Where to store a call record on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways to find and save conversations

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users are faced with the problem: where did the recordings of conversations go? Unlike the flagship models, there is no obvious “Record” button in the phone book. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware and the limitations of the hardware platform. In this article, we will analyze all possible storage locations of records, from standard folders to hidden system directories, and also explain how to recover lost files if they suddenly disappear.

It is important to understand that the functionality of recording calls on Redmi 8 depends on the version of MIUI and the firmware region. For example, in European builds this option is often disabled for legal reasons, and in global versions it may require manual activation. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 10-14 and highlighted working solutions even for cases where the recording was conducted blindly (without notifying the interlocutor).

1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI

If you used the built-in write feature (not available in all regions), files should be automatically saved to the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/. You can check it through any file manager, such as the standard Explorer or Solid Explorer.

The path to the record:

• 📁 Open the Files app (folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to the Device section → MIUI → sound_recorder → call_rec.
• 🎧 The files are formatted.m4a or.amr with a template name: call_[date [time] [time].m4a.
• 📅 Sorting by date of creation will help you quickly find the right conversation.

⚠️ Attention: If the folder call_rec It's empty, but you're sure you've been recording, check the settings of the Dictophone app (about it below), and some firmware stores call records there, rather than in a separate directory.

💡

If the folders sound_recorder No, try to enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings. ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files

2. Records in the appendix "Dictator" (hidden function)

On Redmi 8, the built-in Dictator (com.miui.soundrecorder) app can automatically save call records even if you don't see a separate option in the phone book.

1. Open the application "Dictophone" (mic icon).
2. Go to the "Records" or "Calls" tab (if any).
3. Check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/ — Sometimes the call records are mixed with the usual voice notes.

If there is no Call tab, your firmware does not support automatic recording, in which case third-party software will help (section 4).

3. Search through file manager: hidden folders

Sometimes records are stored in non-obvious places, especially if you used third-party applications or modified firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a two-sim on Redmi 8, records can be divided into folders depending on the SIM-Look for subfolders like this. call_rec_sim1/ and call_rec_sim2/.

4. Third-party recording applications: where they store files

If the standard methods didn't work, chances are you used one of the popular call recording apps. Here's where to look for files depending on the program:

• 📱 Cube Call Recorder: /sdcard/CubeBackup/ or /sdcard/CubeCallRecorder/. Format:.mp3 tagged.
• 🔊 ACR (Another Call Recorder): /sdcard/ACR/. Subfolders by year/months. Supports cloud redundancy.
• 📞 Call Recorder by Lovekesh: /sdcard/CallRecordings/. The files are referred to as [number] [date].amr.
• ☁️ Boldbeast Call Recorder: /sdcard/Boldbeast Call Recorder/. The only app that records calls to Redmi 8 even with root turned off.

Boldbeast Call Recorder is the only app that is guaranteed to run on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+ without rooting rights, as it uses an alternative recording method through a modified audio driver.

✅ Check compatibility with MIUI 10-14

✅ Disable Basic Battery Optimization for the App

✅ Provide all permissions (microphone, storage, phone)

✅ Test call to check record

-->

5. Recovering deleted call records

If the records are missing after resetting or cleaning the memory, you can try to restore them.

1. Install DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root for deep scanning).
2. Select /sdcard/ and search for.m4a,.amr,.mp3 files.
3. Filter the results by date – call records usually weigh 1–10MB.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 8 with eMMC 5.1, the chances of recovery fall after overwriting 20-30% of memory!

An alternative method is to check cloud backups:

• 🌐 Google Drive: if the synchronization of the CallRecorder folder was enabled".
• 📱 Mi Cloud: Rarely, but sometimes, records get backed up → Other files.

6.Why records may not be saved (and how to fix it)

Redmi 8 has a few pitfalls that make call recordings unstable:

The Redmi 8 feature is that because of the Snapdragon 439 processor and the limitations of MIUI, some recorders (like ACR) can only record your voice, not the person you're talking to.

1. Install Boldbeast Call Recorder with Mode 1 mode selection.
2. Activate the option "Record calls via Bluetooth" (if you have a headset).

💡

On the Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+, the only reliable way to record both sides of a conversation is to use Boldbeast Call Recorder in Mode 1 mode with battery optimization disabled.

7. Alternative recording methods (if nothing works)

If built-in and third-party methods do not help, there are workarounds:

• 📻 Put on speaker. + Recording with a voice recorder: during a conversation, activate "Loud Communication" and start recording in a standard "Dictator" Minus: the interlocutor will hear an echo.
• 🔗 Use the second line: call another phone (like WhatsApp) and put it next to you.
• 💻 Recording via PC: connect Redmi 8 to USB, Turn on File Transfer and use Audacity to record sound from the microphone.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. the EU and the US), recording calls without notifying the interlocutor violates privacy laws. On Redmi 8 with global firmware, recording is often disabled for this reason.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 call recording