You've been looking for a recording of an important conversation on your Xiaomi Redmi 9, but you don't know where to find it? You may not even know that your smartphone automatically saves audio calls — or you've turned it on, but you can't find files now. In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can access your conversation records, from standard MIUI tools to hidden folders and third-party apps.
It's important to understand that the ability to record calls depends on the firmware version, regional settings, and even the carrier. For example, in some EU countries, the default recording feature is disabled due to privacy laws. But even if your Redmi 9 doesn't save conversations automatically, you can set it up manually, as we'll discuss below.
Before you get to the instructions, check if there was a recording of a conversation, or if you used another device or a call app (like WhatsApp or Skype) where the audio files are stored separately, and if you're sure that the recording was made through a standard phone module, read on.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
In the firmware MIUI 12–14 (redmi 9) Default call records are saved in the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. However, the path may vary depending on the software version:
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
- Go to the Categories tab → Audio → Records.
- Look for files with type names CallRecord_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr or recording_*.mp3.
If the folder is empty, check the recording settings:
- 📱 Open the phone» → three dots in the upper right corner → «Settings» → «Recording of conversations».
- 🔧 Make sure that the Auto Record option is enabled (or was enabled at the time of the call).
- 📁 See the storage path in the “Record folder” section** – it is possible that files are saved to the SD-map.
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. EU countries), call recording is disabled at the firmware level due to privacy laws.If the settings do not include “Talk Recording”, your Redmi 9 does not support this feature without third-party apps.
2. Search for hidden records through the conductor
Sometimes the call records are stored in hidden folders or under different names to find them:
- Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Open the device’s internal memory and enable the display of hidden files: 🖥️ On Windows: Go to View in Explorer» → note “Hidden elements». 🍎 On Mac: In Finder, press Cmd + Shift +. (point).
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/
/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.voiceassist/Record files can have.amr extensions,.mp3,.m4a If you find files without an extension, add it manually (for example, rename it). call_12345 into call_12345.amr).
| folder | Typical file name | Format | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | CallRecord_20231015_143022.amr | AMR | Standard seat in MIUI 12-14 |
| /Recordings/Call/ | recording_1697371820.mp3 | MP3 | Meet in custom firmware |
| /Android/data/com.miui.voiceassist/ | voice_20231015_143022.m4a | M4A | Recordings through voice assistant |
| /DCIM/.thumbnails/ | thumb_1234567890.ogg | OGG | Rarely, but found in older versions. |
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If you don’t see the MIUI folder in your internal memory, try upgrading to the latest version of the firmware – in MIUI 14, the record storage structure has become more standardized.
3. Use of the Dictator app
MIUI has a built-in voice recorder that is sometimes used to record calls.
- Open the Dictophone app** (Mic icon).
- Go to the "Records" section → "Calls"** (if there is such a section).
Before installation, check:
☑️ Preparation for the use of a third-party recorder
⚠️ Note: Android 10 and newer (including: MIUI Android 10 based+) Applications are prohibited from recording calls through standard API. Some recorders circumvent this restriction, but may require root rights or special settings. For example, Boldbeast has to manually select Mode 1 or Mode 8 in the recording settings.
If the app doesn't record calls:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Microphone and provide access.
- In the application settings, select the audio source: Microphone + Bluetooth (if you use a headset) or VOIP (for Internet calls).
- Turn off Battery Optimization** for the recorder in the MIUI settings.
5. Recovery of deleted records
If you accidentally deleted a recording of a conversation, you can try to restore it.
- Use applications to restore data: 🛠️ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files. 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – connect Redmi 9 to your computer and scan the memory. 📱 GT Recovery – specializes in multimedia recovery.
Files** (if the function is enabled in the MIUI settings).
- ☁️ In Xiaomi Cloud (if the synchronization of the voice recorder was enabled).
- 🖥️ Google Drive (if you used third-party recorders with auto export).
The chances of recovery depend on how long it has been since the deletion and how much memory the device has been using, and if new data has been written to the deleted file, it will not be possible to restore it.
How to increase the chances of recovery?
6. Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before you record or distribute audio calls, please read your country's laws.
- 📜 Unilateral recording (without notifying the interlocutor) is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Russia, USA, most CIS countries).
- ⚖️ Bilateral consent is required in the EU, Canada, Australia – where recording without notice can be considered a violation of the law.
- 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute records without the consent of the interlocutor (even if the recording itself is legal).
In MIUI, for some regions (e.g. the EU), call recording is disabled by default. If you are in such a country but want to record conversations, use third-party apps marked "For Personal Use" and always notify the person about the recording.
⚠️ In Russia from 2026, new amendments to the law “On Communications” (FZ) №126), which requires mobile operators to inform subscribers of the possibility of recording conversations, but does not prohibit personal recording for their own use (for example, fixing agreements).
7. Alternative methods of recording calls
If none of the above methods worked, consider alternatives:
- 📞 High-profile communication + Recorder: Turn on speakerphone and record the conversation via a built-in voice recorder or other device (for example, a second phone).
- 🎧 Bluetooth headset with recording: some models (for example, Sony) WH-1000XM5) They can record sound from a microphone.
- 💻 PC Call: Use programs like Skype or Zoom that automatically save your computer records.
- 📡 IP-Telephony: services like Google Voice or Zadarma offer built-in call recording.
For business users, cloud-based PBXs (such as Mango Telephony or Binotel) are suitable, where all conversations are automatically archived in your personal account, these services legally operate in Russia and the CIS countries, providing records with a number and date.
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If you need to record conversations regularly (for example, for work), consider buying a specialized device – a digital recorder with a phone call recording function (for example, the Olympus TP-8), which will eliminate software problems and legal restrictions.