If Xiaomi's regular feature doesn't suit you, you can use alternative apps. MIUI:
- 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Records both ends of a conversation (even on Android) 13), preserve /CubeBackups/. Disadvantage: Requires to configure access rights through ADB.
- 📞 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – a simple interface /CallRecordings/. It works without root, but may not record the voice of the interlocutor on new versions of Android.
To make third-party apps work properly on Xiaomi, follow the following steps:
- Open Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Autostart and enable autorun for the recording application.
- In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode, add the application to exceptions.
- For the Cube. ACR execute the command through ADB: adb shell pm grant com.catalinagroup.callrecorder android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO adb shell pm grant com.catalinagroup.callrecorder android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE
💡
If after installing a third-party recording application, the regular MIUI function stopped working, clear the phone application data in the settings (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Clear Data).
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7. How to change the location of the stored records (internal memory vs. SD-map)
By default, Xiaomi saves the records to internal memory, but you can redirect them to the memory card.
- Open the Phone app.
- Move to the ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Recording calls.
- Select a Save Place and specify SD-map (if installed).
- Agree with the warning that records may not be available when the card is retrieved.
Pay attention to the nuances:
- 🔄 When moving on SD-The file card may not be displayed in the gallery (you need to manually scan the folder through the file manager).
- ⚡ If the memory card is slow (Class 4 or lower), the records may be interrupted or stored with distortions.
- 🔒 On some firmware (MIUI China) option to save on SD-card blocked.
How to forcefully transfer records to SD-map?
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8.Security and legality of recording conversations
Before you record calls, consider the legal aspects:
- 📵 In India, recording is allowed, but you can't distribute it without consent.
On Xiaomi devices with EU (MIUI EU) or India firmware, the recording function can be disabled by default to activate it:
- Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Region.
- Select the country where entry is allowed (e.g. Russia, Indonesia).
- Restart the phone – the recording option will appear in the Phone app.
⚠️ Note: Changing the region of the device may cause some services to fail (e.g. Google Pay or banking applications.
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