Have you accidentally deleted an important conversation or do not know where the Xiaomi Redmi 8 saves call records? This problem is familiar to many users of Xiaomi's budget smartphone, which does not always obviously organize the storage of audio files. Unlike flagship models, the Redmi 8 does not have a built-in voice recorder with integration into the Phone application, so the records can be "hidden" in unexpected folders or not saved at all without additional settings.
In this article, we’ll look at all possible storage locations, from standard MIUI folders to hidden third-party application directories, learn how to enable automatic call recording (if it’s disabled), where to search for files manually through the file manager, and what to do if the record is lost after a system update, and for those who prefer visual instructions, we’ve prepared step-by-step screenshots and an application compatibility table.
Important: Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) uses MIUI and regional firmware to record conversations, for example, in global versions, the feature may be blocked due to legal restrictions, and in Chinese versions it may work out of the box. Check your version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi Redmi 8 saves call records in the system folder, but its location depends on the way it is recorded:
- 📁 Built-in dictaphone MIUI: file /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/. The folder can be hidden – enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings.
- 📱 Phone app: if the recording was done through it, the audio is saved to the /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/. On some firmware, the path may be different - see the table below.
- 🔍 Search by file name: records usually have type names Call_20260515_143022.mp3 (Date and time of call. Use the file manager search by key Call_*.
⚠️ Note: If you don't find the CallRecord folder, the recording feature is probably disabled in the settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Record calls and activate the option. On some firmware, this item may be called Auto Recording or Call Recording.
What do I do if there's no folder?
| MIUI version | The path to the record | Is third-party software required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10-11 | /MIUI/sound_recorder/ | Yes (for automatic recording) | Manual recording works, auto recording only through third-party applications. |
| MIUI 12-13 | /Recordings/CallRecord/ | No. | The feature is built into the Phone app, but may be blocked in some regions. |
| MIUI 14+ | /Android/media/com.android.dialer/ | No. | Records are encrypted, the original Phone application is required to listen. |
2. How to enable automatic call recording
If your Redmi 8 doesn't record conversations automatically, you need to activate the function manually.
- For MIUI 12 and later: Open the Phone app. Click on three dots (⋮) top-right → Settings. Select call recording. → Auto Record: Tell me which calls to record: All, Favorite Contacts or Unknown Numbers.
- For MIUI 11 and older: No built-in feature - install Cube Call Recorder or ACR from Google Play. After installation: Launch the app and provide access to microphone and memory. In settings, select Auto Record and specify the save format (for example, MP3 or WAV). The folder with records will be listed in the Settings → Storage folder menu.
1. Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
2.Update the Phone app through the Play Store
3. Grant permissions for microphone and storage
4. Install a third-party voice recorder if there is no built-in function
5. Check the free space on the phone (records take up) ~1-2 MB/minute)-->
⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese), automatic recording may conflict with privacy laws.If the option is grey and inactive, try changing your phone region to Settings → Additionally. → Region (e.g. India where the function is unlocked).
3. Search for records through the file manager
If you know that the recording was being recorded but can't find it, use an embedded or third-party file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).
- Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden files (an option usually in the menu or settings).
- Go to the root folder of the storage (/storage/emulated/0/).
- Use search by keywords: 🔎 Call_* — for recordings through the application Phone»; 🔎 rec *.mp3 — hand-written; 🔎 *.amr – if the records are saved in compressed format.
- 📂 /MIUI/sound_recorder/;
- 📂 /Recordings/;
- 📂 /Android/media/com.miui.voiceassist/ (voice-assisted).
Redmi's critical feature 8: records can be saved to a memory card (if installed), even if the settings say "Internal Memory." /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Recordings/ (where XXXX-XXXX — ID yours SD-map).
💡
If you record calls frequently, create a shortcut for the home screen recorder. To do this, click on the file manager folder → Add to the home screen.
4. Recovery of deleted records
Redmi 8 has a chance to get it back, but you have to act fast, because the longer it takes, the greater the risk of overwriting the file.
- 🗑️ Basket MIUI: If you delete a file through a standard file manager, check the Recycle Bin folder. The files are stored there for 15 days.
- 🔧 Third-party utilities: use DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root access for deep scanning). Instruction: Install the app from the Play Store. Select the partition to scan (internal memory or SD-Filtrate the results of the expansion.mp3,.amr or wav.
Cloud backups
Google Drive.
Mi Cloud
Backups
CallRecord
⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same partition where the records were stored, this can overwrite deleted files. Use a memory card or other phone to install the utilities.
Yes, and I couldn't recover | Yes, but I did. | No, I always back up | I don't record calls-->
5. Alternative methods of recording and storage
If the built-in Redmi 8 tools don’t suit you, consider alternative solutions:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Example of an application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party recorders | Works on all firmware, flexible settings | They may be in conflict with MIUI. | Cube Call Recorder, ACR |
| Recording via second phone | 100% reliability, does not depend on the software | Two devices are needed, there may be interference. | Any recorder on the second phone |
| Cloud services | Automatic backup, access from any device | Internet is required, there may be limits on the volume | Google Drive, Dropbox |
| Voice assistant | You can control voice, integrate with MIUI | Recording quality below, not suitable for long conversations | Google Assistant, Alice |
For maximum reliability, combine methods, such as using Cube Call Recorder to record automatically and setting up autoload files to Google Drive, so you protect yourself from data loss when your phone is dropped or broken.
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On Redmi 8 with firmware below MIUI 12, the built-in call recording is unstable. Use third-party cloud backup apps for reliability.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Redmi 8 users often encounter common errors in recording conversations, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Recording does not start automatically: Check to see if Do Not Disturb during a call is disabled (it can block access to the microphone). Also make sure that the Phone app settings allow auto-recording for all numbers, not just favorites.
- 🔇 Recording is cut off or not saved: This may be due to a memory shortage or application conflict. Clear the Phone app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- 📵 No sound in the recording: The problem is typical for modified core firmware.Try disable Sound Improvement in call settings or use headphones with microphone to record.
- 🔄 Records disappear after update MIUI: Updates sometimes reset permissions for applications. After the update, re-access the microphone and storage for the Phone app or third-party voice recorder.
If there is no item, install a third-party application, such as ACR.