A magnetic storage element and a recording method using the same capable of ensuring correct information recording without causing erroneous writing are proposed. A magnetic storage device having the magnetic storage elements incorporated therein, and being capable of recording information in a stable and correct manner even if the magnetic characteristics vary from the element to element is also proposed. The magnetic storage element comprises a storage layer, magnetic field applying means for applying magnetic field to the storage layer, and a magnetic field shield, disposed between the magnetic field application means and the storage layer, comprising a soft magnetic material, for shielding at least a part of the magnetic field. Recording to the magnetic storage element is made effective by applying a magnetic field to the storage layer while heating the magnetic field shield to thereby allow it to reduce or lose its magnetization.