You've been looking for a place to listen to a conversation on Xiaomi, but you haven't found a standard listening app? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. Call recording isn't built into all models, and the recordings themselves are often hidden in non-obvious folders or require additional settings.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access records, from the standard Call Recorder app (if you have one on your device) to manually searching for files in your phone’s memory, how to enable automatic recording, where audio files are stored, and what to do if Suddenly records disappear after the MIUI update, and how to recover deleted records and export them to your computer.
Important: The ability to record and store conversations depends on the MIUI version, the firmware region and the smartphone model. For example, on devices for the Chinese market, the recording function can be blocked at the firmware level, and on global versions it can work with restrictions. Check your version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
1. Standard Call Recording app - where to look and how to use
Most Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware (MIUI Global) have a built-in call recording app, but its location and functionality may vary:
- 📱 MIUI 12–14: The application is called Recorder and can be hidden in the Tools folder or on the second menu screen.
- 🔍 Search by system: scroll down the home screen and type in the search bar "record of the conversation." The system will show the app even if it doesn't appear in the menu.
- ☎️ During the call: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) a "Record" button appears during a conversation - press it to start recording.
If the app is not available, this may mean:
- ❌ You have Chinese firmware (without Google services), where the recording function is blocked under Chinese law.
- ❌ The device was purchased in a region where recording calls is prohibited by law (e.g. some EU countries).
- ❌ Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where the feature is not ported.
To check for the availability of the application:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, enter “recorder” or “record”.
- If the app is there, but hidden, turn it on in the menu through three dots in the upper right corner.
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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro), call recording only happens after the first manual launch of the Recorder app.
2.Where conversation records are stored: paths to folders in the phone's memory
If you find an application to record but can't see old files, check the following folders in your phone's memory. The paths may vary depending on the version of MIUI:
| MIUI version | The path to the record | File format |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .mp3 or.amr |
| MIUI 14 | /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/ | .m4a (AAC) |
| POCO/Redmi (Global) | /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/call_rec/ | .mp3 |
| Chinese firmware | Records are not saved (function disabled) | — |
To open these folders:
- Connect your phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Use a conductor (such as Total Commander or standard Files on your phone).
- Turn on the display of hidden folders in the conductor settings.
Important: on MIUI 14, records can be automatically archived to the Xiaomi Cloud cloud if sync is enabled. Check the Cloud folder → Records in the Files app.
What do I do if the folder is empty?
3. How to enable automatic recording of all calls
By default, Xiaomi does not record all conversations automatically. To enable this feature:
- Open the Recorder app (or Record conversations).
- Go to Settings → Auto Record.
- Choose one of the modes: 🔄 Record all calls – for all contacts. 📞 Outbound/Inbound Only - Selectively. 👥 Selected contacts – entry only for marked numbers.
Save the settings and give permission to access the microphone.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9), the automatic writing option is hidden to activate it:
Enter the dialer: ##6484## → The hidden entry menu will open.Make sure there is enough memory on the phone (records are taken up) ~1-2 MB/minute)|
Check the laws of your country (in some regions, recording without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited)|
Turn off battery optimization for Recorder in Settings → Battery|
Sync your records with the cloud (configure in Recorder → Settings → Cloud)
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Limitations of automatic recording:
- ⚠️ Android 12.+ Google blocks microphone recording of calls during a conversation (due to privacy policy) The solution is to use recording via the communication module (does not work on all models).
- ⚠️ On some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline), recording may be interrupted due to VoLTE features. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → VoLTE.
4. Alternative recording methods: third-party applications and circumvention of restrictions
If the built-in recording feature is missing or is not running smoothly, use third-party apps.The best options for Xiaomi are:
- 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Supports recording via the communication module (bypasses the restrictions of Android 12), saves records in the cloud.
- 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – simple interface, automatic transcription (converting speech into text).
- ☁️ OTT Call Recorder – specializes in recording calls via WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram.
How to set up Cube Call Recorder ACR (recommended for MIUI 14):
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, select Recording via the communication module (not the microphone!).
- Permission to access contacts, microphone and storage.
- In the settings, turn off Battery Optimization for the application.
Confidentiality warning:
⚠️ In some countries (e.g. Russia, EU, USA) it is forbidden to record conversations without the consent of the interlocutor. Use the function only for legitimate purposes (for example, recording important business negotiations with prior notice). In case of disputes, the record may be considered inadmissible evidence in court.
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Third-party apps are often better than built-in ones: they bypass Android’s limitations, offer cloud storage, and additional features (like tagging or transcription).
5 How to Recover Deleted Records of Conversations
If the records were deleted accidentally, they can be recovered using specialized utilities, and it is important that you do not write new files to your phone until you recover them, which will reduce your chances of success.
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 Through the Recycle Bin: Xiaomi Files app has a Recycle Bin folder (stores files for 30 days).
- 💾 PC software: DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files. Recuva supports recovery from the computer. SD-EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in mobile devices.
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: If Sync with Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive is enabled, check your archives.
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:
- Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode.
- Start DiskDigger and select your phone’s drive.
- Specify the file format:.mp3,.amr,.m4a.
- Start scanning. Once you're done, mark the files you want and save them to your PC.
Chances of recovery:
- 🟢 High: Less than 24 hours have passed and the memory is not overwritten.
- 🟡 Mean: 1-7 days, some files may be damaged.
- 🔴 Low: If more than a week has passed or your memory is full.
6. Export of records to the computer and their editing
To transfer recordings of conversations to your PC or edit them (such as cropping or improving sound), follow this instruction:
Method 1: via USB cable
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
- Open the folder with records (see section 2).
- Copy files to any folder on the PC.
Method 2: Through the cloud
- Upload the recordings to Google Drive, Xiaomi Cloud or Dropbox.
- Open the cloud on your PC and download the files.
Editing of records
To improve the sound quality or trimming of excess fragments, use:
- 🎛️ Audacity (Free Editor for PC).
- 📱 Lexis Audio Editor (mobile app for Android).
- ☁️ Online Voice Recorder – a web service for quick cropping.
Example of pruning in Audacity:
- Import the file through the file → Open up.
- Select the unnecessary fragment with the mouse and press Delete.
- Export the result to File → Export → Export to MP3.
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If the recording is not audible, use the effects of normalization (increase the volume) and noise reduction (remove background sounds).
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
If the records are not saved, missing or the application is not working, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not retained. | Lack of memory or no permits | Clear the storage space and check the permissions for Recorder in Settings → Apps. |
| The app only records its own voice. | Recording is done through a microphone, not a communication module. | Use Cube Call Recorder ACR with Recording through the module setting. |
| Records are terminated in 1-2 minutes | Battery optimization kills the recording process | Turn off optimization for Recorder in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization. |
| No sound on the record. | Mike or codec failure | Restart your phone or record a test file through a recorder. |
Special cases:
- 📵 After updating MIUI Records are gone: the firmware may have reset Recorder. Try reinstalling the app through Settings. → Annexes → Reset.
- 🔒 Records are encrypted: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) files are encrypted. Use the standard Xiaomi Music player to listen to the video.
⚠️ If you have reset your settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset) records are gone, they're deleted forever, and you can only recover them through programs like DiskDigger, and then they don't always have to.