Recycle Bin in Xiaomi Mi 8: where it is hidden and how to return deleted files

You accidentally deleted an important photo or document on the Xiaomi Mi 8 and now you can’t find a basket to recover a file? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones — especially on older models like the Mi 8, where the MIUI interface is not always intuitive. Unlike modern versions, where the basket is put in a prominent place, in firmware for the Mi 8 (MIUI 10-12), its location can vary or not be completely absent by default.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to find a shopping cart on the Xiaomi Mi 8, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features and third-party apps. You’ll also learn what to do if the shopping cart is empty or files have been permanently deleted. Importantly, the search algorithm depends on the firmware version and your device’s settings, so we’ll look at options for different scenarios.

Why there is no visible basket in the Mi 8: features of the MIUI

Many Xiaomi Mi 8 users are faced with the fact that after deleting a file through the Gallery or File Manager, there is no notification of moving to the cart.

• 📱 Version. MIUI: In firmware before MIUI The 12th Recycle Bin was often hidden or only worked for certain types of files (e.g., a photo from a standard Gallery).
• 🔧 Default settings: On some devices, the Recycle Bin feature is manually disabled or reset after an update.
• 🗑️ Deletion type: Files deleted through third-party apps (e.g. Google Photos or Google Photos) ES Conductor, get into their own baskets, not the system.

Also, the Mi 8 can have a different name for the basket, like recently deleted, or trash, depending on where the firmware is located, and if you don't see it on the menu, it doesn't mean it's not there, it's probably hidden in the depths of the settings.

Where to look for a basket in the standard Mi 8 Gallery

The easiest way to find deleted photos is through the standard Gallery app. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Gallery app (a icon with colorful photos).
2. Slip on three horizontal lines (☰) in the upper right corner or swipe to the right to open the side menu.
3. Scroll down and find the Recycle Bin or Recently Deleted section (in English firmware, “Trash” or “Recently Deleted”).
4. Inside, you will see all photos and videos deleted in the past 30 days (default storage period).

If the menu is not on the menu, check:

• 🔍 App Update: Go to Google Play and update the Gallery to the latest version.
• ⚙️ Recycle Bin Settings: In some versions MIUI You need to turn on the function first. To do this, go to the Gallery Settings. → Recycle bin and activate the switch.

Recycle Bin in Mi 8 File Manager: Where Deleted Documents Are Stored

For files deleted through the File Manager (e.g. documents, APKs, archives), the Recycle Bin may be located elsewhere.

1. Open the File Manager application (yellow folder icon).
2. In the lower menu, select the Categories section (or Categories in English).
3. Scroll down and find the basket or trash folder. If it's not there, try:

Internal memory → MIUI → Trash


or




Internal memory →.trash

Warning: The.trash folder may be hidden to see it:

1. In File Manager, tap three points (⋮) → "Settings".
2. Enable the option "Show hidden files".

Check the section "Category" → "Basket"

Look for the MIUI/Trash folder in internal memory

Enable the display of hidden files

Update the File Manager to the latest version-->

How to recover files if the cart is empty or missing

If the recycle bin doesn't contain deleted files or doesn't contain any, don't despair. There are a few ways to get the data back:

1. Through MIUI backups

MIUI automatically backs up some files to find them:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backups and check the available dates.
3. Restore the files you need by following the system’s prompts.

2. Using Google Photos

If you have synced with Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Put it on the avatar. → "Basket".
3. Select files and click "Restore".

The storage period in the Google Photos basket is 60 days.

3. Third-party recovery programs

If standard methods do not help, use specialized utilities:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Restores photos and videos without root rights.
• 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – connect your phone in mode MTP and scan the memory.
• 📱 Dumpster – a shopping cart application that intercepts deleted files.

💡

Before using recovery software, do not write new files to your phone, which reduces the chances of a successful data return.

Hidden basket settings: how to enable or change the shelf life

In Xiaomi Mi 8 you can configure the options of the basket, including the storage period of files.

1. Open the gallery. → three-point (⋮) → "Settings".
2. Select "Baskbasket" (or "Trash").
3. Here you can: 🔄 Change the shelf life (by default 30 days, you can increase to 60). 🗑️ Hand-clean the basket. 🔕 Turn off the cart (not recommended).

Important: If you disable the Recycle Bin, files will be permanently deleted without the ability to recover through standard means.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with the basket on Xiaomi Mi 8 users often make mistakes that lead to data loss.

⚠️ Note: If you delete files through ES Explorer or Total Commander with the option "Delete Forever", they will not fall into the basket MIUI. In this case, they can be restored only through specialized programs.

• 🚫 Cache Cleaning Gallery: Many Think Cache Cleaning in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Memory will free up space, but it can delete thumbnails and service cart files.
• 🔄 Phone reset: When reset to factory settings, the basket is cleared without recovery capability.
• 📲 Update MIUI: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 10. MIUI 12) basket settings may be reset.

To minimize the risks:

• 📌 Regularly check the contents of the shopping cart and restore the necessary files before the expiration of the storage period.
• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Periodically create local backups of important files.

💡

The Recycle Bin in MIUI is not a guarantee of file safety; it only protects against accidental deletion, not from a phone reset, memory damage, or manual cleaning.

Alternative ways to protect data on the Mi 8

If the standard cart doesn’t suit you, consider alternative solutions:

1. Installation of a third-party basket

Apps like Dumpster or Recycle Bin create their own recycle bin that intercepts all deleted files, no matter what application they were erased through.

• 🔹 Works with all types of files (photos, videos, documents, APK).
• 🔹 Customizable storage period (up to 1 year).
• 🔹 Possibility of recovery SD-map.

2. Cloud storage with versionality

Google Drive, Dropbox or Mi Cloud services store file changes history, for example, in Google Drive you can restore a file that was deleted before 30 days ago, even if it did not enter the phone basket.

3. Regular backups

Use built-in tools MIUI or third-party utilities (e.g. Swift Backup) to create backups. MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and specify the folder to save.
3. Check the boxes "System Data" and "Applications".
4. Click on "Create a backup."

Keep your backups on. SD-In the cloud or in the map, this will protect data even if your phone breaks down.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about the Recycle Bin in Xiaomi Mi 8