Where to save conversation records on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide to search and restore files

Have you turned on a phone call recording on Xiaomi Redmi 8 but can't find the file? Or accidentally deleted an important audio call and want to restore it? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone owners - especially on budget models like Redmi 8, where the MIUI interface hides some system folders from the user.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible places to store Redmi 8 conversation records, from standard directories to hidden system folders, how to find files through Explorer, why they might disappear after a MIUI update, and what to do if the record isn’t saved at all, and how to restore deleted records without root rights.

Important: the Redmi 8 record saving algorithm depends on the MIUI version and the recording method (built-in voice recorder, phone app or third-party programs).

Standard place for storing conversation records

At Xiaomi Redmi. 8 firmware MIUI 11–14 Default call records are saved in the folder MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. However, the path may differ depending on the:

• 📱 Versions MIUI — old-built (MIUI 10 and below, Recorders catalogue used.
• 🔧 Recording methods - built-in "Phone" application or third-party voice recorder.
• 📁 The type of memory is the internal memory or SD-map (if you have set up a saving there).

To find the records:

1. Open the File Manager application**.
2. Go to Categories → Audio or Internal Memory → MIUI.
3. Look for the folders. sound_recorder or call_rec.

Record files are usually formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: Call_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS. If there is no folder, check the settings of the Phone application (more on this below).

Why records are not saved or disappear

Redmi 8 users often find that call records are:

• ❌ Not saved at all (no file is created).
• 👻 Disappear after rebooting or updating MIUI.
• 🔍 Not displayed in a gallery or guide.

Main reasons:

Critical feature of Redmi 8: If the recording is done through a built-in voice recorder during a call, the file can be saved in the Recorders folder, rather than in the Recorders folder. call_rec. Check both directories!

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 8 Call records are automatically deleted through 30 days, unless your storage settings have been changed. To disable this, go to Settings → Memory. → Auto-cleaning → Exceptions and add a folder call_rec.

How to Change the Way of Keeping Records

By default. MIUI saves the records to the system folder, but you can redirect them to a more convenient place (for example, to the system folder). SD-To the map or the cloud:

Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer

Move to the MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec

Copy all files into a new folder (for example, Download/Call_Records)

In the settings of the Phone application, specify a new path (if available)

Check the test call record.-->

If your MIUI version does not have the option to change paths in the settings, use the workaround method:

1. Install a file manager with root access (e.g. FX File Explorer).
2. Create a symbolic link (symlink) with the command: ln -s /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec /storage/emulated/0/Download/Call_Records
3. The recordings will now be duplicated in the Download folder.

To automate the transfer of records, you can use the Automate or Tasker application with the trigger “New File in the folder”.

💡

If you record calls frequently, set up automatic uploads to Google Drive via the FolderSync app.This will protect records from being lost when you reset your phone.

Search for records via PC (if not visible on the phone)

Sometimes the records exist on the phone but are not displayed in MIUI Explorer, in which case, connect Redmi 8 to your computer and search manually:

Steps for Windows:

1. Connect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open Windows Explorer and go to This Computer → [Name of your Redmi 8]
3. Turn on the display of hidden and system files: Click View → Hidden elements. Uncheck the tick Hide protected system files (in folder settings).

.m4a OR

For macOS/Linux, use the command in the terminal:

find /Volumes/[Telephone Name] -type f \( -name ".m4a" -o -name ".amr" \)

If files are found but not played back, check their integrity with VLC Player or Audacity – sometimes records are corrupted due to microphone malfunctions.

Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If you accidentally delete a call record, you can restore it with specialized utilities.

• 🔄 DiskDigger – works without root, but restores only thumbnails and some formats.
• 🛠️ Recuva (for PC) – scans the phone’s internal memory through USB.
• 📱 Dumpster – a shopping cart application that saves deleted files.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Select Basic scan (without root).
3. Check the file types: Audio (AMR, M4A).
4. Wait until the scan is completed (it can take 10 to 30 minutes).
5. Select the required records and press Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same memory as the deleted files! This will overwrite them without the possibility of returning. SD-Map or cloud to save recovered data.

If the record was deleted long ago (more than 2-3 weeks), the chances of recovery are minimal - MIUI actively uses the cache and overwrites the free space, in which case only a backup (if it was created) will help.

Alternative ways to record calls on Redmi 8

If the built-in MIUI recording function is unstable, consider third-party solutions:

To set up Cube Call Recorder on Redmi 8:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Go to Settings → Source of the recording.
3. Select Voice Call (MIUI).
4. Enable the option to use the built-in record.
5. Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, access to calls).

Important: With MIUI 12.5+, Xiaomi blocks recording calls through third-party apps for security reasons. To get around this, turn off battery optimization for voice recorder in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Battery Optimization.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Let’s discuss the typical problems with recording calls on Redmi 8 and how to fix them:

• 🔇 Only my voice is recorded. → Turn on speaker while talking or use a headset with a microphone. MIUI The default recording is only from the main microphone.
• 📵 Recording is interrupted in 1-2 minutes → Turn off Battery Optimization for the Phone app in the settings.
• 🔒 No access to the folder. call_rec → Reset permissions for the Files app in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Memory.
• 📱 After updating MIUI missing → Check the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup — Sometimes files are automatically transferred there.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the phone app settings**:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (do not delete the cache!).
4. Reboot the phone.

This will return the standard recording settings, but will delete the call history.

💡

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 11-12, recording calls may conflict with Smart Assistant. Turn it off in Settings → Special Features → Smart Assistant if you encounter problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions