Where to find a phone call record on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Finding saved audio conversation files on Xiaomi smartphones is often difficult for users, especially after updating the MIUI operating system or switching to HyperOS. The standard procedure for recording calls built into the shell works automatically, but finding the resulting file in the wilds of the file system can be difficult. Device owners often search for this data through a standard Explorer, unaware that the system restrictions of Android can hide folders with records from unauthorized access.

In this article, we will look at all the possible paths your audio archives can take, including both the built-in Dictaphone and Call apps and the deep directories of internal memory where the system folds files by default, and understanding the folder structure will allow you to quickly find the right dialogues, transfer them to your computer or send them to interlocutors.

Note that file location may vary depending on the Android version and the specific model of your Redmi or POCO smartphone. In newer versions of the operating system, Google has strengthened its privacy policy, which has led to a change in the ways you access system records.

Search for records through the standard Dictaphone application

The easiest and most obvious way to listen to or find a recently recorded conversation is to use the regular Dictaphone app. In the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, all the audio files created by the system during the call are automatically included in the general database of this application, which saves the user from having to dig through the system folders if you just need to listen to information or delete an unnecessary file.

Open the Recorder app on your desktop or in the Tools folder. At the top of the screen, you'll see a record category switch. You need to select the Phone (or Call) tab to filter the list and leave only the conversation records, and here files are usually sorted by date of creation, allowing you to quickly find the desired dialogue.

If you click on a particular entry, a player with basic editing functions will open. However, for more complex operations, such as renaming a file or moving it to another folder, you'd better use the optional settings menu. Click on three dots in the corner or long retention on the file to see the available actions.

It's important to note that the Dictaphone app is just a screening app, it doesn't store files in itself, it just reads them from a specific directory, so if a file is deleted from the phone's memory, it will also disappear in the app, and it's recommended that you back up your critical conversations for long-term storage.

The exact path to files in File Manager

For those who prefer to work with the file system directly or want to copy the record to a computer, you need to know the exact path to the storage directory. In modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14), the paths have become more complicated due to the introduction of the Scoped Storage mechanism. This means that access to system folders is limited, but the standard file manager Xiaomi still allows you to see these directories.

Run the Explorer (or File Manager) app, and you need to go to the internal storage, and the way to record conversations created by the standard call app is most often as follows:

/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec

However, depending on the firmware version and region, the path may differ: sometimes files are located in a deeper system folder, which may require special permissions to access, an alternative path that is worth checking if the first one did not work:

/Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files/Recordings/Call_rec

Inside the folder. call_rec You will find files with extension.m4a or.mp3. File names are usually generated automatically based on the date and time of the call, or the contact name if it's stored in the phone book. MIUI root, make sure that the Explorer settings include the option “Show hidden files».

⚠️ Note: When trying to copy files from system folders Android/data On new versions of Android, the file manager can request special permission to access. You must click "Allow" and confirm the action, otherwise copying will not be possible.

Automatic write settings and file formats

Before you search for files, it makes sense to make sure that the recording function is activated and configured correctly. On Xiaomi phones, conversations can be recorded automatically for all numbers, or selectively, and checking these settings will help you understand why recordings may not be available.

Go to the Phone app. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Find the Call Record section. Here you will see the Auto Record switch. If it's off, the recordings are only kept when manually started during the call.

You can also set the format of the recording. MP3 (smaller size, good quality) and AAC (Better quality, but more weight. The format choice affects how the file is stored in memory. SD-card, if it is installed in the device.

• 📁 Local storage: files take up space in the phone's internal memory, available without the internet.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive for Data Security.
• 🗑️ Autocleaning: the ability to configure the removal of old records when space is scarce.

💡

Use MP3 format for the records you plan to send via instant messengers – it is better compatible with most devices and requires less traffic.

If you have enabled cloud sync, copies of your conversations can be stored on Mi Cloud servers, which is useful in case of phone loss, but requires an active Mi Account account and enabled voice recorder sync.

Comparison of storage paths in different versions of MIUI

The file system structure of Xiaomi smartphones has changed with the release of new versions of the shell, users who have switched from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 or HyperOS, may find that the usual folders have disappeared or moved, due to Google's security requirements.

As you can see from the table, as the Android version grows, the path becomes deeper and more secure. Android/data computer-only USB-The cable may be closed, in which case use the phone's built-in conductor to copy files or transmit wirelessly.

💡

On new versions of Android, direct access to the system folders through the computer is limited, so it is more convenient to manage files through the built-in Explorer of the smartphone.

Use of cloud services and synchronization

For users who frequently lose data or change devices, it is critical to set up automatic uploading of records to the cloud. On Xiaomi smartphones, the main tool is Mi Cloud. This service allows not only storing records, but also synchronizing them between the tablet, phone and web version of the cloud.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud. Make sure the switch opposite the Dictaphone is on. In the same menu, you can configure synchronization options, for example, download files only over Wi-Fi so that you do not waste mobile traffic.

In addition to the native cloud, you can use third-party solutions. Many users set up automatic synchronization of the folder with records through Google Drive or Dropbox. call_rec This will create an additional copy of important conversations in an independent repository.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: native integration, convenient for the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• 📂 Google Drive: Reliable, integrated with Google account.
• 🔄 Third-party synchronizers: flexible setup of copying rules.

Keep in mind that cloud storage has free space limits. If the amount of records exceeds the available space, sync will stop, and new files will not be saved to the cloud until space is freed up or an additional tariff is purchased.

Problems with access and lack of files

Quite often, users are faced with a situation where the call was recorded (the indicator flashed), but the file is nowhere. One of the common reasons is overflowing memory. If there is no free space on the device, the system will not be able to save the audio file, even if the recording process was successful.

Another issue is with application access rights. Once the system is updated, the Phone or Recorder app may lose the memory recording permission. Check this in Settings → Apps → All Apps → Find Recorder → Permits. Make sure that access to Memory or Files and Media is allowed.

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party applications to record calls (not built-in), they may not work correctly on Android 10 and higher due to the system blocking access to the audio stream.

It's also worth checking the power saving settings. Aggressive battery optimization can "kill" the recording process if the phone decides the app is long gone. Add the recorder to the exception list or set up "No Limits" mode for that app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)