Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a popular smartphone with advanced call recording capabilities, but not everyone knows where the device stores these files. Unlike older Xiaomi models, where records automatically appear in the gallery, the storage algorithm depends on the firmware version, the application used for calls and even regional settings. In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible locations for storing records, including hidden system folders, cloud services and third-party applications.
The Poco X3 Pro (codenamed vayu) is based on MIUI with a POCO Launcher shell that modifies standard system behavior, which means file paths may be different from classic Redmi or Mi. We have analyzed all current firmware versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) to provide accurate instructions. If you’re looking for litigation records, backups or just want to vacate space, this article will help.
1. Standard place of storage of records in MIUI
By default, Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro stores conversation records in the system folder, which can be accessed through any file manager.
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/The files here are formatted.m4a (AAC-Encoding) or.amr (for older firmware versions). File names usually contain:
- 📅 Date in format YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS (for example, 20260515_143022_call_rec.m4a)
- 📞 Phone number of the subscriber (sometimes in encrypted form)
- 🔢 Unique. ID Records (if synchronization with Mi Cloud is enabled)
Important: If you don't find the folder call_rec, Check the settings of the phone application (Settings) → Recording of conversations → In some regions (e.g. EU), the default record function is disabled due to legal restrictions.
⚠️ Attention: Files in the folder sound_recorder can be automatically deleted if memory is scarce if the option “Rescue” is enabled» → «Delete old records" in MIUI Security, turn it off if you want to save all conversations.
2. Alternative Storage Pathways: Cloud and Third Party Applications
If there are no records in the standard folder, check the following locations:
| Source | Path or service | File format | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | https://i.mi.com/ → Section "Records" | .m4a, .mp3 | Synced only when the option is enabled in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization of records |
| Google Drive | /Backup/CallRecorder/ | .3gp, .mp4 | Requires manual backup settings via Google One |
| Truecaller | /storage/emulated/0/Truecaller/Recordings/ | .mp3 | Encrypted records if the option “Privacy Protection” is enabled |
| Cube Call Recorder | /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/ | .wav, .ogg | Stores metadata about duration and number in a separate.json file |
Third-party writing applications (such as ACR or Boldbeast) often create their folders in the root directory to find them:
- Open Files (standard MIUI application).
- Go to the "Category" section» → «Audio».
- Sort files by date of change (“Sort” → “Date”).
- Look for files labeled “call,” “rec,” or “voice” in the name.
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If you use Boldbeast Call Recorder, check the recording format settings. For the Poco X3 Pro, the best option is a 128 kbps WAV Format to avoid playback problems.
3. How to find hidden or deleted records
Sometimes the records disappear from the folders, but they remain in the memory of the device.
Method 1: Search through ADB
If you have access to debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to enable Developer Mode), do:
adb shell
su
find /data -name "call.m4a" 2>/dev/nullThis will scan the system folders for records, and note that the command requires root rights.
Method 2: Recovery through DiskDigger
- 📱 Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
- 🔍 Select the "Full Analysis" section (requires root).
- 🎤 Filter results on extensions.m4a,.amr,.mp3.
- 💾 Save the files found on SD-map.
⚠️ Warning: Recover deleted records only if no new data has been written in their place. After deleting the file, don't save anything to the device to increase the chances of success.
Why can the records go missing?
4. Conversation recording settings in Poco X3 Pro
To keep the records correctly, check the following parameters:
☑️ Checking the recording settings
There are three recording modes available on the Poco X3 Pro:
- Automatically record all calls – saves every conversation, but quickly fills up the memory.
- Recording by numbers – only for selected contacts (configured in the “Black List” → “Record”).
- Manual recording – activated by a button during a call (icon) 🎤).
On MIUI 13+ and HyperOS, the default call recording is disabled for EU numbers due to GDPR. To circumvent this restriction, set the device region to India or Russia in Settings → Additional → Region.
5.Recording problems and their solutions
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recording ends in 1-2 minutes. | Limitation of background activity | Turn off “Background Limitation” for the Phone app in Settings → Apps → Permissions |
| No sound on the record (silence) | Conflict with VoLTE/VoWiFi | Turn off “Improved Calls” in Settings SIM-map → Challenges |
| Files are corrupted (not reproduced) | Coding error | Install VLC Player or convert via Audacity |
| Records are saved in.dat format | Encryption in firmware for China | Use Mi PC Suite to decrypt or reflash to the global version |
If after updating the firmware records are no longer saved, reset the settings of the application "Phone":
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the phone and select the storage.
- Click on Clear Data (does not delete the records themselves, only settings).
- Reset the device.
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If the recordings are still not saved after the reset, check to see if the operator-level Call Record service is disabled, and some mobile networks (such as T-Mobile in the US) block this feature.
6. How to transfer recordings to another medium
To free up space on the Poco X3 Pro or back up, use the following methods:
Method 1: Manual copying through file manager
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (select the "File Transfer" mode»).
- Go to the entries folder (see Section 1).
- Copy files to a computer or external disk.
Method 2: Automatic synchronization with the cloud
- 🌥️ Mi Cloud: Enable “Sync Recordings” in your Xiaomi account.
- 📁 Google Drive: Use Automate or Tasker to automatically copy new files.
- ☁️ Dropbox/OneDrive: Set up autoboot through the application.
Method 3: Export through Applications
Apps like Call Recorder by Lovekara or ACR have an inbuilt export function, like ACR:
- Open the application and go to the "Records" section.
- Select the files you need and click Export.
- Select the format (ZIP or individual files) and the target folder.
⚠️ Note: When transferring records to SD-ExFAT card files larger than 4GB may not be copied. NTFS or break the records into pieces.
7. Security and confidentiality of records
Records of conversations contain confidential information, so it is important to ensure that they are protected:
- 🔒 Encryption: Use Cryptomator or VeraCrypt to create an encrypted container with records.
- 🚫 Access restriction: in Settings → Annexes → Allows to disable microphone access for unnecessary applications.
- 🗑️ Irreversible Deletion: Use Secure Delete for sensitive records).
- 📜 Legal aspects: in some countries (for example, in Germany) recording conversations without the consent of the interlocutor is prohibited by law.
If you share records with third parties (such as an attorney), delete the metadata:
exiftool -all= record m4aThis command (executed on a PC) clears device, time, and geolocation information.
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In the Poco X3 Pro with China ROM, the records are automatically encrypted with a key attached to the Xiaomi account, and without authorization, they cannot be played on another device.