Where are deleted files actually stored on Xiaomi Android smartphones (and how to return them)

Introduction: Myths and Realities About Deleted Files on Xiaomi

You accidentally erase an important photo, document or video from your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 — and now you're panicking about where they went? Most users mistakenly believe that after clicking Delete, files disappear forever. In fact, Android (and MIUI in particular) is more complex: data often stays on the system for a long time, just becomes invisible to the user.

In this article, we will discuss in detail: 1) Where exactly files move after deletion (basket, cache, unindexed memory areas). 2 How the mechanism for storing deleted data in MIUI 14 and later. 3 What tools will help restore information - from standard functions to professional utilities. 4 Why some files cannot be restored (and how to avoid this in the future).

Importantly, on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI firmware, deleted files can be stored in three different places at the same time, depending on the type of data and how you delete them, for example, photos from the gallery go to the Recycle Bin, and files deleted through the file manager often remain in the app cache.

1. “Basket” in MIUI: the first place to search for deleted files

The most obvious and affordable way to recover lost data is to check the built-in MIUI Recycle Bin, which works similarly to a PC Recycle Bin, but with important nuances:

• 📁 Gallery: Deleted photos/video are stored here for 30 days (by default.
• 📄 File Manager: Recycle bin only activates if the “Use Recycle Bin” option is enabled in the settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Basket).
• 🎵 Music: the standard Mi Music player does not have a shopping cart - files are deleted immediately.

How to open the basket:

1. Launch the Gallery or Files app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → select "Baskbasket».
3. Find the file you want, click on it and select “Restore”.

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If the shopping cart is empty but you are sure you have recently deleted files, check the filters by date in the top menu. Sometimes the files are "hidden" under other categories (for example, "Screenshots" instead of "Photos").

⚠️ Attention: Basket in MIUI It has a volume limit – usually 5 GB. If the limit is exceeded, old files are automatically deleted without the possibility of recovery.

2. Application cache: hidden storage of "remote" data

Many users are unaware that Android apps actively cache data even after it is deleted.

• 📱 Social networks (Telegram, WhatsApp, VK): Media files remain in cache even after cleaning the chat.
• 🎬 Video players (e.g., video players, MX Player: Temporary files can weigh gigabytes.
• 📷 Camera: Miniatures and unsaved photos are stored in the /DCIM/.thumbnails.

How to check the cache:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application (e.g. Gallery) → “Storage” → “Cash”.
3. Use a file manager with root rights (such as FX Explorer) to view the contents of /data/data/ folders (bootloader unlock required).

3.Inner memory: how the "invisible" sectors work

When you delete a file through a file manager or rm command in ADB, it doesn't physically erase.

1. The operating system marks the sector as “free” in the filesheet (e.g., ext4 or f2fs, which Xiaomi uses).
2. The data stays in place until it is overwritten with new files.
3. The chances of recovery depend on the user’s activity: if you downloaded a lot of new data after deleting it, it will be more difficult to return the old data.

Where to look:

• 🔍 folder /storage/emulated/0/ — main repository of user data.
• 🔍 /data/ — System data (root rights required).
• 🔍 Section /sdcard/ — symbolical reference to internal memory.

⚠️ Note: Do not use standard Windows tools (e.g., Windows, CHKDSK) Scanning internal memory of Xiaomi through USB. This can damage the structure of the section. f2fs make recovery impossible.

4. Cloud Copies: Automatic Synchronization in MIUI

Many users forget that MIUI syncs data by default with Xiaomi Cloud and Google Drive cloud services, and even if the file is deleted locally, a copy of it can be saved to the cloud:

• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: Automatically backs up photos, contacts, notes and SMS. Check the "Basket" section in the web version (i.mi.com).
• ☁️ Google Photos: If Backup is enabled, all media files are saved in original quality (or compressed, depending on your settings).
• ☁️ Other services: Dropbox, OneDrive or Yandex.Disk may contain copies if you have set up autoboot.

How to recover from Xiaomi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings app → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select a category (e.g., “Gallery” or “Notes”).
3. Press three points (⋮) → «Recycled basket (if available) or Restore».

5. Professional Recovery Tools

If standard methods do not work, you will have to use specialized software.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (without root):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select “Start Basic Scan” (without root, only cache and thumbnail scans are available).
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 10–30 minutes).
4. Mark the files you need and click “Restore”.

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Without root rights, most recovery utilities can only find thumbnails of images and document fragments. Full recovery requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

6. When recovery is not possible (and how to avoid it)

There are situations when you can not return files even with professional software:

• 🔥 Physical memory damage (for example, after a phone drop or moisture hit).
• 🔄 Full formatting via fastboot or MIUI Recovery.
• 📲 Data overwriting: if after deletion you have recorded a volume of data on your phone that exceeds the size of the lost files.
• 🔒 Encryption: on devices with File-Based Encryption enabled (FBE) Recovery without a password is not possible.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📌 Regular backup through MIUI Backup or Google One.
• 🛡️ Disabling Automatic Cleaning in Storage Settings (Settings) → Warehouse → Cleanup).
• 🔧 Use the cart in all applications where possible.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with dynamic partitioning (for example, Redmi Note 11 and later) standard recovery methods through the use of the mobile phone. ADB In such cases, only the physical connection of the memory chip to the programmer (which requires specialized equipment) will help).

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi