Xiaomi's built-in voice recorder is an indispensable tool for fast-tracking lectures, interviews, or voice notes. But when it comes to finding stored records, many users face the problem: files disappear from obvious folders, and the standard MIUI file manager doesn't always show them the correct location. Where are these records actually stored, and why are they so difficult to find?
Complicating the problem is that the path to the recorder files depends on the version of the MIUI, the smartphone model, and even the firmware region. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with global firmware, records can lie in one folder, and on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Chinese one in another. In addition, some records are automatically synchronized with the Mi Cloud, which adds another layer of complexity. Let's figure out where to look for files in different scenarios, from standard location to hidden directories.
Standard location of recordings of the recorder on Xiaomi
On most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the record recorder is stored by default in the folder `/storage/emulated/0/Recorders` (or `/sdcard/Recorders`).
If you use the built-in Mi Recorder app, that's the way it's going to go, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) They can create a folder with a name. `SoundRecorder`** instead `Recorders`. It is also worth considering that on devices with Android 11+ and with clusterd storage, access to this folder through third-party file managers may be restricted.
To quickly find the records:
- 📱 Open the Files app** (Files by Google or standard) MI File Manager).
- 📁 If nothing is found, turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.
Important: Some firmware (e.g. MIUI China) may call the folder `` (Chinese characters meaning "record"). If you're using a non-global version of the software, try looking for a folder with that name.
Alternative Ways to Keep Records
Not all recordings of the recorder are stored in a standard folder.
1. the application folder in internal memory
Some versions of Mi Recorder store files in the app's secure directory: /data/data/com.miui.soundrecorder/files. This folder is only accessible with root rights or through ADB.
External SD-map
If you have set up a memory card to save records, look for them along the way: /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Recorders or /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Music/Recorders, where XXXX-XXXX — Your unique identifier SD-map.
3.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage
On devices with a Mi Account attached, records can automatically sync to the cloud.
- 🌐 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Dictaphone.
- 📥 If synchronization is enabled, download the recordings via the web version of i.mi.com (Section "Dictophon»).
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If you can't find the Recorders folder, try writing a new short file and immediately check where it's saved, which will help you determine the current path.
File formats and their features
Records of the recorder on Xiaomi are saved in different formats depending on the model and settings:
| Format | Expansion | Features | Supported models |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | .mp3 | Compressed format, small size, suitable for long-term recordings | Most models on the MIUI 12+ |
| M4A (AAC) | .m4a | Better quality at the same size as MP3 | Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi K50 |
| AMR | .amr | Minimum size, low quality (used for voice notes) | Older models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) |
| WAV | .wav | Uncompressed format, high quality, large size | Rarely, usually when manually set up in third-party apps |
To find out the format of your records:
- Open the file through any player (such as VLC or MX Player).
- See the file properties in the file manager (long press → “Info”).
- Or check the extension in the file name (for example, recording_20260515.mp3).
How do I change the format of the recording?
On models with MIUI 14 and later, the default records are saved in M4A format with a bitrate of 128 kbit / s, which provides a balance between quality and file size.
How to transfer recordings from Xiaomi to your computer
If you need to copy the records on a PC, there are several ways:
1. Through USB-cable (file transfer mode)
- 📱 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB.
- 🔄 On the phone, select File Transfer Mode (or MTP).
- 🖥️ On your computer, open the Recorders folder in internal memory or on the computer. SD-map.
- 📤 Copy the files you want (they usually have type names). recording_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.ext).
2. wireless network (Wi-Fi Direct, FTP)
If USB-The port is not working or you prefer the wireless method:
- Install an FTP Server application (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Launch it. FTP-server on your phone and connect to it from your PC via browser or FileZilla.
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Recorders and download the files.
3. via the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
The most common way if you do not have access to the cable:
- ☁️ Download your recordings to Google Drive or Mi Cloud directly from your phone.
- 💻 Open the web version of the cloud on your PC and download files.
🔋 Charging the phone > 30%
📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (for wireless method)
📁 Checking free space on the PC
🔒 Disabling the screen lock during the transfer
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⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB Windows 10/11 Sometimes the records folders don't show up:
- Open This Computer → Right-click on Xiaomi device → Properties.
- Go to the Equipment tab → Properties → Modify the parameters.
- Click Update driver and select automatic search.
Recovery of deleted recordings of the recorder
Did you accidentally delete an important tape?
1. Checking the Recycle Bin in the File Manager
The standard MI File Manager has a shopping cart where files are stored for up to 30 days:
- Open Files → click on three dots in the upper right corner → Recycle Bin.
- Find deleted recordings (usually marked with a microphone icon).
- Select the files you need. → Restore.
2. Use of recovery programs
If files are permanently deleted (for example, after resetting settings), try:
- 🛠️ DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory for file residues.
- 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (for PC) – if you connect your phone in Mass Storage mode (requires root).
3.Restore from Mi Cloud backup
If you have synchronization enabled:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Manage backups.
- Select the last copy and restore the Dictaphone application data.
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The faster you start recovering from deletion, the better the chances of returning files, and each new record or application installation reduces the likelihood of success.
⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on the same partition where the records were stored! This can overwrite deleted data. Use external memory. SD-card.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Problem 1: The Recorders folder is empty, but the records are in the app.
Solution: This means that the files are stored in a secure folder of the application.
- 📲 Export recordings directly from the Dictophone app (share button» → «Keep a copy»).
- 🔧 Use it. ADB copy /data/data/com.miui.soundrecorder/files:
adb pull /data/data/com.miui.soundrecorder/files/.Problem 2: Records are stored in an uncomfortable format (such as AMR).
Solution: Convert them to MP3 using:
- 🎵 Converter applications (Audio Converter, MediaHuman).
- 💻 Online Services (Online-Convert).
Problem 3: The Dictophone app doesn’t see old records after the MIUI update.
Solution: It's about changing the storage structure.
- 🔄 Reinstall the Dictator app via Google Play (if it is updated).
- 📁 Manually transfer files from the old folder (SoundRecorder) to the new one (Recorders).