Where Xiaomi saves call records: a complete guide to finding and extracting files

You recorded an important conversation on Xiaomi, but you can't find the file, or you just want to understand how the system manages audio recordings of calls? In this article, we'll look at all the possible storage locations on smartphones with MIUI firmware, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and explain why sometimes files "disappear" and how to restore them.

The manufacturer doesn’t always transparently report the location of records, especially if it’s older models or custom firmware. We’ve tested the behavior of the feature on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other devices — and are ready to provide current file paths for MIUI 14 and later. If you use third-party recording apps (such as Cube ACR or Caller Recorder), the storage rules will be different — we’ll talk about this separately.

Standard location of records in MIUI

By default, Xiaomi stores call records in a folder accessible through a standard file manager. The path depends on the firmware version and model, but most often looks like this:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12–14.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative paths on some devices (e.g, POCO F4).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.miui.voicerecord/ — hidden catalogue.

Files usually have a format.m4a or.amr and named by template: Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_XXXXXXXXXX.m4a, where XXXXXXXXXX — If the folder is empty, check it:

• 🔍 Phone recording settings → … → Settings → Recording of conversations.
• 🔍 Permissions for the Phone application in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone/Storage.
• 🔍 Free space on the device (records are not saved if the memory is less than 500 MB).

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If the folder call_rec If not, try to record a test call – it will be created automatically.

Why can't the records be saved?

A common problem with Xiaomi users is that call records are “disappearing” or not created at all, and the reasons are both software and hardware:

Especially often problems occur on devices with MIUI Global – in some regions (for example, the EU) the call recording function is disabled by default due to privacy laws, in which case changing the firmware to MIUI EU or Xiaomi.EU will help.

How do I find records through a PC?

If the files are not displayed on the phone, connect the device to your computer and use Windows Explorer or macOS Finder.

• 🔌 Use the original cable – cheap analogues may not transmit data.
• 🔌 Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain.
• 🔌 If folders are not visible, check the settings for displaying hidden files in Explorer.

Search algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and unlock the screen.
2. Open This Computer → [Name of Your Xiaomi] → Internal Memory
3. Cross the path. MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec (Alternatives to the first section of the).
4. Copy the files to the hard drive for backup.

If the folder is empty but you're sure it's been recorded, try using data recovery software like DiskDigger or Recuva, which scans the device's memory at the file system level and can find deleted files.

Hidden records and system directories

In some cases, Xiaomi stores records in secure folders that are not accessible through a standard file manager, which requires root rights or access to the file. ADB-Here are the key paths:

• 🔒 /data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/ — time-file.
• 🔒 /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/.nomedia/ — Hidden records (requires to delete the.nomedia file to display).
• 🔒 /data/com.miui.voicerecord/files/ — System logs of records (for rooted devices only).

To view these folders without root, use ADB:

adb shell


ls /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/

If you are not familiar with ADB, it is best not to experiment - the wrong commands can damage the system. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center to request that you retrieve the records.

Third-party recording apps: where do they store files?

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

Third-party apps often offer cloud backups (like Google Drive or Dropbox).Check the program settings - it's possible that records are automatically uploaded to the cloud and deleted from the device to save space.

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Third-party applications are more reliable than the standard MIUI recording function – they work even when the screen is locked and save files in accessible folders.

How to recover deleted records?

If the records were deleted accidentally, the chances of recovery depend on how long it took and how much memory was used.

1. Stop using your phone immediately – new data can overwrite deleted files.
2. Connect the device to your PC and scan the memory with DiskDigger (the free version only looks for photos, you need Pro for audio).
3. If the phone is rooted, use Undeleter Recover Files & Data – it scans the partitions deep.
4. Try to restore via Google Drive (if sync was enabled).

For maximum efficiency:

• 🛑 Don’t install recovery software on your phone – it reduces your chances.
• 🛑 Avoid restarting the device until the recovery is complete.
• 🛑 If files are critically important, contact the data recovery lab (e.g, HETMAN or R-Studio).

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Recovery from a memory card (if the records were saved to SD) is easier and more efficient than from the phone’s internal memory.

Call Recording Settings in MIUI: What You Need to Know

To avoid problems with saving records, check the key settings:

1. Open the phone application and press ⋮ → Settings → Recording of conversations.
2. Make sure the "Write Automatically" switch is on.
3. Select the recording format (.m4a takes up less space, but.wav is better in quality).
4. Check the "Save folder" option - change it to /Recordings/Call/ if necessary.

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13T) have the option “Write only selected contacts” and if it is active, the entries will only be created for numbers from a favorite or blacklist.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi call records

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If standard methods don't work, try resetting the Phone app to Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Reset. This will return factory recording settings.