Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO series) is a feature that can be useful for storing important information, confirming agreements or recording business conversations. However, many users face difficulties: where these records are stored, how to find them in the phone's file system, and can they be played on another device? In this article, we will examine all legal ways to listen to recordings of conversations on Xiaomi, including built-in MIUI tools and third-party applications.
It is important to understand that in Russia and most countries, recording conversations is allowed only with the consent of the interlocutor (Article 138 of the Criminal Code, Art. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation), the use of such recordings in court or for blackmail without consent can entail legal liability.
If you're looking for a way to secretly record conversations without notifying the other person, this article isn't for you. We focus on transparent methods where both parties are aware of the recording, or listening to their own records made previously with consent.
Where are the default conversation records on Xiaomi stored
In MIUI firmware (versions 12β14), the default call records are saved in the system folder, but their location depends on the way they are recorded:
- π Built-in dictaphone: records are stored in /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. The folder can be hidden β to access, enable the display of hidden files in the file manager.
- π± Phone app: if the record is enabled in the call settings, the files are saved to /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ (for MIUI 14) or /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/call_rec/ (old-form).
- βοΈ Cloud storage: if sync is activated with Mi Cloud, records can be duplicated in the cloud (Section "Call Records").
File format: usually.amr or.mp3 (newer MIUI). The file name contains the date, time and phone number of the interlocutor, for example: 20260515_143022_+79123456789.amr.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13T) Call records can be automatically encrypted, and you'll need to enter the wiretaps. PIN-Mi Account Code.
| Xiaomi model | Record storage folder | File format | Is a PIN required for access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .amr | No. |
| POCO X5 Pro | /Recordings/Call/ | .mp3 | Yes (if encryption is enabled) |
| Xiaomi 13/14 | /MIUI/voice_recorder/call_rec/ | .m4a | Yes. |
| Redmi 10C | /MIUI/sound_recorder/ | .amr | No. |
If you donβt have a folder, check if the recording function is enabled in the settings. Go to Settings β Apps β Phone β Record conversations and activate the Auto Record option.
How to Enable Recording of Conversations in MIUI (Step-by-Step Instructions)
If you haven't recorded conversations, turn on this feature first. In MIUI 14, the algorithm is different from the older versions.
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings.
- Go to the Record of Conversations section.
- Activate the automatic recording slider.
- Choose which calls to record: πΉ All calls. πΉ Only outgoing πΉ Only incoming from selected contacts
Save.
After activation next to the hands-free button during the conversation, a recording icon will appear (π€). Click on it to start or stop recording manually.
Whether the recording function is enabled in the phone settings|Is there any space on the device (records are taken up) ~1 MB/minute)|The interviewee is notified of the recording (if required by law)|Phone is not in power saving mode (may interrupt recording)-->
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra Automatic Recording may not work due to regional firmware limitations. In this case, use third-party applications (see next section).
Third-party applications for recording and listening to calls
If the built-in MIUI feature is not satisfactory (for example, due to lack of communication or poor recording quality), consider alternative applications.
- π² Cube Call Recorder ACR β Records high-quality calls (up to 320 kbps), supports cloud storage. ADB Android 10+.
- π² Call Recorder by Lovekush is a simple interface, automatic decryption of records (premium function.
- π² Truecaller β in addition to spam detection, can record calls (available in regions where permitted by law).
- π² OTT Call Recorder β specializes in recording VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
To install any of these applications:
- Download APK from an official website (such as Cube ACR) or from Google Play.
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β Applications β Special Access Rights β Install unknown applications.
- Launch the app and give access to the microphone, contacts and storage.
- In the application settings, select the write format (.mp3 or.wav) and the folder to save.
Records from third-party applications are usually stored in the /storage/emulated/0/[Application Name]/Recordings/ folder. They can be listened directly to the program interface or through any audio player.
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If the app doesn't record calls, check if the battery optimization is blocking it. β Annexes β Application management β [Title of the annex] β Battery and select No Limitations.
How to listen to recordings on a computer or other phone
If you want to transfer recordings of conversations from Xiaomi to a PC or other device, use one of the following methods:
Method 1: Through USB-cable
- Connect your phone to your computer using the original USB Type-C cable.
- On the phone, select file transfer mode (File Transfer or MTP).
- Open the entries folder (see Section 1) and copy the files to your PC.
- Use VLC or Audacity players to play (they support.amr format).
Method 2: Through Cloud Storage
- βοΈ Download the recordings to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk.
- π₯ Open a file on another device via a cloud web interface or mobile application.
Method 3: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct
For fast transmission without cables:
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- On Xiaomi, select the record file β Share β Bluetooth.
- Take the file on the second device.
β οΈ Note:.amr files may not play on your iPhone without converting. Use converter apps like MediaHuman Audio Converter to convert them to your iPhone.mp3.
How to convert.amr to.mp3 on Xiaomi without PC
What to do if records are not reproduced or damaged
Sometimes records can be corrupted due to phone malfunctions or incorrect recording completion.
- π§ Try playing it on another device or player (e.g., play it on a different device or player, MX Player supports most audio formats).
- π οΈ Use audio recovery software such as Audacity (open file through File) β Imports β Raw data and select the format AMR-NB).
- π If the file is partially written, try cropping it through the app. MP3 Cutter (remove the "broken" fragments at the beginning/end).
If the entries are not in the folder, but you are sure that they were:
- Check the Recycle Bin in the file manager (folder /storage/emulated/0/.trash/).
- Use data recovery software such as DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root access for deep scanning).
- Check if the recordings are synced with Mi Cloud (Devices β [Your Phone] β Backups) section.
On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13), records can be saved in the system buffer to extract them:
adb shell su -c "cat /proc/asound/card*/pcm*/sub*/status"This command will show you the active audio streams. You'll need root rights to extract the data.
Legal aspects: when to use recordings of conversations
In Russia, recording telephone conversations is regulated by several regulations:
- π Article 23: Guarantees the secrecy of correspondence and telephone conversations, but allows recording with the consent of one of the parties (your).
- π Article 138: Violation of the secrecy of negotiations without consent is punishable by a fine of up to 80,000 β½ or correctional labour.
- π 152.2: Record may be used in court as evidence if it is obtained lawfully (with notice to the interlocutor).
When recording is allowed:
- β You notified the person before the conversation (e.g., "The conversation is recorded to record the information. You don't mind?").
- β Recording is for official purposes (for example, recording a conversation with a bank or support service).
- β You record your own conversations (such as voice notes).
When recording is prohibited:
- β Secret recording of private conversations without consent.
- β Distribution of the record to third parties without the consent of the participants.
- β Using the recording for blackmail or pressure.
β οΈ Note: Some countries (e.g. Germany or the United States) have stricter laws: recording a conversation is only allowed if both parties agree.
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Even if the recording is made legally, its use in court requires notarization, and this requires the original file to be provided without editing and proof of consent.
How to protect your records from third-party access
If you have confidential records on your phone, ensure that they are protected:
- π Transfer files to a closed folder (in the MIUI This is the section "Private files" in the application "Files").
- π Use archivers with a password (for example, 7-Zip or RAR) Encrypt files before sending by mail.
- π± Install a file hiding app like Hide Something or GalleryVault.
- βοΈ Upload records to an encrypted cloud (like Proton Drive or Tresorit).
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14, you can enable two-factor authentication to access the folder with records:
- Open the Settings. β Passwords and security.
- Select a Private Folder.
- Activate the option of fingerprint/face protection.
- Add the file with the records to the list of protected.
For additional security, turn off automatic uploading of records to the cloud:
Settings β Accounts β Mi Cloud β Synchronization β Call records (disable)