Have you been looking for a record of an important call on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 but can't find it? Or want to set up an automatic record of conversations but don't know where those files are stored? This is a problem that many Xiaomi smartphone users are familiar with - especially after MIUI updates, when file locations can suddenly change.
In this article, weβll look at all possible locations for recordings on the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), explain how to turn on the recording feature if itβs disabled, and what to do if the Suddenly files are missing, and learn which apps can intercept records and how to recover them after a phone reset.
Important: on the Redmi Note 9, call recording can work differently depending on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and regional firmware, and we took into account all the nuances from standard settings to hidden folders.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
Xiaomi Redmi Note by default 9 Stores records of conversations in the system folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. However, the path may differ depending on the:
- π± Versions MIUI β firmware 12.5 file Recorder/calls.
- π Regional Firmware β on Global Versions (EEA, Global) entry is often disabled by default.
- π Memory Cards β if you have chosen SD-the card as the main storage, records can be in /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/....
To find the folder:
- Open the File Manager (the Files app).
- Go to the internal drive. β MIUI β sound_recorder β call_rec.
- Record files are usually formatted.m4a or.amr and named by phone number or date (e.g, +79123456789_20260515_1430.m4a).
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If the folders sound_recorder No, check the hidden files. In the file manager, click three dots. β "Show hidden files".
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi Note 9 firmware (especially Indian or Chinese) may store records in the Recorder root folder without attached directories.
2. Alternative locations: Where else can there be records
If the standard folder is empty, check these locations:
| Storage area | Way | When used |
|---|---|---|
| The Dictaphone application folder | /MIUI/sound_recorder/ or /Recorder/ | If the recording was conducted through a built-in voice recorder, and not through the call module. |
| Google Drive (Autosynchronization) | Disc. β Records folder" | If sync with Google is enabled (configured in "Backup"). |
| Calls app folder | /Android/data/com.android.dialer/ | On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience). |
| External SD-map | /storage/XXXX-XXXX/CallRecords/ | If the recording settings indicate "Memory Card" as the place of saving. |
π How to find all the records on your phone? Use the file manager search for keywords: call, rec,.amr or.m4a. This will save time if the folders are moved.
Why can the records disappear after the MIUI update?
3. How to turn on the recording of conversations if it is disabled
On the Redmi Note 9, the call recording feature can be hidden or blocked due to regional restrictions (for example, recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor is prohibited in the EU).
Method 1: Through the settings of the "Phone" application
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β Settings.
- Select a Conversation Record (if there is no item, read Method 2).
- Activate the switch and select Record all calls or Record only selected ones.
Method 2: Engineering menu (for hidden options)
If there is no entry point in the settings, try:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
- Go to Phone Information β Settings (in some versions of MIUI).
- Look for Voice Recording or Call Record.
Make sure you have enough memory on your phone | Check the laws of your country (in some countries, recording without consent is prohibited) | Update the Phone app to the latest version in Google Play | Backup important entries before changing your settings-->
β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI 14+ European region (EEA) Call recordings can be deleted completely due to legal restrictions, in which case only installing a third-party application will help (see Section 5).
4. Third-party applications for recording calls
If the built-in feature doesnβt work or doesnβt work, use these proven apps (all compatible with the Redmi Note 9):
- π€ Cube Call Recorder ACR β It records calls via VoIP (even if it works on the Internet). MIUI 14), supports cloud storage.
- π Call Recorder by Lovekesh β simple interface, automatic recording decryption (paid function).
- βοΈ Automatic Call Recorder β saves entries in Google Drive, there is a filter by number.
- π Truecaller β in addition to the number determinant, has a built-in record (requires a premium subscription).
πΉ How to set up a Cube ACR (recommend MIUI):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, give access to Calls, Microphone and Warehouse.
- In the settings, select Record all calls β Format: M4A (best quality).
- Specify the folder to save (e.g. /CallRecords/Cube/).
β οΈ Attention: On Android 10+ (Including Redmi Note 9, applications are not allowed to record calls through standard API. So Cube. ACR And they use workarounds that might not work on some firmware. If you're not recording, try turning off battery optimization for the app in your phone settings.
Built-in function MIUI|Cube Call Recorder ACR|Call Recorder by Lovekesh|Truecaller|Other/Not using-->
5. How to recover deleted call records
If records are missing after being reset, updated, or accidentally deleted, try these methods:
Method 1: Checking the Recycle Bin in the File Manager
MIUI has a built-in bin where files are stored for up to 30 days:
- Open the "Files" β Recycle Bin (Dumpster Badge).
- Filter by file type: select Audio.
- Find entries with the.amr or.m4a extension and restore them.
Method 2: Recovery through Mi Cloud
If synchronization has been enabled:
- Go to Settings β Xiaomi Account β Mi Cloud.
- Select Data Recovery β Call Records (if available).
- Specify the date of the backup and restore the files.
Method 3: Recovery programs
For deep memory scanning, use:
- π§ DiskDigger β Searches for deleted audio files (requires root for full scanning).
- π± EaseUS MobiSaver β Restores records even after resetting to factory settings.
- πΎ Recuva (for PC) β connect your phone in drive mode and scan the internal memory.
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The faster you start recovering, the better the chances of returning the records. Once deleted, the files are not erased immediately, they are marked as free space and can be overwritten with new data.
β οΈ Note: If you have already recorded new files after deleting (for example, took a photo or downloaded music), the chances of recovery of records drop sharply.
6. Frequent problems and solutions
Letβs take a look at the common mistakes when working with records on Redmi Note 9:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are available, but not reproduced. | The codec or file format is damaged | Install a VLC player or convert the file to.mp3 via Online-Convert. |
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes. | Limitation of MIUI on recording duration | Use third-party apps (like Cube ACR) or change the settings in the engineering menu. |
| No sound of the interlocutor (only your voice is heard) | Restriction of Android to recording from a microphone | Turn on speaker while talking or use VoIP-enabled apps. |
| Records are saved in the wrong folder | Failure in storage settings | Go to Settings β Storage β Default folders and specify the correct path. |
π§ If recording only works on speakerphone: This is the Android 10 limitation+. To record conversations without a speakerphone, it is required:
- Install a magic module (for example, CallRecorderPatch) β requires root.
- Or use a second device (such as another phone in record mode).
7. Legal nuances of call recording
Before you record conversations, make sure it's legal in your country.
- π·πΊ Russia: Recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), however, using the recording in court may require proof of its authenticity.
- πͺπΊ EU including EEA-Xiaomi firmware: Recording without notice is prohibited (GDPR). Redmi Note 9 with European firmware can be disabled.
- πΊπΈ U.S.: Laws vary by state, and most require at least one-party consent").
- πΊπ¦ Ukraine: Recording without consent is prohibited (Article 31 of the Constitution), but in practice is often used in courts.
π How to Legally Use Records:
- ποΈ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: βThe conversation is recorded to record information").
- π Keep records for no longer than necessary (e.g. until dispute resolution).
- π Do not distribute records to third parties without the consent of participants.