Where Does 3CX Store Recordings and Backups?
3CX keeps recordings, backups, and instance data under ProgramData on Windows and /var/lib/3cxpbx on Linux.
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3CX organizes disk by instance. The default instance keeps everything under an Instance1 Data tree: Recordings for call audio, Backups for console archives, plus voicemail and prompt folders beside them. Windows roots this at ProgramData, Linux at /var/lib/3cxpbx.
Permissions matter more than paths on Linux. Recording and backup targets must belong to the phonesystem user, or writes fail quietly and downloads 404. The console backup page and the 3CXBackupCmd tool write the same archives, so CLI scripts and GUI restores mix freely.
Where 3CX stores this, by platform
C:\ProgramData\3CX\Instance1\Data
Default instance tree with Recordings and Backups children. Keep custom targets outside this tree so uninstalls cannot take them.
/var/lib/3cxpbx/Instance1/Data
Same Instance1 Data layout as Windows. Targets must be owned by phonesystem:phonesystem or recording and backup writes fail.
Frequently asked questions
Where are 3CX call recordings on disk?
Open the console Recordings page and read the Location field, or check the default Instance1 Data Recordings folder. Archived items show a book icon and live off disk.
How do I back up 3CX from the command line?
Run 3CXBackupCmd as the phonesystem user with the file and options flags. Include REC and VM flags when recordings and voicemails must travel along.
Can recordings live on a separate drive?
Yes for self hosted installs. Point the setting at a phonesystem owned folder outside the install tree, since uninstalls wipe the default directories.
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