Where to save your call records on Xiaomi: a complete guide to finding and managing files

Have you turned on a conversation record on Xiaomi but can't find the file? Or want to transfer important audio recordings to your computer but don't know where they're stored? This problem is familiar to many users of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones - standard ways of storing records are not always obvious, but in new versions of MIUI they can change.

where exactly call records are stored depending on the model and firmware version;

How to change the save folder (if possible);

Why files can “disappear” and how to recover them

How to Automate Backup of Records to the Cloud

We’ll focus on hidden folders, audio file formats, and the nuances of recording on Android 12+ devices, where Google has tightened the rules for accessing the microphone, and if you’re using the record for work, legal purposes, or just want to save important conversations, this guide will help you avoid data loss.

Standard ways to store call records on Xiaomi

By default, Xiaomi smartphones store conversation records in the device’s system memory, but the exact path depends on the MIUI version and model. On most devices (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12), files are placed here:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

However, there are important exceptions:

• 📱 Devices with MIUI 13+: the path may change /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ (especially Xiaomi 13/14 and POCO F5).
• 🔄 Old versions MIUI (before 12.5): records are sometimes kept in /storage/emulated/0/Recorder/ Or even in the Download root folder.
• 🌐 Global and Chinese firmware: on Chinese versions (China) ROM) The path may be different, for example, /storage/emulated/0/MiSoundRecorder/.

Record files are usually formatted.m4a (AAC) or.amr, and their names contain the date, time and phone number of the subscriber (for example, 20260515_143022_+79123456789.m4a). If you don’t see a folder in the file manager, check the hidden file display settings or use a root Explorer (for example, root Explorer, FX File Explorer).

How to find call records through built-in tools

You want to go through the file system? Many Xiaomi firmwares have a built-in way to view records directly from the Phone or Recorder app. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Call log section (the icon of the clock at the bottom of the screen).
3. Find the recorded call - there will be an icon next to it 🎤 «Reproduce».
4. Click on the recording to listen to or share it (icon) ⤴️).

If there is no record icon, check:

• ⚙️ Settings of the application "Phone": Settings → Recording calls → Showing journal entries.
• 🔍 folder MIUI/sound_recorder/ manually (see previous section).
• 🗑️ File Manager Recycle Bin – Sometimes records get there after an update MIUI.

Important! On some models (such as the POCO F4 GT), call recording is disabled by default due to Google's restrictions on Android 12+ devices.

Install alternative software (e.g. Cube Call Recorder ACR)

Provide permission to record audio in special features settings

Disable battery optimization for a recording application

Reboot the device after changes-->

Why Call Records May Be Lost and How to Recover Them

Xiaomi users often face a situation where records suddenly “disappear”, the reasons can be different from a file system failure to the actions of the firmware itself.

If files were accidentally deleted, try to restore them with specialized utilities:

• 🛠️ Recuva (for Windows, if you connect your phone as a drive).
• 📱 Dumpster (Android app, works like a shopping cart).
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver (supports recovery.m4a and.amr).

💡

If records are critical (for example, for a court), copy the file to your computer or the cloud immediately after the conversation. System failures or MIUI updates can delete them without recovery.

On devices with encrypted storage (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra with MIUI 14), standard recovery methods may not work, in which case only a backup made in advance through adb backup or Mi Cloud will help.

How to Change the Call Records Saving Folder

Xiaomi doesn't provide the default interface to change the way you save records, but there are workarounds. Let's take them from simple to complex.

Method 1: Symbolic reference (symlink)

If you have root access, you can create a symbolic link to another folder (for example, to the SD-map):

su


ln -s /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ /storage/EXTERNAL_SD/CallRecords/

After that, the new records will automatically appear on the memory card, and the downside is that the superuser rights are required.

Method 2: Automatic copying via Tasker

Without root, you can set up automatic file copying using Tasker or Automate:

1. Create a task that scans the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.
2. Add the Copy File action with the target folder (for example, /Download/Call_Backup/).
3. Set up the trigger for the event “New File in the Folder”.

Method 3: Third-party applications for recording

Apps like Cube Call Recorder ACR Or Boldbeast lets you select the save folder right in the settings. ACR:

1. Open the Settings → Record folder.
2. Specify a path, for example /storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/.
3. Enable the option to Save to the Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).

Cloud-based backup of call records

It's risky to keep important records only on your phone, because if you reset or break your device, you lose them. The solution is automatic cloud sync. Here's how to set it up:

Option 1: Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage via Mi Cloud, but it does not support automatic downloading of records.

1. Open the files. → find the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/.
2. Select the necessary records, click Share → Mi Cloud.
3. Select a folder to download (such as Call Records).

Option 2: Automatic sync with Google Drive

AutoSync or FolderSync is suitable for automatic download:

• 📁 Set up folder sync. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ Google Drive folder.
• ⏱️ Set a schedule (for example, once a day).
• 🔒 Enable the option to download only to avoid conflicts.

Option 3: Telegram bot for backup

If you prefer instant messengers, you can create a bot in Telegram that will accept files:

1. Create a bot through @BotFather and get a token.
2. Use Tasker or Termux to send files on command.
3. Example of a team for curl: curl -F "chat_id=WASHING_ID" -F document=@"/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/20260515_143022_+79123456789.m4a" "https://api.telegram.org/botToken/sendDocument"

💡

Do not store records of calls with sensitive information in cloud services without encryption. For sensitive data, use local storage with backups on an encrypted drive.

Record formats and their features

Xiaomi smartphones save call records in two main formats:.m4a (AAC) and.amr. Let's analyze their features and how to work with them.

If you need to edit a recording (such as cutting pauses or improving sound), use:

• 🎛️ Audacity (for PCs) supports both formats).
• 📱 Lexis Audio Editor (for Android, works with the.m4a).
• 🔧 FFmpeg (for conversion via command line): ffmpeg -i input.amr -c:a libmp3lame output.mp3

⚠️ Note: When converting.amr to.mp3 The sound quality won't improve, you'll just increase the file size.m4a in the application settings.

Legal aspects of recording calls on Xiaomi

Before you turn on the recording of conversations, make sure that it does not violate local laws.

• 🇷🇺 Russia: Recording of a conversation is allowed if you are a party to it (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court requires notarization.
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Similarly, the recording is legal for personal use, but distribution without the consent of the interlocutor may be a violation.
• 🇪🇺 EU (GDPR): In most EU countries, the consent of both parties is required for recording (except if the recording is for official purposes with notice).
• 🇺🇸 US: Laws vary by state, California and Washington require consent from all parties, and Texas only one.

⚠️ Note: If you use the record for:

• 📝 Legal proceedings – check with the lawyer whether notarization is necessary.
• 💼 Work – Check the company’s internal rules (in some cases, recording calls with customers is prohibited).
• 📢 Publications on the Internet – without the consent of the interlocutor, this may be a violation of the right to privacy.

Xiaomi devices with China ROM automatically add a loud alert ("Conversation is recorded") to their calls, to comply with local laws. Global ROMs may not have such an alert — be careful!

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording calls to Xiaomi