Where is the call record saved on Xiaomi: all possible storage locations + search instructions

Have you turned on a conversation record on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but now you can't find the file? Or do you want to make sure that the record is actually saved before an important call? In this article, we'll look at all the possible storage locations on devices with MIUI, from standard folders to hidden directories, and also explain how to recover deleted files and why they may disappear.

The process of recording and saving calls on Xiaomi smartphones depends on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14/15), the phone model and even regional settings. For example, on some devices for the Indian or Chinese market, the record is automatically encrypted, and in European versions files can be saved in plain view. We took into account all these nuances and collected current information for 2026, including changes after Google security updates.

Standard Ways to Keep Call Records on Xiaomi

By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in the system folder, but its location may vary depending on the version of MIUI.

  • ๐Ÿ“ MIUI 12โ€“13: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ โ€” Classic location for most models (Redmi Note) 10/11, Xiaomi 11T).
  • ๐Ÿ“ MIUI 14+: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ โ€” New storage location introduced with Googleโ€™s privacy policy update.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Encrypted records: on some firmware (for example, for POCO F4/F5) files are saved in /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/ and not available without root rights.

If you don't find the folder call_rec or Recordings, check the settings of the "Phone" application":

  1. Open the phone. โ†’ โ‹ฎ (three-point) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Recording calls.
  2. Click on the Save folder and the current path will be displayed here (if the option is active).
๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Xiaomi 12/13/14
Another model

Important: On devices with MIUI Global (European/Russian firmware), records can automatically sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud if the appropriate option is enabled. Check Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Synchronization.

How to find records through file manager

To manually detect records files, follow the following steps:

  1. Open the standard Explorer (or install Solid Explorer/FX File Manager for advanced features).
  2. Go to the root directory of internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/.
  3. Look for the folders: ๐Ÿ” MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ ๐Ÿ” Recordings/Call/ ๐Ÿ” Downloads/CallRecordings/ (If you change the way of saving manually).

.m4a

.amr

Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_phone_number.m4a

Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings

Check the folders. MIUI/sound_recorder and Recordings/Call

Find files with the.m4a or.amr extension

Try to use a search for a keyword "Call_"

-->

If the folder is not available, it is possible that the record was not saved due to limitations:

  • ๐Ÿšซ On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) the record is blocked for numbers with bank or government prefixes.
  • ๐Ÿšซ V MIUI 14+ You need permission to record sound for the Phone application (check in Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Microphone).

Why Call Records May Be Lost

Xiaomi users often face a situation where the record seems to be enabled, but there are no files.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Recording not retainedNo permission to access memoryGo to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Phone โ†’ Permissions and turn on โ€œStorageโ€
Files disappear after rebootingThe save folder is in the cacheChange path to /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ in the recording settings
Recording interruptedOptimization of the battery for the application "Phone"Add "Phone" to exceptions: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization
No sound on the record.Locking the microphone with another applicationClose all programs that use the microphone (e.g. Google Assistant)

Special case: On devices with MIUI for China (China ROM firmware), records can be stored encrypted in the system partition.

  1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
  2. Use Root Explorer to access /data/com.android.providers.media/databases/.
  3. Export the callrec.db database and open it through SQLite Browser.
How do I check the MIUI version?
Open Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version. If there is "Global", "EEA" or "RU" at the end of the name, it is international firmware. Unless the numbers (e.g., "MIUI 14.0.5") are most likely the Chinese version.

How to Recover Deleted Call Records

If you accidentally delete a record, you can try to restore it with specialized tools, and the more quickly you start to act, the better the chances of success.

Recovery methods:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Through the basket: B MIUI There's a built-in file basket (available 30 days). Open "Conductor" โ†’ "Recycle Bin" and find the file by the date of deletion.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ PC software: Connect your phone to your computer and use Recuva, DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver. Choose Deep Scan to search for audio files.
  • โ˜๏ธ Cloud Backups: If you have Mi Cloud or Google Drive sync enabled, check the folder Backup/CallRecordings/ cloud-storage.

Warning: Do not save new files to your phone after deleting the record, which reduces the chances of recovery, as new data can overwrite remote memory sectors.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before recovery, turn off automatic memory optimization in Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Autoclean โ€“ this will prevent the system from deleting temporary files.

