What to record conversations on Xiaomi Redmi 8: search, recovery and settings

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the question: where exactly does the device store records of phone conversations? Unlike flagship models, there is no obvious Write folder on the home screen, and standard applications for calling do not always tell the path to files. In this article, we will analyze all possible locations for storing audio recordings – from system directories to third-party applications, and also tell you how to find, copy or restore them if accidentally deleted.

It's important to understand that the location of the save depends on the way you record: whether you used a built-in voice recorder, a phone app with a conversation recorder, or third-party software like Cube Call Recorder. We analyzed all the scripts and gathered up-to-date information for Redmi 8 based on MIUI 12/13 (as well as older versions). If you didn't find the records in standard folders, don't panic: they could be hidden or moved. Then you'll learn how to find them even without root rights.

Standard places for storing conversation records

By default, Xiaomi Redmi 8 saves audio conversation files in one of the system folders of internal memory. The exact location depends on the version of MIUI and the call app used.

• 📁 folder MIUI/sound_recorder — It stores records made through a built-in voice recorder (Write sound in the application menu.m4a or.
• 📱 CallRecordings folder is a standard place to record conversations if the feature is activated in the Phone app settings: /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/.
• 🔍 Downloads folder – sometimes records are saved here if you used third-party software or downloaded a file from the cloud.
• 📂 folder MIUI/voice_recorder — alternative location for voice notes (found in older versions) MIUI 11).

To quickly find these folders, open any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Total Commander) and type the folder name into the search bar. If there are no records in the specified directories, check for hidden files - activate the "Show Hidden Items" option in the file manager settings.

An important caveat: if you upgraded Redmi 8 to MIUI 14+, the path to recordings could change. In newer versions of the firmware, recordings of conversations are often transferred to the Android/media/com.android.dialer/ folder. Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) also block the recording of conversations at the network level, in which case files are simply not created.

How to Enable Recording of Conversations in a Standard App

If you haven't tried recording conversations before, make sure that the function is activated first. In Redmi 8, it can be hidden or disabled by default. Here's how to turn it on:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Record Conversations (or additionally → Record Calls in older versions of MIUI).
4. Activate the Write automatically switch or select Write manually (on request).
5. Tell them what they are talking about, or what they are talking about.

When activated during the conversation, a recording icon (usually a red circle or microphone) will appear on the screen. If not, check if access to the microphone for the Phone application is blocked in the resolution settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone).

Is the function in the Phone application activated?

Is there a permit to access the microphone?

Is there enough free space on the device?

Is your mobile operator blocking the recording?

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⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. the EU), recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.

Search for records through file manager

If you know that records exist but can't find them, use the built-in Mi File Manager or install a third-party (e.g. FX File Explorer).

1. Open the file manager and go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
2. In the search bar, enter the keywords: call, record,.amr or.m4a.
3. If nothing is found, turn on the display of hidden files (in Mi File Manager: Settings → Show hidden files).
4. Check Android/data/ folders – some write apps (like ACR) store files there.

If records are found but not played back, try copying them to your PC and opening them via VLC Media Player or Audacity. Sometimes files get corrupted due to app malfunctions or lack of memory.

Critical information: in MIUI 14+ Records of conversations can be encrypted and stored in a secure folder /data/user_de/0/com.android.dialer/files/, If you can't find files but are sure that the record was made, try using data recovery applications (e.g. DiskDigger).

Third-party applications for recording conversations

If the built-in recording feature doesn’t suit you (for example, due to operator limitations or poor sound quality), you can use third-party apps.

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — Records both ends of the conversation (if supported by the operator), saves files to the /CubeBackup/.
• 📞 Call Recorder by Lovekesh – Simple interface, recordings in the /CallRecorder/.
• 🔊 Automatic Call Recorder – allows you to selectively save conversations by contact, folder: /CallRecordings/.
• 📡 Boldbeast Call Recorder – works even with blocked operators, files in the Internet /Boldbeast/.

Before installing, check the compatibility of the application with your version of MIUI. Some programs require additional settings, for example:

Settings → Special features → Services → [Application name] → Enable

Also note that third-party apps can slow down your smartphone or interfere with system processes. If you have lags after installation, try turning off background recording or reduce the audio quality in the program settings.

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If the recording is interrupted or not saved, try turning off battery optimization for the recording application in Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Battery → No restrictions.

Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If the records were accidentally deleted, you can try to restore them. Success depends on how long it has been since you deleted and how actively you used your smartphone (new data can overwrite old files).

1. Through the Recycle Bin: Mi File Manager has a recycle bin where files are stored for 15 days, open it and check if there are any records.
2. With Recovery Software: Install Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery or DiskDigger (there is an Android version available), connect Redmi 8 in file transfer mode and scan the internal memory.
3. From backup: If you synced data to Mi Cloud or Google Drive, check the archives. Records could be saved in the Audio or Other Files section.

To increase the chances of recovery:

• 🛑 Stop using your smartphone immediately after deleting (do not install new apps, do not take photos).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% – the recovery process can take hours.
• 📱 Use the original. USB-cable for connecting to a PC (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install data recovery software on Redmi 8 itself, this can overwrite deleted files.

Problems with recording conversations and their solutions

Redmi 8 users often experience typical problems recording conversations, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the phone application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Reset the device.

After resetting, all recording settings will return to factory settings, and the function should work correctly. If the problem persists, check the integrity of system files through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Check for updates.

Security and confidentiality of records

Phone records contain sensitive information, so it's important to ensure they're protected. Here are some tips for Redmi 8 users:

• 🔒 Encrypt sensitive records: Use archivers like 7-Zip or RAR password to protect files before sending by mail or messengers.
• 📲 Keep the records in a secure folder: MIUI There is a function "Private files" (Gallery) → Albums. → Private. Bring important audio files there.
• ☁️ Sync with the cloud selectively: Don’t upload all records to Mi Cloud or Google Drive – select only the most important ones.
• 🗑️ Delete Unnecessary Recordings: Clean your records folder regularly to make room and avoid data leakage.

If you share records with third parties (for example, for litigation), make sure that the files are not edited.

• Create a digital signature of a file through services like DigiCert.
• Record metadata (date, time, device) using ExifTool.
• Use blockchain storage (e.g. Storj) to prove the immutability of the file.

⚠️ Attention: Russia has had strict requirements for the storage and transfer of conversation records since 2026, especially if they contain personal data».

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Always notify the person you are recording a conversation if you plan to use the audio file for legal or business purposes, otherwise the recording may be considered inadmissible evidence.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Redmi 8