While phone records on Xiaomi smartphones are not just a convenient feature, they are also a potentially important source of information, many users are faced with the problem of where exactly these files are stored, how to find them, and can deleted records be restored? Unlike photos or documents, audio files of calls are often hidden in non-obvious folders of the system or distributed between internal memory and cloud services.
The Xiaomi shell features MIUI, which is a customized storage system. Even if you have enabled conversation recording in settings, files can disappear after updates, resets, or memory overflows. In this article, we’ll look at all possible storage locations, including hidden system directories, Mi Cloud backups, and alternative ways to save. You’ll also learn how to transfer records to your computer, protect them from accidental deletion, and recover lost files.
Official ways of storing records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in the device's internal memory. MIUI Phone models, but most files are in a folder /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. It is important to take into account a few nuances:
- 📁 Folder structure: inside call_rec records are sorted by phone numbers or dates (e.g, +79123456789_20260515_103022.mp3).
- 🔍 File format: This is usually.mp3.amr with a bitrate of 64-128 kbit / s. MIUI 14+ may be used.m4a compression-free.
- ⚠️ Size limit: If the device has less than 500 MB of free space, the system automatically deletes old records (starting with the shortest ones).
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the path may be different: /sdcard/Recordings/CallRecord/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/. To pinpoint a location, use the built-in Explorer (Me → Categories → Audio → Records) or a third-party file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer).
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If the folder call_rec empty, check the recording settings in the Phone app: it is possible that the saving is disabled or files are redirected to the cloud.
Important: Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has implemented a Smart Storage feature that automatically archives records over 30 days in compressed form. These archives are stored in /sdcard/MIUI/backup/CallRecords/ and require manual unpacking.
Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud and Alternative Services
Many users wonder why the recordings disappear from the phone, nolater detects them in the Mi Cloud. By default, Xiaomi does not sync the audio files of calls to the cloud, but this feature can be activated manually:
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select Synchronization → Additional → Recording conversations.
- Activate the switch and confirm access to the microphone.
Once enabled, the records will be duplicated to the cloud in.m4a format with the following limitations:
- 📊 Volume: up to 5 GB for a free account (expands to 50 GB for 99) ₽/moss).
- ⏳ Storage period: files older than 180 days are automatically deleted unless marked as "Important".
- 🔒 Security: Records are encrypted when transferred, but stored in the cloud in an open form (available via i.mi.com web version).
Alternative cloud services (such as Google Drive or Yandex.Disk) are not integrated into Xiaomi’s recording system, but you can set up automatic downloads through apps like Automate or Tasker.
- Install FolderSync from Google Play.
- Create a task to synchronize the folder /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ cloud-selected.
- Set up a schedule (for example, downloading new files daily).
Hidden system folders and backups
If the records are missing from the main folder, check the hidden system directories. MIUI has a few "secret" locations where the files can move:
| folder | Way | When used | Access without root |
|---|---|---|---|
| miui_optimize | /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.media/ | Optimizing memory by the system | ❌ No. |
| lost.dir | /sdcard/lost.dir/ | Recovery from disruption | ✅ Yes. |
| android/obb | /sdcard/Android/obb/com.miui.voicerecord/ | For temporary files of the Dictator application | ✅ Yes. |
| media/0/ | /storage/emulated/0/media/0/ | The alternative path for MIUI 13+ | ✅ Yes. |
To access these folders:
- Use Root Explorer (superuser rights required) or FX File Explorer with Show Hidden Files mode enabled.
- In the address bar of the explorer, enter the path manually (for example, /data/ will not appear without root).
- For the lost.dir folder, check the files with the.tmp extension – they can be renamed.mp3 and played.
⚠️ Attention: Files in /data/ And these kinds of sections can be encrypted, and you try to open them without root rights or specialized tools (e.g., root rights, MT Manager will cause an error: "File is corrupted".
Critical detail: starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi encrypts the records of conversations in backups (files with the.mia extension). PC Suite or Mi Backup Extractor.
How to transfer recordings to a computer or other phone
There are several reliable ways to transfer records to a PC or other device:
- 🖥️ Through USB-cable: Connect your phone to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP). Open the internal memory folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec. Copy files on your PC (it is recommended to back up in the cloud).
- ☁️ Through Mi Cloud: Upload your records to the cloud (see section above). Log in to i.mi.com from your PC and download files in the archive.
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct
- Select files in Explorer, click "Send".
- Select a recipient device (such as a laptop or other smartphone).
It's convenient to use AirDroid or Pushbullet for mass transmission, and these applications allow you to send files over Wi-Fi without connecting a cable.
- Install the app on both devices.
- Enable the Unlimited Transfer function in the settings.
- Select the records files and send them to the target device.
☑️ Preparation for the transmission of records
⚠️ Note: When you transmit over Bluetooth, files may lose metadata (date of creation, duration). ZIP-archive.
Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations
If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them. Success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and the intensity of the phone use (new data overwrites old ones).
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 Through the basket MIUI: Open Explorer and go to Recycle Bin. Find files with extension.mp3 or.amr (filter by deletion date) Restore them to the original folder. Restriction: files are stored in the Recycle Bin for up to 30 days.
- 🛠️ With specialized utilities: Install DiskDigger or Recuva (for PCs). Select the phone's internal memory partition to scan. Mark Audio file types and run a search.
It's important.
Through backups
- If you’ve created a backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, restore it through Settings → System → Restore and Reset.
- Select the backup date when the records were still on the phone.
To increase the chances of recovery:
- 🛑 Disable mobile data and Wi-Fi immediately after deletion to avoid overwriting files.
- 📴 Do not install new apps or take photos.
- 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% before scanning – the process can take hours.
Additional settings:
- 🎤 Sound source: Choose Voice Only (to save space) or Full Sound (includes ambient noises).
- 📁 Place of preservation: internal memory or SD-card (if supported).
- 🔕 Notification: Enable the option to Report Record so that the person hears a voice alert (required for legal use in some countries).
- ⏱️ Auto Removal: Set up storage period (7 to 365 days).