How to find and listen to a recording of a conversation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: official and hidden methods

Recording phone conversations on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is a feature that can be useful in business correspondence, to record important agreements or just to save memorable conversations. However, not everyone knows where these files are stored and how to extract them correctly. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where recording calls is integrated into the standard Phone app, the Redmi Note 5 (released in 2018), this process has its own nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to listen to recordings, from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors when working with audio files. MIUI, where automatic records can be stored, and explain why files sometimes “disappear” after a system update.

If you’ve never consciously turned on conversation recordings, but suspect that they may have been in the background (e.g., through apps like Mi Call Recorder or Cube Call Recorder), the first steps are to check the standard storage locations. On Redmi Note 5, this isn’t always obvious: files can be hidden in folders with non-intuitive names or even encrypted (if you used software with advanced privacy settings).

It is important to take into account the legal aspect: in some countries, recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law. Therefore, before using the recording functions, specify local norms - for example, in Russia, according to Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, unauthorized recording of negotiations can entail liability if distributed without the consent of the participants.

1.Where are the conversation records on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 stored by default

The standard location for recordings on the Redmi Note 5 depends on which application was used to create them. MIUI (firmware-readable MIUI 10, the files must be located here:

• 📁 folder /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/ — standard location for recordings made through the Sound Recorder app).
• 📁 folder /sdcard/Recordings/ — alternative location if the recording was conducted through third-party programs (for example, Boldbeast’s Call Recorder).
• 📁 folder /sdcard/MIUI/voice_recorder/ — It is used in early versions of the firmware (before). MIUI 9).

To find these folders, use any file manager, such as the Files by Google or Mi File Explorer, and if you don't have them, check:

1. Are they hidden in the manager settings (enable the display of hidden files in the Settings menu) → Show hidden files).
2. Are records deleted after resetting settings or updating? MIUI.
3. Whether you used a file-saving application (e.g. Google Drive or Mi Cloud) to record files.

Important nuance: on the Redmi Note 5 with firmware MIUI 11+ The built-in call recording function can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Record conversations and turn on the option, but even then, files can be saved not to a standard folder, but to a secure application storage, then you will need root access to retrieve them.

2. How to listen to recordings through the built-in voice recorder MIUI

If the recordings were made through the standard Sound Recorder app, the easiest way to listen to them is to:

1. Open the Dictophone app** (the microphone icon on your desktop or in the application menu).
2. In the list of records, find the file you want — they are sorted by date. The name may contain a phone number or a contact name (if the record is tied to a call).
3. Stick it on the record to play it, and there's also the ability to trim, rename and send the file.

If the Dictophone app is not on your Redmi Note 5, you can install it manually:

1. Download. APK-original MIUI Sound Recorder from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).

Find a folder with records in the file manager|Make sure that the files are not hidden|Check the availability of the Dictator application"|Update MIUI Up to the latest version (unless the records are displayed)-->

Problem: sometimes the records are played with distortion or intermittently, and this may be due to:

• 🔊 Low quality microphone (on Redmi Note 5 main microphone is located in the lower part of the case - when recording it could be closed with a finger).
• 📶 Bad network signal (if the recording was made during the call) 2G/3G).
• 🛠️ Damage to a file (for example, if a record is not completed correctly).

In such cases, try playing the file on another device or using an audio editor (such as Lexis Audio Editor) to recover the sound.

3. Search for records through file manager: hidden folders and alternative paths

If standard methods didn't work, the records could have been saved in non-obvious places. -- Redmi Note 5 with firmware MIUI Check the following locations:

To access these folders:

1. Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer (if you have a root license).
2. Enable the display of hidden and system files in the manager settings.
3. If the folder is protected, try copying it to your computer through MTP (plugged-in USB).

Critical information: on the Redmi Note 5 with firmware MIUI 12+ The built-in call record can save files in encrypted form (extension.enc:

• Download the original Mi Call Recorder app (even if it is removed).
• Use it. ADB To extract files (command: adb pull) /data/data/com.android.incallui/files/).
• Contact Xiaomi with a decryption request (confirmation of ownership of the device will be required).

4. Recovering Deleted Records of Conversations

If the records were deleted accidentally, you can try to restore them. On the Redmi Note 5, the following methods will be suitable for this:

• 🔄 Data recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (for PCs) or Undeleter, which scans internal memory for deleted files, and success depends on how long it has been since it was deleted and how actively the device has been used.
• 📥 Backup copies MIUI: If you create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup, records could have been saved in the archive. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Check Mi Cloud (Records tab) or Google Drive (Audio section). Automatic sync could save files there.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and select “Full Scan”** (requires root rights for deep search).
3. Mark the file types:.amr,.mp3,.ogg.
4. Wait for the scan to be completed and save the files to a safe place.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files to the same memory they were deleted from! this may cause the remaining data fragments to be overwritten.

