Where to look for conversation records on Xiaomi: the complete guide to MIUI 12-14

Have you just completed an important phone conversation on your Xiaomi (or Redmi/POCO) but didn't have time to turn on the recorder beforehand? Or are you sure that the recording was automatic, but you can't find it? The problem is that MIUI doesn't hide the recordings of calls where users expect them to be. Unlike Samsung or iPhone, where audio files are in a standard gallery, Xiaomi uses separate system folders and even special applications.

In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations of records - from the built-in voice recorder to hidden folders. MIUI/sound_recorder, We also show you how to recover deleted files if they are missing after a system update. MIUI 12, 13 and 14, As the interface and storage paths changed with each major update.

Most of the call records on Xiaomi are saved in the Dictophone app** (Mic icon) even if you didn't manually run it, which is because MIUI defaults to use it to record conversations automatically (if the feature is activated in the settings).

To find the records:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Open the Dictophone app** (if it is not on the home screen, search the system through a search).
  • ๐Ÿ” Go to the Records tab** โ€“ all audio files, including automatic call recordings, are displayed here.
  • ๐Ÿ“ For ease of sorting, tap the Filter icon** (upper right corner) and select Call Only.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If there are no records, check the Archive folder โ€“ sometimes files are moved there after long storage.

Important! MIUI 14 The voice recorder interface has changed: call recordings are now marked with a special pipe icon (๐Ÿ“ž), If you don't see those tags, the automatic recording function is disabled in the phone settings.

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If the recorder is empty but you are sure it was recorded, check the permissions for the Phone app in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Permissions โ†’ Microphone. Without this right, MIUI will not be able to save conversations.

2. Hidden system folders: where MIUI hides records

If the recorder doesn't have the file you want, don't panic. Xiaomi saves the call records in hidden folders that aren't displayed in the standard file manager. Here's a full list of ways audio files can be stored:

MIUI versionThe way to the folderFile format
MIUI 12-13/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.amr, .mp3
MIUI 14/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files.m4a, .mp3
For POCO./storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call.amr
Older versions (up to MIUI 11)/sdcard/sounds.3gp

To access these folders:

  1. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
  3. If there is no folder, check Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Files โ†’ Audio, sometimes the records are duplicated there.
What do I do if the folder is empty?
If there are no files in the specified folders, but you are sure that the recording was conducted, try: 1. Check Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Recorder โ†’ Memory โ€“ sometimes files are cached in a temporary folder. 2. Connect the phone to your PC and use the DiskDigger program to search for deleted audio files. 3. Make sure that the phone does not activate Incognito mode in the recorder (it blocks the saving of records).

Warning: Do not rename files in these folders manually! MIUI It uses a special numbering (for example, call_1234567890.amr), Change of name may cause loss of contact with timestamps and contacts.

3. Automatic call recording: how to turn on and where to look

If you want Xiaomi to automatically record all conversations, you need to activate this feature in the settings.Please note: in some countries (e.g. the EU), automatic recording may be blocked due to privacy laws.

Instructions for MIUI 14:

  1. Open the phone app**.
  2. Tap it on three points (โ‹ฎ) in the upper right corner and select "Settingsยป**.
  3. Go to the "Talk Record"**.
  4. Enable the Automatic Record option** and select contacts or all numbers.
  5. Please specify the folder to save (by default this is the MIUI/sound_recorder).

After activation, all records will appear:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ In the appendix "Dictophon"** (in the tab Calls).
  • ๐Ÿ“ In the folder you specified in the settings (see table above).
  • ๐Ÿ”— In the history of calls โ€“ next to the number will appear an icon ๐ŸŽค.
๐Ÿ“Š You use automatic call recording?
Yeah, always.
Only for important conversations.
No, I'm writing it by hand.
I don't know how to turn it on.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some models (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro for the European market) may not have automatic recording functionality due to limitations. GDPR. In this case, use third-party apps such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR.

4. Third-party recording applications: where they store files

If you're using third-party programs, rather than a standard voice recorder (like Cube Call Recorder, ACR, or Call Recorder by Lovekush), the storage paths will be different.

  • ๐Ÿ“ Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ ACR (Another Call Recorder): /storage/emulated/0/ACR.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Call Recorder by Lovekush: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecorder.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Truecaller (if recording is enabled): /storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings.

Features of working with third-party records:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Files often have names by template: Incoming_{number {date}.mp3 or Outgoing_{name contact}.amr.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Some applications (e.g, ACR) You can save records to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox.
  • โš ๏ธ After deleting the application, its folder with records may remain, but new files will no longer be saved.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking third-party records

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Note: Applications from unverified sources (outside Google Play) can save records in encrypted form. If files have the.enc or.dat extension, they cannot be played without the original software.

5. Recovery of deleted records: step-by-step instructions

If you accidentally delete a recording of a conversation, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and whether the phone has been used since then (new data can overwrite old files).