Alternative ways to record calls on Xiaomi

If the standard recording function doesn't work or doesn't work, you can use third-party applications. Here are the proven options:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Cube Call Recorder ACR: Records both ends of a conversation (your voice and the person you are talking to), supports cloud storage.+.
  • ๐ŸŽค Call Recorder by Lovekush: Simple interface, automatic save in Google Drive. MIUI 14 without root.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Truecaller: In addition to the number detector, it has a built-in call record (not available in all regions).

To install third-party recording applications:

  1. Download APK from the official website (e.g. Cube ACR).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Special Access โ†’ Install unknown applications.
  3. Launch the app and grant permissions to the microphone, storage and phone.
  4. In the application settings, select the save format (.mp3 or.m4a) and folder.

Important for Android 12+: Due to Google's privacy policy, many apps can't record audio from a line.

  • Use an external recorder (please bring a second phone or recorder to the speaker).
  • Turn on speakerphone and record through the standard Xiaomi voice recorder.

Call recording settings in MIUI: hidden functions

There are a few hidden options in MIUI firmware that allow you to flexibly configure conversation recording to activate them:

  1. Open the phone. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Settings โ†’ Recording calls.
  2. Click 5 times on the App Version (bottom of the screen) and the developer menu for calls will open.
  3. Additional parameters are now available: ๐Ÿ”Š Record all calls automatically (without notice). ๐Ÿ“ก Delete numbers (e.g. bank or service numbers). ๐Ÿ”’ Encrypting records (requires a password to listen to). โ˜๏ธ Upload to the cloud (to choose from: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Dropbox).

Note: Automatic recording of all calls may conflict with privacy laws in your country, for example, in Russia and the EU, it is mandatory to notify the interlocutor of the recording (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, GDPR).

๐Ÿ’ก

On devices with MIUI 14+, recording calls from third-party applications requires enabling the option โ€œWrite through availabilityโ€ in the special features settings.

Solving problems with recording on specific models

Some Xiaomi models have unique bugs or recording features, and here are the solutions for popular devices:

ModelProblem.Decision
Redmi Note 10/11 ProRecording ends in 5 minutes.Turn off Battery Optimization for Phone and restart your device
POCO X3 ProNo audio from the interviewee in the recording.Enable Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Record from the line (requires root)
Xiaomi 12/13Records are retained without dateUpdate your phone via Google Play or clear the app cache
Redmi 9A/9CNo entry option on the menuInstall MIUI 12.5+ or use third-party software (e.g. ACR)

For devices with MediaTek (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) You may need to disable the Double Apps feature, as it blocks access to the microphone during the call. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Double appas.

Advice POCO F3/F4: If the recording is only through the speaker, check the sound settings during the call. switch the profile from Stereodynamics to Normal to Settings. โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Sound effects.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi

Can I record calls to Xiaomi without notifying the other person?
Technically, yes, but it may be illegal. MIUI has automatic notification ("Your conversation is recorded") by default, but it can be disabled via the developer menu (see section above).However, in most countries (including Russia, EU, USA) hidden recording of conversations without the consent of the interlocutor violates the law and can only be used as evidence in court under certain conditions.
Why is there no call recording option on Xiaomi 13 Pro?
On flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra), the record can be disabled due to: Regional restrictions (e.g. firmware for the EU); Google Security Updates (with Android 13, API entry is limited); Solution: install alternative software (e.g. Cube ACR) or scrolle Global ROM.
How to transfer the recording of calls from Xiaomi to your computer?
Portability: Connect your phone via USB (file transfer mode) and copy the Recordings/Call/ folder. Use Mi Cloud: records are automatically synchronized if the option is enabled in Settings โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Synchronization โ†’ Call recordings. Send files to yourself via Telegram or Email (convenient for individual records).
Can I recover records after resetting the phone to factory settings?
If you haven't backed up, the odds are minimal. When you reset (Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Reset), the internal memory is formatted and the files are deleted irrevocably. The only option is if the records were synced with Mi Cloud or Google Drive before reset. Check: Sign in to the same Mi Account after reset. Backup/CallRecordings/ folder in cloud storage.
How to increase the recording time on Redmi Note 12?
By default, recording is limited to 2 hours, but this can be changed: Install Cube Call Recorder ACR. In the application settings, select Format โ†’ WAV (no compression) and turn off the time limit. For MIUI, disabling battery optimization for the Phone app will also help. Attention: Long-term recordings (>1 hour) can take up to 500 MB per hour of WAV talk.