Where to save conversation records on Xiaomi phones: all the ways to find and restore

Have you turned on a conversation record on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but can't find a file? Or accidentally deleted an important audio record and want to restore it? In this article, we'll take a closer look at where the call records on MIUI devices are stored, including hidden system folders, cloud services and alternative storage options. You'll also learn how to change the save location, transfer the records to the memory card, and what to do if the files are lost after the system update.

The manufacturer doesn’t always transparently report where these files are located, and the paths may differ from 12 to 15 MIUI versions. We’ve tested the behavior on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models — and we’re ready to provide up-to-date data. Importantly, if you use third-party recording apps (like Cube Call Recorder or ACR), the storage rules will be different, as we’ll explain below.

Standard ways to store records in MIUI

By default, the MIUI shell stores conversation records in a secure system folder that is restricted, and the main paths depend on the firmware version and device model:

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — most common path for MIUI 12–14. The files are stored in.amr format or.mp3 name-named call_20260515_143022.amr.
• 🔒 Hidden folder: /data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/ — Used in new versions (for example, MIUI 15 Xiaomi 14). Access is only possible through ADB root-right.
• 📱 Dictator application folder: If the recording was conducted through the built-in voice recorder, the files can be stored in the /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ (But it's not typical of calls).

To see these folders, enable the display of hidden files in any file manager (for example, in Mi File Explorer): open the menu. → Settings → Show hidden files. If the folders MIUI or sound_recorder No records are available, so the records are stored elsewhere (more on this below).

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If you connect your phone to your PC but can’t see the folder call_rec, Try using the file transfer mode. MTP (not PTP) Update Xiaomi drivers on your computer.

Important: In some regions (e.g. the EU), call recording is disabled by default due to privacy laws. If the option is not on the phone menu, check the settings of the Phone → Call Recording app or install third-party software.

How to change the location of the saved records (to a memory card or cloud)

By default, Xiaomi saves records to internal memory, but you can redirect them to the internal memory. SD-It's a map or a cloud. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the phone application → press three points (⋮) → Settings → Recording of conversations.
2. Select the Save Place (in some versions of MIUI it is hidden – see spoiler below).
3. Specify Memory Card (if inserted) or Mi Cloud (requires authorization in your Xiaomi account).

When saved to the memory card, the records will lie in the folder:

/storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

XXXX-XXXX

Warning: If you retrieve the memory card while you write, the file may become corrupted. SD-Class 4 or lower cards can cause a sound to break.

Cloud services: how to find records in Mi Cloud and Google Drive

If you've enabled sync with Mi Cloud, the records can be automatically uploaded to the cloud to find them:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Open Devices → Select your phone → Backups.
3. Check the Call Recordings folder (if any), otherwise the records may be stored in the Other Files section.

For Google Drive, the path is different:

• 🔍 Open Google Drive. → My CD. → MIUI → sound_recorder.
• 📂 If the folder is not, check the Recycle Bin - sometimes the files get there after synchronization.

Critical detail: Mi Cloud only stores records for 30 days at a free rate, and then they are automatically deleted without the possibility of recovery.

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Cloud services are convenient for backup, but not for long-term storage. Always duplicate important records to your local device.

The Write App Side: Where They Store Files

If you use alternative software (e.g. Cube Call Recorder, ACR, Boldbeast), the storage paths will be different.

In the settings of these applications, there is usually a Storage Location option where you can select:

• 📱 Internal memory;
• 💾 SD-map;
• ☁️ Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Boldbeast) require root rights to record calls on newer versions of Android (10)+). Without them, they can only keep your voice, but not the interlocutor.

What to do if records are lost: Recover deleted files

If the records disappeared after a MIUI update, reset or accidental deletion, try the following methods:

Check the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec via file manager|

Use DiskDigger or Recuva to scan your internal memory|

Connect your phone to your PC and scan through EaseUS Data Recovery|

Check backups in Mi Cloud or Google Drive-->

To recover with ADB (if files are not displayed but take up space):

adb shell


su




find /data -name ".amr" -o -name ".mp3" | grep -i call

This team searches for all audio files with the mention of "call" in the name.

⚠️ Note: Do not save new files to your device after deleting the records, which reduces the chances of recovery, and avoid using programs like Clean Master that can overwrite deleted data.

If the records are missing after the MIUI update, check the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/old/

Sometimes the system transfers old files here before updating.

How to turn on recording of conversations if there is no option

In some regions (e.g. the EU), the call recording function is legally disabled to activate:

1. Install. MIUI Hidden Settings from Google Play.
2. Open the application → Call Settings → turn on Call Recording.
3. Reboot the phone.

For models with MIUI Global (e.g. Redmi Note 11) can be used ADB-team:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1

If nothing helps, install a third-party app (like Cube Call Recorder) but keep in mind:

• 🚫 Android 10.+ No root rights apps only record your voice;
• 🔊 To record both interlocutors, you need root or special firmware (for example, Pixel Experience);
• ⚠️ In some countries, recording without the consent of the interlocutor violates the law.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi