Where on Xiaomi Poco X3 stored phone records: all possible storage locations

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 canโ€™t 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, weโ€™ll 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 deviceโ€™s internal memory along the following path:

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec/

But there are nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ“ The folder can be hidden โ€“ it is not visible in the standard file manager without enabling the display of hidden files.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š File format: records are saved in.amr or.mp3 (depending on the version MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ 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:

  • ๐Ÿ“‚ /storage/emulated/0/Recordings/ (version MIUI 13+).
  • ๐Ÿ“‚ /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.

  1. Open the Files app** (Blue folder icon).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ select โ€œSettingsโ€.
  3. Activate the โ€œShow hidden filesโ€ switch.
  4. 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.

  1. Open the side menu (swipe on the right).
  2. Select โ€œSettingsโ€ โ†’ โ€œShow hidden filesโ€.
  3. 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")-->

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 galleryThere is no media scanner in the folderRestart your phone or use the Rescan Media app from the Play Market.
Records are available, but not reproduced.A damaged file or unsupported codecTry playing through VLC Player or converting to.mp3.
folder call_rec idleRecords are saved to the cloud or memory cardCheck it out. /sdcard/MIUI/sound_recorder/ Mi Cloud.
Files disappeared after MIUI updateResetting access rights or cleaning the cacheRestore 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:

  1. Open the phone application (green handset).
  2. Slip on three points โ†’ โ€œSettingsโ€ โ†’ โ€œRecording callsโ€.
  3. Select โ€œSave Placeโ€ โ†’ โ€œMemory Mapโ€.
  4. 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:

  1. Open โ€œSettingsโ€ โ†’ โ€œAccountsโ€ โ†’ โ€œMi Cloudโ€.
  2. Make sure you are logged in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Return to the call record settings (see step 2 above).
  4. Activate the option โ€œSynchronize 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?
On some firmware MIUI 13+ Xiaomi blocks the storage of records on external media: 1. Use a third-party application to record (e.g. Cube) ACR), maintains the preservation of SD. 2. Transfer files manually through Settings โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Move it to SD-postcard. 3. Get root rights and edit the file /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml, permitting android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE for the mobile phone applicationยป.

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.

  • ๐ŸŽค Cube ACR: record-keeping /storage/emulated/0/CubeBackups/ or /storage/emulated/0/CallRecordings/ (configure in the application menu).
  • ๐Ÿ“ž RMC: default /storage/emulated/0/RMCRecordings/. Supports the preservation of SD-root-card.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š 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:

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Select the format of the recording (.mp3,.wav,.amr).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatically upload records to Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Encrypt files with a password.

There are, however, downsides:

โš ๏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:

  1. 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:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Recuva (for Windows) โ€“ scans internal memory for deleted files.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ DiskDigger (for Android) โ€“ works without root, but with root finds more files.
  • ๐ŸŽ 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.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Copy the folder regularly /MIUI/sound_recorder/ PC-only.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ 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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Poco X3 call recording

Can I record calls to Poco X3 without notifying the other person?
Yes, but with reservations: Most regions (except the EU and some states in the US) allow one-way recording without notice (only your vote), both parties require their consent to record, and Poco X3, in the Phone app settings, can turn off the recording alert, but this may violate local laws.
Why is my Poco X3 not having a call recording option?
It could be related to: ๐ŸŒ Regional restrictions: on firmware for the EU, call recording is disabled by law. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Version MIUI: On some custom firmware, the function is removed. ๐Ÿ”ง Operator Settings: Some mobile operators block recording (e.g. in India) Solution: Install a third-party recording app (e.g. Cube) ACR) Or run a global version. MIUI.
How to increase the recording time on Poco X3? By default, the recording stops after 2 hours.
The 2 hour limit is a feature of the.amr and.mp3 formats on MIUI. To record longer: Use the Boldbeast app with the "Separate Files by Time" setting (e.g., every 120 minutes). Manually combine files on your PC via Audacity or OCenaudio. Select the.wav format in the recording settings (if supported).
Can I record VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) calls on Poco X3?
The standard phone app only records regular calls: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use the Cube. ACR with VoIP Record option enabled (root required for some applications). ๐ŸŽง Connect the second phone to the conversation via speakerphone and record it with a microphone. ๐Ÿ’ป Record the screen with sound through AZ Please note that VoIP recordings may violate service rules (e.g. WhatsApp prohibits this in its Terms of Use).
How to protect phone records from outsiders?
If it's your Poco X3 Confidential records are kept, we recommend: ๐Ÿ”’ Move files to a protected folder /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Private/ (readily MIUI 12+). ๐Ÿ” Encrypt the records through 7Zip Cryptomator. ๐Ÿšซ Disable access to the folder with records for other applications in Settings โ†’ Confidentiality โ†’ Special access โ†’ Access to files.