How to listen to recordings of conversations on Xiaomi smartphones: official and hidden ways

Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that can be useful in a variety of situations, from storing important business information to fixing evidence in controversial moments. However, not all users know where these records are stored and how to extract them correctly. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and the version of MIUI (13, 14 or HyperOS), the process can be different — some devices record calls automatically, others require manual activation.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to access conversation records, from standard MIUI tools to third-party apps and hidden engineering menu features. We will focus on the legality of recording calls in Russia and elsewhere, a critical point that many people miss, and how to recover accidentally deleted records and why some conversations may not be saved.

Where are the default conversation records on Xiaomi stored

Most Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS store call records in the standard Dialer app, but the path to them is not always obvious.

• 📱 Tab "Records" in the phone application: open the application, tap three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Call Recorder (or Global Firmware).
• 📁 File Manager folder: records are stored along the way /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ (depending on the version).
• 🔍 Search by system: use built-in search MIUI (swipe down on the main screen) and enter a call recording request.

If your phone doesn’t have a Records tab, it could mean:

• ❌ The recording function is disabled in the settings (see the next section).
• ❌ Your Xiaomi model does not support recording calls out of the box (relevant for some budget devices, such as Redmi). A1).
• ❌ You use an alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS) where the standard dialer is replaced.

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If the entries are not displayed in the Phone app, try updating it via Google Play – sometimes the problem is solved by updating to the latest version.

How to enable automatic call recording

By default, the conversation record on Xiaomi is usually disabled. To activate it, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings.
3. Select Call Recording (or Call Recording in Global Versions).
4. Activate the Automatic Recording Switch.
5. Choose which calls to record: 📞 All calls (incoming and outgoing). 📱 Only selected contacts (must be manually specified). 🚫 Only unknown numbers.

Once enabled, all conversations will be saved in.amr or.mp3 format (depending on the model).Please note: some carriers (e.g. MTS or Beeline) may block the recording at the network level, in which case you will hear the message "No record" when you start a conversation.

Whether the recording function is enabled in the dealer settings|Is there enough free space on the device (records take up) ~1-2 MB/minute)|Is access to the microphone for the phone application allowed?|Are there any restrictions on the operator-->

Hidden ways to listen to records (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, alternative methods of accessing records can be used, and these methods require caution and are only suitable for users willing to work with system files.

1. Access via Engineering Menu (MTK and Qualcomm)

On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) or Qualcomm (Mi 10, Redmi Note 11) you can try to find records through the engineering menu:

Enter the phone code in the application:
##4636## → Select Phone Information → Run the Audio Loopback Test →


In some firmware, records may be displayed here.

Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu – this can cause malfunctions in the phone.

2. Search through ADB (for advanced)

If you have records on the system but they don't show up in the interface, you can find them using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), and connect your phone to your PC and follow the command:

adb shell ls /data/user/0/com.android.dialer/files/

This will display a list of files, which can include.amr or.3gp records. Copy them to your computer with the command:

adb pull /data/user/0/com.android.dialer/files/record1.amr C:\Records\

Third-party applications for recording and listening

If embedded tools MIUI They don't suit you, you can use third-party apps.-3 tested solutions:

When using third-party applications, consider:

• 🔒 Security: only allow access to microphone and storage, refuse permission to access the device SMS/Contacts, if not necessarily.
• 📴 Operator restrictions: Some applications may not work on MTS, Tele2 or Iota due to blocking network-level recording.
• 💾 Storage: Records take up space – set up automatic cleaning of old files.

Xiaomi Standard Dialer|Cube Call Recorder|ACR (Another Call Recorder)|Boldbeast|Other/not using-->

Legality of recording conversations: what the law says

In Russia, recording telephone conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations...") and entails a fine of up to 80,000 rubles or correctional work.

• ✅ It is allowed to record conversations if you are a member of them and use the recording for personal needs (for example, fixing agreements).
• ❌ It is forbidden to distribute records without the consent of the interlocutor (including in social networks, messengers or the court as evidence).
• ⚖️ Exception: if the conversation contains signs of a crime (for example, extortion), the recording can be transferred to law enforcement agencies.

In other countries, the rules differ:

• 🇺🇸 In most states, the consent of one party (your own) is sufficient).
• 🇪🇺 EU: consent of all participants (regulation) is required GDPR).
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Recording is allowed if it does not violate the rights of others.

⚠️ Note: even if you recorded a conversation "for yourself", its publication or transfer to third parties may be considered a violation of the law.

How to Recover Deleted Records of Conversations

If you accidentally delete an important record, you can try to restore it, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and whether the write/delete functions on your phone have been used since then.

Method 1: Recovery through the MIUI basket

Some versions of MIUI (starting with 12.5) have a File Recycle Bin feature:

1. Open File Manager (File Manager)
2. Go to the basket tab.
3. Find deleted entries (usually with the.amr or.mp3) extension.
4. Select the file and press Restore.

Method 2: Recovery programs

If the cart is empty, use specialized utilities:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory for deleted audio files.
• 💻 Recuva (for PC) – connect your phone in File Transfer mode and scan the memory card.
• 📱 Dumpster – an application that backs up deleted files.

⚠️ Attention: the more you use your phone after deleting the recording (calls, app installation, photo capture), the lower your chances of recovery!

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Recover deleted records only until their place on the disk has been overwritten with new data, and at the first sign of file loss, disconnect your phone from the Internet and do not save new data.

Why some conversations are not recorded

If the recording function is enabled but some calls are not saved, the reasons may be as follows:

If the problem persists, check:

• 🔧 Permission settings: The Phone application must have access to the Microphone and Warehouse.
• 📵 Power saving mode: add the Phone app to exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🔄 Updates: in older versions MIUI (Below 12) the recording may not work smoothly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi