Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the challenge of keeping an important conversation going. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese company integrates call recording functionality directly into a standard dial, which eliminates the installation of third-party apps. However, users sometimes lose their minds once a conversation is over, as automatic playback does not always occur, and the call log icon may not be obvious.
Finding saved audio files depends on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS, as well as on the device’s regional settings. In the latest interface updates, paths to files may have changed, which causes confusion. This article will detail all the ways to detect records, from the standard caller interface to file manager search, so that you do not lose important information.
There are several scenarios where a record may not appear where you expect it to, whether it's due to access rights, overflowing memory, or specific privacy settings, and we'll look at not only the standard pathways, but also the technical nuances of data storage that will help solve the problem if standard methods don't work.
Search for records through the standard application “Phone”
The fastest and most obvious way to listen to or find a saved conversation is to use the built-in Phone app. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the call log is integrated with the voice recorder function, allowing you to manage audio recordings directly from the call history.
Opposite each number that has been recorded, a special icon is usually displayed. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, it can be a small tape recorder symbol, speaker, or a color dot next to the date and time of the call. Clicking on this icon or long-term retention of contact often opens a context menu where options for listening, deleting or transferring a file are available.
If you can't see the icons, try clicking on the phone number or the contact name in the log, and the detailed menu that opens, the number and the call buttons, can list all the records associated with that subscriber, and there's a play button that allows you to listen to the dialogue immediately without going to other folders.
⚠️ Note: If you upgrade to Android 11 or higher, access to folders with records through third-party file managers can be limited to the system, in which case listening is only possible through the standard Phone or Recorder app».
Using the Dictator app to listen
The second major storage location for audio files is the system app Dictaphone, and unlike the call log, here the files are presented as an audio list sorted by date of creation, which is especially convenient if you need to find the recording by time, but you have forgotten the subscriber number or contact name.
When you open the app, go to the Records or All Records tab. The interface is divided into categories, and phone records are often grouped in a separate group or marked with a specific handset icon. By clicking on the file, you can not only listen to it, but also edit: crop off, rename or add a label.
Importantly, newer versions of HyperOS have made the voice recorder more logical in terms of separating recording types. Conversations can be in a separate Call tab, while voice notes can be in a shared feed. For easy search, use the sorting function available through the three-dot menu in the corner of the screen.
- 📁 Sort: Arrange files by date, name, or size to quickly find the right dialogue.
- 🔍 Search: Use the search bar at the top of the app by entering a contact name or part of a number.
- 📤 Export: From here you can send a file via messengers or save to the cloud.
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To quickly find a record in the recorder, use the feature "Favorites." Add important conversations to your favorites directly from the player interface so that they are always at hand.
Search for audio files through the Explorer
For those who prefer to work with the file system directly or plan to transfer records to the computer, the standard Explorer will be an indispensable tool. The path to files may vary depending on the version of Android, but the overall structure of the directories remains similar. Open the Files application and go to the Internal Memory section.
Old versions. MIUI (Android-based 9-10) The records were most often placed along the way. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. In the modern versions of the system (Android) 11, 12, 13, 14) Google has tightened its access policy, and the way could change. Android/data/com.android.soundrecorder/files/Recordings The exact address depends on the specific model, for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note. 12 Xiaomi 14.
If you can't find the folder manually, search inside Explorer. Type the file extension.m4a or.mp3 (the format depends on the recording quality settings) into the search bar. The system will index the memory and give you a list of all the audio files where you can find the file you want by date and time.
| Android Version / MIUI | Typical path to a folder | File format | Access to third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9-10 (MIUI 11-12) | MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec | .mp3 / .m4a | Full access |
| Android 11-12 (MIUI 13-14) | Android/data/.../Recordings | .m4a | Limited. |
| Android 13+ (HyperOS) | Internal Memory/Recordings | .m4a | Only systemic. |
Why is the Recordings folder empty?
Set up automatic recording of conversations
To avoid wondering where to look for records in the future, it is advisable to set up automatic creation. In Xiaomi smartphones, this functionality is built deep into the system and does not require third-party programs. To activate, open the Phone application, click on the three dots in the top corner and select Settings.
In the settings menu, find Call Record. You can activate the Auto Record switch. You can choose to record all calls or only certain numbers. This is a key setting that will save you from having to manually turn on the recorder every time you talk.
You can also use this section to set the recording quality and notifications, so you can set the phone to alert the person to the recording by voice or beep, which is important from a legal and ethical point of view.
☑️ Set-up of car photography
Problems with access and lack of records
Often, users are faced with a situation where the record seems to have been recorded (the indicator was burning), but the file is nowhere. Often the reason lies in the lack of free space on the internal drive. When the memory is full, the system may interrupt the writing process or not save the file after the call is completed. Check the free space in the Settings → Memory section.
Another common reason is access rights. After upgrading the system or installing memory cleaners, the Phone or Recorder app may have had its permissions revoked to write to storage. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search for Phone, go to Permits and make sure that access to files and media is allowed.
Also, consider that some carriers or specific VoLTE/VoWiFi settings may conflict with the recording function. If the problem only occurs when calling over the Internet (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), then the standard call recording function will not work here, since these applications use their own data channels, not the telephone network.
⚠️ Warning: Recording conversations without warning may violate your country’s laws and use this function responsibly and only for personal purposes or with the consent of the other party.
Transfer and backup of files
Saved dialogs take up space and can be lost when you reset or break your smartphone. Regular backup is a mandatory procedure for important data. The easiest way to copy files to your computer is by connecting your phone to your computer. USB-cable-in-file transfer mode (MTP).
Find the record folder (as described in the Explorer section) and copy it to your PC hard drive. Alternatively, use cloud services. The Recorder app allows you to configure sync with Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud. In the voice recorder settings, find Cloud Sync and activate it.
You can use Mi Mover to transfer to your new phone, which allows you to transfer not only contacts and photos, but also system records if you choose the appropriate type of data when you migrate, which saves time and ensures that the archive of conversations remains complete.
- 💾 Local Copy: Move the folder regularly call_rec computer.
- ☁️ Cloud: Set up autoload in Google Photos or Drive for mission-critical files.
- 📲 Mi Mover: Use your device to migrate data quickly.
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Automatic cloud sync is the only reliable way to ensure the safety of records in the event of physical loss or breakage of a smartphone.