Where to look for phone records on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: the complete guide

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, we’ll 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 it’s 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:

  • πŸ“± Versions MIUI β€” firmware 12.5 file Recorder/calls.
  • πŸ”„ Regional Firmware – on Global Versions (EEA, Global) entry is often disabled by default.
  • πŸ“ Memory Cards – if you have chosen SD-the card as the main storage, records can be in /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/....

To find the folder:

  1. Open the File Manager (the Files app).
  2. Go to the internal drive. β†’ MIUI β†’ sound_recorder β†’ call_rec.
  3. Record files are usually formatted.m4a or.amr and named by phone number or date (e.g, +79123456789_20260515_1430.m4a).

πŸ’‘

If the folders sound_recorder No, check the hidden files. In the file manager, click three dots. β†’ "Show hidden files".

⚠️ 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 areaWayWhen 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.

πŸ” 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?
When updating the firmware, Xiaomi sometimes resets folder permissions. Also in MIUI 13+, the storage structure has changed: records can now be automatically archived in /MIUI/backup/CallRecords/. If files are missing after the update, check this folder or restore them through Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).

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

  1. Open the phone application (green handset).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. Select a Conversation Record (if there is no item, read Method 2).
  4. 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:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
  2. Go to Phone Information β†’ Settings (in some versions of MIUI).
  3. 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-->

⚠️ 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 doesn’t work or doesn’t work, use these proven apps (all compatible with the Redmi Note 9):

  • 🎀 Cube Call Recorder ACR β€” It records calls via VoIP (even if it works on the Internet). MIUI 14), supports cloud storage.
  • πŸ“ž Call Recorder by Lovekesh – simple interface, automatic recording decryption (paid function).
  • ☁️ Automatic Call Recorder – saves entries in Google Drive, there is a filter by number.
  • πŸ”’ Truecaller – in addition to the number determinant, has a built-in record (requires a premium subscription).

πŸ”Ή How to set up a Cube ACR (recommend MIUI):

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, give access to Calls, Microphone and Warehouse.
  3. In the settings, select Record all calls β†’ Format: M4A (best quality).
  4. Specify the folder to save (e.g. /CallRecords/Cube/).

⚠️ 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:

  1. Open the "Files" β†’ Recycle Bin (Dumpster Badge).
  2. Filter by file type: select Audio.
  3. Find entries with the.amr or.m4a extension and restore them.

Method 2: Recovery through Mi Cloud

If synchronization has been enabled:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud.
  2. Select Data Recovery β†’ Call Records (if available).
  3. Specify the date of the backup and restore the files.

Method 3: Recovery programs

For deep memory scanning, use:

  • πŸ”§ DiskDigger – Searches for deleted audio files (requires root for full scanning).
  • πŸ“± EaseUS MobiSaver – Restores records even after resetting to factory settings.
  • πŸ’Ύ Recuva (for PC) – 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.

⚠️ 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

Let’s 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 damagedInstall a VLC player or convert the file to.mp3 via Online-Convert.
Recording ends in 1-2 minutes.Limitation of MIUI on recording durationUse 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 microphoneTurn on speaker while talking or use VoIP-enabled apps.
Records are saved in the wrong folderFailure in storage settingsGo to Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Default folders and specify the correct path.

πŸ”§ If recording only works on speakerphone: This is the Android 10 limitation+. To record conversations without a speakerphone, it is required:

  1. Install a magic module (for example, CallRecorderPatch) – requires root.
  2. Or use a second device (such as another phone in record mode).

Before you record conversations, make sure it's legal in your country.

  • πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 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.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU including EEA-Xiaomi firmware: Recording without notice is prohibited (GDPR). Redmi Note 9 with European firmware can be disabled.
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S.: Laws vary by state, and most require at least one-party consent").
  • πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine: Recording without consent is prohibited (Article 31 of the Constitution), but in practice is often used in courts.

πŸ“œ How to Legally Use Records:

  • πŸŽ™οΈ Notify the person at the beginning of the conversation (for example: β€œThe conversation is recorded to record information").
  • πŸ“„ Keep records for no longer than necessary (e.g. until dispute resolution).
  • πŸ”’ Do not distribute records to third parties without the consent of participants.
What happens if you use a recording in court without consent?
In Russia, records are often accepted by courts as evidence, but their weight depends on the context. For example, in civil disputes (debts, services), records can be counted, but in criminal cases they are not. In the EU, such records can be considered inadmissible evidence. Always consult a lawyer before using the records for legal purposes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

πŸ” Why my Redmi Note 9 doesn’t have a call recording option in the settings?
It could be related to: πŸ“± Regional firmware - on EEA-version MIUI Recording is legally disabled. πŸ”„ Update MIUI β€” In new versions, the function is moved to Additional settings β†’ Special facilities. πŸ› οΈ Custom firmware – some builds (like LineageOS) do not support recording.Solution: install a third-party app (like Cube) ACR) Or you should use the global firmware (not EEA).
πŸ“± Can I record calls to Redmi Note 9 without root rights?
Yes, but with limitations: 🎀 Built-in function MIUI work-in. πŸ“ž Apps like Cube ACR Truecaller also doesn’t require root, but can only record your voice (without a conversationalist) on Android 10.+. πŸ”Š To record both sides without hands-free on new versions of Android, you need a root or patch through Magisk.
☁️ Where records are automatically downloaded if backup is enabled?
It depends on the settings: πŸ“± Mi Cloud: Records are stored in the Backups section β†’ Application data β†’ Calls (if the function is supported by your firmware). πŸ“ Google Drive: If you use third-party apps (such as Cube) ACR), files can be downloaded to the CallRecords folder on the disk. πŸ”„ Local Storage: By default, records remain on the phone in a folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. To check if synchronization is enabled: go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup.
πŸ”Š Why is it that only my voice is heard in the recording, and there is no interlocutor?
This is a typical Android 10 problem.+ Because of security constraints, possible causes and solutions: πŸ“΅ Limitation API: Android blocks apps from accessing the audio stream of a call, so the solution is to use a speakerphone or a second device to record a call. πŸ› οΈ Incompatibility of firmware: on some versions MIUI The built-in recording only works with the speakerphone on. Try third-party applications that support VoIP recording. πŸ”§ Microphone settings: check if the microphone is turned off in the conversation settings (click on three dots during the call). β†’ Settings β†’ Microphone). πŸ’‘ Lifehack: If the person is okay with it, try using a conference call with another phone that will record the conversation.
πŸ—‘οΈ How to permanently delete call records so they can’t be restored?
To permanently erase records: Delete files through the file manager. Clear the basket (in the file manager). MIUI Use a non-returnable deletion application (e.g. Secure Delete) that overwrites data. For complete cleaning, reset to factory settings with internal memory formatting. ⚠️ Note: Even after resetting, data can be restored by specialized software (for example, by using a reset, UFS For complete destruction, use your phone's encryption before resetting.