Where on Xiaomi with MIUI 12 is stored call records: all the ways to find and save conversations

If you're looking for where Xiaomi's MIUI 12 phone store phone records, you're not alone, a feature that's popular with users who want to save important conversation details, confirm agreements, or simply have a call archive, but file location and access isn't always obvious -- especially if you're first to experience the features of the MIUI shell.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible storage locations, including system folders, cloud services, and third-party applications, learn how to find files manually through the file manager, why they might disappear after a firmware update, and how to recover lost records, and what settings to check to make the write function work correctly on your Redmi, Poco, or Mi.

Where to save calls in MIUI 12 by default

In MIUI 12, the default phone records are saved in a secure system folder, and their path depends on whether you use the built-in Phone or third-party app voice recorder.

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard location for records made through built-in function. folder hidden from normal viewing.
• 🔒 Secure Storage: If encryption is enabled, files can be stored in /data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/documents/ (access only with root rights).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: When synchronized, records are duplicated in Mi Cloud → Call recordings, but only if the function is activated in the settings.

It is important to consider that the path may differ depending on the smartphone model. For example, on Xiaomi Mi 10 and Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12.5, records are sometimes saved to /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/. To determine the exact location, check the settings of the Phone application:

⚠️ Note: If you can't find the folder call_rec via the standard file manager, try using Root Explorer or connect your smartphone to your PC in File Transfer mode (MTP). Some records may be hidden by the system to protect privacy.

How to find records through file manager

To manually locate records files, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Files app (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the Internal Storage section (not to be confused with the SD-card!).
3. Turn on the display of hidden folders: click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show hidden files.
4. Walk along the way: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ Or alternatively: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/
5. Record files are usually.amr or.mp3 name-named call_20231015_143022.amr (date and time of conversation).

If the folder is not, check:

• 🔍 Availability of records in Mi Cloud (section Records in the web version or application).
• 📱 Phone version: in some regions (e.g. EU) call recording is disabled by law.
• 🔧 Recording settings: Go to the Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Record calls and make sure the option is activated.

Why Call Records May Disappear and How to Recover Them

Xiaomi users often face a problem when records suddenly disappear.

If the records are missing after resetting the settings, try to restore them with the help of specialized utilities:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory for deleted files.
• 💻 EaseUS MobiSaver (for PC) – Restores.amr and.mp3 plug-in.
• ☁️ Google Drive – if you previously enabled backup via Settings → System system → Backup.

⚠️ Note: When recovering, avoid saving new files to the device - this can overwrite deleted records. It is better to remove the memory card (if any) and work with it through the card reader.

💡

If you regularly record important calls, set up automatic emailing via the Automate or Tasker app.This will protect records even when your phone is reset.

How to turn on call recording if the function is disabled

On some Xiaomi devices (especially in European firmware), call recording is blocked by default.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Settings.
3. Select Call Record (on some models, path: Settings → Additional → Call Record).
4. Activate the call recorder switch.
5. Select a mode: 🔄 All calls – automatically records incoming and outgoing. 📞 Only selected contacts – entry is included for numbers from the list. 🚫 Disabled – manual recording during conversation (button on the screen).

If the call record is not on the menu, it means:

• 🌍 Your firmware — EU/Global ROM with legal restrictions (for example, GDPR Solution: install Xiaomi.eu or Global ROM regionally-blocked.
• 📱 You have a model without recording support (e.g. Poco) F3 Check the specifications on the official website.
• 🔄 Requires an update to the Phone app via Google Play.

Third-party applications for recording calls on Xiaomi

If the built-in feature doesn't suit, consider alternative solutions. Popular applications with MIUI 12 support:

When choosing a third-party application, consider:

• 🔋 Battery consumption: Recording in the background can reduce your battery life by 10-15%.
• 📡 Microphone Access: App needs permissions to record sound and access contacts.
• 📁 Storage: Set up automatic cleaning of old files so as not to clog up memory.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with Android 11+ and MIUI 12.5+ Some applications may not record the sound of the interlocutor due to limitations API. In this case, only root access or the use of a headset with a microphone will help.

How to transfer call records to a computer or other device

To save the records for a long time, it is recommended to transfer them to the PC or the cloud.

1. Through USB-cable: Connect your smartphone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP). Find the folder with records (see section above) and copy the files to the PC.
2. Wi-Fi (via Wi-Fi) FTP): Install the app FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. Activate FTP-server in file manager settings. Connect to the address ftp://[IP-phone]:2221 PC.
3. Through the cloud: Upload files to Google Drive, Dropbox or Mi Cloud. Use automatic sync (e.g. via FolderSync).

For mass transfer, it is convenient to use the ADB command (Developer Mode is required):

adb pull /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ C:\Xiaomi_Calls\

Important:.amr records can be converted to.mp3 for easy listening using Audacity or online converters.

💡

Regularly archive records on external media – the internal memory of the smartphone can fail, and cloud services sometimes delete files if the account is inactive.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with call records on Xiaomi, users face typical problems:

• 🔇 Not recorded voice interlocutor: Reason: Limitations of Android 10+ or MIUI Solution: Use a headset with a microphone or get root rights.
• 📱 Phone App crashes when you try to record: Reason: Damaged cache files. Solution: Clear cache to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse.
• ☁️ Records are not synced with Mi Cloud: Reason: No internet or not enough space in the cloud Solution: Check the storage quota in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 🔍 Record files corrupted: Reason: Incorrect recording termination (such as abruptly shutting down your phone).Solution: Restore files via VLC Media Player (open the file and wait for index recovery).

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the phone app settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your smartphone and set up the recording again.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions