Why are Redmi 9 Note calls “hiding” from users?
You turned on a call recording on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note, but you can't find the file after the call is over? This is a typical problem of Xiaomi smartphone owners on MIUI — the system saves audio recordings in non-obvious folders, and sometimes even "loses" them after updates. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations of records, explain why they may disappear, and show how guaranteed to find them — even if you have never changed the default settings.
The main challenge lies in the MIUI architecture: depending on the firmware version (12, 13 or 14) and the way you write (built-in voice recorder, Calls app or third-party programs), the paths to the files are different. Xiaomi is actively using cloud backup, which can be confusing. But don't worry, we'll break it down next.
Important: If you use a Redmi 9 Note with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the record search algorithm will be different, in which case you will immediately go to the section on alternative OSes.
Official Ways to Keep Records in MIUI
By default, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note saves conversation records in the system folder, but its location depends on which application was used to record:
- 📱 Built-in dictaphone MIUI: records are kept /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/ or /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/. Files have extensions.m4a or.mp3.
- 📞 Call Recorder app: the way — /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/call_rec/. Here files are sorted by dates and subscriber numbers.
- ☁️ Mi Cloud storage: If sync is enabled, records are duplicated in Mi Cloud → Backup copies → Call records only available when logged in to your Mi Account.
On the Redmi 9 Note with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has implemented an additional folder for recordings - /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.miui.voiceassist/. This is due to the integration of the voice assistant Xiao AI, which can automatically save calls when the Smart Record function is activated.
Why records disappear: 5 reasons and solutions
If you are sure that the recording was conducted, but the file was not found, check these points:
- Autoclean cache: MIUI can delete old records when memory is scarce. Check settings in Settings → Storage → Cleanup.
- Unenforced: Some applications (like Truecaller) require separate permission to write. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone.
- Sync failure: If the records were saved in Mi Cloud but are lost, try logging into your account on another device and checking the Recycle Bin folder.
- Update: After upgrading MIUI, the path to folders may change. Use a root file manager (such as Solid Explorer) to find hidden directories.
- Virus or Optimizer: Programs like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster often delete "unnecessary" audio files. Check the cleanup history in these applications.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 9 Note with two SIM-With cards, records can be saved in different folders for each number. call_rec1_ and call_rec2_.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are available, but not reproduced. | The audio codec is damaged. | Install VLC Player or convert a file via Audacity |
| Files take up 0 KB | Failure while maintaining | Reboot your phone and repeat the recording. |
| folder call_rec idle | Recorded in another app. | Check it out. MIUI/sound_recorder/ or Download/ |
| Records disappear after reboot | Files are saved to RAM (RAM) | Turn off “Quick Boot” in the battery settings |
How to transfer records to a computer or other device
The records you find can be copied in a number of ways, and you can choose the method depending on your tasks:
Backup files in Mi Cloud
Connect your phone to your PC via USB (file transfer mode)
Install a file manager (e.g. ES Explorer)
Check the free space on the target device-->
- 🖥️ Through USB-cable: Connect Redmi 9 Note to PC. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice USB. Go on the path of internal memory → MIUI → voice_recorder → call_rec. Copy files with the.amr extension or.mp3.
- ☁️ Through Mi Cloud: Go to i.mi.com, log in and go to Backups → Call records. Mark the files you want and click "Export».
- 📲 Through messengers: Open the file in the player, click Share and select Telegram, WhatsApp or Email. Note that some messengers compress audio.
- 📁 Symlink: Create a simlink to a folder of records in a convenient place through Terminal Emulator: ln -s /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/call_rec /storage/emulated/0/Download/Call_Records