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:
- ๐ Internal memory. โ MIUI โ sound_recorder โ call_rec โ mainfolder MIUI 10โ12. The files are.amr or.mp3 name-name Record_20260515_143022.amr.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ 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:
- Open the Phone app.
- Press. โฎ (three-point) โ Settings โ Recording of conversations.
- Make sure that Auto Write is enabled and saved to your Device (not to the cloud) is selected.
โ ๏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.
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).
| folder | Way | File format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Cloud | Internal memory. โ miui โ cloud_backup โ CallRecords | .amr, .mp3 | Only if you have cloud synchronization enabled. |
| Google Drive | Call Recordings folder in the Disc root directory | .mp3, .m4a | Automatic save works when you have a Google account. |
| The Dictaphone application folder | Internal memory. โ Recorder โ Records | .m4a, .wav | If 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/databasesCritical: 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.
- ๐ ๏ธ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files, but it works without root, but it is more efficient with it.
- ๐ Recuva (via PC) - connect your phone in File Transfer mode (MTP) and scan the disk.
- ๐ฑ GT Recovery is a mobile recovery app that supports.amr and.mp3.
The recovery algorithm:
- Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
- Select Full Scan (requires root).
- Filter the results for.amr,.mp3,.m4a extensions.
- Save the files found on SD-card.
โ ๏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:
| Annex | Features | Where records are kept |
|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Recording both sides of the conversation, cloud storage, encryption | /CubeRecordings/ or cloud (optional) |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Automatic recording,.mp3 and.wav support | /CallRecorder/ |
| Automatic Call Recorder | Filtering important calls, integration with Google Drive | /AutomaticCallRecorder/ or Google Drive |
Example of Cube ACR configuration:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, grant permissions to Record Audio and Warehouse.
- In the settings, select Format โ MP3 and Conservation Folder โ Internal Memory.
- 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.
- ๐ Permissions for application in Settings โ Annexes โ Permits โ Microphone.
- ๐ No app on the list Battery Optimization (MIUI may block background work).
- ๐ต Free space on your device (less than 1 GB can cause crashes).
๐ก
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.
- ๐ Mi Cloud: sync the CallRecords folder through Settings โ Xiaomi account โ Mi Cloud โ Synchronization.
- ๐พ Local backup: regularly copy the folder with records to your PC or external drive.
Instructions for setting up autosave in Google Drive:
- Open a recorder app (such as Automatic Call Recorder).
- Go to Settings. โ Cloud storage.
- Select Google Drive and log in.
- Specify a folder to save (for example, CallBackups).
- Activate the autoboot option after recording.
โ ๏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).
๐ก
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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording doesn't start. | MIUI blocks background recording | Turn off battery optimization for recorder app |
| Files are saved but not reproduced | The codec.amr is damaged. | Convert to.mp3 via Audacity or Online-Convert |
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes | MIUI Restriction on Long-Term Recording | Use applications with Continuous Recording (e.g. Cube ACR) |
| No sound of the interlocutor | The 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:
- Go to Settings โ Battery and Performance โ Battery Consumption Management.
- Select the recorder application and install it without restrictions.
- Enable the AutoRun option for this application.
Why does MIUI block the recording of calls?
7. Alternative recording methods (if nothing works)
If none of the above methods worked, try the workarounds:
- ๐ฑ Second phone: put a second phone next to you with the voice recorder running.
- ๐ง Headphones with microphone: connect the headset and record the conversation through a voice recorder (Inner memory) โ Recorder).
- ๐ป Recording via PC: use Audio Hijack (for Mac) or Audacity with microphone on.
- ๐ผ 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:
- Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via USB-C.
- Enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Run Audacity and select the phone's microphone as the sound source.
- 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.