Why Call Records Can Disappear on Poco X3
You turned on a recording of a conversation on Xiaomi Poco X3, but after the call is over, you canโt find the file? This problem is familiar to many users of Xiaomi smartphones โ especially on models with custom MIUI firmware. The fact is that the system stores audio files not in obvious folders like Download or Music, but in hidden directories, access to which depends on the firmware version, the settings of the Phone application, and even on root rights.
In this article, weโll look at all the possible locations for Poco X3 records (including the MIUI 12/13/14), explain why files may not be displayed in the gallery, and show you how to recover them if they are missing, and learn how to set up automatic storage of records in the cloud or memory card so you never lose an important conversation.
Standard Storage Place: Where MIUI saves records by default
On Xiaomi Poco X3 with MIUI factory firmware, the default call records are stored in the deviceโs internal memory along the following path:
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/But there are nuances:
- ๐ The folder can be hidden โ it is not visible in the standard file manager without enabling the display of hidden files.
- ๐ File format: records are saved in.amr or.mp3 (depending on the version MIUI).
- ๐ฑ File Names: Usually They Are CallRecord_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.amr, where the date and time correspond to the start of the recording.
If you didn't find the file call_rec, Check out alternative paths:
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ (version MIUI 13+).
- ๐ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/ (if the recording was conducted through a third-party application).
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If the folder call_rec It's empty, but you're sure it was recorded -- check the settings of the Phone app. In some regions (e.g., the EU), the default call record is disabled due to legal restrictions.
How to enable the display of hidden folders and find records
To see the folder with records, you need to enable the display of hidden files in the file manager.
- Open the Files app** (Blue folder icon).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner โ select โSettingsโ.
- Activate the โShow hidden filesโ switch.
- Go back to the root catalogue (/storage/emulated/0/) and find the folder. MIUI โ sound_recorder โ call_rec.
If you use a third-party file manager (like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager), the algorithm is similar.
- Open the side menu (swipe on the right).
- Select โSettingsโ โ โShow hidden filesโ.
- Cross the path /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/.
Enable hidden files in the file manager settings|Check the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/|Make sure that the recording is not saved in the Mi Cloud|Try to find the file by date search (for example, "CallRecord_2026")-->
Why entries are not displayed in the gallery and how to fix it
Even if the records are physically present in the phone's memory, they may not show up in the standard Gallery or Music.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Files are not visible in the gallery | There is no media scanner in the folder | Restart your phone or use the Rescan Media app from the Play Market. |
| Records are available, but not reproduced. | A damaged file or unsupported codec | Try playing through VLC Player or converting to.mp3. |
| folder call_rec idle | Records are saved to the cloud or memory card | Check it out. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/ Mi Cloud. |
| Files disappeared after MIUI update | Resetting access rights or cleaning the cache | Restore via Recuva (on PC) or check backups. |
Critical information: Some MIUI 14+ firmwares have default call records stored in a protected area of memory that is only available through root or ADB. If you can't see files even with hidden folders enabled, try the command:
adb shell ls /data/user/0/com.android.providers.media/files/CallRecordings/This folder contains records made through the Phone system application on the latest versions of MIUI.
In a file. MIUI/sound_recorder|In a gallery or music|In the Mi Cloud|I don't know where to look.|I use third-party apps.-->
How to change the location of the saved records (to a memory card or to the cloud)
By default, the Poco X3 saves the records to internal memory, but this can be changed. Here's how to redirect the save to a memory card or to the Mi Cloud:
Option 1: Retention on SD-map
If your Poco X3 has a microSD installed:
- Open the phone application (green handset).
- Slip on three points โ โSettingsโ โ โRecording callsโ.
- Select โSave Placeโ โ โMemory Mapโ.
- Confirm your choice and restart your phone.
After that, the records will be saved along the way:
/storage/XXXX-XXXX/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/(where XXXX-XXXX โ identifier SD-map).
Option 2: Auto boot in Mi Cloud
To automatically sync your records to the cloud:
- Open โSettingsโ โ โAccountsโ โ โMi Cloudโ.
- Make sure you are logged in to your Xiaomi account.
- Return to the call record settings (see step 2 above).
- Activate the option โSynchronize with Mi Cloudโ.
The recordings will be available on i.mi.com under the "Call Records" section.
What to do if the option of saving SD-map unavailable?
Third-party Write Applications: Where They Store Files
If you're using third-party programs like Cube Call Recorder ACR, RMC: Android Call Recorder or Boldbeast, the ways to save are different.
- ๐ค Cube ACR: record-keeping /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ (configure in the application menu).
- ๐ RMC: default /storage/emulated/0/RMCRecordings/. Supports the preservation of SD-root-card.
- ๐ Boldbeast: offers folder selection on first run. Most often it's /storage/emulated/0/Boldbeast/.
The advantage of third-party apps is the flexibility of settings, for example, Cube ACR allows you to:
- ๐ Select the format of the recording (.mp3,.wav,.amr).
- ๐ Automatically upload records to Google Drive or Dropbox.
- ๐ Encrypt files with a password.
There are, however, downsides:
โ ๏ธ Note: Some applications (e.g. Boldbeast) require you to disable battery optimization to work properly. Otherwise, the recording may be interrupted. โ Annexes โ Application management โ Boldbeast โ Battery โ No restrictions.
What to do if records are missing: recovery and backup
If you find that the call records are gone, don't panic, you can try to recover them.
Step 1: Checking Recycle Bin and Temporary Files
MIUI has a built-in bin where files are stored for up to 30 days:
- Open the Files app** โ go to the Recycle Bin section.
Step 2: Recovery through PC
If files have been permanently deleted, connect Poco X3 to your computer and use recovery software:
- ๐ป Recuva (for Windows) โ scans internal memory for deleted files.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ DiskDigger (for Android) โ works without root, but with root finds more files.
- ๐ EaseUS MobiSaver (for Mac) โ supports.amr and Mac recovery.mp3.
Important: Do not save new files to your phone until you recover, which reduces your chances of success.
Step 3: Backup for the future
To avoid losing records in the future:
- โ๏ธ Set up automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
- ๐ Copy the folder regularly /MIUI/sound_recorder/ PC-only.
- ๐ Use applications with cloud backup (e.g. Cube) ACR + Dropbox).
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If the records are critical (for example, for court or work), always duplicate them on an external medium.