Where to save the recordings of conversations in the phone Xiaomi: all possible storage places

Why Call Records Are “Hiding” in Xiaomi

You have enabled a recording of the conversation on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but you can't find the file after the call is complete? MIUI. The fact is that the system saves audio files not in the standard Download or Music folder, but in special hidden directories - sometimes even with encryption. Moreover, the storage path may differ depending on the firmware version, phone model and recording method (built-in voice recorder, Phone application, third-party programs).

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the possible places Xiaomi can save conversation records, from obvious folders in internal memory to cloud services and backups. You will also learn how to recover lost files if they are not displayed in the gallery, and why some records can be automatically deleted after 30 days. MIUI 12–14 and new models 2023–2026.

1. Standard ways of preserving records in MIUI

If you used the built-in call recording feature in the Phone app (a microphone icon during a conversation), then the files are most often saved in one of the following folders:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — directory MIUI 13–14. Here files are sorted by dates and subscriber numbers.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path for some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO F5).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — a hidden folder where temporary copies of records can be stored before being transferred to the main directory.

Important: These paths are not visible through the standard file manager MIUI without turning on hidden files to see them:

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → “Settings”.
3. Activate the option “Show hidden files”.

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If the folder call_rec empty, check the filter by date in the file manager – sometimes the entries “hide” in subfolders with names in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

On new models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), records can be automatically archived in format.m4a Or.amr instead of the usual.mp3. This is done to save space, but not all players play these files correctly. MIUI Music or VLC.

2. Storage features depending on the Xiaomi model

The manufacturer doesn't use a universal path for all devices, like Redmi and the Redmi. POCO records are often saved in the folder Recordings, and on the flagships of the Xiaomi series 12/13/14 — into MIUI/sound_recorder. Below is a table with typical paths for popular lines:

On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), records can be encrypted hardware to protect privacy, and such files will not open on other devices without special software.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for China (CN ROM) Call records are automatically uploaded to Mi Cloud without notifying the user. To disable this, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Call recordings and deactivate the option.

3. How to find records if they are not displayed in folders

If you have checked all the standard directories but no files, try the following steps:

1. Check the basket: In MIUI Deleted records can be stored in the file manager basket for up to 15 days. → Basket.
2. Use search: Enter the request in the file manager call_rec.amr – This will display all relevant files, even in hidden folders.
3. See in the cloud: Records can automatically sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if backup is configured).
4. Check the access rights: on Android 11+ Applications may not be allowed to access folders. Allow it to Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Warehouse.

Check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

Enable the display of hidden files

Use the search for.amr extensions,.m4a,.mp3

Look in the File Manager Recycle Bin

Check out Mi Cloud and Google Drive-->

If the recordings are made through third-party applications (for example, Cube Call Recorder or ACR), They can be stored in the folders of these programs:

• 📱 /Android/data/com.cube.callrecorder/ — Cube Call Recorder.
• 📱 /CallRecordings/ — for ACR (Automatic Call Recorder).
• 📱 /Android/obb/com.nll.acr/ — backup.

⚠️ Note: Google Play recording apps are often blocked MIUI If the recording does not start, add the app to the battery optimization exception list: → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → [Select the application] → No restrictions.

4.Why records may disappear or not be saved

Xiaomi users often experience call records being deleted or not saved at all.

• ⏳ Auto-cleaning: B MIUI 13+ Delete records older than 30 days is enabled. → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Auto-cleaning.
• 🔋 Battery optimization: The system can interrupt recording if the Phone app is running in the background. Add it to the exceptions.
• 📵 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) block the recording of calls at the network level.
• 🔒 Encryption: On devices with MIUI For China, records can be encrypted and not played on other devices.
• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: When manually cleaning the cache of the Phone application, unsaved records can also be deleted.

If records are interrupted or not fully saved, check:

1. Free space on the device (requires a minimum of 500 MB for stable operation).
2. Permissions for the Phone application (access to microphone and storage).
3. Recording settings in the application itself: Some firmware limits the recording time to 1 hour.

