Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face the problem: where do the recordings of conversations go? Even if you are sure that you have turned on the record, it is not so easy to find the file. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage places, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and also tell you how to recover lost records and configure auto record correctly.
It’s important to understand that Redmi 8 calls can be stored in different locations depending on the firmware version (MIUI 10/11/12), the recording application used, and even the carrier. We tested all methods on real devices and collected only working solutions – no water or unnecessary steps.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi Redmi 8 Stores the conversation records in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec But the path may differ depending on the version. MIUI:
- 📁 MIUI 10/11: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/
- 📁 MIUI 12+: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/
- 🔍 How to find: Use any file manager (such as Mi File Explorer or Total Commander) and enable the display of hidden folders in the settings.
If you don't have a folder, check if the call recording is enabled in your phone settings.
- Open the Phone app.
- Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Recording of conversations.
- Make sure the switch is in the on position.
Important nuance: Some firmware stores records as.amr or.mp3, but they don't show up in the gallery. Use applications like ES Explorer or connect your phone to your PC to see them.
2. Alternative locations: Where else can there be records
If the standard folder is empty, check these locations:
| Storage area | Way | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Download folder | /storage/emulated/0/Download/ | If the recording was saved through a third-party application (for example, Cube Call Recorder) |
| The Dictaphone application folder | /storage/emulated/0/RecForPad/ | If the recording was conducted through a built-in recorder during a conversation |
| Google Drive (Automatic Synchronization) | Drive → CallRecord folder | If backup option is enabled in the recording settings |
| SD-map (if installed) | /storage/XXXX-XXXX/CallRecords/ (where XXXX — ID map) | If the recording settings indicate saving to an external drive |
Critical detail: on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12.5 firmware and newer records by default can be saved to the Xiaomi Cloud if synchronization is enabled. Check Cloud folder → Device → Call records in the Xiaomi Cloud application.
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If you can't find a MIUI folder, try typing its name into the file manager search bar, often hidden from the standard display.
3. How to enable autorecording of all calls (step-by-step instructions)
Many Redmi 8 users don’t know that recording can be set to automatically turn on for all or selected contacts.
Enable recording in the phone settings|Select the format of the storage (internal memory)/SD-map)|Set up contact exceptions|Check the permissions for the "Phone" application"-->
- Open the phone application → Settings (⋮).
- Select Recording of conversations → Automatic recording.
- Specify for which calls to include the record: 📞 All calls are recorded incoming and outgoing; 👤 Selected contacts - only for those marked in the phone book; 🚫 Exceptions – you can add numbers that you do not need to write down.
Internal memory.
SD-map
Save.
After activation next to the conversation timer, a recording icon will appear (🎤). If it is not, restart your phone or check if the Phone app is disabled in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
4.What to do if records are lost or not saved
If you are sure that the recording was conducted, but there are no files, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔄 Resetting: After resetting to factory settings, the folder with records is deleted.
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: When you clean the application data, Phone or Recorder records may disappear.
- 📵 Memory Lack: If the device has less than 100 MB of free space, MIUI Automatically delete old records.
- 🚫 Recording ban: Some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) block the recording of calls at the network level.
How to recover deleted records?
If the problem is with the operator, try:
- Install a third-party recording app (e.g. Call Recorder by Lovekesh).
- Turn on speaker mode and record the conversation through a voice recorder.
- Call via WhatsApp or Telegram – these messengers allow you to save voice messages.
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On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12.5+, call recording can be blocked due to privacy policy, in which case only root access or third-party applications with the ability to record via speakerphone will help.
5. Third-party applications for recording: pros and cons
If the built-in recording function doesn't work, you can use alternative programs. We tested 5 popular applications on Redmi 8:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Call Recorder | Records both voices, cloud storage | The paid version for HD-quality, sometimes not catching calls | Google Play |
| Call Recorder by Lovekesh | Free, simple interface | Advertising, records are kept in low quality | Google Play |
| Automatic Call Recorder | Flexible settings, integration with Google Drive | It requires a lot of permissions, sometimes it glimpses MIUI. | Google Play |
Before installation, check:
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8s MIUI 12+ Some recording apps may not work due to Android 10 limitations+. Before installation, disable Battery Optimization for the selected application in the settings.
To ensure that the third-party application works stably:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the installed application to record and select Permissions.
- Turn on access to the Microphone, Warehouse and Phone.
- In the section Additionally disable Battery Optimization.
6 How to transfer records to a computer or cloud
If you want to save your records for a long time, you better transfer them to your PC or to the cloud.
- 🖥️ On the computer: Connect Redmi 8 PC-only USB-Cable. Select file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the folder with the records (for example, MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec) hard-drive.
In the cloud
- Install Google Drive or Xiaomi Cloud.
- Select the files of records → Share → Save to the cloud.
- For automatic synchronization, enable the option in the settings of the recording application.
Tip: To avoid losing important records, set up an automatic upload to the cloud. For example, in Google Drive, you can create a CallRecords folder and set up a backup through the Automatic Call Recorder app.
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If you take up a lot of space, convert them to.mp3 with a bitrate of 64 kbps. Use the MP3 Converter app or online services like Online-Convert.
7. Frequent errors and how to fix them
When you're working with Redmi 8, you're going to have a problem, and here are some of the most common ones that you can do.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes. | MIUI Restriction on Recording Duration Without Root Rights | Use third-party apps or record through speakerphone |
| Only my voice is recorded. | The operator blocks the recording of incoming sound | Call VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram) or use a second phone to record |
| Record files damaged. | Incorrect completion of the recording or memory failure | Restore files via DiskDigger or re-record the conversation |
| I can't find the file with the records. | Folder hidden or moved | Search by file name (.amr or.mp3) |
If none of the methods worked, check:
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware (especially custom ones) have call recording disabled at the kernel level, in which case only flashing to the official one will help. MIUI or rooting.