Where is the basket on the Xiaomi phone and how to use it

You accidentally deleted an important file on Xiaomi and now you can't find a basket to restore it? Or just want to figure out how data deletion works in MIUI? Unlike computers where the basket is always in sight, on Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones, its location depends on the firmware version, the file type and even the installed applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail where to look for the basket on different Xiaomi models, how to restore the deleted one, and why sometimes there is no basket at all.

Many users are faced with confusion: whether files are deleted forever, or they can be returned. In fact, MIUI has two types of baskets - system (for standard files) and applications (for example, in the Gallery or Records), while on older versions of the firmware, the basket may be missing, and on newer versions its behavior has changed.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a standard cart

If you're used to a Windows or macOS cart, it's a bit of a surprise to find it on Xiaomi, because Android (and MIUI) has a different concept, and here are the key reasons why it's not as it is:

• 📱 No single file system: Unlike a PC where all files are stored in the same hierarchy, on Android each application manages its data separately).
• 🗑️ MIUI Not always saves the deleted: On older versions of the firmware (up to) MIUI 12) files are deleted forever. The recycle bin came later and doesn't work for all types of data.
• 🔄 Different rules for different files: Photos and videos can be in the Gallery Recycle Bin, but documents cannot. System files (.apk,.db) are deleted without recovery.

Xiaomi also frequently changes the logic of working with files in new versions of MIUI, for example, in MIUI 14 the basket in the Files app became hidden by default, and in HyperOS (the new firmware for Xiaomi 14), its location changed again, which means that the instructions for the Redmi Note 10 may not be suitable for the POCO F5.

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party file managers (e.g. Total Commander or Total Commander) FX File Explorer, they can have their own shopping cart, not connected to the system, and the files that are deleted through them will not get into the trash. MIUI.

Where to look for a cart in standard Xiaomi apps

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones, the basket is hidden inside standard applications, and here’s where to look for it depending on the file type:

1.The basket in the Gallery (photos and videos)

If you delete a photo or video through a standard Gallery, it will be in the app basket to find it:

1. Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select the Recycle Bin (or Recently Deleted in Older Versions).
4. Files will be stored here for 30 days (by default).

In the Gallery basket you can:

• 🔄 Restore files (select them and click "Restore»).
• 🗑️ Clean the cart completely (clean button in the upper right corner).
• ⏳ See the retention period – next to each file, it is indicated how many days remain until the final deletion.

If the item is not on the menu, it means:

• 📵 You've got an old version. MIUI (11th, where there was no basket.
• 🔧 The function is disabled in the settings (less often, but sometimes).
• 📁 You deleted the file through another file manager, not through the gallery.

2. Recycle bin in the Files app (documents and other files)

For the other file types (.pdf,.docx,.apk, etc.), the basket is in the standard Files app (folder icon).

1. Open the Files app.
2. In the lower menu, select the Categories section (or the Review in new versions).
3. Scroll down and find the Recycle Bin item (may be hidden under “More” or “Other”).

Important: The Files Recycle Bin only stores documents that have been deleted through this app, and if you deleted a file through Google Files or Total Commander, you should search for it in the Recycle Bin of these apps.

3.Basket in Records and Recorder

Audio recordings and text notes can also fall into the bin, but the logic of storage is different:

• 🎤 Recorder: Deleted recordings are stored in the application basket for 30 days. To open it, tap three dots (⋮) → Basket.
• 📝 Notes: There is no basket here – deleted notes cannot be restored (unless there was a backup copy).

How to turn on the cart if it is not in MIUI

If you don't find a cart in your Xiaomi, it doesn't always mean it's not there. It might be that the function is just disabled or hidden. Here's what you can do:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version

The basket appeared in MIUI 11 and was modified in MIUI 12/13/14. If you have an old firmware, update it:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.

Once the update is complete, the shopping cart should appear in the Gallery and Files, and if not, move on to the next step.

