Where to look for conversation records on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still a popular smartphone due to its reliability and functionality, but many users face the problem: where do phone records go? Unlike new models, where the recording function is built into the firmware MIUI 12+, the Redmi Note 8 Pro (released in 2019) is not so clear. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and also tell you how to recover deleted files and which applications will help automate the process.

It's important to understand that recording conversations on the Redmi Note 8 Pro depends on three factors: MIUI version, regional firmware (global, Chinese, European) and third-party applications used. For example, some versions of MIUI 10/11 have disabled call recording at the system level due to legal restrictions in individual countries. If you didn't set up the recording in advance, chances are that conversations simply didn't persist. But even then there are ways to find traces - more on that.

1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI

If the recording of conversations was activated through the standard Phone application, the files must be stored in one of the system folders. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the path depends on the version of MIUI:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Internal memory. โ†’ MIUI โ†’ sound_recorder โ†’ call_rec โ€” mainfolder MIUI 10โ€“12. The files are.amr or.mp3 name-name Record_20260515_143022.amr.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Internal memory. โ†’ Recorder โ†’ CallRecordings is an alternative way in some firmware (e.g., the Chinese version) where files can be in format.m4a.
  • ๐Ÿ” Search by name: Use the built-in File Manager (or Total Commander) and type a search query call_rec or Record_* โ€” It'll speed up the search.

If there are no folders, check the recording settings:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Press. โ‹ฎ (three-point) โ†’ Settings โ†’ Recording of conversations.
  3. Make sure that Auto Write is enabled and saved to your Device (not to the cloud) is selected.

โš ๏ธ Note: In some regional firmware (e.g. EU), call recording is disabled by default due to privacy laws. If the option is not in the settings, third-party software will be required.

๐Ÿ“Š Have you ever used a recording of conversations on Xiaomi?
Yeah, regularly.
Yeah, but rarely.
No, I haven't.
I don't know how it works.

2 Hidden system folders: where else can there be records

MIUI sometimes saves records in non-obvious places, especially if alternative methods have been used (e.g., recording via Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

folderWayFile formatNotes
System cache/data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases.db (database)It requires root access. You can extract the metadata from the records through SQLite Editor.
Mi CloudInternal memory. โ†’ miui โ†’ cloud_backup โ†’ CallRecords.amr, .mp3Only if you have cloud synchronization enabled.
Google DriveCall Recordings folder in the Disc root directory.mp3, .m4aAutomatic save works when you have a Google account.
The Dictaphone application folderInternal memory. โ†’ Recorder โ†’ Records.m4a, .wavIf the recording was conducted through a built-in recorder during the conversation.

Access to system folders (e.g. /data/data/) requires root rights or an ADB-enabled file manager. If they don't, try connecting your phone to your PC and using ADB Shell:

adb shell


su




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

Critical: Files in /data/data/ folder are deleted when you reset or update MIUI. If you plan to update your firmware, extract the entries first!

3. How to Recover Deleted Records of Conversations

If files have been deleted, you can try to restore them using specialized utilities.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files, but it works without root, but it is more efficient with it.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Recuva (via PC) - connect your phone in File Transfer mode (MTP) and scan the disk.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ GT Recovery is a mobile recovery app that supports.amr and.mp3.

The recovery algorithm:

  1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
  2. Select Full Scan (requires root).
  3. Filter the results for.amr,.mp3,.m4a extensions.
  4. Save the files found on SD-card.

โš ๏ธ Warning: The more you use your phone after deleting the records, the lower the chances of recovery!

Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Install a recovery application

Connect SD-file-card

Do not record new audio files before the process is completed-->

4. Third-party applications for recording and storing conversations

If the standard methods don't work, use third-party programs. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you've checked:

AnnexFeaturesWhere records are kept
Cube ACRRecording both sides of the conversation, cloud storage, encryption/CubeRecordings/ or cloud (optional)
Call Recorder by LovekeshAutomatic recording,.mp3 and.wav support/CallRecorder/
Automatic Call RecorderFiltering important calls, integration with Google Drive/AutomaticCallRecorder/ or Google Drive

Example of Cube ACR configuration:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, grant permissions to Record Audio and Warehouse.
  3. In the settings, select Format โ†’ MP3 and Conservation Folder โ†’ Internal Memory.
  4. Activate the Auto Record of all calls.

