Recording phone conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a useful feature for recording important conversations, interviews or evidence. However, after the call is completed, many users face the problem: where to look for a stored audio file? Unlike modern flagships, where the storage path is often obvious, the budget model of the 2019 release has its own peculiarities. In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible storage locations, including hidden folders of the system, cloud services and external drives.
It is important to understand that the location of files depends on three key factors: the version. MIUI (even on one device), settings of the application "Dictophone" and availability SD-For example, after updating to the map MIUI 12.5 The logic of saving may have changed, and in earlier versions, the records were sent by default to internal memory, and we analyzed all the scenarios and collected up-to-date information for 2026, including how to recover deleted files.
Standard ways to save records on Redmi 8
By default, Xiaomi Redmi 8 saves conversation records in the system application "Dictophon"** (Mic icon). Files are placed in the internal memory of the device in the following way:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/However, this path may vary depending on:
- π± Versions MIUI: into MIUI 11 and below the records may be retained in /storage/emulated/0/Recorder/
- π System updates: after major updates (e.g. before the MIUI 12) file could have been transferred to /storage/emulated/0/Records/
- π Manual changes to the user: if you manually indicated the way to save in the settings of the recorder
To determine the current location:
- Open the Dictophone app** (if not, install it from the Mi App Store).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β Settings β Save Place.
- The system will show the current path (for example, /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/).
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If the folder sound_recorder Not displayed in the file manager, turn on the hidden files: in Mi File Explorer, click on three lines β Settings β Show hidden files.
How the recordings of conversations are stored on SD-map
If your Redmi 8 has a microSD card installed, records can be automatically saved to it, but only if two conditions are met:
- The card is formatted as an internal memory (not as a portable device).
- The dictaphone settings indicate the path to SD: /storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/ (where XXXX-XXXX β unique ID map).
To move the records to SD-map:
Format the card as internal memory (Settings) β Memory. β SD-map β Formatting as an internal)|Open the recorder. β Settings β Preservation site β Choose. SD-map|Restart the device to apply changes|Check for the folder. sound_recorder on the map through the file manager-->
Important: if SD-The card is connected as a portable device, records on it will not be saved - the system blocks the recording in external memory by default due to the limitations of Android.
Cloud Services: Are Records Saved in Mi Cloud?
Xiaomi does not automatically sync recordings of conversations with the Mi Cloud, unlike photos or contacts, but there are two ways around:
- Manual loading: π Find the record in the folder. sound_recorder. βοΈ Upload the file to Mi Cloud via the Cloud app** (Files section).
Third-party annexes
- π€ Use AutoSync or FolderSync to automatically sync your folder sound_recorder Google Drive/Dropbox.
- π Set up the task of downloading new files with extension.m4a or.
Warning: Keeping conversation records in the cloud may violate privacy laws in some countries (e.g. EU GDPR).Be sure to have the consent of all participants in the conversation before downloading.
Inner memory|Nana SD-map|To the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)|I don't keep it, I listen right away.|I use third-party apps.-->
Hidden folders and system locations: where else can there be records
If records are not found in standard folders, check the following hidden locations:
| Folder/path | Description | When used |
|---|---|---|
| /data/com.android.providers.media/ | System folder of the media provider | If the recording is made through a third-party root-access application |
| /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.soundrecorder/ | Data folder of the Dictophone application | MIUI versions below 11.0 |
| /storage/emulated/0/Download/AudioRec/ | Download folder | If the record is saved as a "uploaded file" |
| /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/voice_assistant/ | Voice assistant folder | Records via Xiao AI (if the function is activated) |
Accessing system folders (e.g. /data/) requires root rights or a super-user-enabled file manager (e.g. Root Explorer). Without root, you will only see folders in internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/).
How to get root access on Redmi 8?
Formats and file extensions of records
Redmi 8 conversations are saved in one of three formats:
- π΅.m4a (AAC) β standard format MIUI, High quality with small size.
- π.Amr - outdated format for voice recordings, low quality (used in older versions) MIUI).
- π§.mp3 β if the recording is made through a third-party application (for example, Cube Call Recorder).
To define the format:
- Open Mi File Explorer and find the record.
- Keep your finger on the file β Properties β look at the Type field.
- To listen to.amr, you may need a player that supports this format (for example, VLC).
If the file is not reproduced:
β οΈ Attention: files with extension.m4a, Redmi 8 records may not open on PC due to codec ALAC. Use iTunes or convert to iTunes.mp3 via Audacity.
Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations
If the records have been deleted, they can be restored using specialized utilities. The effectiveness depends on how long it has been since the deletion and whether the device has been actively used (new data overwrites old ones).
Recovery methods:
- π PC: DiskDigger (free version only searches for photos, audio requires Pro). Recuva - supports recovery.m4a and.amr. 7-Data Recovery β Deep scanning of internal memory.
- π± Mobile applications: Dumpster β works as a βbasketβ for deleted files (you need to install INFORMATION). Undeleter β restores files directly on the phone (requires root for deep scanning).
Instructions for Recuva:
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Start Recuva β select the type of audio files.
- Show me the way. /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory; or /storage/XXXX-XXXX/ (SD-map).
- Click Analysis β wait for completion β tick the desired files and click Restore.
β οΈ Warning: Don't save recovered files back to your phone - copy them to your PC or cloud first.
Setup of automatic record saving
To avoid manually searching for records after each call, set up automatic save to a convenient location:
- Open the "Dictophone"** β Settings β Save Place.
- Choose: π Internal memory (by default). π SD-card (if formatted as an internal card). βοΈ Cloud (manual download only).
Auto-save after recording
For advanced settings, use third-party applications:
- π€ Cube Call Recorder ACR β allow you to choose the format (mp3/wav), Save and even upload records to Google Drive automatically.
- π Call Recorder by Lovekush β Supports cloud synchronization and encryption of records.
Important: In some countries (e.g. the United States or Germany), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.
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On the Redmi. 8 The default records are retained in /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/, But the path may change after the updates. MIUI. Always check the current location in the settings of the Dictator applicationΒ».