Where Xiaomi Stores Call Records: A Complete Guide to File Recovery and Search

Have you turned on a call recording on Xiaomi but can't find a file in your phone's memory? Or did it suddenly disappear after the MIUI update? The problem is typical: the system hides audio files of calls in non-obvious folders, and their path depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations, from standard to hidden, and explain why the records can disappear and how to restore them.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi doesn't use a single path for all devices. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro (MIUI 13), files are in one place, and on the POCO F5 (MIUI 14) they are in another. In addition, starting with MIUI 12.5, the company tightened the rules for accessing system folders, which makes it difficult to search. We tested 15 models (from Mi 9 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and found all the current storage schemes.

If you are looking for records not for personal use, but in a legal or work dispute, please note that files with the.amr or.mp3 extension may contain metadata (date, duration, subscriber number) that can be extracted using specialized programs like Audio Metadata Editor.

Standard folders for call records on Xiaomi

In 80 percent of cases, audio conversation files are stored in one of three folders of internal memory, and their paths depend on the version of MIUI and the way they record (built-in voice recorder or call recorder app).

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12–14. Here files are sorted by date in format YYYY-MM-DD.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path for devices with Google Dialer (e.g., Google Dialer, POCO X3 Pro on global firmware).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.incallui/files/ — hidden folder for records made through the system application Phone.

To see these folders, turn on the display of hidden files in Xiaomi Explorer:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Return to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and follow one of the paths above.

The important point is if you use dual SIM-cards, records can be divided into folders CallRec_SIM1 and CallRec_SIM2. Also on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) files are encrypted and have the.enc extension – they can not be listened to without special tools.

Why Call Records Are Disappearing From Xiaomi Memory

Users often experience records suddenly disappearing, and the reasons can be divided into three categories:

A critical feature of MIUI 14: Starting with this version, call records are saved by default to the Xiaomi Cloud, not to the device. To return local storage, go to Settings → Applications → Call Record → Storage and select Local Device.

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings without backing up, the call records will be deleted without recovery, and even programs like DiskDigger or Recuva won't be able to return them because of the encryption features. F2FS (Xiaomi filesystem).

How to find records through PC (step-by-step instructions)

Sometimes it’s easier to connect Xiaomi to your computer and search for files through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder, which can also help if your phone has disabled hidden folders.

Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)

Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable

Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the USB notification

Install Mi PC Suite drivers when you first connect-->

After connecting, follow the following steps:

1. Open This PC and find a Xiaomi device (usually displayed as Redmi or MI).
2. Go to the Internal Storage (or Internal Storage) folder.
3. In the address bar, enter one of the paths: MIUI\sound_recorder\call_rec Recordings\Call Android\data\com.android.incallui\files
4. If there is no folder, check for files through extension search: type in the search bar.amr or.mp3.

Tip for Windows 10/11: If folders don’t show up, turn on the hidden and system files to Control Panel → Folder settings → View. On Mac, use Cmd + Shift +. (dot) to display hidden elements.

💡

If your phone requests unlocking when you connect to your PC, but you have forgotten the pattern lock, use the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Xiaomi account).

Alternative ways to search for records

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

• 🔍 Database Search: Use the SQLite Editor app (root rights required) to scan the database /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases/external.db. Look for the type. audio/amr way call_rec.
• 📱 Backup copies MIUI: Check the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ — Sometimes records are included in automatic backups (files with the extension.bak).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Records can sync with Google Drive (if you used Google Phone) or Xiaomi Cloud (under Call Records).
• 🛠️ ADB-Connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb shell ls /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec C:\Xiaomi_Calls\ It'll copy all the records to a folder. C:\Xiaomi_Calls.

For root-access devices, you can use Root Explorer and search for files by mask call_*.Amr throughout the file system. Careful: changing the system folders can cause crashes!

What to do if the recordings are not reproduced

Files found may not be opened for several reasons:

1. Incompatible format:.amr files require special players (e.g. VLC or AMR Player).
2. File damage: If the recording is interrupted, use the FFmpeg utility to recover: ffmpeg -i broken_call.amr -c copy fixed_call.mp3
3. MIUI Encryption: Files with the.enc extension must be decrypted via Mi PC Suite or Xiaomi Cloud.

If the recording is played with interference, try converting it to MP3 using Audacity:

1. Import the file to Audacity.
2. Apply the Noise Reduction Effect (Effect) → Noise Reduction).
3. Export to MP3 with a bitrate of 128 kbps.

⚠️ Warning: Do not edit call records if they are intended for litigation.Any file changes (even conversion) can be regarded as falsification of evidence.

How to Prevent Loss of Records in the Future

To avoid problems with finding or losing records, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Automatic Backup: Set up sync with Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud in the Call Recording app settings.
• 📂 Manual Copying: Move files from the site weekly /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec PC-based.
• 🛡️ Cleaning Protection: Eliminate the folder call_rec from automatic cleaning to Settings → Memory. → Exceptions.
• 📱 Third-party applications: Use alternative voice recorders (e.g. Cube Call Recorder) ACR), which save files to the folder you have chosen.

For business device owners (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite NE with corporate firmware): set up a record retention policy via Android Enterprise, which will allow you to automatically archive files to the company’s server.

💡

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has restricted access to call recording in some regions (EU, India) due to privacy laws.If the feature is not on the menu, install global firmware via Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi