Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps to capture important conversations, interviews or just save memorable conversations. However, many users face the problem: where exactly are these audio files stored? Unlike photos or screenshots, call records are not always visible in the file manager, and their location depends on the version of MIUI, device model and even regional settings.
In this article, we will look at all possible ways to store records, file formats (such as.amr or.mp3), and explain how to change the default save folder. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of the firmware — from MIUI 12 to HyperOS — because the logic of the call record function has changed dramatically, and if you can't find your records or they suddenly disappear after the update, here you will find a solution.
Standard Ways to Keep Call Records on Xiaomi
By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in a system folder, the path to which depends on the firmware version. In most cases, files are stored in one of the following places:
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12–14 HyperOS.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path for some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro).
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/ — rarer version MIUI.
It is important to note that the folder MIUI/sound_recorder To see it, enable the display of hidden files in any file manager (for example, in the standard Files or Total Commander), and records can be automatically archived in the Mi Cloud cloud if synchronization is enabled.
If you use a third-party recording app (such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR), the path to the files will be different – usually it is the folder /storage/emulated/0/[Application Name ]/.
How to find records through a standard file manager
The easiest way to find audio recordings is to use the Files app built-in.
- Open the Files app.
- Go to the Categories tab (or Browse in English).
- Select the "Audio" or "Records" section.
- Scroll down the list – call records are usually marked with a phone handset icon and have names in Record format_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr.
If there are no records in the Audio section, try manual search:
- 🔍 Enter the word in the search bar call_rec recording.
- 🔍 Check the folders. MIUI and Recordings in the root catalog.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS), records can be grouped by contacts, in which case open the file to see the tags with the name of the interlocutor and the time of the call.
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If you record calls often, add a folder. call_rec Favorite File Manager – This will save time on search.
Why records may not be saved or disappear
Sometimes users experience records that are either not saved at all or disappear after a device is rebooted.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not being created. | No recording permission | Check the settings of the application "Phone" → "Recording conversations" → "Permissions" |
| Files disappear after updating | Resetting or conflicting MIUI versions | Restore data from the Mi Cloud backup or check the MIUI/backup/ folder |
| Records are cut off. | Time or memory limitation | Increase the limit in the recording settings or clear the cache of the "Phone" application |
| Files are damaged. | Incorrect completion of the recording | Use third-party applications (such as ACR) to recover |
Critical Feature: Starting with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, Xiaomi has implemented additional restrictions on call recording due to privacy requirements. Now the feature can be disabled for some regions (e.g. in the EU) or require confirmation from both interlocutors. If the recording option is missing from the menu, check the device's regional settings.
⚠️ Note: In some countries, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.
How to Change the Records Saving Folder
By default, Xiaomi does not provide the ability to change the way you save records through standard settings, but there are two ways around:
Method 1: Using a file manager with root rights
If your device has an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can manually move the folder. call_rec And then you create a symbolic link:
su
mv /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec /storage/emulated/0/ New folder/
-s /storage/emulated/0/ New folder /call_rec /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_recThis method requires technical skills and can cause failures if executed incorrectly.
Method 2: Third-party applications for recording
Apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR let you select the save folder in your settings, like ACR:
- Open the app and go to "Settings".
- Select "Record folder."
- Indicate a new path (e.g, /storage/emulated/0/Download/Call_Records/).
The disadvantage of this method is the need to disable the standard record in MIUI to avoid duplicate files.
Create a backup of current records|Make sure that the new folder exists.|Check the access rights to the folder|Turn off the standard entry in the phone settings-->
File formats and their features
Xiaomi smartphones store call records in one of two formats:
- 🎵.amr is a compressed format with a low bitrate (usually 8-16 kbps) suitable for saving space, but the sound quality leaves much to be desired.
- 🎵.mp3 — It's less common, usually in third-party applications. The quality is higher, but the files take up more space.
The.amr format may not play on all devices. If you can't open a file on your computer, install codecs (like the K-Lite Codec Pack) or convert a record to.mp3 using online services like Online-Convert.
The size of the file depends on the duration of the conversation:
- 📏 1 minute record in.amr ≈ 60-90 KB.
- 📏 1 hour recording in.amr ≈ 3-5 MB.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the records for legal purposes, save the original files in.amr format without editing.mp3 It may be considered as a change in the evidence base.
How to Recover Deleted Call Records
If the records were accidentally deleted, you can try to restore them, and success depends on how long it has been since the deletion and whether the device was used after that (new data can overwrite deleted files).
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 Through Mi Cloud: If sync was enabled, check the cloud storage cart at i.mi.com.
- 🔄 Connect your phone to your computer and use programs like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery.
If the records were deleted long ago (more than 30 days), the chances of recovery are minimal, in such cases only a backup made in advance will help.
What to do if recovery has not helped?
Conversation Recording Settings in MIUI and HyperOS
To manage the call record, open the standard Phone app and go to settings. The path may vary depending on the firmware version:
- 📱 MIUI 12-13: Telephone → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Recording of conversations.
- 📱 MIUI 14: Telephone → Profile → Settings → Call recordings.
- 📱 HyperOS: Phone → ⚙️ (gear) → Call recordings.
In this section you can:
- ✅ Turn on/off automatic recording for all calls.
- ✅ Select records only for certain contacts (black/white list).
- ✅ Set up a recording notification (audible signal or voice alert).
- ✅ Limit recording time (for example, to 30 minutes).
HyperOS has a "Write only my voices" option that is useful for saving space if you only care about your lines, but the quality of the recording can be worse because of noise reduction algorithms.
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Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has added mandatory recording notifications to the interlocutor in some regions, which cannot be turned off software.