Where to look for phone records on Xiaomi Mi 9: a step-by-step guide

The Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular smartphone amongst users who value the balance of performance and price. But even after years of use, many people face the same problem: where do recordings of conversations made through a standard phone app or third-party programs go? Unlike modern models, where files are automatically sorted by folder, on the Mi 9 with MIUI 10-12, the path to audio recordings is not always obvious.

In this article, we will not only show you where the call records are stored in the device’s memory, but also explore the nuances of why files can “disappear” after a firmware update, how to restore them if they were deleted, and which applications are best used for reliable recording.

If you've been recording conversations through built-in tools or programs like Cube Call Recorder, ACR, but you can't find them now, you're in the right place. We've tested all the ways on the Mi 9 with different versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware) and put together working solutions.

1. Standard storage location for Xiaomi Mi 9 records

By default, the Phone app (com.android.dialer) on Xiaomi Mi 9 stores conversation records in one of two folders, depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware.

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — Standard folder for global and European versions MIUI 10-12. Here, the files are named by template. call_[date] [time].amr.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — alternative path that occurs on Chinese firmware or after manual resetting.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.dialer/files/ — a hidden folder where temporary copies of records can be stored before they are moved to the main directory.

To see these folders:

1. Open the File Manager (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → Settings → turn on Show hidden files.
3. If you don't have a folder, you're either saved somewhere else or deleted.

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If the folder call_rec Check the File Manager filter: sometimes audio files (.amr,.mp3) In the manager settings, select "All Files" instead of "Images and Videos».

Important: on the Mi 9 with MIUI 12.5+, the path may be different due to changes in storage policy. If you updated the firmware, the old records could be transferred to /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/CallRecordings/ - check this directory as well.

2.Why recordings of conversations can 'disappear' from your phone

Xiaomi Mi 9 users often complain that records suddenly disappear from folders, for reasons ranging from firmware bugs to the owner’s own actions.

• 🔄 Update MIUI: When switching to a new version of the firmware (for example, with the MIUI 11 on MIUI 12.5) The system can transfer files to another directory or reset folder access rights.
• 🧹 Cache Clearing: If you cleaned memory through Settings → Warehouse → Clear, temporary records files that have not yet moved to the main folder could be deleted.
• 📱 Factory reset: When completely reset, all user data (including records) is erased.
• 🔒 Change permissions: Some applications (such as Clean Master) can block access to folders with records, making them invisible».

Critical feature of the Mi 9: if the recording was made through the standard “Phone” application before the update to MIUI 12+, The files could have been left in the old folder. /MIUI/voice_recorder/, It's now hidden from the user. It takes a lot of time to see it. ROOT-Accessing or connecting your phone to your PC ADB.

If you are sure that the records were, but now they are not, first check the basket in the file manager (.trash folder). Files are stored there for up to 30 days. It is also worth looking at Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage and see how much space these applications take up: if the volume is non-zero, the records can be “hidden” inside the cache.

3. How to find records through the file manager (step-by-step instructions)

Even if you never changed your storage settings, the records could be saved in an unobvious place.

1. Activate the display of hidden files: Open File Manager (folder icon). Tap three points → Settings → Show hidden files. Also turn on the option to Show system files (if any).
2. Check the main folders: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ /storage/emulated/0/Downloads/CallRecordings/ If there are no folders, create them manually: perhaps the Phone application will start saving new records there.
3. Use search: In the file manager, tap on the magnifying glass. Enter the extensions:.amr,.mp3,.m4a. Sort the results by the date of the change.

Connect your phone to your PC:

Sometimes you can see more files through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder than you can in a mobile manager. Connect Mi 9 to USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode and manually check folders.

Tip: If you're using Google Drive or Mi Cloud, check the automatic backups. Records may have been synced there without your knowledge. Go to the web version of the cloud and search for files by keywords: call, record, voice.

4. Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If the records have been deleted, don’t despair. There are several ways to get them back on the Xiaomi Mi 9, but you need to act quickly: the longer the time has passed, the less chance of success.

Warning: Don’t install recovery software on the Mi 9 itself, because it can overwrite deleted files, connect your phone to your PC and work through desktop utilities.

If you regularly lose important records, set up automatic backups:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable Backup of Application Data.
3. Make sure that the Phone app (com.android.dialer) is included in the backup list.

5. Set up a conversation record on Xiaomi Mi 9

If you haven't recorded conversations yet, but you want to get started, it's important to set up the system correctly. There are two options on the Mi 9: the standard Phone app and third-party programs. Let's take them both apart.

Method 1: Integrated recording in MIUI

By default, the call recording feature is disabled due to legal restrictions in some countries.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Slip on three points → Settings → Record conversations.
3. Enable the Automatic Write option or select Write only selected ones.
4. Specify the folder for saving (by default — /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/).

Limitations:

• ⚠️ In some regions (e.g. the EU), recording of conversations is blocked at the firmware level.
• ⚠️ Update MIUI Record settings may be reset.
• ⚠️ Incoming calls are recorded only if the subscriber has not blocked this function on his device.

Method 2: Third-party applications

If the built-in record does not work, use proven programs:

• 📱 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber) recording and automatically saves files to the cloud.
• 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – simple interface, recording format.mp3 cryptographic.
• 📱 Truecaller – in addition to determining numbers, has a built-in record (premium subscription is required).

Important: When using third-party applications:

1. Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, storage, access to calls).
2. In the application settings, specify the folder to save (for example, /Recordings/Call/).
3. Check if the recording is blocked by battery optimization (in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autorun).

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On Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 12+, the built-in conversation record can conflict with third-party applications. If files are no longer saved after installing Cube ACR or similar programs, turn off the standard record in the Phone settings.

6. Alternative ways of searching records

If standard methods do not help, try these non-obvious techniques:

• 🔍 Tag Search: In the file manager, type in the search call_ or rec_ — These are often referred to as automatically created records.
• 📡 ADB-Connect your phone to your PC and execute: adb shell ls /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ adb shell ls /sdcard/Recordings/Call/ This will show hidden files that are not available through the graphical interface.
• 📱 Check through ES Conductor: Install ES File Explorer, turn on Root Explorer (if you have root access) and look for entries in the file. /data/data/com.android.dialer/.
• 🔄 Resetting the cache of the Phone application: Sometimes it causes the system to restore links to old files. But beware: with the cache, unsaved records can also be deleted.

For advanced users: If you have any ROOT-Right, check the call database:

adb shell


su




sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db




SELECT * FROM calls WHERE type=3;

This command will show all recordings of conversations, including those that are not displayed in the interface.

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If you often record important conversations, set up automatic file submissions to email. In Cube Call Recorder, this is done in Settings → Cloud and Backups → Send to email.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi Mi 9 users experience the same problems when working with conversation records, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI You've stopped saving new records, check the permissions of the Phone app. MIUI 12+ After the update, you often reset your rights to access the microphone and storage. → Annexes → Phone. → Permissions and enable all necessary options.

• 🚫 Records saved but not played: Problem in.amr codec. Install player VLC or convert files into.mp3 via Audio Converter.
• 🚫 The app only records its side: In Cube settings ACR Or analogue, turn on Recording on both sides and select the source of sound.
• 🚫 Files are there, but they are empty (0 KB): It's a bug MIUI If you're recording interrupted, try recording the conversation again or reinstall the Phone app».
• 🚫 The recording is interrupted through 5-10 minutes: Wine battery optimization. Add an app to write in exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Choose yours. → No restrictions.

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher).Sometimes the standard MIUI launcher hides files that are displayed in other shells.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions