Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) automatically record phone conversations when the corresponding feature is activated - but not all users know where to look for these files and how to play them correctly. Depending on the device model and the version of MIUI, the location of records may vary, and some files are even hidden from direct access.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can find and listen to conversations, from standard MIUI tools to hidden folders to third-party apps, and explain why some records can disappear after updating or resetting, and how to restore them. If you’re looking for a specific conversation or want to save an important conversation, here are step-by-step instructions tailored to the features of MIUI 12/13/14 firmware.
1. Standard method: Application "Phone"
The most obvious method is to use the built-in Phone app (green handset). Most Xiaomi models store records directly in the call log, but access to them depends on the firmware version and regional settings.
To find the records:
- 📱 Open the Phone application and go to the Journal tab.
- 🔍 Click on any saved call – if there is a record, a microphone icon or the inscription “Playback” will appear».
- 🎧 Slip on the tape to listen to it directly in the application.
- 📤 To save the file to the device, hold your finger on the record and select Export (not available on all models).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) call recording is disabled by default due to legal restrictions, and alternative methods will have to be used in this case.
2. Where records are stored: the path in the file manager
All conversation records on Xiaomi are saved in.amr or.mp3 format in hidden folders of the system, and can be found through any file manager (for example, embedded Files or Solid Explorer).
Typical paths to records:
- 📁 /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — mainfolder MIUI 12-14.
- 📁 /sdcard/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path on some models POCO.
- 📁 /sdcard/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ — Temporary files may be stored here.
If the folder is missing or empty:
- Check if the recording function is enabled in the Phone application settings (Settings → Recording conversations).
- Make sure you search for hidden files (turn on display in file manager settings).
- Try connecting your phone to your PC and searching for files through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder.
| Xiaomi model | A typical path to the records | File format |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ | .amr |
| POCO X3/X4 | /Recordings/Call/ | .mp3 or.amr |
| Mi 11/12 | /sdcard/MIUI/voice_recorder/ | .m4a |
| Older models (MIUI 10-11) | /sdcard/CallRecordings/ | .3gp |
Important: Record files are automatically deleted when the phone is reset to factory settings unless they have been pre-copyed to a PC or cloud.
3. How to enable automatic recording of all calls
If the recording function is disabled, you can activate it manually. MIUI:
For MIUI 13/14 (Global version):
- Open the phone. → ⋮ (three-point) → Settings.
- Select the Conversation Record.
- Activate the Automatic Recording Switch.
- Specify which calls to record: All, outgoing or incoming only.
For MIUI 12 and older (Chinese firmware):
- Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions.
- Make sure that the permission to record audio is enabled.
- Go back to your phone settings → More → Record conversations.
Enabled permission to record in the settings of the application "Phone" |
Enough free space on the device (records take ~1 MB/minute)|
Power saving mode for the "Phone" application is disabled |
Compatibility with the operator (some block the recording)-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T for the European market), the recording function can be completely blocked due to local privacy laws, in which case only installing a third-party application will help.
4. Third-party applications for recording and listening
If the built-in MIUI tools don't fit, you can use third-party software.
- 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — It records high-quality calls, supports cloud storage, minus: requires manual audio source tuning.
- 📱 Call Recorder by Lovekesh is a simple interface, automatic decoding of conversations.
- ☁️ OTT Call Recorder – specializes in recording calls via WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers.
How to set up Cube Call Recorder ACR:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, provide all the permissions you have requested (including Overlaying on top of other applications).
- Select the Recording Source: Voice Call + Mic.
- Activate AutoWrite and specify the save format (MP3 recommended).
🔹 Important: Some applications (like Truecaller) have built-in recording functionality, but the quality may be worse than that of specialized programs.
Why can't apps record calls?
5. Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations
If records are accidentally deleted or disappeared after the MIUI update, you can try to recover them, and success depends on whether the files were overwritten with the new data.
Recovery methods:
- 🗑️ Through the Recycle Bin: In the File Manager MIUI Check the box folder (available in the MIUI 12+).
- 🔍 Using DiskDigger: The app scans internal memory for deleted audio files. Root rights are required for deep scanning.
⚠️ Warning: If more than a week has passed since the deletion, the chances of recovery are rapidly reduced - the system could overwrite memory sectors. Also, do not install new applications before trying to restore: they can permanently erase lost files.
📌 Tip: To avoid loss of records, set up automatic backup to the cloud (such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud). To do this, select Backup of records in the Phone app settings.
6.Problems and Solutions: Why Calls Are Not Recorded
Xiaomi users often find that call recording does not work even when the feature is turned on.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording does not start automatically | No permission to record audio | Check the permission settings for the Phone application |
| Record files are empty (0 KB) | Conflict with the energy saving regime | Add the phone to battery exclusions |
| Only one participant in the conversation is recorded. | Limitations of the telecom operator | Try a third-party app with recording through a speaker |
| Records disappear after MIUI update | Resetting the settings of the phone application | Restore records from backup or scan memory for deleted files |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset).
- Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
- Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) if the problem is related to regional restrictions.
💡
On Xiaomi with Global Firmware (EEA), the recording function is often blocked at the system level, the only solution being root rights or switching to the Chinese/Indian version of MIUI.