Have you recorded an important conversation on Xiaomi, but can't find the file? Or just want to understand how the system stores audio recordings of calls? In this article, we'll look at all the possible storage locations on Redmi, Poco, Black Shark and other MIUI-enabled devices, from standard folders to hidden directories.
The problem is that the path to files depends on the firmware version, the phone model, and even regional settings. For example, in MIUI 14, records can lie in one place, and in MIUI 12 they can lie in another, and some users experience files disappearing suddenly after updating or resetting, and we will tell you how to avoid data loss and where to look for records in different scenarios.
Standard place to store call records on Xiaomi
In most cases, the recordings of conversations on Xiaomi are saved in the folder. /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. This is a good way to use devices with MIUI 12–15 Most of the models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4/X5 mi 11/12. The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template:
- 📅 Date and time: for example, 20260515_143022.m4a (15 may 2026 year-end, 14:30:22).
- 📞 Subscriber number: sometimes the caller number is present in the file name (if it is saved in contacts).
- 🔢 Serial number: if there are many records, the system can add numbers (call_rec_1.m4a, call_rec_2.m4a).
To find the folder quickly:
- Open the File Manager application**.
- Go to the Category section → Audio or Internal Storage → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
- If you don’t have a folder, check Internal Storage → Recorder → Call (relevant for older versions of MIUI).
Important: If you use a third-party application to record calls (such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR), the path to the files will be different, usually such programs create their own folders in the root directory (/CallRecordings/ or /ACR/).
Why can’t the call records be in the standard folder?
Sometimes users do not find files in the /MIUI/sound_recorder/, Although the recording was accurate, the reasons may be different:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| folder call_rec idle | Recording was conducted through a third-party application | Check the application folders in /storage/emulated/0/ |
| Files are available, but they are not reproduced. | Damage to audio or incompatible format | Try to open via VLC or convert to.mp3 |
| Records disappeared after update | Resetting or data migration error | Restore from backup (if any) |
| No folder. MIUI/sound_recorder | Outdated version of MIUI (up to 11th) | Look at /Recorder/call/ or /miui/voices/ |
Critical feature: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the default entries are saved in a closed partition and do not appear in the standard file manager.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use ADB (for power users).
- Or install an alternative file manager (such as Solid Explorer) with access to root folders.
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If you record calls frequently, set up an automatic folder backup. call_rec to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Telegram).
How to enable call recording on Xiaomi (if the function is disabled)
Before you search for files, make sure that the recording is actually done, and in some regions (e.g. the EU), the call recording function is disabled by default due to legal restrictions, to activate it:
- Open the phone application** (Phone).
- Turn on the switch Record calls and select mode: 🔄 All calls - recording incoming and outgoing. 📥 Only incoming. 📞 Only outgoing. ❌ Disconnected.
Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may not have a Call Record.
- 🔧 Use the hidden menu: enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app (not working on all models).
Is the record enabled in the phone settings | Is there permission to access the microphone | Is there enough space on the device | Are there exceptions for specific contacts checked-->
Where to look for records on older versions of MIUI (up to 12th)
If you have a smartphone with a MIUI 9-11 (like a Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 or Poco F1), the path to recording may be different.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recorder/call/ — most commonplace.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/miui/voices/call_record/ — Android-based firmware 8–9.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ — if third-party software was used.
On MIUI 10 and below, records could be saved in.3gp instead of.m4a. If you can't find files, try:
- Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager.
- Search by keywords: call, rec, voice.
- Not only do you check your internal memory, but also SD-map (if installed).
How to find hidden folders in MIUI
How to transfer call records to your computer or cloud
If you need to save your records for a long time or make room on your phone, transfer them to your PC or cloud storage. Here are the steps:
🖥️ Transfer to a computer (through USB)
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via a USB-C cable.
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Open the folder Internal storage → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
- Copy files to any folder on your computer.
☁️ Download to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
- Open the folder with records in the Files app** on your phone.
- Select the necessary files (long press → ticks).
- Click Share and select Google Drive, Mi Cloud or another service.
- Confirm download.
Important! When transferring through Mi Cloud, keep in mind that free storage is limited to 5 GB. For large volumes of records, it is better to use Google Drive (15 GB free) or Telegram (no limit for files up to 2 GB).
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Always check the integrity of files after transfer! sometimes when copying via USB audio can be corrupted.
What to do if the call records are not saved?
If you have enabled a record but the files do not appear, the problem may be in settings, access rights or hardware restrictions.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi) A3) Call recording may not work due to the features of the Mediatek chipset, in which case only third-party software with VoIP recording support will help.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | No permission to access the microphone | Check in Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions |
| Files are empty (0 KB) | Codec error or lack of memory | Clear the cache of the phone application and repeat the recording |
| The record is cut off. | Time limit (for example, 30 minutes) | Use third-party software without restrictions |
| No sound on the tape. | Blocking the microphone with antivirus or energy saving | Add the phone to battery optimization exceptions |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔄 Reset the settings of the application "Phone»**:
- 📲 Install an alternative dialer (e.g. Google Phone or Truecaller with recording function).
- 🛠️ Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Recording bugs are often corrected.
Legal aspects of recording calls on Xiaomi
Before recording conversations, make sure that it does not violate local law. Most countries have the following rules:
- 🇷🇺 Russia: Calls are only allowed with the consent of the interlocutor (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), except if the recording is for personal use without distribution.
- 🇪🇺 EU: Notification of the recording by the interlocutor is required (GDPR).
- 🇺🇸 U.S.: Laws vary by state, some (e.g., California) require consent from all parties.
- 🇨🇳 China: Recording conversations without consent banned and could result in fines.
On Xiaomi with global firmware (MIUI Global), a notice usually appears before recording begins: “This conversation is recorded.” On the Chinese versions (MIUI China), such a warning may not be – be careful!
⚠️ Note: If you are recording for litigation, make sure the file is not edited, otherwise it may be considered inadmissible evidence.