Where on Xiaomi saves call records: all possible folders and access methods

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a useful feature for recording important conversations, interviews or evidence. However, after recording is completed, many users face the problem: where did the audio files go? Unlike photos or screenshots that are stored in the gallery, the call records are hidden deeper in the file system, their location depends on the version of the MIUI, the device model and even the recording method (built-in recorder or third-party application).

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to store records on Xiaomi devices, from standard folders to hidden directories, as well as how to change the save location, restore deleted files and solve typical problems (for example, when there is a record, but it is not visible in the Explorer). We will pay special attention to the differences between the models MIUI 12/13/14 and Android One devices (such as Mi) A3).

Standard folders for call records on Xiaomi

By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in system directories accessible through any file manager.

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12-14.
• 📁 For older versions: /storage/emulated/0/Recorder/calls/ (relevant MIUI 11 below).
• 📁 Android One: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ (Like the Mi. A1/A2/A3).
• 📁 Third-party applications: The folder is program dependent (e.g. Cube Call Recorder saves to the /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/).

If you use a built-in voice recorder (Recording calls in your phone settings), the files will be in format.m4a or.amr with a species name Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS. For example: Record_20260515_143022.m4a.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) records can be stored in a hidden folder.call_rec. To see it, turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager settings (in the file manager settings). MI File Manager: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).

How to find records through built-in MIUI tools

You don’t have to dig into the file manager – MIUI offers several ways to quickly find records:

1. Through the Dictophone app: Open the standard Dictaphone app. The Record or Call tab contains all the saved conversations, and you can listen to, rename or delete the file.
2. Through Call Log: In the Phone app, find the contact or number you want, swipe left on the call record, and click Play (if the recording function was activated before the call).
3. Through Device Search: Use Global Search MIUI (swipe down the main screen and enter the request call_rec or Record_. The system will show all the relevant files.

🔍 Tip: If the recordings are not displayed in the recorder, but you are sure that they are, check the permissions for the Dictaphone application in Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Warehouse.

Differences between MIUI models and versions

The storage path of the records may vary depending on the firmware and regional version of the device, and here is a table with current data for popular models (as of 2026):

💡 Important: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A3) Built-in call recording may not be available – you will need to install a third-party application (for example, ACR Call Recorder).

If your model is not listed in the table, check the path through the file manager using a search for keywords: call, rec, record.

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On some firmware (e.g., the Chinese version of MIUI), call records are disabled by default due to local laws. To enable the feature, install global or European firmware.

How to Change the Records Saving Folder

By default, Xiaomi does not allow you to change the way you save records through standard settings.

1. Third-party applications: Apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR Allows you to select any folder (including: SD-Map or cloud services. After installation, go to the application settings and specify the new path in the Storage section.
2. Symbolic links (for advanced): With the help of ADB You can create a symbolic link to a terminal that redirects the records to another folder, such as adb shell ln. -s /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec /storage/emulated/0/Download/Call_Records ⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can disrupt the system, only recommended for experienced users.
3. Automotive Moving: Use Tasker or Automate to create a task that will copy new files from a standard folder to your chosen directory.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, you can't change the standard folder without root permissions, so that's a system restriction, and the only reliable way is to use third-party recording applications.

Recovery of Deleted Call Records

If you accidentally delete a call record, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and how much storage the device has been using.

• 🔄 Check the basket: In MI File Manager is a shopping cart (⋮ → Recycle Bin where files are stored for up to 30 days.
• 🛠️ Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (on PC) or Dumpster (basket application).
• ☁️ Cloud Backups: If backup is enabled in Google Drive or Mi Cloud, check your archives.
• 📱 Root access: Root Explorer can scan the partition /data File Remains (requires superuser rights).

📌 Important: After deleting the record, do not write new files to the device - this reduces the chances of recovery. It is better to immediately remove the memory card (if the record was on it) and connect to the PC.

Solving problems with recording and saving calls

Sometimes the call records are not saved or disappear, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may block the recording of calls at the system level, in which case only the flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Clear data).
3. Install an alternative recording app (e.g. Boldbeast Call Recorder – supports Xiaomi with root rights).

Security and aspects of call recording

Before recording conversations, make sure that it does not violate local law. Most countries have the following rules:

• 📜 Unilateral recording: Allowed if you are a participant in a conversation (e.g. in Russia, USA, Ukraine).
• ⚖️ Bilateral entry: Requires the consent of the second member (e.g. in the EU) GDPR).
• 🚫 Prohibited: Distribution of a recording without consent (may qualify as a violation of the right to privacy).

🔐 Security tip: If you record important conversations (for example, for a court), keep the files encrypted:

1. Copy the records on the PC.
2. Create an archive with a password (for example, through 7-Zip or WinRAR).
3. Upload the archive to a secure cloud (e.g., Proton Drive with encryption).

On Xiaomi devices, you can also use the built-in Safe Folder feature (Settings → Privacy → Secure Folder) to hide entries from prying eyes.

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In Russia, recording telephone conversations is allowed without notifying the second party (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), but the use of the recording in court requires proof of its authenticity and lack of editing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi call records