Where on Xiaomi Mi 8 are stored call records: a full search and recovery guide

Did you record an important conversation on Xiaomi Mi 8 but can't find it now? Or accidentally delete the record and want to return? The problem is that MIUI hides audio files of calls in an unobvious way - they can lie in system folders, the cloud or even in encrypted form. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations for records on the Mi 8, including hidden directories, backups and recovery methods through ADB.

Let's warn you right away: the standard Dictaphone app in MIUI 10/11/12 (which is the version on the Mi 8) stores the call records not in the gallery, but in a separate system folder. Moreover, if you used third-party applications like Cube Call Recorder or ACR, the files can be scattered across different directories. We've collected all the options - from obvious to exotic - and added instructions for those who have already deleted the records.

1. Standard Storage: CallRecords folder in internal memory

If you recorded calls through the built-in MIUI voice recorder, check this folder first:

• 📁 Way: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/
• 🔍 Features: Files have a format.m4a or.amr with names REC_20260515_143022.call
• ⚠️ Nuance: The folder can be hidden – turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager (in the file manager). MIUI This is done through settings. → Additionally. → Show hidden files)

To get there quickly:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. In the address bar, enter the path /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ and press Enter.
3. If the folders sound_recorder No, try an alternative path. /storage/emulated/0/CallRecords/.

Important! Some Mi 8 firmware (especially Chinese) can store records encrypted, and if there are files that aren't being played back, try copying them to your PC and opening them via VLC Player or Audacity.

💡

If you don't have a folder, check if the call recording is enabled in your phone settings. On Mi 8, this is done through Settings → Apps → Phone → Call recording. If the option is disabled, the recordings simply weren't created.

2.Alternative folders: Where third-party apps look for records

If you've used Cube Call Recorder, ACR (Another Call Recorder) or Boldbeast, the files will lie elsewhere.

If you don’t remember which app you used, search for internal memory:

1. Open the file manager and click on the magnifying glass icon (search).
2. Enter the extensions:.mp3,.amr,.m4a,.ogg.
3. Sort the results by date of change – the latest records will be at the top.

3. Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive and others

Many people forget that MIUI can sync call records with Mi Cloud by default.

• 🌐 Web version: i.mi.com → section Records or Files
• 📱 Mobile App: Mi Cloud → The device → Files. → Audio
• ⚠️ Limitation: Free Accounts only store files for 30 days

If you have used Google Drive to back up:

1. Open Google Drive on your PC.
2. In the search box, type:audio.
3. Filter by date – call records usually weigh 1–10MB.

Attention! If you enabled Autosynchronization in Mi Cloud, the recordings could be compressed to low quality (e.g. 128 kbps to 64 kbps). To avoid this, disable Storage Optimization in the cloud settings.

4.System folders and hidden directories: where MIUI hides data

The Xiaomi Mi 8 on MIUI 10-12 can store call records in non-obvious places, especially if you've updated your firmware or reset your settings.

• 🔒 /data/com.android.providers.media/documents/ — There may be temporary copies of the records.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.voicerecord/files/ — tape-filler
• 🗃️ /data/media/0/MIUI/voice_recorder/ — Alternative path for older versions MIUI

To access system folders (for example, /data/), You will need root rights or ADB. Instructions for ADB:

adb shell


su




ls /data/com.android.providers.media/documents/

If you don’t have root, try using FX File Explorer with Root Access mode enabled (unlocked bootloader required).

Connect the phone to the PC with debugging enabled USB|Install. ADB-Drivers (download from the official website)|Open the command line and enter adb devices (you should display your device)|Execute the command adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/|If the folder is empty, check the other paths in the list above.-->

5. Recovery of Deleted Records: 3 Working Methods

If you accidentally deleted a call record, don't despair, it can be returned.

Method 1: Recovery programs (without root)

Use DiskDigger, Recuva (on PC) or EaseUS MobiSaver.

1. Install the program on your PC and connect Mi 8 in File Transfer mode.
2. Select the Internal Storage section and start a deep scan.
3. Filter the results for.amr,.m4a,.mp3 extensions.

Method 2: Recovery through MIUI backup

If you have backup through Settings → Additional → Backup:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Select the last copy and click Restore.
3. Please indicate that you only need to recover Multimedia or Other files.

Method 3: Manual recovery via hex editor (for advanced)

If the recordings were in.amr format, you can try to restore them manually:

1. Download HxD Hex Editor on PC.
2. Connect the Mi 8 and create an internal memory image using ADB pull /dev/block/mmcblk0.
3. In HxD, look for the #!AMR or ftypM4A signatures.

Warning! The hex-editor method can lead to data loss if you get the blocks wrong, only use it if other methods have failed and you have a backup.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid loss of records is to enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, and even if the file is deleted from the phone, a copy of it will remain in the cloud for at least 7-30 days.

6 Why records may not be saved: common problems

Sometimes users complain that call records are not saved at all, and here are the main reasons and solutions:

• 🚫 No recording rights: On Android 10+ Applications need permission RECORD_AUDIO and READ_PHONE_STATE. Check in Settings → Annexes → Rights. → Special permits.
• 🔇 Do Not Disturb Mode: Mode on DND It can block the recording. Turn it off in the notification curtain.
• 📵 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) block the recording of calls at the network level.
• 🔋 Optimizing the battery: MIUI It can kill background voice recorder processes. Add the app to the exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Choose a recorder. → Not optimize.

If the problem is firmware, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Resetting), but pre-do a backup!

7 How to transfer call records to another phone or PC

To copy the recordings to another device:

1. On Android: Connect Mi 8 to the new phone through OTG-Use Mi File Explorer or Total Commander to copy files from the folder /MIUI/sound_recorder/.
2. On PC (Windows/macOS): Connect the phone in file transfer mode (MTP). Open this computer. → Xiaomi Mi 8 → Internal storage → MIUI → sound_recorder. Copy files into any folder on the PC.

Through the cloud

• Download the recordings to Google Drive/Mi Cloud and download them on another device.

Tip: If files are not copied due to MIUI restrictions, use AirDroid or send them to yourself via Telegram (there is a 2GB limit per file).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the phone records for Xiaomi Mi 8