Important: Some applications (such as Cube ACR) may conflict with MIUI due to limitations on recording audio in the background.

  • ๐Ÿ”• Permissions for application in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Permits โ†’ Microphone.
  • ๐Ÿ›‘ No app on the list Battery Optimization (MIUI may block background work).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Free space on your device (less than 1 GB can cause crashes).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the recording is interrupted after 5-10 minutes, turn off the Battery Savings function for the recorder application in the MIUI settings.

5 How to save records for the future: clouds and backups

To avoid losing important conversations, set up automatic save to the cloud. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, options are available:

  • โ˜๏ธ Google Drive: in the settings of the recorder app, select Autoboot โ†’ Google Drive. Files will be available from any device.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Mi Cloud: sync the CallRecords folder through Settings โ†’ Xiaomi account โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Synchronization.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Local backup: regularly copy the folder with records to your PC or external drive.

Instructions for setting up autosave in Google Drive:

  1. Open a recorder app (such as Automatic Call Recorder).
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ Cloud storage.
  3. Select Google Drive and log in.
  4. Specify a folder to save (for example, CallBackups).
  5. Activate the autoboot option after recording.

โš ๏ธ Note: When using Mi Cloud, records can take up space in cloud storage. Make sure you have enough free space (free 5GB is provided).

๐Ÿ’ก

The most reliable way to save records is a combination of local storage + cloud backup, which will protect data even if you lose or reset your phone.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Redmi Note 8 Pro users often encounter common errors when recording conversations.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The recording doesn't start.MIUI blocks background recordingTurn off battery optimization for recorder app
Files are saved but not reproducedThe codec.amr is damaged.Convert to.mp3 via Audacity or Online-Convert
Recording ends in 1-2 minutesMIUI Restriction on Long-Term RecordingUse applications with Continuous Recording (e.g. Cube ACR)
No sound of the interlocutorThe app only records your microphone.Enable the option Record on both sides in the recorder settings

If the recording is interrupted due to MIUI Optimization, follow the following steps:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Battery and Performance โ†’ Battery Consumption Management.
  2. Select the recorder application and install it without restrictions.
  3. Enable the AutoRun option for this application.

Why does MIUI block the recording of calls?
In some versions of MIUI (especially for the European region), recording conversations is limited due to GDPR laws, which require both parties to agree to a record. Xiaomi has removed this feature from EU firmware to avoid legal problems.

7. Alternative recording methods (if nothing works)

If none of the above methods worked, try the workarounds:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Second phone: put a second phone next to you with the voice recorder running.
  • ๐ŸŽง Headphones with microphone: connect the headset and record the conversation through a voice recorder (Inner memory) โ†’ Recorder).
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Recording via PC: use Audio Hijack (for Mac) or Audacity with microphone on.
  • ๐Ÿ“ผ Screen video recording: Enable screen recording with sound through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Screen recording (sound will be recorded from the microphone).

Recording via PC will require:

  1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via USB-C.
  2. Enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  3. Run Audacity and select the phone's microphone as the sound source.
  4. Start recording before the call.

Warning: Recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor may violate the laws of your country. In Russia, for example, according to article 138 of the criminal code, unauthorized recording of private conversations is punishable by a fine of up to 200 000 rubles.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I record calls to Redmi Note 8 Pro without third-party apps?
Yes, but only if your version of MIUI supports this feature. In MIUI 10-12 global firmware, conversation recording is usually disabled. Check for the option in Settings of the phone โ†’ Recording of conversations. If it is not, use Cube ACR or analogues.
Why are records saved in.amr format instead of.mp3?
The.amr (Adaptive Multi-Rate) format is used by default in MIUI because of the smaller file size. To convert to.mp3, use applications like Audio Converter or online services, and the quality will not deteriorate.
How to turn on the recording of conversations if the option is not in the settings?
Download a third-party app (like Call Recorder by Lovekesh) and give it audio recording rights. If MIUI blocks background work, turn off battery optimization for that app in the settings.
Can I recover records after resetting the phone to factory settings?
If the records were stored only in internal memory, no. After the reset, the data is deleted irrevocably. Exception: if you synced files to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
Is it legal to record telephone conversations?
The laws vary by country, and in Russia, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is allowed if you are a participant in the conversation (Article 138 of the Criminal Code), but using the recording in court or broadcasting it in public requires the consent of all parties.