2. Check the settings of the Files app

In some versions of MIUI, the basket is hidden in the settings:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings.
3. Find the Recycle Bin or File Management section.
4. Make sure the Recycle Bin function is active.

If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support the Document Recycle Bin (only for Media Files in the Gallery).

3. Use cloud services for backup

If you don’t have a shopping cart, but you want to protect yourself from data loss, set up automatic sync with the cloud:

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud: Enable backup in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud.
• 🌍 Google Drive: Install the app and enable autosave photos in Settings → Google → Backup.

Cloud-based copies do not replace the shopping cart, but they allow you to recover files even after you have completely deleted them from your phone.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Update the firmware to the latest version

Look at the Files application settings

Install a third-party file manager with a basket (e.g. Files by Google)

Configure backup to Mi Cloud or Google Drive-->

How to recover files if the basket is empty or not

If a file didn't make it to the bin or you've already cleaned it, the chances of recovery depend on how long ago it was deleted and what actions you did after that.

1. Recovery through backups

If you have backup enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Drive:

1. For Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Backup. Select the latest copy and restore the data you need.

Google Photo

• Open the Google Photos app.
• Go to the Recycle Bin (stores files for 60 days).
• Restore deleted photos.

2.Use of third-party recovery software

If you don't have backups, you can try specialized utilities, but keep in mind that the more you use your phone after you delete it, the lower your chances of recovery (new data overwrites old ones).

Popular programmes:

• 📱 DiskDigger (for Android, no root required).
• 💻 Recuva or EaseUS (if you connect your phone to a PC).

Important: Deep scanning may require root access, which voids warranty and increases the risk of system damage. Use this method only if files are critical.

⚠️ Note: Do not install recovery software on the same disk (or memory partition) from which the files were deleted.This reduces the chances of success, as new data can overwrite the deleted files.

3. Contact the service center

If the files are of high value (for example, the only photos from an important event), you can contact the Xiaomi service center.

• 💰 This is a paid service (cost from 1,500 to 10,000) ₽ depending on the complexity).
• ⏳ The process may take several days.
• 🔒 There is no guarantee of 100% recovery, especially if the phone has been used extensively after removal).

Why Files Are Losing from the Recycle Bin Before Term

Have you noticed that files disappear from the recycle bin before the 30 days have elapsed?

On Xiaomi phones with HyperOS firmware (like Xiaomi 14), the basket in the Files app is cleared automatically when connected to a PC in file transfer mode (MTP), a known bug that has not yet been fixed.

To avoid file loss:

• 📲 Check the Recycle Bin regularly and restore the files you need.
• 🔄 Set up automatic backup to the cloud.
• 🚫 Do not manually clean the cart unless you are sure that files will not be needed.

💡

If you often work with important files, create a folder on your phone called!IMPORTANT (exclamation mark will bring it to the top of the list) and store duplicates of critical documents there.

Frequent mistakes when working with a basket on Xiaomi

Many users make the same mistakes that lead to permanent data loss, and the most common ones are:

1. Delete files through third-party apps: If you delete photos via WhatsApp or documents via Total Commander, they won't get into the MIUI Recycle Bin.
2. Ignoring Recycle Bin Cleanup Notices: MIUI sometimes shows a notification saying, "The Recycle Bin will be cleared in X days." If you ignore it, files will be deleted automatically.
3. Utilizing Optimization Features: Built-in cleaning tools (e.g., Garbage Cleanup in Settings → Memory) can delete files from the Recycle Bin without warning.
4. Lack of backups: Many rely only on the cart but don't set up cloud backups. This is risky because the cart doesn't guarantee data safety.

To avoid these mistakes:

• 🔍 Always check which application you are deleting files through.
• 🔔 Include cart notifications in application settings.
• ☁️ Set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

💡

The recycle bin in MIUI is not a guarantee of file security, but temporary storage. Always duplicate important data to the cloud or to an external drive.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Cart