Where are the Redmi 8 call records stored and can they be restored?
Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face the question: where to find a recording of a conversation that was accidentally made or saved on purpose? Unlike flagship models, the budget Redmi 8 does not always have a built-in function of recording calls out of the box - it depends on the version of the MIUI firmware and regional settings. However, even if the option is activated, the records files can be "hidden" in non-obvious folders or require additional applications to play.
With Android 9+, Google has tightened its privacy policies, and many manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have limited automatic call recording. On Redmi 8 (with MIUI 11-14), the feature can only work when manually enabled before a call or through third-party utilities. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from standard tools to hidden firmware chips, and also tell you what to do if Suddenly records are gone.
Method 1: Standard call recording in MIUI (if enabled)
If you're Redmi. 8 Supports built-in recording, files are saved in the folder /Internal Storage/MIUI/sound_recorder/calls/. You can check this through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer or Total Commander:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ Settings.
- Select Conversation Record (if there is no item, your firmware does not support the function).
- Activate the switch and specify which calls to record: All, Outgoing or Incoming only.
Important: Some versions of MIUI for Redmi 8 have hidden the option, and you may need to unlock it by:
- ๐ Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ Change region in settings to India (where call recording is allowed by default).
- ๐ ๏ธ Install a patch through Magisk (requires root rights).
Open the "Phone" appendix"|Find the "Recording conversations" item in the settings|Check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/calls|Update MIUI lack of function-->
If the record is enabled but there are no files in the folder, check:
- ๐ folder /Internal Storage/Recordings/ โ Sometimes the records are saved there.
- ๐ File format: Redmi 8 can save files as.amr or.mp3. To play.amr download the player VLC.
- ๐๏ธ Recycle Bin in File Manager โ Records could be deleted automatically after 30 days.
Method 2: Using the Dictator app for manual recording
If you don't have a built-in call recorder, you can use Xiaomi's standard Sound Recorder app, which allows you to record conversations manually during a call, but requires you to turn on a hands-free or external microphone for quality sound.
Instructions:
- During the call, click on the Add Call button (if you need to record the interlocutor) or simply activate the Recorder in parallel.
- In the Dictaphone application, click Record (red button).
- After the conversation is over, save the file (it will be entered /Internal Storage/Recordings/ by default).
Cons of the method:
- ๐ Recording quality deteriorates due to echo (unless you use headphones with a microphone).
- โฑ๏ธ You need to manually start recording every time.
- โ๏ธ Legal risks: Recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited in some countries.
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For better recording quality, connect wired headphones with a microphone before calling โ this will reduce noise and echo.
Method 3: Third-party applications for automatic recording
If standard methods don't work, install one of the apps you've tested. Importantly, many programs require special permissions to record calls on Android 9+. On Redmi 8, we recommend:
| Annex | Features | Link (Google Play) | Works for MIUI? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube ACR | Cloud recording, voice recognition, automatic saving | Download | Yeah (requires tuning) |
| Call Recorder by Lovekush | Simple interface,.mp3 support, no advertising | Download | Yes. |
| Truecaller | Record + Spam Blocking, Integration with Contacts | Download | Partially (depending on region) |
| OTT Call Recorder | For VoIP (WhatsApp, Viber) | Download | Yes. |
Cube ACR (the most reliable option):
- Install the application and open it.
- In the settings, select Record all calls โ Format: MP3.
- Enable the option to Use the built-in recording module (to bypass Android restrictions).
- Give all permissions you have requested, including Special Access (in Android settings).
โ ๏ธ Attention: MIUI 12+ Call recording applications may need to turn off battery optimization. โ Annexes โ Application management โ Cube ACR โ Battery โ No restrictions.
Method 4: Search for Hidden Records with Engineering Mode
Some Redmi 8 firmware stores call records in a hidden part of the system. Use the Engineering Mode to find them. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires caution!
Steps:
- Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Usage statistics โ App ops.
- Search the com.android.phone list and check the recording permissions.
- If there is a Call Recording item, activate it.
After that, check the folders:
- ๐ /data/data/com.android.phone/files/ (requires root access).
- ๐ /sdcard/Android/data/com.miui.voiceassist/files/ (if you use a voice assistant).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not change other settings in Engineering Mode - this can cause a network crash or a complete phone reboot. MIUI Access to this menu is blocked, so the method will not work.
What happens if the Engineering Mode does not open?
Method 5: Recovering Deleted Records
If the records have been deleted, you can try to restore them using specialized utilities.
- ๐ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted audio files.
- ๐ฑ GT Recovery โ Supports recovery of call records in.amr format.
- ๐ป Recuva (for PC) โ if you connect your phone in file transfer mode.
Instructions for DiskDigger:
- Install the app and provide root access (optional, but increases the chances of recovery).
- Choose Basic scan (quick scan) or Full scan (deep, longer).
- Mark the file types: Audio โ AMR and MP3.
- After scanning, select the files you want and press Recover.
Important:
- ๐ซ Do not save the recovered files to the same disk from which they were deleted (use the same file). SD-map).
- โณ The less time has passed since removal, the higher the chances of recovery.
- ๐ For files deleted more than a month ago, you may need professional software (for example, EaseUS Data Recovery on PC).
The solution to the problems: why not record calls to Redmi 8
If none of the methods worked, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The recording function is not in the settings | Restrictions of firmware or region | Update MIUI or change region to India |
| Records are retained but not reproduced | A damaged file or unsupported format | Use a VLC player or convert to MP3 |
| Recording applications are not working | MIUI blocking or lack of permits | Disable battery optimization for the application |
| Recording is interrupted or not started | Conflict with other applications | Clear the cache of the phone application and restart the device |
Additional steps for diagnosis:
- Check if the recording function is disabled in Settings โ Resolutions โ Special Access โ Sound recording.
- Make sure that the phone has enough free memory (records are not saved if less than 500 MB is free).
- Try recording the call in air mode โ sometimes the mobile network and the record conflict.
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If the problem persists after all the manipulations, it is likely that your version of MIUI will software block the recording of calls, in which case only changing the firmware to custom (for example, Pixel Experience) or buying a phone with official support for the feature will help.