Have you turned on a call recording on Xiaomi but can't find the file? Or are you worried that important audio recordings will disappear after resetting? This article will help you understand exactly where the call records on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones running MIUI versions from 12 to 16 are stored. We will analyze in detail all possible storage paths, including hidden folders, cloud services and features of the built-in voice recorder.
It is important to understand that the location of files depends on three key factors: the version of MIUI, the device model and the way of writing (built-in feature, third-party application or cloud service). For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15, records can be stored in one place, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5 - in another. Also affected by the firmware region: in global versions, the path to files is often different from the Chinese.
In this article, you will find not only theoretical information, but also practical instructions: how to find records through the file manager, how to transfer them to the PC, why they can disappear after a system update, and how to restore deleted audio conversation files if they are not displayed in standard folders.
1. Standard ways of storing records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in the system folder, the path to which depends on the firmware version. Since MIUI 12, the company has unified the storage structure, but in earlier versions (for example, MIUI 11), the paths may have differed.
- 📁 Main folder: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — It's where the recordings made by the built-in voice recorder are stored during the calls.m4a or.
- 📁 Alternative path (for older versions): /storage/emulated/0/Recorder/callrec/ — relevant to devices on MIUI 10-11.
- 🔄 Cloud Storage: If sync with Mi Cloud is enabled, records can be duplicated in the Mi Cloud section → Records. → Calls (not available in all regions).
- 🔒 Hidden records: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Records of secure conversations (marked “Confidential”) are stored in an encrypted folder /data/media/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/private/ — Access to it is possible only through root rights.
To open these folders, use the built-in File Manager (Files by Google or standard). MI Important: some folders may be hidden — turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings. call_rec Check the call record settings: it is possible that the save is disabled or that files are automatically deleted after a certain time.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for the European Region (EEA) Call recording may be disabled by default due to legal restrictions. To activate it, go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Dictaphone → Allow call recording.
2. How to find records through the application "Dictorphone"
The easiest way to listen to or manage recordings is to use the standard Recorder app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and has a separate section for calls.
- Open the Dictophone app (the microphone icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
- Go to the Calls tab (or Call recordings in English) and you can see all the saved conversations, grouped by contacts.
- Click on the recording to listen to it. Additional options (delete, rename, share) are available through the button. ⋮ top-right.
- To export a record, select Share and send the file via Bluetooth, Email or save to Google Drive.
If the Call tab is missing, it means that the recording function is disabled on your device or it is not supported in your region.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Dictaphone → Permits and make sure that audio recording permissions and contact access are enabled.
- 📞 In some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for POCO F4) recording is enabled directly during the call - click on the microphone icon in the call interface.
Make sure the Dictophone app is updated to the latest version |
Check the audio recording permissions and access to contacts |
Enable the "Calls" tab in the app settings (if available)|
Restart the device after changing the settings-->
On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), call recording may be blocked by the carrier, in which case a notification will appear when you try to record: "No recording is possible due to network restrictions", the solution is to use third-party applications such as Cube Call Recorder or Automatic Call Recorder.
3.Why the records are missing: possible causes and solutions
Xiaomi users often face a problem when the recordings of conversations suddenly disappear, and this can happen for several reasons, related to both system settings and hardware limitations.
| Reason for disappearance | How to check | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Autocleaning the cache | Check the settings → Storage → Cleanup | Turn off automatic cleaning for folder MIUI/sound_recorder |
| MIUI Update | Records disappeared after installing a new firmware version | Restore from Mi Cloud backup or via Recuva on PC |
| Restriction of storage | folder call_rec empty, but the disk space is taken | Delete unnecessary files or transfer the records to SD-map |
| Resetting settings | Records disappear after Hard Reset | Recovery is possible only from the cloud or backup TWRP |
| Conflict of applications | There are several voice recorders installed (e.g. Google Recorder) | Leave one application to record, delete the rest |
If the records are missing after the MIUI update, try the following:
- Check the /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ folder – sometimes the system backs up before upgrading.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use DiskDigger to scan your internal memory for deleted files.
- If you have Mi Cloud enabled, go to i.mi.com and check the Device → Backups section.
⚠️ Note: On devices with encrypted storage (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it is almost impossible to restore deleted records without root permissions.
I never record |
Rarely, only important calls |
Regularly, for work |
Always, on the machine.-->
4.Export and backup of records
To avoid losing important audio files, it is recommended to export them regularly to external media or cloud services. Xiaomi provides several ways to back up, but not all of them are obvious to the user.
- 🖥️ On PC through USB: Connect your phone to your computer in File Transfer mode (MTP). Go to the Internal Memory folder → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec. Copy files with extension.m4a or.amr on a hard drive.
To the cloud:
- Use Mi Cloud (if available in your area) or Google Drive.
- In the Dictator app, select the record → Share → Save to Disk.
Nana SD-map:
If your device supports memory cards (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro, move the folder. call_rec External storage via file manager.
You can use the Automate or Tasker app to automate your backup by setting a schedule task, for example, copying new entries to Google Drive once a week.
1 Condition: /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ folder modified
2 Action: Copy files (source: /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, destination: /sdcard/Backup/Call_Recordings/)
3. Action: Upload to Google Drive (using API)If you often work with call records, consider using specialized applications like Call Recorder by Lovakara or Boldbeast Call Recorder.They offer advanced export features, including automatic sending of records to email or Dropbox.
💡
To save space on your phone, set up automatic recording compression in.amr format instead of.m4a. To do this, in the Dictator app, go to Settings → Recording Quality → Low.
5. Security and confidentiality of records
Phone records contain sensitive information, so it is important to ensure that they are protected from unauthorized access. Xiaomi has implemented several security layers, but they are not always activated by default.
- 🔐 Folder encryption: B MIUI 14+ You can encrypt the folder with records through Settings → Confidentiality → Once activated, access will only be possible after you have entered a password or fingerprint.
- 🚫 Access Restriction: Disable permissions for third-party apps to read the folder sound_recorder In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.
- 🌐 Network Security: If entries are synced with Mi Cloud, enable two-factor authentication for your Xiaomi account.
- 📱 Screen lock: Set up the Dictator app lock via Settings → Confidentiality → Application lockdown.