If you can't recover, try professional services like Ontrack or Stellar Data Recovery, which work with a physical memory chip and can recover data even after formatting, but they start at 5,000 rubles, so it's wise to evaluate the importance of records before you call.

5.Use of third-party applications for recording and listening

If embedded tools MIUI You can install third-party applications to record and manage audio files. Redmi Note 5 has a good reputation:

• 🎤 Cube Call Recorder ACR — It records calls automatically, supports cloud storage and encryption.
• 📞 Call Recorder by Lovekush – a simple interface to save files.mp3 It works even on older versions of Android.
• ☁️ Automatic Call Recorder – Integration with Google Drive and Dropbox, the ability to tag records.

How to set up Cube Call Recorder:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, give access to the microphone, contacts and storage.
3. In settings (Settings) → Recording) select: File format: MP3 (It's better for compatibility. Sound source: Voice Call + Mic (records both interlocutors). Save folder: specify /sdcard/CallRecordings/.

Auto-record

Once set up, all the recordings will be automatically saved to the specified folder, to listen to them:

1. Open Cube Call Recorder and go to the Recordings tab.

⚠️ Note: Some recording apps (e.g. Boldbeast Call Recorder) require you to disable battery optimization for Xiaomi. otherwise they may not run in the background. → Battery and productivity → Battery optimization and add the app to exceptions.

6. Listening to computer recordings

If files are found but are not played on the phone (for example, due to damage or incompatibility of codecs), they can be transferred to the PC and opened there.

1. Connect the Redmi Note 5 to your computer via USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain).
2. Find the folder with the records (see section 1) and copy the files to the hard drive.
3. Use it for reproduction: 🎧 VLC Media Player supports all formats, including.amr and.ogg. 🎵 Audacity – allows you not only to listen, but also to edit recordings (remove noise, amplify voice). 📂 Windows Media Player is suitable for.mp3 and.wav, but may not open.amr.

If files don't open, they may be corrupted.

• 🔧 Convert the format using Online-Convert or FFmpeg (command: ffmpeg) -i input.amr output.mp3).
• 🛠️ Recover File Headers through MP3 Repair Tool.
• 📥 Rewrite audio to another medium (sometimes helps with reading failures).

Tip: If records are of legal importance, back them up on multiple media (such as a flash drive and the cloud) and archive them with a password, which will protect files from accidental deletion or editing.

7 Legal aspects of recording conversations

Before recording telephone conversations, please read the laws of your country, and in most cases, recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited if:

• ⚖️ You plan to distribute the record (for example, upload it to social networks or use it in court).
• 🕵️‍♂️ Recording is secretly conducted for the purpose of blackmail or compromise.
• 📞 The conversation concerns personal life or trade secrets.

In Russia, according to Art. 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations”), recording a conversation without the consent of the interlocutor can be qualified as an offense if:

• You're circulating the tape without permission.
• Use it for pressure or manipulation.
• Record conversations with third parties (not your own).

Exceptions: You may record conversations if:

• 🗣️ You are a participant in the conversation and use the recording for personal needs (for example, to remember details of the conversation).
• 📝 The interviewee gave oral or written consent to the recording.
• ⚖️ The record is necessary to protect their rights in court (but even in this case, the court may not accept it as evidence if consent was not obtained).

It's in Europe. GDPR (The General Data Protection Regulation, which further regulates the processing of audio recordings, can be fined up to 20 million euros or 4% of the company’s annual turnover for breach of the rules.

⚠️ Note: if you record for work purposes (e.g., record customer agreements), be sure to notify the person at the beginning of the conversation. The phrase "Conversation is recorded to improve service quality" is usually sufficient to avoid legal risks.

8. Alternative ways to capture conversations

If recording via phone is not possible for some reason (for example, due to firmware limitations or a microphone malfunction), consider alternative methods:

• 🎙️ External recorder: use a separate recording device (e.g. Sony) ICD-UX560 or Zoom H1n). Place it next to your phone while you’re talking.
• 📱 Second phone: Put a second smartphone with a voice recorder running next to it (like Sony’s Voice Recorder).
• 💻 Recording via computer: If you call VoIP (like Skype or Zoom), use programs like Audacity to capture sound from your microphone.
• 📝 Handwritten Notes: If recording is forbidden, record key conversation points in a notebook or Google Keep app.

How to record a conversation via a second phone:

1. Install a voice recorder app (for example, Easy Voice Recorder) on the second smartphone.
2. Turn on the microphone recording mode** and place the device next to the main phone.
3. Make sure there is no outside noise in the room (turn on the air conditioner or fan if you need to mask the recording sound).
4. After the conversation, save the file and, if necessary, cut the extra fragments.

These methods are less convenient than automatic recording via phone, but they work 100% of the time and are independent of the device model or firmware version.

💡

If the Redmi Note 5’s built-in features don’t fit, third-party apps (like Cube Call Recorder) or external recorders will be a reliable alternative.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recording conversations on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5