Many budget smartphone owners face the need to save an important conversation, but later can not find an audio file in the memory of the device. Xiaomi Redmi 4X owners are no exception, especially given that the model came out several years ago and has its own features of the MIUI file system. Standard search algorithms often do not show hidden folders of system applications, which creates the illusion of a missing record.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the directory structure where the recorder automatically places audio recordings, and how to access them through a file manager or computer. Understanding the logic of storing data in the MIUI shell will allow you to quickly find the right files and manage free space on the internal drive.
Note that the path to files may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the installed MIUI build. However, the basic directory structure remains unchanged for most devices in this line.
Standard path in file manager
By default, all audio recordings made through the built-in Phone application are stored in the internal memory of the device. The Android system on Xiaomi smartphones uses a strictly defined hierarchy of folders, the violation of which can lead to malfunctions in the software. You can find the desired file by opening the Explorer or Files application.
You need to go to the root directory of internal memory, which is often referred to as the “root directory.” /storage/emulated/0/. This is where the main user data folders are located. MIUI, where the shell system data is stored MIUI.
Inside the folder. MIUI find the directory sound_recorder. It's in this directory that the system puts all the records that are made by standard tools, and if you were looking for files in the Downloads or Music folder, they might have gone unnoticed, because the logic of storing a recorder is different from the logic of saving downloaded tracks.
- 📂 Open the "Conductor" application on the main screen.
- 📂 Consistently open the folders: MIUI → sound_recorder.
- 📂 Look for files with extension.mp3 or.m4a.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files directly from this folder unless you are sure of their contents, as the system can use them to work with the Call Record function.
Inside the folder. call_rec (inside sound_recorder) The other files in the parent folder may be manual tape recordings, and the separation is automatic, but the physical files are in adjacent directories of the same branch.
Search through the settings of the recorder
The fastest way to know the exact path to a file without wandering manually is to use the built-in functionality of the Dictator application. The MIUI shell provides easy navigation that allows you to go to the file in one click. This is especially true if the standard folder structure has been changed by the user.
Open the Dictophone app. In the upper right corner of the screen, look for a menu icon represented by three dots or stripes, and if you click on it, you'll see a list of options, including "Settings" or "View Records".
When you select a file viewing option, the system will open the file manager right in the folder where the records are located, which eliminates the need to remember long paths, and you can also see the amount of space occupied and the date of creation of each file.
You can also change the recording format in the voice recorder settings. MP3 is the default, but you can switch to AAC to save space. Changing this setting does not change the way you save it, but it affects the file extension and compatibility with older players.
- 🎙️ Launch the "Dictorphone" application from the application menu.
- 🎙️ Click on the menu (three dots) in the corner of the screen.
- 🎙️ Select "Settings" to change the quality or format.
- 🎙️ Click "View records" for quick transition to files.
Access to files via computer
The most convenient way to sort through a large archive of conversations is to use a computer. 4X PC-only USB-It's important to choose the right mode of operation. USB, Otherwise, the computer will not see the internal memory of the smartphone.
Once you connect the cable, lower the notification curtain on your phone. Find the "Charge over USB" notification and click on it. In the menu that appears, select the "Charge over File" (MTP) mode. Only then a new drive will appear on your computer.
Way to PC: This computer -> Redmi 4X -> Internal shared storage -> MIUI -> sound_recorder -> call_recBy copying files to your computer, you free up precious space on your internal drive. Given that the Redmi 4X often came with 16 or 32 GB of storage, cleaning your call archive regularly can significantly speed up your device.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Recording format | MP3 | MP3 (for compatibility) |
| Quality. | High. | Average (saving space) |
| Sound source | Microphone | Voice in (if available) |
| Memory. | Internal | SD-card (if available) |
When working through a computer, it is convenient to use the function of sorting by date, which allows you to quickly find the records made on a particular day and delete the extra. The NTFS or FAT32 file system on your computer easily reads Android formats.
Use of a SD memory card
Xiaomi Redmi 4X is equipped with a hybrid slot that allows you to use a microSD card. This is an excellent solution for those who are actively recording conversations and do not want to overflow internal memory.
To change the way you save, open the Dictophone app and go to settings. Find Memory or Storage. If the memory card is installed and correctly defined by the system, you can choose the option"SD-map".
☑️ Setting up SD-map
After switching, all new records will automatically be saved to the folder. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/ The old files will remain in the internal memory, they will need to be transferred manually through the file manager.
⚠️ Note: If you use memory cards (class below 10), you may lose the ending of the conversation or audio artifacts.
Using a memory card also makes it easier to back up. You can just pull out the card and paste it into the card reader to copy the archive to your computer without plugging in the smartphone itself, which is especially handy with regular data backup.
Problems with lack of records
Sometimes users are faced with a situation when the conversation has taken place, the notification of the record has appeared, but the file is nowhere. The most common reason is a lack of free memory. When the place ends, the system may interrupt the writing process or not save the file at all.
Another reason is that the application permissions, after updating MIUI or resetting, the Phone or Recorder app may not be allowed access to memory. Check this in Settings → Applications → All Apps.
Search for "Dictophone" and "Phone" in the list. Go to "Permissions." Make sure that access to "Memory" or "Files and Media" is allowed. Without this right, the record cannot be physically stored in storage.