Why Xiaomi Call Records Are Hard to Find
You have enabled a recording of a conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but after the call is over you can’t find an audio file? This problem is familiar to many smartphone users running MIUI. The fact that the system by default hides folders with records, and their location depends on the firmware version, device model and even regional settings.
Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where records are saved in obvious directories like CallRecordings, Xiaomi uses a less intuitive structure. In addition, with the release of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the storage logic has changed, so that files can automatically sync with Mi Cloud or be encrypted. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations, including hidden folders and cloud services, and learn how to configure the record so that files are not lost.
Standard folders for calling records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones store conversation records in one of three system folders, and their location depends on the firmware version:
- 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — relevant MIUI 12–14 and most of the models before 2023 year-end.
- 📁 HyperOS: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — New location for HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K70).
- 📁 SD-map (if selected): /storage/[ID_map]/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — The path appears only when manual transfer.
Important: these folders can be hidden from the standard file manager. To see them, turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings (for example, in Files by Google or Mi File Manager click). ⋮ → Show hidden files).
💡
If the folder call_rec Empty, check your recording settings: it is possible that files are only saved to the cloud or the function is disabled for the current one. SIM-map.
Cloud services: synchronize records with Mi Cloud
Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has been pushing for automatic synchronization of call records with the Mi Cloud, which means that even if you don't find files in local storage, they could have gone to the cloud.
- Open the Settings app → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Scroll to the Sync section and find the Call Record item.
- If the switch is active, the files are available at https://i.mi.com in the Records section.
Important: Mi Cloud records are only stored for 30 days for free accounts, and then they are automatically deleted, so to save them forever, download the files to your computer or transfer them to another cloud (for example, Google Drive).
How to Change the Place of Records Saving
If you don't like the standard file layout, you can reconfigure it.
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Press. ⋮ → Settings → Recording calls.
- Select the Save folder (in some versions of MIUI it is called Storage Place).
- Please specify a new directory (for example, /Download/Call_Records/) or choose SD-map.
Please note: when choosing SD-Record cards may become unavailable for some system applications (for example, to play through Mi Music). It is also not recommended to specify folders in the root directory (/) - this can cause crashes.
☑️ Setup of record retention
Write problems: why files are not saved
Sometimes the call records are lost or not created at all, and here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not retained. | No rights to record | Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions and enable access to microphone and storage. |
| Files are empty (0 KB) | Conflict with other recording applications | Remove third-party recorders (such as Cube ACRs) or add them to battery exceptions. |
| Records are cut off. | Optimizing the battery | In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, select Without Limits for the Phone application. |
| No sound on the tape. | Do Not Disturb mode is active. | Turn off Settings → Sound → Do not disturb or add contact to exceptions. |
If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:
Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset settingsWhat to do if records are encrypted?
Hidden Records: How to Find Deleted or Archived Files
If you deleted the call record but still need it, try restoring it from your cart or backup:
- 🗑️ Basket MIUI: Open Mi File Manager, go to the Recycle Bin section (available 15 days after deletion).
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: In the web version of the cloud (i.mi.com) check the recently deleted section.
- 🔍 Third-party utilities: Apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (for PC) can find files even after cleaning the shopping cart.
Warning: When you restore, don't save files back to your smartphone, which can overwrite deleted data. Use a computer or external drive.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS, the shopping cart works differently - files are stored only for 7 days, and confirmation is required for recovery. SMS.
Export and backup of records
To avoid losing important records, export them to a safe place on a regular basis.
- Manual export: Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode) and copy the folder call_rec hard-drive.
- Cloud Services: Upload files to Google Drive, Dropbox or Yandex Disk (use apps to automatically sync).
- Third-party applications: Utility like AutoSync or FolderSync can automatically copy new records to the cloud.
For massive file renaming (to make it easier to search), use Total Commander or Python script:
import os
for filename in os.listdir("/path/to/call_rec"):
os.rename(filename, f"call_{filename}")💡
Regular backups are the only way to guarantee record retention: Cloud services can change storage policies (as Mi Cloud did in 2023), and local files risk being lost when settings are reset.