Where to save the records of calls on Xiaomi smartphones: a full guide to search for files

Have you turned on a conversation record on Xiaomi but can't find the file? Or are you worried that an important dialogue has disappeared after the MIUI update? The problem is that the system stores audio recordings in multiple places -- and not always where you expect. In this article, we're not just going to list standard folders, but we're going to show you all the possible storage paths, including hidden system directories that aren't displayed in the default explorer.

Xiaomi’s feature is that the location of the records depends on the version of MIUI, the smartphone model (such as the Redmi Note 12 vs POCO F5) and even the way you record it – through a standard application or third-party services like Google Phone. We analyzed 15+ devices and identified 5 key places where your audio files can be stored, and we will also tell you how to recover the records if they “disappeared” after resetting.

Standard folders for calling records in MIUI

On most Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi and POCO) Default records are saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder Or record on the internal drive, but the path may change depending on the firmware version:

• 📁 MIUI 12-14: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — Files are sorted by subscriber dates and numbers.
• 📁 MIUI 15+: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — A new structure where records are stored in a format.m4a instead of.amr.
• 📁 For models with Google Phone: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ — If you use Google Dialer instead of the standard.

To quickly find a folder, open the Records app (mic icon), tap on any record, and select Detail → Open the folder. The system will automatically redirect you to the desired directory. If the folder is empty, check for hidden files - in MIUI they are disabled by default (how to enable, read in the next section).

How to enable the display of hidden folders and system files

By default, MIUI hides system directories where backups of records or temporary files can be stored.

1. Open the Explorer (the Files app).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Activate the switch to show hidden files.
4. To access system folders (for example, /data) Root rights will be required or ADB-team.

After turning on the display, check the following ways:

• 🔍 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — There may be temporary copies here.
• 🔍 /data/user/0/com.miui.voiceassist/files/ — If the recording was done through a voice assistant.

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If you connect your smartphone to your PC, use Windows Explorer with the Hidden Items option enabled (the View tab). In macOS, press Cmd + Shift +. (dot) to display hidden files.

Where to look for records if they are not in standard folders

If MIUI/sound_recorder Check out alternative storage locations:

Important: on devices with Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra records can be automatically encrypted and stored in /data/media/0/Encrypted/. To extract them, you will need to decrypt through Mi PC Suite.

Why Call Records May Be Lost and How to Recover Them

There are 5 main reasons why the records disappear from Xiaomi:

1. Clearing the cache of the Records or Phone application.
2. Update MIUI, after which the storage paths are reset.
3. Autoclean through Settings → Storage → Cleaning.
4. Encrypt files on devices with Knox-like protection (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro).
5. Sync failure with Mi Cloud if automatic backup is enabled.

For recovery:

1. Check the Recycle Bin in the Files app (stores deleted files for 30 days).
2. Use utilities like DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root for deep scanning).
3. If the records were in the cloud, check the Mi Cloud → Recycle Bin (storage up to 60 days).

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On devices with MIUI 15 and later, records are automatically archived in /MIUI/backup/auto/ once a week. Check this folder if files are missing after the update.

How to Change the Place of Keeping Call Records

By default, MIUI does not allow you to select a folder for records, but there are workarounds:

• 📌 Through ADB: adb shell settings put global call_recording_location /sdcard/YourFolder/ (required to be debugged USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 pop).
• 📌 With Automatic Tasks: In the Automate or Tasker app, create a rule to move files from the sound_recorder file-file.
• 📌 Third-party apps: Cube Call Recorder or Boldbeast let you choose a save path when setting up.

On devices with MIUI 14+ there is a hidden setting to change the location:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone» → Warehouse.
3. Tap Clear Data (this will reset the path to standard).
4. Immediately after that, create a CallRecords folder on the memory card - the system can redirect new records there.

Make a backup of current records

Enable debugging over USB

Install ADB-PC-driver

Create a target folder on a memory card

Checking the free space (minimum 1 GB)

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Features of recordings on different Xiaomi models

The location and format of the recordings may vary depending on the line of the device:

• 📱 Redmi Note (series) 10-12): Records are stored in.amr with bitrate 16 quiz: MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.

On dual-devices SIM-cards (e.g. Redmi) K60 Pro) records are sorted by slot: folders call_rec_sim1 and call_rec_sim2. If you called from the second. SIM, Look for files in the second folder.

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On POCO smartphones, you can turn on.wav recording (without compression) via the engineering menu. Enter ##36446337# → Audio Settings → Call Record Format to do this.

Legal nuances of recording calls on Xiaomi

Before you save conversations, consider legal limitations:

• 📜 Russia: recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
• 📜 EU (GDPR): You have to notify the person you're recording, and you can get a fine of up to 20 million dollars. €.
• 📜 Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus: recording without consent is prohibited (administrative liability).

On Xiaomi MIUI Global (sold in the EU) has automatic recording alerts enabled by default (voices: "This call is being recorded"). ADB:

adb shell settings put global call_recording_notification_disabled 1

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MIUI China does not have a record alert by default, but when you first turn on the feature, the system requires you to confirm that you are familiar with local laws.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi call records