Where Xiaomi stores records from the recorder: a complete guide to search and manage audio files

Have you recorded an important conversation or lecture on a Xiaomi voice recorder but can't find the file? Or accidentally deleted the recording and want to restore it? In this article, we will analyze which folder the default audio recordings on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are stored in, how to get there through standard and third-party tools, and what to do if the files are missing. The instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) and models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 flagships.

The problem with finding records is more common than it seems: users don’t know that the recorder in MIUI saves files not in a gallery, but in a separate system folder, which is sometimes hidden from view. In addition, the path may differ depending on the firmware version or application settings. We have collected all possible options, from the standard location to alternative paths for old and new devices.

Standard location of recordings of the recorder on Xiaomi

By default, the Dictaphone app (or Recorder in global firmware) saves audio files to the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/

This is the best way to use 90% of Xiaomi devices. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. Files have an extension.m4a (AAC-encoding) or.amr (for old records) and are named by template:

• 📅 REC_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.m4a — for new versions (for example, REC_20260515_143022.m4a)
• 🎤 SoundRec_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr — for old firmware (up to) MIUI 10)
• 🔄 voice_record_XXX.amr — If the recording is made through voice notes in Mi Notes

Important: In some regional firmware (e.g. India or Europe), the folder may be called Recorder instead of the folder. sound_recorder. Also on devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the path can change to /sdcard/Recordings/.

How to find records through the built-in MIUI conductor

The easiest way is to use the standard Files application (a blue-background folder icon).

1. Open the Files app → go to the Category tab (bottom of the screen).
2. Select the Audio section → scroll down to the Recorder (or Recorder) block.
3. Slip on the file to listen, or hold to highlight (a menu will appear with the options Delete, Rename, Share).

If there are no records in the Audio section, check the Internal Memory tab. → MIUI → sound_recorder. Some devices have folders MIUI hidden to see it:

Press three points (⋮) top-right|Select "Settings"|Activate the switch to show hidden files"|Go back and update the list.-->

Note for POCO owners: On devices with POCO Launcher, there may be no built-in Explorer, in which case use Google Files or install MiXplorer from the Play Market.

Alternative ways to store records

If in a folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ void, check out these options:

If you’ve used third-party apps (like Easy Voice Recorder or Hi-Q MP3 Recorder), the path to the recordings will be different, usually listed in the settings of the recorder itself in the save folder section.

💡

To quickly find all audio files on the device, in File Explorer, search for the.m4a or.amr extension. The system will show all records, even if they are in non-standard folders.

Why records may be lost and how to recover them

Common causes of loss of audio files:

• 🧹 Clearing the cache of the Dictaphone application (deletes all records!
• 🔄 Resetting settings to factory (without backup).
• 📱 Transfer to SD-map.
• 🛠️ Optimization of memory by the system (MIUI Automatically deletes "unnecessary" files when space is scarce).

If the files are missing, try these recovery methods:

1. Check the Recycle Bin: Go to the Recycle Bin in File Explorer (stores deleted files for 15-30 days).
2. Use DiskDigger or Recuva: these programs scan memory for deleted files. Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Check the cloud: If the voice recorder settings were enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the records could be saved there.

⚠️ Warning: if you cleared the Dictaphone app cache through Settings → Applications, recovery of records is almost impossible - files are deleted irrevocably, bypassing the basket).

How to Change the Records Saving Folder

By default, MIUI does not allow you to select an arbitrary folder to save records in a standard voice recorder.

Method 1: Use a third-party recorder

Apps like Easy Voice Recorder or Smart Recorder let you select any folder (including Google Drive or Google Drive). SD-After installation:

1. Open the app. → press on ⋮ (menu) → Settings.
2. Select the Conservation Folder → Please indicate a new path (for example, /Download/Audio_Records/).
3. Save the settings and make a test record.

Method 2: Redirect the folder through a symbolic link (for advanced ones)

If you have root access, you can create a symbolic link so that records are saved, for example, on the Internet. SD-map:

su


ln -s /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Recordings/

Where XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-maps (you can find it through the ls command) /storage/ Terminal Emulator).

⚠️ Warning: improper use of root commands may result in data loss or system damage!

How to reserve records from the recorder

To avoid losing important audio files, set up automatic backups:

Option 1: Sync with Mi Cloud

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Accounts → Mi Cloud
2. Turn on the Sync switch and select the Recorder (if the option is available).
3. Records will be copied to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi.

Option 2: Manual export to PCs

Connect your phone to your computer through USB (File Transfer mode) and copy the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/ You can use Total Commander or Far Manager for convenience.

Option 3: Automatic booting in Google Drive

Install the AutoSync for Google Drive app and set up the task of copying the folder sound_recorder cloud-time.

💡

Backup copies of records are best stored in two places: SD-map (if any) and cloud, which will protect against data loss when your phone breaks or resets.

Frequent questions about recording and storing audio on Xiaomi