How to listen to the recording of a call on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a conversation recorder, but many users have difficulty finding or playing these files. Unlike flagship models, where call recording is integrated into the standard Phone application, on Redmi 8 (especially with MIUI 10-12 firmware), this process may be different. In some cases, the records disappear altogether from the interface, although they physically remain in the device’s memory.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of listening to records - from built-in tools. MIUI We'll also address the typical problems of why records aren't saved, how to recover deleted files, and what to do if the sound is distorted. MIUI/sound_recorder, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but where often stored "lost" records.

1. Where do the default call records on Redmi 8 are stored

On Xiaomi Redmi 8, conversation records can be stored in different locations depending on the version of MIUI and the call app used.

• 📁 Internal memory: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/ — standard folder for records made through a built-in voice recorder.
• 📁 The telephone application folder»: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.dialer/files/ — Here are the records if you used the feature in Google Phone.
• 📁 Root directory: /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ — Alternative paths for some firmware.

To find these folders:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., “Conductor” from Xiaomi or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings (the option “Show hidden files”).
3. Go one of these paths. If you don't have a folder, try another one.

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If the folder MIUI/sound_recorder No, but you did record the calls, check. DCIM/.thumbnails — Sometimes files are hidden there with modified extensions (for example,.amr masquerades as.jpg).

Record files usually have extensions:

• 🎤.AMR is the standard format for MIUI (low quality, low weight).
• 🎤.mp3 or.m4a — if third-party applications were used.
• 🎤.Ogg – rare, but found in some firmware versions.

2. Method 1: Listening through the built-in MIUI voice recorder

If you recorded the call through the standard Dictophone application (mic icon), you can play the recording in it:

1. Open the Dictophone application (if it is not on the desktop, search through the system search).
2. Go to the “Records” or “Calls” tab (depending on the MIUI version).
3. Find the desired entry in the list and tap it to play.

If the record is not displayed in the interface, but you are sure that it exists:

Update the Dictator app in Play Market| Check the filters in the app (possibly the record is filtered by date or type)|Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the cache is not updated |Remove the app cache in Settings → Apps → Recorder → Memory → Clear the cache

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Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ V MIUI 10–11 call records may not be displayed in the recorder if they were made through the Phone app».
• ⚠️ Files with the.amr extension are sometimes not played in third-party players due to codecs.

3. Method 2: Play through the application "Phone" (Google Phone)

If you use Google Phone, the records are stored separately to find them:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Journal and find the recording of the call with the microphone icon 🎤.
3. Slip on the record - the player will open with the ability to play.

Important: If the microphone icon is missing, the recording is not preserved.

1. Open the phone» → ⋮ (menu) → «Settings» → «Recording calls».
2. Make sure that the option “Automatic Recording” or “Record All Calls” is enabled.
3. Check if the time or memory limit is worth it.

Standard from Xiaomi.|Google Phone|Other (specify in the comments)|I don't know which one is set.-->

If there are records but not reproduced:

• 🔊 Check the volume – sometimes the player in Google Phone drops it to zero.
• 🔊 Install a third-party player (for example, VLC or MX Player) and open the file through it.
• 🔊 Move the file to your computer and try playing it through Audacity or Windows Media Player.

4. Method 3: Search for records through file manager

If the records are not displayed in the applications, but you are sure that they are, use the file manager:

1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer (they show hidden files better than standard Explorer).
2. Go to the root folder of internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/).
3. Enable the display of hidden files (in Solid Explorer: ☰ → Settings → Hidden files).
4. Look for folders from the list in the first section of the article.

/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/


/Android/data/com.android.dialer/files/




/Recordings/




/CallRecordings/

If you find files with the.amr extension, but they are not played:

• 🛠️ Rename the extension to.mp3 (sometimes).
• 🛠️ Use a format converter (e.g. Online Audio Converter).
• 🛠️ Check the file for integrity – if it weighs 0 KB, the record is not saved.

5. Method 4: Third-party applications for recording and listening

If the built-in Redmi 8 tools are not satisfied, install one of the specialized applications:

Important when choosing an application:

• 🔒 Check Permits – The app should request access to microphone, storage and call log.
• 🔒 Avoid programs with suspiciously high scores and few reviews.
• 🔒 Android 10.+ Some apps may not record calls due to Google restrictions (manually enabled in developer settings).

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On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+, third-party call recording apps may not work without the USB debugging option and permissions for Drawing on top of other apps enabled.

6. Solving problems with recording and reproduction

If records are not saved or reproduced, check the following points:

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 11 and older, call recording may be blocked due to Google's privacy policy.To get around the restriction, turn on developer mode and activate the "Do not limit background processes" option for the record app.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

• 🚫 No records saved: Check the free space on the device (need a minimum of 500 MB). Make sure the call app settings have a record option enabled. Update MIUI up to the latest version - in the old firmware were bugs with saving files.
• 🚫 Sound is played with distortions: Try another player (for example, the player is not playing, VLC). Check if the power saving mode is on, which can limit performance. If you record in.amr, convert it to.mp3.
• 🚫 Records disappear after rebooting: This is a sign of a damaged cache. Clear the Dictator app data in the settings. Move the recordings to another location (for example, on the SD-map).

If none of these methods worked, try recovering records with programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (you need root access for deep scanning).

7. How to protect records from future loss

To avoid problems with Redmi 8 call records:

• 🔐 Automatic Backup: Set up recording sync with Google Drive or Mi Cloud (in the recording app settings).
• 🔐 Regular cache cleaning: Once a month, clear the cache of the Dictophone and Phone apps through Settings → Annexes → Memory.
• 🔐 Use of the SD-Cards: If your Redmi 8 supports memory cards, save the records there (select the save path in the application settings).
• 🔐 Permits Verification: After Updating MIUI Check if permissions for record applications have been reset.

Advice for advanced users: If you record important calls often, install Tasker and set up automatic copying of new files from the folder call_rec To the cloud:

Profile: New file in /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/


Task: Upload the file to Google Drive

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 8 call recording