You've turned on a conversation record on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, but you can't find the file saved? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone users -- standard apps record calls, but it's not always obvious where audio files are stored and how to open them. In this article, we'll look at all possible storage locations, file formats, and also tell you what to do if the folder with the records suddenly disappears.
The Redmi Note 8 (and other MIUI devices) feature is that the path to recording can vary depending on the firmware version, the recording application used, and even regional settings. We tested all current scenarios on MIUI 12-14 and put together a checklist that can help you find files in 2 minutes. And if you use third-party apps like Cube Call Recorder or ACR, we have a separate section with their features.
Standard place for storing records in MIUI
By default, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 saves conversation records in the system folder, accessible through any file manager.
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/Alternatively (depending on the version of MIUI):
/storage/emulated/0/Recordings/Call/The files are formatted.m4a or.amr and named by template: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_phone number. Format. For example: Recording_20260515_143022_+79123456789.m4a.
Open the folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/ Files by Google or Files by Google
Make sure that hidden files are displayed (Settings → Show hidden)
Try searching for the keyword Record or Call_
Check the file manager basket (sometimes records get there after updates)
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⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI 14 And newer, the folder can be called MIUI/voice_recorder/ — This is due to the processing of system applications, and some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block the recording of calls at the network level, which simply does not create files.
How to find records through the Dictophone application
The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in Dictophone app, which automatically collects all the recordings, including calls, if they were made through a standard phone module.
- Open the Dictophone application (if it is not on the desktop, search through the system search).
- Go to the Call Recordings tab (or Call Recordings in the English version of MIUI).
- Click on the desired record – a player will open with the ability to listen, edit or export.
If there is no call record tab, it means:
- 📱 You use a third-party call app (such as Truecaller or WhatsApp) that stores files in its storage.
- 🔧 Recording feature disabled in phone settings: check Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Recording of conversations.
- 🗑️ Records were deleted after update MIUI (This happens when you reset the cache of system applications).
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If there is no tab with calls in the Dictophone, try updating the app through Google Play. Sometimes after the MIUI update, system utilities require additional updates.
File formats and how to open them
Records on the Redmi Note 8 are saved in one of three formats:
| Format | Expansion | Features | Opening programmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4A (AAC) | .m4a | High quality, small size, used in MIUI 12-14. | VLC, AIMP, standard Android player |
| AMR | .amr | Low quality, minimal size, found in older versions of MIUI. | QuickTime, MX Player, Dictaphone |
| MP3 | .mp3 | Rarely, only if third-party applications were used. | Any player. |
If the file does not open:
- Check the extension, sometimes it can be hidden. In Explorer, turn on the extensions in the settings.
- Rename the file by adding the correct extension (e.g., record.amr).
- Use a versatile player like VLC – it supports all formats.
⚠️ Note:.amr files may be played with distortion on some players. If you hear interference, try converting the recording to MP3 Online services such as Online-Convert.
Third-party Write Applications: Where They Store Files
If you're not using a standard phone module, but rather an application like Cube Call Recorder, ACR, or Truecaller, the paths to recordings will be different.
- 📁 Cube Call Recorder: /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackup/CallRecord/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/.
- 📁 ACR (Another Call Recorder): /storage/emulated/0/ACR/.
- 📁 Truecaller: /storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings/ (Only for premium users).
- 📁 Boldbeast: /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast Call Recorder/.
Features of third-party applications:
- 🔒 Some (like Boldbeast) encrypt records – you need a password to listen.
- 📱 Applications can save files to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) – check your settings.
- ⚙️ V ACR Cube can automatically clean old records (default 30 days later).
How to transfer recordings from the old Redmi Note 8 to a new phone?
Why records may be lost and how to recover them
Redmi Note 8 users often experience call records suddenly disappear.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Records are missing after MIUI update | Resetting the cache of system applications | Check /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup/ – sometimes files are copied there |
| Files are available, but they are not reproduced. | Recording damage or incompatible format | Use VLC or convert to MP3 |
| The file is empty. | Recording is blocked by the operator or settings | Check the settings → Permissions → Phone → Record conversations |
| Records deleted accidentally | Cleaning through the file manager | Recover through DiskDigger or Recuva (root needed) |
If files have been deleted, try to restore them with specialized utilities:
- Install DiskDigger from Google Play and scan the internal memory.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use Recuva (USB debugging required).
- Check the cart in Google Photos – sometimes the entries there are automatically uploaded.
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The most common reason for loss of records is a disabled recording permission for the Phone app. Always check permission settings after updating MIUI!
How to Change the Place of Records Saving
By default, the Redmi Note 8 saves the records to internal memory, but it can be redirected to the internal memory. SD-map or cloud. Instructions for different cases:
1.Save on SD-map
If you have a microSD installed on your phone:
- Open the "Dictophone" → Settings → Save Place.
- Choose. SD-map and specify folder (for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/CallRecordings/).
- Restart your phone – new records will be saved to the map.
2. Automatic upload to the cloud
For backup:
- 🖥️ Google Drive: In the “Dictorphone” settings, enable Autoboot in Google Drive.
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup and add Audio Files to the list.
⚠️ Attention: When maintaining on SD-The card may be lost if the card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory). A1 or A2.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Dealing with the call records on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is often accompanied by typical problems.
- 📵 Recording does not begin: Make sure that in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permits included Microphone and Warehouse.
- 🔇 Interlocutor not heard: Check whether the mode is on speakerphone - it records worse.
- 📱 Phone freezes while recording: Disable battery optimization for Phone app (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- 🗃️ Files take up too much space: In the settings of the "Dictorney" set compression in AMR or limit the length of the recording.
A critical feature of the Redmi Note 8 is that when you record calls through Bluetooth headphones, the audio stream may not be saved to the file. Always use your phone's speaker or wired headset for reliable recording.