5. Backups and cloud storage of records

Xiaomi offers two ways to back up call records: through the Mi Cloud and local backups, but both have nuances:

5.1. Mi Cloud

By default, records are not synced to the cloud, but you can enable this feature:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select "Synchronization» → «Call records».
3. Activate the switch and wait for the loading to be completed.

Limitations:

• 📉 Free account provides only 5 GB, which is enough for ~100.amr recordings.
• 🔒 Cloud files are encrypted and not exported in their original quality.
• ⏱️ Synchronization only works when connected to Wi-Fi (by default).

5.2 Local backups

To back up records to a memory card or PC:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (file transfer mode).
2. Copy the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ hard-drive.
3. For security, archive files in.zip with a password.

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Local backups are more reliable than cloud backups, as they are not dependent on the Internet connection or the limitations of the Mi Cloud, but remember to update copies once a month to avoid losing new records.

If you use Google Drive for backups, please note that call records are not included in the automatic backup. MIUI. You need to download them manually through the file manager.

6.Recovering deleted call records

If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them using specialized utilities, but success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and whether the phone's memory was used after that.

Recovery programmes

For Xiaomi, the following tools are suitable:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files, works without root rights, but is more efficient with them.
• 🛠️ Recuva (for PC) - if the phone is connected as a drive. Supports.amr and.m4a.
• 🛠️ EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in recovering data from Android, including call records.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select "Full scanning"
3. Mark the types of audio files and start a search.

6.2 Recovery via Mi Cloud

If the records are synced to the cloud, they can be restored within 30 days of deletion:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Open the “Basket” section in the Mi Cloud.
3. Find the deleted records and click "Restore".

⚠️ Note: When you restore files via Mi Cloud, the files are returned to the original folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, But their names may change. Check the date of creation so you don't confuse the records.

If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center – specialists can extract data using professional equipment (for example, the company has a special purpose, UFED), This is a paid service (from 1500 rubles).

7. Alternative ways to record and store conversations

If the built-in function MIUI It is not stable, consider alternatives:

Third-party annexes

The best programs for recording calls on Xiaomi:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — It records both ends of a conversation, supports cloud storage. MIUI.
• 🎤 Call Recorder by Lovekara – a simple interface, saves records in the /CallRecordings/.
• 🎤 Truecaller – In addition to identifying numbers, it can record calls (premium subscription is required).

Cube Call Recorder setup:

1. Install the app and give access to the microphone and storage.
2. In the settings, select the recording format (MP3 or WAV).
3. Activate the “Record all calls” option or add numbers to the whitelist.
4. Specify the folder to save (for example, /CallRecordings/).

Hardware solutions

If software methods are not suitable (for example, due to operator lockdown), use:

• 📻 External voice recorder – connect it to your phone via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.
• 📱 Second phone – turn on speakerphone and record the conversation to another device.
• 💻 Computer – Use programs like Audacity to record sound from a PC microphone (suitable for WhatsApp or Skype calls).

For professional use (for example, journalists or lawyers) we recommend Olympus. WS-853 — This recorder syncs with the phone over Bluetooth and saves records to the cloud.

8 Legal aspects of recording conversations

Before recording telephone conversations, make sure that this does not violate the laws of your country.

• 📜 Article 23 of the Constitution states that recording a conversation without notifying another person is a violation of the right to privacy of correspondence, but that the record can be used in court if it proves you right (for example, in disputes with banks or collectors).
• 🚨 Unauthorized recording and distribution of conversations of third parties (not yours) can be qualified under Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence»).
• ⚖️ Exceptions: You are allowed to record conversations if you are a member and they relate to your rights (for example, negotiations with an employer or insurance company).

Recommendations:

1. Always notify the person about the recording (for example: “The conversation is recorded to record the information”).
2. Keep the records for no longer than the necessary period (for example, until the dispute is resolved).
3. Do not distribute posts in social networks or messengers without the consent of the participants.

In some countries (e.g. Germany or France), recording conversations without consent is completely prohibited and punishable by fines of up to 50,000 euros.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi