Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature that helps to capture important conversations, interviews or just save memorable conversations. However, not all users know where these records are stored and how to quickly find them. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the version of the MIUI firmware and the settings of the Phone application, the location of files may vary. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods, from standard to hidden, and also explain how to recover deleted records.
If you have never turned on a conversation record, first check if your model supports this feature.On some Xiaomi devices for the EU and US markets, call recording may be disabled due to legal restrictions, in which case third-party apps will be required.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
In most smartphones Xiaomi with firmware MIUI 12–14 Call records are automatically saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec I'm on the internal drive to find it:
- Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
- Go to the "Device" tab» → «Internal memory».
- Find the file. MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
Record files are usually.amr or.mp3 and named after a pattern: call_record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS. If the folder is not there, the record has never been turned on or the files have been deleted.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) path may differ: Recordings/Call. Check both directories.
Check the recording settings in the "Phone" application
Make sure that you press the recording button during the call.
Try to find files by searching by word "call_rec"
Check the basket in the application "Files"-->
2. How to enable call recording if the function is disabled
If you don't see the recording button during a conversation, activate it in the settings. Instructions for MIUI 14:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Settings”.
- Select “Conversation Recording” (or “Call Recording” in English firmware).
- Activate the Automatic Record or Record All Calls switch.
Some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) have the option “Write only selected numbers” before calling, in which case a notification will appear with a request to start recording.
⚠️ Note: In EU countries (e.g. firmware) MIUI EU) Automatic recording can be blocked, in which case use third-party applications such as Cube Call Recorder or ACR.
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3. Listening to recordings through the “Phone” application
The easiest way to listen to saved conversations is through the built-in Phone app.
- Open the phone» → tab».
- Find the contact or number the conversation was recorded with.
- Click on the call record → the Play (or Play) icon next to the call time.
If there is no reproduction icon, it means:
- 📱 The record is not saved (check the settings or memory of the device).
- 🔊 The file is corrupted (try to open it through another player, for example). VLC).
- 📁 The record is stored elsewhere (see section 1).
On the POCO M4 Pro and Redmi 10 models with MIUI 13 firmware, recordings can only be displayed after syncing with Mi Cloud. Check if this option is enabled in the Xiaomi account settings.
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If the recording is played with noise, try to enable the “Sound Improvement” option in the settings of the Phone application → “Talk Recording”.
4. Search for records through Mi Cloud (Xiaomi cloud)
If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, call records can be automatically uploaded to the cloud to find them:
- Open “Settings” → “Mi Account” → “Mi Cloud”
- Make sure that the call records (or call records) sync is enabled.
- Go to i.mi.com from your computer or phone.
- Sign in and select “Records” from the menu.
In Mi Cloud, files are stored in the original format (.amr or.mp3) and can be downloaded to your device.
- 📥 Free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5GB - if the seat is out, new records won't sync.
- ⏳ Files are stored in the cloud for 30 days and then deleted.
- 🔒 Access to records is possible only from a tied account Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings without detachment, your Mi Cloud records will remain, but access to them will be limited until you log in to your old profile.
5. Recovering deleted call records
If you accidentally deleted a record, you can try to restore it.
- 🗑️ Recycle Bin in Files app – records are stored there 15 days after deletion.
- 🔍 Specialized programs such as DiskDigger or Recuva (root rights required).
- 📱 Backups in Mi Cloud or Google Drive (if automatic sync is enabled).
To recover via DiskDigger:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select “Full Analysis” (requires root).
- Tag files with the.amr or.mp3 extension.
- Keep them safe.
Without root rights, the chances of recovery are lower, but you can try scanning the /data folder through ADB:
adb shell su -c "find /data -name '.amr' -o -name '.mp3'"⚠️ Note: Do not save new files to your phone after deleting the record – this reduces the chances of successful recovery.
How to Increase Your Chances of Recovery
6. Third-party applications for recording and listening to calls
If the built-in recording function is not working or not flexible enough, install one of these applications:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | Automatic recording, cloud storage, VoIP support (WhatsApp, Viber). | Advertising in the free version requires permission to access calls. |
| ACR (Another Call Recorder) | Flexible settings (scheduled recording, contact exceptions). | It does not work on some MIUI EU firmware. |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Simple interface, support for MIUI 14. | Restriction on the duration of recording in the free version. |
| Truecaller | Record + Spam Blocking, Integration with Contacts | Registration is required, and privacy issues may be involved. |
Before installing, check the application permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. To work correctly, you will need access to:
- 📞 Calls (required).
- 🎤 Microphone (to record your voice).
- 📁 Storage (to save files).
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, some applications may not see incoming calls due to system limitations. In this case, try disabling Battery Optimization for the selected application.
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Third-party apps often offer more features than standard MIUI recording, but can consume additional battery and traffic.
7.Challenges with Xiaomi Call Recording and Solutions
If the recording is not working, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No recording button during the call | The function is disabled in the settings or blocked by firmware. | Enable the entry in Phone Settings → Record conversations or use third-party software. |
| Recording is terminated or not retained | Lack of memory or conflict with other applications. | Clear the memory, disable battery optimization for the Phone app. |
| Interviewer can't hear the tape. | In some countries, notice of entry is mandatory. | Use applications with the function of “quiet” recording (at your own risk). |
| Records are stored in an uncomfortable format (.amr) | The standard format in MIUI is compressed AMR. | Convert to MP3 via Online-Convert or Audacity. |
Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may have a recording problem due to chipset limitations, in which case only third-party software with VoIP recording support will help.
If after all the manipulations the recording does not work, check:
- 📶 Communication quality – if a signal is poor, the recording may be interrupted.
- 🔋 Battery Charge – at a level below 15%, some functions MIUI switch off.
- 🛠️ System updates - in new versions MIUI Recording bugs are often corrected.