Recovery methods:

  1. Through the file manager basket: Open Files** (standard MIUI manager). Go to Recycle Bin** (icon at the bottom menu). Find the deleted audio file and restore it.

With the help of PC software:

  • Connect your phone to your computer and use Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, or DiskDigger.
  • Select the internal memory partition and start a deep scan.
  • Look for files with extensions.amr,.mp3,.m4a.
  • Through MIUI backup: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Backup โ†’ Restore Select the backup made before deleting the record (make sure it has Dictophone app data).

The faster you start recovering, the better the chances of success, and if the phone was used to record new files (photos, videos, music), the old data could be overwritten.

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If a record has been deleted more than 30 days ago, the chances of recovery are close to zero โ€“ MIUI automatically clears the cart and optimizes memory.

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and synchronization

If you use Google Drive, Mi Cloud or other cloud services, the records could automatically sync there.

  • ๐ŸŒฅ๏ธ Mi Cloud: Go to i.mi.com and log in. Select Filesยป โ†’ ยซAudio. Look for files with a date of conversation.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Google Drive: Open the Google Drive app on your phone. Type:audio in search. Check the Backup folder** โ€” sometimes the records get there along with other data.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ PC Sync: If you connected your phone to your computer, check this computer folder โ†’ [The name of your Xiaomi] โ†’ Internal storage โ†’ MIUI โ†’ sound_recorder.

Some recording applications (e.g. ACR) support automatic upload to the cloud to check:

  1. Open the application settings.
  2. Find the โ€œCloudโ€ or โ€œShootโ€ section.
  3. See what service is used (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
  4. Log in to this service and check the application folder.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes the call records are lost or not saved at all, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Records are not retained.No access to the microphone.Check the permissions in Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Recorder โ†’ Permissions
Files are available, but they are not reproduced.Codecs or format damagedInstall a VLC player or convert a file through Online-Convert
Records disappear after MIUI updateResetting the application settingsRestore data from backup or check the MIUI/backup folder
No sound on the tape.The โ€œOnly My Voiceโ€ mode has been activated.In the voice recorder settings, select Record both voices.

If none of these methods worked, try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the settings of the application "Dictophon"** (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Dictaphone โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Drop it).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update MIUI up to the latest version - in new builds, bugs have been fixed with the preservation of records.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Install an alternative voice recorder (e.g. Hi-Q) MP3 Recorder) if the standard does not work.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I record calls to Xiaomi without notifying the other person?
In most countries (including Russia), the law does not require you to notify the person you are recording a conversation if you are a participant. However, in some regions (for example, California, USA) the consent of both parties is required for legal recording. Xiaomi does not block this feature at the software level, but in MIUI for the EU, automatic recording can be disabled by default. To avoid problems: Use the recording only for personal needs (reminders, evidence in controversial situations). Do not distribute the recording without the consent of the interlocutor. In business correspondence, clarify the possibility of recording in advance.
Why are records saved in.amr format instead of.mp3?
The.amr (Adaptive Multi-Rate) format is used by Xiaomi by default because it is a very simple format: ๐Ÿ“‰ He's taking in 5-10 less space than MP3, with comparable voice quality. ๐Ÿ”‹ Saves battery power during long recording. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Optimized for mobile networks (for example, for overhead transmission) MMS). If you need it. MP3, Convert files via Online-Convert or set up a third-party voice recorder to save in this format.
How to turn on the call record for POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12?
On devices. POCO and the new Redmi (starting with the MIUI 14) The path to recording settings has changed: Open the Phone app ยซโ‹ฎยป โ†’ ยซSettingsยป โ†’ ยซActivate Automatic Recording.* Select All Numbers or specify specific contacts. on some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) may be required additionally: Settings โ†’ Confidentiality โ†’ Special permits โ†’ Recording of conversations
Can I record calls through a Bluetooth headset?
Yes, but with reservations: โœ… Standard recorder MIUI Records sound from your phoneโ€™s microphone, even if youโ€™re talking through the headset. โŒ Party of the annex (e.g, ACR) You may not be able to capture audio from Bluetooth devices due to Android limitations. ๐Ÿ”ง Solution: Use a headset with built-in recording function (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM5) Or connect wired headphones with a microphone. If the sound is only recorded on your part, try: Turn off Bluetooth and use the phone speaker. Turn on speaker mode while you're talking.
How to transfer the recording of calls to the new Xiaomi phone?
There are three reliable ways: Through Mi Cloud: On an old phone: Settings โ†’ Xiaomi account โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Backup copy โ†’ Create a backup (make sure you have marked "Dictophon"). On a new phone: recover data from the cloud when you first set up or through Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Backup. Google Drive: Copy the folder MIUI/sound_recorder Google Drive manually. On your new phone, download your files and put them in the same folder.

Through PC:

  • Connect your old phone to your computer and copy the records to any folder.
  • Connect a new phone and paste files into /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder.

Important! If you transfer the recordings to a phone with another firmware (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), the files may not appear in the recorder. In this case, use any audio player to listen to.