Where Xiaomi records conversations: search for audio files in MIUI and the cloud

Have you ever tried to find a recording of a major phone conversation on a Xiaomi smartphone but couldn’t find a file? MIUI hides audio recordings not where many users expect them to be. Unlike standard microphone recordings (which are stored in the Recordings folder), phone conversations are stored in secure directories, and sometimes even synced with the Mi Cloud without notifying the owner.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the path to the files depends on the version. MIUI, In this article, we will look at all possible storage locations, from system folders to cloud services, and explain why some records can disappear after a firmware update. You will learn how to extract audio files even without root rights using hidden features MIUI and third-party instruments.

Official places of storage of records in MIUI

By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in two main locations: in the device’s internal memory and in the Mi Cloud storage. However, the paths to these files are not always obvious. For example, in MIUI 14 and later, the records are hidden by default in:

• 📁 folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard place for recordings made through a built-in voice recorder during a call.
• 🔒 Secure catalogue /Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — Files can be stored here if sync with Google Drive is enabled.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud → «Conversation Recordings – Cloud-based copy available only when logged in to Xiaomi account.

It’s important to understand that on Android 12+ and MIUI 13+ devices, access to these folders may be restricted due to Scoped Storage policies, which means that even file managers like Total Commander or FX File Explorer won’t see files without additional permissions, so the solution is to use the built-in Recorder app or special utilities to bypass the restrictions.

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If you can't see the folder call_rec through the file manager, try to connect the smartphone to the PC USB file transfer (MTP) And you can use Windows Explorer or macOS. Sometimes the system folders are only displayed that way.

How to find records through the application "Recorder"

The easiest way to access conversation records is through the standard Recorder app, which automatically categorizes files by type: calls, voice notes, and other audio to find the file you want:

1. Open the Records app (icon with microphone).
2. Go to the Calls tab (or Calls in English version).
3. Sort records by date by clicking on the calendar icon in the upper right corner.
4. Click on the record to listen to it or export it (share button).

If the Call tab is missing, it can mean one of three:

• ❌ Call recording function disabled in phone settings.
• 🔄 Records are only stored in the cloud (check out Mi Cloud).
• 🛠️ The Recorder app has been updated or replaced with a third-party one (e.g. Cube Call Recorder).

Whether recording function is enabled in Settings → Applications → Phone → Call recording |

Is there a microphone access permit for Recorder|?

Are recordings synced with Mi Cloud in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Records|

Is the Recorder app updated to the latest version on Google Play?-->

Hidden folders and system paths: where to look manually

If the Recorder app doesn't show recordings, you'll have to manually search for files, and the following are the current paths for different versions of MIUI and Android:

To open these folders:

1. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) or ADB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and type the command: adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/
3. If the folder is empty, check the cloud or enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 11+ and MIUI 12.5+ file-access /MIUI/sound_recorder/ It can be blocked even for root users because of Storage Isolation policy, in which case the only way to extract files is through backup or the cloud.

Cloud storage Mi Cloud: how to download records

Xiaomi automatically syncs conversation records with Mi Cloud if the option is enabled to check and download files:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Find the Records (or Recorder) section and check if sync is enabled.
3. Go to the web version of Mi Cloud from PC.
4. In the Records section, select the desired files and click Download.

Pay attention to two nuances:

• 🔄 Synchronization only works when connected to Wi-Fi (by default).
• ⏳ Files are stored in the cloud for 30 days from the moment of recording, unless the Save Forever mode is enabled».

All records are automatically saved to the cloud.|

No, I only keep it locally |

I don't know, I haven't checked |

I use another service (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)-->

Why records may be lost and how to recover them

Xiaomi users often face a situation where conversation records suddenly disappear.

• 🗑️ Autocleaning: MIUI Deletes old files when memory is scarce (less than 10% free space threshold).
• 🔄 Resetting: After resetting to factory settings, the records in the internal memory are erased.
• 📱 Update: When you upgrade to a new version MIUI The path to folders could change.
• ☁️ Cloud Error: If sync with Mi Cloud is interrupted, files can be saved in corrupted form.

To recover lost records:

1. Check the /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ folder – sometimes files are saved in backups.
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 (files are stored there for 7 days).

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party applications to record calls (such as Cube Call Recorder or Cube Call Recorder) ACR), Your files are stored in other folders, for example: /storage/emulated/0/ACR/ or /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/ By deleting such an application, you will lose access to its records!

Alternative ways to record and store conversations

If standard MIUI methods don’t suit you, consider alternatives:

For records through third-party applications:

1. Install ACR or Cube Call Recorder from Google Play.
2. In the application settings, specify the folder to save (for example, /Recordings/Calls/).
3. Enable autoboot to Google Drive or another cloud service.

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Third-party call recording apps are often blocked in newer versions of Android due to restrictions on microphone access during a call.Before installing, check compatibility with your version of MIUI.

Security and Legal Aspects of Recording Conversations

Before recording phone conversations, consider the legal nuances:

• 📜 In Russia, recording of a conversation is allowed only with the consent of the interlocutor (Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), except if you are a participant in the conversation and the recording is conducted for personal needs.
• 🌍 In the EU (GDPR) The rules differ from the US (state laws) rules: somewhere notification is required, somewhere consent of all participants is required.
• 🔒 Storing records of personal data of third parties may be considered a violation of data protection law.

To avoid problems:

• Always notify the person about the recording (for example, by voice message at the beginning of the conversation).
• Do not distribute the recordings without the consent of the participants.
• Store files in a secure location (e.g., an encrypted archive).

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MIUI has a built-in recording notification feature: in the phone settings (Settings → Applications → Phone → Recording calls), you can enable automatic playback of a voice message before recording begins.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi conversation records