Where to record conversations on Xiaomi Redmi: search for audio files in MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the question: where do phone records stay after recording function is activated? Unlike iPhones or devices on pure Android, MIUI firmware has its own features of storing such files. They can hide in non-obvious folders, and sometimes disappear completely after system updates.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi regularly changes the storage structure in new versions of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 12, call records were stored in one place, and in MIUI 14 they were stored in another. In addition, some Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 12) can use different paths depending on the region of the firmware. In this article, we will analyze all possible locations, including hidden system folders, and explain how to access them without root rights.

If you didn't find entries in standard directories, it doesn't mean they're deleted, it might be that files are just moved to a secure memory area or archived by the system, and then a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions and solutions for typical problems.

Standard folders for calling records in MIUI

By default, MIUI stores audio recordings of conversations in one of two folders of internal memory. The path depends on the version of the shell and the model of the smartphone:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12–14. Here files are sorted by dates and subscriber numbers.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path for some models (e.g. Redmi) 9 or Redmi Note 8 Pro).
• 🔍 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — rarely, but records may be cached by a multimedia provider.

To open these folders:

1. Run the standard Explorer app (or any file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the internal memory section (not to be confused with the internal memory section). SD-card!).
3. Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings (the option “Show hidden files”).
4. Follow one of the paths indicated.

If the folders MIUI/sound_recorder or there is no record, that may mean:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g., the global version for Europe) have the call recording function disabled at the system level due to legal restrictions.

How to find records through the system application "Calls"

The easiest way to access records is through the built-in Phone app. Here's how to do it:

• 📞 Open the Calls app (Trainer icon).
• 🔍 Go to the Journal (or History) section).
• 🎤 Click on the recording of the conversation marked "Recorded" (mic icon).
• 🔊 In the window that opens, there will be a “Play” button – click it to listen to the recording.

If there is no play button, check:

1. Whether the records are manually deleted (MIUI has the option to automatically delete old files after 30 days).
2. Is the recording function disabled in the settings: Settings → Applications → Phone → Recording conversations?
3. Is there a third-party call app (such as Truecaller or Google Phone) that stores files in its storage?

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If the recording is not played directly in the Calls app, try finding it in the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder Open through any audio player (for example, VLC).

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi K50), the records can be exported directly from the call log:

1. Long press on the log entry.
2. Select the option “Share” or “Save”.
3. Indicate the folder for export (for example, downloads).

Search for records via PC (if not visible on the phone)

If the files are not displayed on your smartphone, connect Xiaomi Redmi to your computer and check the memory through Windows Explorer or macOS Finder.

• 🖥️ Put the phone on. USB (Select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
• 🔍 Open the smartphone drive on your PC and go to internal memory.
• 🔎 Enable the display of hidden files (in Windows: View) → Hidden elements).
• 📂 Look for the folders. MIUI/sound_recorder or Recordings/Call.

If there are no folders, try the extension search:

1. In the PC search bar, type.amr or.mp3 (call records usually have these formats).
2. Make sure that the search is conducted throughout the smartphone drive (not just in visible folders).

Important: Some Xiaomi firmware stores call records encrypted and does not show up on a PC without special utilities (such as Mi PC Suite).If files are visible but not played, try copying them to your computer and opening them via Audacity or VLC.

Hidden folders and system directories

In some cases, call records can be stored in secure system folders that are not available without root permissions.

To access these folders without root rights, you can use:

1. ADB-Teams (required included debugging for the USB):
2. File managers with root access (e.g. FX File Explorer or Root Explorer)
3. Backup via TWRP (if custom recaps are installed).

⚠️ Note: Trying to access the /data/ without root, the phone can block a folder or reset permissions.We recommend that you first back up your data through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Why records disappear or don't persist

Xiaomi Redmi users often experience call records disappearing or not being saved at all.

• 🔄 Auto-cleaning: B MIUI Automatic deletion of records older than 30 days is enabled by default. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 📵 Memory Lack: If your phone has less than 500MB of free space, the system can delete old files.
• 🔧 Phone app crash: After update MIUI Sometimes you reset your write permissions. → Annexes → Phone. → Permits.
• 📡 Regional restrictions: On European firmware, the recording function may be blocked due to the GDPR.

How to recover lost records:

1. Check the cart in the Files app (Recycle Bin folder).
2. Use data recovery software (DiskDigger, Recuva) to find deleted.amr files.
3. View backups in Mi Cloud (if sync was enabled).

If the records are not retained at all:

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with firmware for India) only have the recording function on when the developer mode is on. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and press the assembly number 7 times.

How to Change the Records Saving Folder

By default, MIUI does not allow you to select an arbitrary folder for call records, but there are workarounds:

• 📁 Symbolic reference (requires root or ADB):
• 🔄 Automatically navigate through Tasker or MacroDroid (set the task to copy files from the MIUI/sound_recorder file-wise).
• 📱 Third-party applications (such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR), which allow you to choose a conservation path.

To change the folder without root:

1. Install Cube Call Recorder from Google Play.
2. In the application settings, select the Record Folder → Select the folder.
3. Specify the desired directory (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/Calls).
4. Disable the built-in record in MIUI to avoid duplicate files.

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Third-party writing applications (such as ACR) are often more reliable than the built-in MIUI function, as they allow you to select the format (MP3/WAV), save folder and are not dependent on firmware updates.

Security and legal aspects

Before recording conversations, consider legal limitations:

• 🇷🇺 In Russia, recording of a conversation is allowed if you are a participant in it (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
• 🇪🇺 In EU countries (for example, Germany) recording without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited and punishable by a fine.
• 🇺🇸 In the US, laws vary by state: California requires the consent of all participants, Texas only one.

How to protect your records:

1. Store files in an encrypted container (for example, via Cryptomator or VeraCrypt).
2. Use two-factor authentication for cloud services (if you sync your records to Google Drive or Mi Cloud).
3. Delete unnecessary entries manually to avoid data leakage when selling your phone.

Important: In MIUI, call records are not encrypted by default, and if the phone is stolen or hacked, an attacker can easily access the audio files.

⚠️ Warning: Before selling or transferring your phone, perform a full reset via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings: Standard file deletion does not guarantee permanent erasure!

FAQ: Frequent questions about call records on Xiaomi Redmi