Xiaomi Mi 7 (or Xiaomi 7, for 2018) is still popular with users due to its balanced features and MIUI support. One of the most popular features is recording phone conversations, but not everyone knows where these files are stored and how to find them.
In this article, we will look at all the ways you can view conversation records, from standard MIUI Call Recorder to third-party applications and hidden folders in the file system. We will focus on the nuances of working with MIUI 12/14, because in new versions of firmware, the logic of storing audio files has changed. If you do not find the recordings in obvious places, do not panic: they could be transferred to a secure storage or archived by the system.
1. standard recording module MIUI Call Recorder
MIUI's default firmware has a call recording module, MIUI Call Recorder, which automatically saves conversations if the feature is activated in the settings, to find the recordings:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to the Call log section (watch icon in the bottom menu).
- Find a call marked Recorded (Mic icon) and tap it.
- In the window that opens, you will see the Replay button.
If there are no entries in the log, check the module settings:
- 📱 Path: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Recording of conversations
- 🔊 Make sure: feature is enabled, there are no number restrictions (e.g., contact only entry).
- 📁 Storage: in MIUI 14+ Records can be archived through 30 days - check the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec.
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If you don't have "Record Conversations" in your settings, your version of MIUI doesn't support this feature for your region. Try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Russia (reboot required).
2 Where the records files are stored in the phone memory
All audio conversation files are stored in the device's internal memory, but their location depends on the version of MIUI and the application used.
| MIUI version | The path to the records | File format |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 9–11 | /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .amr or.mp3 |
| MIUI 12–14 | /sdcard/Android/media/com.android.providers.media/call_recording/ | .m4a (AAC) |
| Third-party applications (Cube ACR, Boldbeast) | /sdcard/[Application name]/Recordings/ | .mp3, .wav |
To open these folders:
- Use any file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
- Go to one of these paths. Files are usually called by template: PHONE_NUMBER_DATE_TIME.format.
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ file-access /Android/media/ If the file manager doesn't show the content, connect the phone to the PC and use the explorer. Windows/macOS program ADB file-extract.
3. How to Recover Deleted Records of Conversations
If the records were accidentally deleted, you can try to restore them using specialized utilities, note that the odds depend on the time elapsed after deleting and the activity of writing new data to the device.
Recovery methods:
- 🔄 PC software: Recuva, DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver (require root rights for deep scanning).
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: Check out Google Drive or Mi Cloud – if Automatic Media Backups are enabled.
- 📱 Mobile apps: Dumpster (works as a "basket" for deleted files).
Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data|Not installing new applications|Use the original USB-cable|Scan your memory as soon as possible after removal-->
For maximum efficiency:
- Connect your phone to your PC and use Recuva in deep scan mode (select.amr/.mp3).
- If your phone is rooted, use Root Browser to search in /data/com.android.providers.media/ folders.
- Check temporary files in /sdcard/temp/ – sometimes records remain there after crashes.
⚠️ Warning: Don't save recovered files back to your phone -- first copy them to your PC or cloud. Write new data over deleted ones reduces your chances of recovery.
Standard MIUI Call Recorder| Third-party app (Cube ACR, Boldbeast)| Manually via voice recorder |I don't record-->
4. Third-party applications for recording calls
If a standard MIUI recording module is not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions), alternative applications can be used.
- 🎤 Cube ACR — It records both ends of the conversation, supports cloud storage.
- 📞 Boldbeast Call Recorder – works even on new versions of Android, bypasses restrictions API. Plus: Stores records in.wav with high bitrate.
- 🔍 Call Recorder by Lovekush – simple interface, automatic decryption of conversations (premium feature).
How to set up Cube ACR:
- Install the app from Google Play or APKMirror (if it is blocked in your area).
- In the settings, select Record all calls → Format: MP3 → Saving folder: /sdcard/CubeBackups/.
- Activate Ignore Android Restrictions (Permission to Access Notifications is required).
Boldbeast may require manual audio source adjustment:
Settings → Record → Audio Source → “Change Settings” → Select “1 (default)” or “6 (VOIP)”Why can't apps record calls?
5. Features of recording on Xiaomi 7 in different regions
The MIUI call recording function may be limited depending on the country of sale of the device, due to local privacy laws (for example, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited in the EU).
How to get around regional restrictions:
- 🌍 Change of region: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Region and select India or Russia. After the reboot, check for the recording option in the Phone app.
- 📦 Installation of global firmware: Switch the device to MIUI Global or EEA (European version) via Fastboot.
- 🔧 Manual activation: In some cases, activation through ADB: adb shell settings put global call_recording_enabled 1
On Xiaomi 7 with China firmware (CN), call recording works by default, but files are saved in encrypted form and are only accessible through the standard Phone app.
6. Alternative recording methods (without root)
If none of the above methods worked, you can record the conversation manually or using external devices:
- 🎙️ Dictaphone + speakerphone: Turn on speakerphone and record sound through a second device (such as another phone or voice recorder).
- 🔌 Audio splitter: Use a 3.5mm splitter with access to the recording device (suitable for models with a headphone jack).
- 💻 PC recording: Connect your phone to your computer and use Audacity to record sound from your microphone (quality will be lower).
For the hands-free method:
- Call the interlocutor and turn on the speaker.
- Open the standard Dictaphone app (or install Easy Voice Recorder).
- Place the microphone of the second device next to the speaker of the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor may violate the laws of your country (GDPR) You need to consent to the recording if you are not a participant in the conversation.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
Xiaomi 7 users often encounter common mistakes when working with recording conversations.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not retained. | Lack of disk space or automatic saving disabled | Clean Memory and Check Your Phone Settings → Recording Conversations |
| Files are corrupted (not reproduced) | Failure to write or incompatible codec | Try playing through VLC Player or converting to.mp3 using Format Factory |
| No sound on the tape. | Android 10+ Limits or the Wrong Audio Source | Use Boldbeast with the setting "Audio Source: 6 (VOIP)" |
| The app doesn't see the recording. | Files hidden or moved to the cloud | Check the /MIUI/backups/ folder or sync with Mi Cloud |
If the old records have been lost after the MIUI update:
- Check the /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ folder, and sometimes files are transferred there.
- Use internal memory search with a filter for.amr,.mp3,.m4a extensions.
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Before the update MIUI Always back up the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/ — New firmware versions can change the structure of file storage, which leads to loss of access to old records.