Where to record a phone conversation on Xiaomi: where to look for files and how to restore them

Have you turned on a call recording on Xiaomi but can't find a file? Or have you accidentally deleted an important audio recording and want to return it? In smartphones running MIUI, call recordings can be stored in multiple places — it all depends on the firmware version, device model and settings of the Phone app. In this article, we will analyze all possible locations, including hidden folders and cloud storage, and also explain how to recover deleted records using standard and third-party tools.

It's important to understand that since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has changed the way it stores records, so that they can automatically sync with Mi Cloud or be saved to secure memory. If you're using an Android 11+ device, some folders may be restricted by Scoped Storage, and we'll show you how to get around those restrictions without root rights.

Standard storage locations for call records on Xiaomi

By default, the Phone app (com.android.dialer) saves the records in one of the following folders:

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — directory MIUI 10-14. Here files are sorted by dates and subscriber numbers.
• 📁 Download folder: /storage/emulated/0/Download/CallRecordings/ — alternative location if the settings select “Save to Downloads».
• 🔒 Secure storage: /data/user_de/0/com.android.dialer/files/ — A hidden folder that is only accessible through ADB or file managers with root.

Record files are usually formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: Rec_[date [time] [number] [number].m4a. For example, Rec_20260515_1430_+79123456789.m4a. If you can't see the folder call_rec — Check the recording settings in the Phone app or enable the display of hidden files in the file manager.

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To quickly find entries, use a search in the file manager for a keyword Rec_ — This will speed up the process if there are many folders.

How to check the settings of the call record in MIUI

Before searching for files, make sure that the record is enabled at all. In different versions of MIUI, the path to settings may differ:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Choose "Settings».
3. Go to the “Conversation Recording” section (or “Call Recording” in global firmware).
4. Check the following parameters: 🔘 Auto Record: Is the feature enabled for all calls or only for selected contacts. 📁 Retention: Internal Memory or Mi Cloud. 🔒 Notification: whether the subscriber is shown a message about the record (in some countries it is mandatory by law).

If the write option is not on the menu, then your Xiaomi model does not support this feature at the software level (for example, devices for the European market due to GDPR), in this case, you can use third-party applications like Cube Call Recorder ACR or Boldbeast.

Search for records through Mi Cloud and synchronization

If the recording settings say "Sync with Mi Cloud", the files can be stored in the cloud to find them:

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (or go to i.mi.com).
2. Sign in with the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
3. Select the "Records" or "Other Files" section» → «Audio».
4. Filter files by date or name (see for more information) Rec_*).

Method 2: ADB teams

Connect your phone to your PC, enable debugging over USB and perform in the terminal:

adb shell


su




ls /data/user_de/0/com.android.dialer/files/

If the folder exists, copy the files to your computer:

adb pull /data/user_de/0/com.android.dialer/files/ ~/Desktop/CallRecords

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Without root rights or ADB, you can't access hidden folders with records. If you're not ready to unlock the bootloader, use cloud sync or third-party write apps.

Recovery of Deleted Call Records

If you accidentally delete a record, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and whether the device has been used since then (new data can overwrite deleted files).

Method 1: Through the File Manager Recycle Bin

In the standard application “Files” from Xiaomi there is a basket where deleted files are stored for 10 days:

1. Open the Files» → Go to the "Baskbasket" section».
2. Find a record by name or date.
3. Select the file and click "Restore".

Method 2: Recovery programs

For deep memory scanning, use:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (Android) scans internal memory without root, but with root more efficiently.
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (PC) – connect your phone in mode MTP And scan it like a removable disk.

Disconnect Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet|Battery charge > 50%|Not installing new applications|Use the original cable USB|Scan immediately after removal-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone - this may cause them to be overwritten again.

Third-party applications for recording and their settings

If the standard recording function is missing or not, consider alternative applications, which offer more options: format selection, cloud backup, automatic speech decryption.

When using third-party applications, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Recording settings: Some programs require a special mode for Xiaomi (e.g. Fix for) to be enabled. Xiaomi/Redmi Boldbeast).
• 🛡️ Permits: Give access to microphone, contacts and storage.
• 📡 Notifications: in Android 10+ Applications are prohibited from recording calls without warning the subscriber.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Russia since 2026), recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the law on personal data.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often face the following difficulties when working with call records:

• 🔇 Records are not saved: check if there is enough space on the device, turn off battery optimization for the Phone application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Battery → No restrictions).
• 🔊 No audio in the recording: this may be due to VoLTE or VoWiFi limitations. SIM-map.
• 📱 App only records your voice: a problem typical of Android 10+ constraint API. Use Boldbeast with Record Mode setting = 1.
• ☁️ Not synced with Mi Cloud: Update the Mi Cloud app, check your sync settings in your Xiaomi account.

If after all the manipulations, the recording still does not appear, try resetting the settings of the Phone application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Click on “Storage” → “Clear Data”.
3. Reboot the phone and turn the recording on again.

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Before resetting the Phone app settings, export your call history through Settings → System → Backup to avoid losing data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions