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.
- ๐ MIUI 12โ13: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ โ Classic location for most models (Redmi Note) 10/11, Xiaomi 11T).
- ๐ MIUI 14+: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ โ New storage location introduced with Googleโs privacy policy update.
- ๐ 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":
- Open the phone. โ โฎ (three-point) โ Settings โ Recording calls.
- Click on the Save folder and the current path will be displayed here (if the option is active).
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:
- Open the standard Explorer (or install Solid Explorer/FX File Manager for advanced features).
- Go to the root directory of internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/.
- Look for the folders: ๐ MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ ๐ Recordings/Call/ ๐ 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:
- ๐ซ On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) the record is blocked for numbers with bank or government prefixes.
- ๐ซ 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 retained | No permission to access memory | Go to Settings โ Applications โ Phone โ Permissions and turn on โStorageโ |
| Files disappear after rebooting | The save folder is in the cache | Change path to /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ in the recording settings |
| Recording interrupted | Optimization 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 application | Close 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.
- Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
- Use Root Explorer to access /data/com.android.providers.media/databases/.
- Export the callrec.db database and open it through SQLite Browser.
How do I check the MIUI 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:
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ ๏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.
๐ก
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:
- ๐ฑ Cube Call Recorder ACR: Records both ends of a conversation (your voice and the person you are talking to), supports cloud storage.+.
- ๐ค Call Recorder by Lovekush: Simple interface, automatic save in Google Drive. MIUI 14 without root.
- ๐ 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:
- Download APK from the official website (e.g. Cube ACR).
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Install unknown applications.
- Launch the app and grant permissions to the microphone, storage and phone.
- 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:
- Open the phone. โ โฎ โ Settings โ Recording calls.
- Click 5 times on the App Version (bottom of the screen) and the developer menu for calls will open.
- Additional parameters are now available: ๐ Record all calls automatically (without notice). ๐ก Delete numbers (e.g. bank or service numbers). ๐ 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).
๐ก
On devices with MIUI 14+, recording calls from third-party applications requires enabling the option โWrite 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:
| Model | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 Pro | Recording ends in 5 minutes. | Turn off Battery Optimization for Phone and restart your device |
| POCO X3 Pro | No audio from the interviewee in the recording. | Enable Settings โ Additional โ Record from the line (requires root) |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | Records are retained without date | Update your phone via Google Play or clear the app cache |
| Redmi 9A/9C | No entry option on the menu | Install 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.