How to listen to a recording of a conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: official and hidden methods

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the need to listen to recorded phone conversations — whether it is an important business dialogue, interviews or just saved memories. However, standard MIUI settings are not always obvious, and records files can be “hidden” in unexpected folders. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to access audio recordings of calls, from built-in functions to third-party applications and even restore deleted files.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) features features that support recording out-of-the-box conversations, but file location depends on the MIUI version and regional firmware. For example, in global versions, recording can be disabled by default due to legal restrictions, and in Chinese versions, it can work without additional settings. We will take into account all the nuances, including hidden folders, backups and alternative methods for cases where standard ones do not work.

1. Where the default conversation records are stored

In Redmi Note 8 Pro, call records are saved in a system folder, the path to which depends on the version of MIUI. In most cases, the files are located here:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard-position MIUI 11–14.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/CallRecord/ — alternative path in some firmware.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecord/ — If the recording was done via Google Drive.

The files are.amr or.mp3 and are named by pattern: Record_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_number. format, Record_20260515_143022_+79123456789.amr. To see the folder, use any file manager (such as the built-in Files or Solid Explorer).

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If the folder call_rec empty, check the recording settings in the Phone application: it is possible that the saving is disabled or files are automatically deleted through the 30 days (option in MIUI 12+).

Important: In some regional firmware (e.g. for the EU), call recording is blocked at the system level due to GDPR. In this case, manual activation through an engineering menu or third-party applications will be required.

2. How to turn on the recording of conversations if the function is disabled

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t automatically save conversations, check your settings first.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → «Settings».
3. Select “Conversation Recording” (or “Call Recording” in English firmware).
4. Activate the “Write Automatically” switch or select “Write Manually” (to select specific contacts).

If you don't have a "Talk Record" item, your firmware doesn't support out-of-the-box.

• 🔧 Install an alternative dialer (such as Truecaller or Cube Call Recorder).
• 📲 Update. MIUI until the latest version MIUI 14 entry returned for most regions).
• 🛠️ Use the engineering menu (code ##4636##) but it's risky without root rights.

Make sure your phone has enough memory (minimum 500MB)

Check the permissions for the Phone application (access to microphone and storage)

Disable the power saving mode for the “Phone” application

Reboot your phone after changing your settings-->

In MIUI 12.5 and later, recording can be blocked due to Google Play policy. To get around the restriction, install an APK recording app (such as Boldbeast Call Recorder) and select the "Fix call recording" mode for the Redmi Note 8 Pro in its settings.

3. Listening to recordings through the standard "Records" application

If records are saved, the easiest way to use the built-in Recorder app is to:

1. Open the Records app (mic icon).
2. Go to the Calls (or Calls) tab.
3. Select the file you want from the list, and you'll see the date, time and number.
4. Click on the recording to listen. Pause, rewind and delete functions are available.

If there is no Call tab, then the records are stored in another folder (see Section 1).

• 🔍 Use a file manager search for.amr or.mp3.
• 🎧 Listen to files through any player (for example, VLC or Google Music).

Never.

1-2 times a month

Weekly

Every day.-->

Tip: To quickly find a record of a particular contact, sort files by date or use a filter by name in the Records app. MIUI 14 adds Featured Records - mark important files with an asterisk for quick access.

4. Third-party applications for recording and listening

If the built-in tools don't work, install one of the specialized applications, and we tested them on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 13-14:

When installing a third-party application:

1. Provide all the permissions requested (microphone, storage, access to calls).
2. In the application settings, select the recording format (MP3 takes up more space, but better quality).
3. Turn off battery optimization for the application in the MIUI settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run).

5.Recovering deleted conversation records

If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them. Success depends on how long it took and whether the phone was used after deleting (new data overwrites old ones).

• 🗑️ Basket in MIUI: Open the Files app» → «Basket» → Find files with the.amr extension or.mp3.
• 🔄 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (requires a PC connection), Dumpster (works as a shopping cart).
• ☁️ Cloud Backups: Check Google Drive, Mi Cloud, or other services if Automatic Sync is enabled.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the Audio section and click Scan.
3. After the scan is completed, mark the files you want (see by date and size ~1-5 MB).
4. Click Restore and save files to a safe place (not the same memory partition!).

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The chances of recovery are maximum in the first 24 hours after deleting, avoiding writing new files (photos, videos, app installations) – this reduces the likelihood of success.

⚠️ Note: Do not install recovery software on the same memory where the records were stored (internal drive). SD-If you don't, you can connect your phone to your PC, or you can overwrite your data to 90%.

6. Listening to computer recordings

If you need to listen to PC recordings or make a backup, connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer via a computer. USB-cable and follow the following steps:

1. Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the phone notification curtain.
2. On PC, open the Explorer (Win + E) and go to the folder of the phone.
3. Copy files from /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ or other folder (see section) 1) hard-drive.
4. Use VLC Media Player or Audacity (if you need to edit the recording) to listen.

If the telephone is not identified:

• 🔌 Check the cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🛠️ Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official website.

To convert.amr to.mp3, use online services (e.g. Online-Convert) or Format Factory.

7.Security and legal aspects

Telephone recording is regulated by your country's law, and in most cases, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited unless you are a participant.

• 📜 Personal Purposes: Some countries (e.g. Russia) allow you to record conversations if you participate in them.
• 🏛️ Legal proceedings: Records may be used as evidence, but only if obtained legally.
• 🔒 Consent: Always check whether it is possible to record the conversation (especially in business correspondence).

⚠️ Note: in the EU (including countries with firmware) MIUI EEA) recording conversations without notifying the interlocutor may result in fines €20,000 GDPR. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with European firmware, the default recording function is disabled for this reason.

To protect your records:

• 🔐 Keep files in encrypted archives (for example, 7-Zip password-wise).
• ☁️ Use cloud storage with two-factor authentication (Google Drive, Mega).
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary records, especially if they contain sensitive information.

FAQ: Frequent questions