Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones support the function of recording phone conversations, but not all users know where these files are stored and how to play them. Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware and the settings of the Phone application, the records can be automatically stored in the device memory or on a microSD card. However, finding them is not always easy: files are often hidden in system folders or require special applications to listen to.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to access records, from standard MIUI tools to third-party programs for recovering deleted files. You will learn how to turn on automatic recording, where to look for saved conversations, and what to do if the records of Suddenly disappeared after the system update.
1.Where do you store the default conversation records on Redmi 9?
In MIUI firmware for Xiaomi Redmi 9, the phone records are saved in a hidden system folder. The path depends on the OS version, but most often the files are located here:
- 📁 /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard-position MIUI 12 newer
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/ — Alternative path in some regional firmware
- 📁 /sdcard/CallRecordings/ — If a third-party recording application was used
The files are.amr or.mp3 and named by template: Recording_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr. For example, the Record_20231015_143022.amr — talk 15 October 2023 yearly 14:30. To see hidden folders, enable system files to be displayed in any file manager (e.g., in Xiaomi’s Explorer or Total Commander’s Guide).
💡
If the folder call_rec empty, check the settings of the Phone application: it is possible that the record is disabled or files are saved to the memory card.
Important: After the MIUI update, the path to records may change. For example, in MIUI 14, files were moved to /Android/media/com.miui.voicerecord/. If you do not find records using standard paths, search the file system - type in the search bar the *.amr extension.
2. How to enable automatic recording of conversations
By default, the recording function is disabled due to legal restrictions in some countries.
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Settings.
- Select Record conversations (in some firmware, the item is called Auto Record).
- Activate the Record Switch automatically.
- Specify the terms of the record: 🔹 All calls - record incoming and outgoing 🔹 Only selected contacts – select from the list 🔹 Only unsaved numbers.
After turning on next to the contact in the log of calls will appear microphone icon 🎤 — This means that the conversation is being recorded. Please note that in some countries (e.g. the EU), automatic recording may be blocked at the firmware level.
3. Listening to recordings through the standard Dictator application
Redmi 9's conversations can be played through the built-in Dictatoron app, which supports.amr and.mp3 formats, and allows you to edit files.
- Open the “Dictophone” from the application menu.
- Go to the Records tab (or Call Rec in English firmware).
- Click on the desired file - the player with a timeline will open.
- For convenience, use the functions: 🔊 Increased speed of reproduction (1.5x or 2x) ✂️ Cutting off unnecessary fragments 📤 Export to the Mi Cloud or PC
If the record is not played, check the codecs in the application settings..amr files may require an additional AMR Codec package from Google Play. Also make sure the file is not corrupted - sometimes records are terminated if the MIUI memory optimizer is triggered during the conversation.
What if the recorder doesn’t see the record?
4. Third-party applications for recording and listening
If standard MIUI tools don't work, use specialized programs that offer advanced features: cloud storage, speech-to-text transcription, password protection.
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber) recording, cloud backup, no time limits | The paid version for HD-quality, sometimes glitching with MIUI 14 | Google Play |
| Call Recorder – ACR | Automatic recording, Google Drive integration, noise filter | Advertising in the free version requires manual adjustment for some operators | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Record + number detector, spam blocking, call history | The limit on the number of records per month collects a lot of data. | Google Play |
Before installing, check compatibility with your version of MIUI. Some applications (such as Cube Call Recorder) require additional permissions to record VoIP calls.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Special Access.
- Select audio recording and activate access for the application.
- Enable the option to record from the microphone during the call.
Importantly, the faster you start recovering, the better the chances of returning files. Once deleted, don't save new data to your phone, they can overwrite deleted records.
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select Full Scan (requires root) or Basic (no root).
- Check the file types: Audio → AMR.
- Wait for the scan to be completed and select the required records.
- Click Restore and save files to a memory card or cloud.
If the records have been synced to Mi Cloud, check the cloud storage cart:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select the basket (dumpster icon).
- Find files with the.amr extension and restore them.
💡
Rootless recovery is possible only if the files have not been overwritten with new data. For maximum efficiency, use PCs and programs like Recuva or EaseUS.
6. Solving problems with recording and reproduction
If records are not saved or reproduced, check the following points:
⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware MIUI The recording function is disabled at the kernel level, for example, in the Indian version of Redmi 9 (model) M2004J19PI) The automatic recording is blocked because of local laws, and in this case, only the firmware of the global version will help. MIUI.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are not retained. | Lack of disk space or recording permission disabled | Clean Memory and Check Permissions in Settings → Apps → Phone |
| Files are damaged. | Failure during recording (for example, battery discharge) | Restore files via DiskDigger or re-record the conversation |
| No sound on the record. | Microphone blocked by MIUI optimizer | Add the Phone app to auto-cleaning exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization |
| Can't see the file. | Hidden system files | Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager |
If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
- Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- Restart the phone and check the recording.
7 Legal aspects of recording conversations
Before recording telephone conversations, please read the laws of your country, and most regions have the following rules:
- 📜 Unilateral recording (without notifying the interlocutor) is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation, for example, in Russia it is regulated by Article 23 of the Constitution (right to secrecy of correspondence) and Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of the secrecy of negotiations).
- 🚫 It is forbidden to distribute records without the consent of the second participant, unless it is related to the protection of your rights (for example, in court).
- ⚖️ In the EU and some US states, both participants are required to be notified of their entry (two-party consent laws»).
To avoid problems:
- Always alert the person to the recording (e.g., “The conversation is recorded to record the information”).
- Do not keep records for longer than necessary.
- Use the records only for legitimate purposes (evidence in disputes, fixing agreements).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi 9 with firmware for China (CN ROM) Automatic recording can be blocked due to local laws, and attempts to circumvent this restriction through modified firmware (custom) ROM) Deprives warranty and may result in device locking.