Xiaomi’s smartphone phone recorder is a useful tool for recording important conversations, interviews, or business coordination, but many users are faced with the problem of where exactly are these records stored? Unlike photos or screenshots, audio files of conversations do not always lie in obvious folders, and their location depends on the version. MIUI, Device models and even regional settings.
In this article, we will take a look at all possible ways to store records, including hidden system directories, cloud services, and third-party applications, how to find files manually, why they may disappear, and what to do if the record is not saved, and focus on data security – how to protect confidential conversations from accidental deletion or leakage.
Important: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), storage paths may vary, in which case we recommend you refer to the documentation of the specific build.
Official ways of storing records in MIUI
In standard firmware. MIUI (12-14 versions of the default conversation record are stored in two main locations:
1. Local memory of the device - in the folder /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. Here the files are stored in the format.m4a (AAC-Encoding) or.amr (for older models) The file name usually contains the date, time and subscriber number, for example: 20260515_143022_+79123456789.m4a.
2.Mi Cloud – if sync is enabled in the settings. Files are available via the i.mi.com web version under “Conversation Records” (provided that the function is activated in Settings). → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
On the Redmi Note models 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4/X5 path may vary slightly:
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. EU), the call recording function may be disabled by default due to legal restrictions. → Recording of conversations.
How to find records manually: step-by-step instructions
If you can’t find a folder with records through a standard file manager, follow this algorithm:
1. Open the file manager (the Files app from Xiaomi or a third-party, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files:
- V MIUI File Manager: Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Settings» → «Show hidden files».
- In Solid Explorer: swipe right → «Settings» → «Hidden files».
3.Cross the path:
- For new models: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/
- For the old ones: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
4. sort files by date (to quickly find the latest entry).
If the folder is empty, check:
- 🔍 Having an entry in the file manager basket (hold your finger on the folder) → «Basket»).
- 📱 Permissions for the Phone application: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits → Warehouse.
- 🔄 Automatic cleaning: in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning can be enabled by deleting old records.
☑️ Verification of records
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) The recordings can be saved in.opus format, which not all players support. VLC Convert the file through online services.
Why the records are missing: common reasons
Users often complain that conversation records suddenly disappear, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
1. Automatic cleaning of the system
V MIUI There's a smart cleanup feature that can delete old audio files to turn it off:
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
- Click on "Cleaning up» → «Cleaning settings».
- Uncheck the box from the item "Audio files" or "Talk recordings".
2. Cloud storage restrictions
If records are synced to Mi Cloud, they may disappear when:
Exceeding the free storage limit (5 GB).
Delete files via the i.mi.com web interface.
- Untie the Mi Account from the device.
3. Reset settings or update MIUI
When you reset to factory settings or update your firmware, records can be lost if you don't have a backup, and the only way to restore them is to use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required).
4. File system errors
If the device was disconnected from the PC incorrectly or there was a failure when writing, the files may be corrupted. Check the folder for files with the.tmp extension - they can be renamed to.m4a try to restore.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not retained. | No recording permission | Check the permissions in Settings → Annexes → Phone. |
| Files disappear after a day. | Automatic cleaning is on | Turn off the Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup |
| Records are there, but they're not lost. | A damaged file or unsupported format | Use it. VLC or convert into.mp3 |
| No file with records. | Recording function disabled | Enable in the settings of the phone application |
💡
If the records are critical, set up an automatic folder copy /Recordings/Call/ Google Drive or other cloud service via FolderSync.
How to turn on a recording of conversations if it is not on the menu
On some Xiaomi models (especially in the European market), the conversation recording option is hidden.
Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
1. Open the Phone app.
2 Enter the code: ##4636##.
3. Go to the section "Phone Information» → «Battery settings (or "Usage statistics»).
4. Find the VoIP recording option and turn it on.
Method 2: ADB (PC required)
If the engineering menu doesn’t help, use the command. ADB:
adb shell settings put global force_allow_call_recording 1After execution, restart the device.
Method 3: Installation of an alternative application
If standard methods don’t work, install third-party applications to record:
- 📱 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports automatic recording and cloud storage.
- 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekush – a simple interface to save files /CallRecordings/.
- 📱 Truecaller – has built-in recording function (not available in all regions).
⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the United States or Germany), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the law.
How to check if your model supports recording conversations?
How to Recover Deleted Records of Conversations
If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them, and success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and the intensity of the device's use.
Method 1: Through the File Manager Recycle Bin
1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the section "Basket" (a badge in the form of a garbage can).
3. Find the deleted audio files and restore them.
Method 2: Recovery programs
For devices without root access:
Install DiskDigger from Google Play and scan the internal memory for audio files.
For root access devices:
- Use Recuva (on PC) or Undelete (on Android). Connect your phone in mode MTP And do a deep scan.
Method 3: Restore from backup
If you have previously created a backup through Mi Cloud or Google Drive:
1. Go to Settings. → System system → Backup.
2. Select the latest backup and restore the data of the Phone application.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same partition of memory where the records were stored! This can overwrite deleted files. Use a separate partition. SD-card.
Record security: how to protect confidential conversations
Records of conversations can contain sensitive information, so it is important to ensure that they are protected.
1. File encryption
Use applications like Cryptomator or ES File Explorer (with encryption) to encrypt a folder /Recordings/Call/. Alternative – archiving with a password through 7-Zip or RAR.
2 Storage in a secure cloud
Upload records to services with client encryption:
- 🔒 Proton Drive is a zero-access Swiss service).
- 🔒 Tresorit – supports end-to-end encryption.
- 🔒 Google Drive + Cryptomator – Create an encrypted container.
3. Automatic deletion of old records
To avoid accumulating unnecessary files, set up automatic cleanup via MacroDroid or Tasker, for example, you can create a rule: “Delete files older than the previous one.” 30 file-day /Recordings/Call/».
4. Restriction of access to the application "Phone"
If several people use the phone, set a password to the Phone application through Settings → Annexes → Application lockdown.
💡
Never keep records of conversations with bank details or passwords unencrypted, use a separate secure storage or delete files immediately after listening.
Alternative ways to record conversations on Xiaomi
If the standard recording feature is not satisfied (for example, due to poor sound quality or lack of option), consider alternative methods:
1. Recording through the second device
Use a second phone or voice recorder (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX570) So, you can use this to record a conversation in hands-free mode.
2. Google Recording (Google Recorder)
Google Recorder app (available on Pixel, but can be installed on Xiaomi via APK) offer:
- Transcribing conversation into text.
- Keyword search.
- Storage in Google Drive.
Hardware solutions
For professional use, suitable:
- A bluetooth headset with a record (e.g. Plantronics Voyager 5200).
- Digital voice recorder with input to connect to the phone (via AUX Bluetooth).
4. Virtual PBX
If you’re running a business, consider connecting a virtual PBX (like Mango Office or Zadarma) that automatically records all calls and stores them in the cloud.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party recording applications, check their permissions. Some applications (such as Call Recorder by Skvalex) may request access to contacts, SMS geolocation is redundant for the recording function.