Where is the Recycle Bin on Xiaomi Mi 9: Search, Configuration and Recovery of Files

Why can’t users find a shopping cart on Xiaomi Mi 9?

Xiaomi Mi 9 owners often face a problem: they deleted a photo or document, and you can't find a recovery basket. Unlike Windows or macOS, where the Recycle Bin folder is always in plain sight, it's not the case with smartphones based on MIUI (the Xiaomi brand shell), because Android systems don't have a single basket for all files, but its location depends on the type of data and the application through which they were deleted.

On the Mi 9 (2019 model), the shopping cart can be hidden in different places: in a photo gallery, in a file manager for documents, and sometimes even absent if the file is deleted through a third-party application. In addition, after MIUI updates, the menu interface often changes, and users get lost. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from standard paths to hidden functions.

Where to find a cart for photos and videos?

If you delete a photo or video through the standard Xiaomi Gallery, the files are then placed in the Recycle Bin temporary folder, which is stored for 30 days (by default) to find it:

1. Open the Gallery app (an icon with a floral logo).
2. Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the lower right corner.
3. Select the basket item (dumpster icon).

Inside, you'll see all deleted media files with the option of recovery or final deletion. Please note that if you've manually cleaned your cart or used the Clean feature in the gallery settings, the files will be permanently deleted.

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If the gallery does not have a “Basket” item, update the application via Google Play or check the storage settings: Gallery → Settings → Recycle Bin → Enable the Recycle Bin.

Important: The gallery cart only works for files deleted through the app itself, and if you've erased photos through Google Photos or another service, look for them in the app's shopping cart.

Recycle Bin for Documents and Other Files

For other file types (PDF, APK, archives, etc.), the Xiaomi Mi 9 uses the built-in File Manager (Blue folder icon).

• 📁 Open Files (or File Manager in English) MIUI).
• 🔍 Go to the Category tab (bottom of the screen).
• 🗑️ Scroll down to the Recycle Bin section (may be called Deleted Files).
• ⏳ Files are stored for 15 days (the term can be changed in the settings).

If the “Basket” section is missing, check:

1. MIUI Version: In older builds (below 12.5), the basket could be disabled by default.
2. File Manager Settings: Files → Settings → Recycle Bin → Enable.
3. Application rights: Sometimes after resetting the settings, access to the cart is blocked.

Why can the basket disappear and how can it be returned?

Sometimes users of Xiaomi Mi 9 are faced with the fact that the "Baskbasket" section disappears from the menu.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the file manager settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Storage → Reset Settings

How to recover files if the basket is cleaned?

If you permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin or it has been disabled, the chances of recovery depend on how long it has been since you deleted and whether the smartphone has been actively used (new data can overwrite old).

• 🔄 Google Drive/Google Photo: if autosynchronization was enabled, check the Recycle Bin folder in the web version of the service (storage period — 60 days).
• 💻 PC software: connect Mi 9 to your computer and use DiskDigger, Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver (root rights required for deep scanning).
• 📱 MIUI Backup: If you have backed up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup, restore data from there.
• ☁️ Cloud Services: Check for Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive, or other clouds if they’ve been connected.

Disconnect mobile internet and Wi-Fi|Not installing new applications|Do not take photos/video|Connect charging (the process may take time)|Use proven programs-->

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software directly on your smartphone, it can overwrite deleted data.

Differences in different versions of MIUI on Xiaomi Mi 9

The interface and logic of the Mi 9 cart depend on the version of MIUI. Below is a comparison of the key differences:

To find out your version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have an outdated build, we recommend updating – this will add a basket function for all files and increase their shelf life.

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Starting with MIUI 12.5, the Recycle Bin works for all file types, but in earlier versions it may not be available for documents.

How to set up a basket for your needs?

In Xiaomi Mi 9, you can change the options of the shopping cart: file retention period, automatic cleaning and notifications.

1. For Gallery: Gallery → Settings → Cart → Shelf life (select 7/15/30 days or “Never”)
2. For File Manager: Files → Settings → Recycle Bin → Enable/disable, change the shelf life
3. For notifications: Turn on the Remind Before Cleaning option in the basket settings.

⚠️ Note: If you choose the option “Never” to store files in the Recycle Bin, it will fill up indefinitely, taking up space in the memory of the smartphone.

You can also configure exceptions for certain folders, such as to keep files from the Worksheet folder from going to the Recycle Bin, but to delete them immediately:

Files → Settings → Recycle Bin → Exceptions → Add folder

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with the cart on Xiaomi Mi 9 users often make mistakes that lead to irretrievable data loss.

• 🚫 Cleaning the cart through an optimizer: The Security app (with a shield icon) often suggests clearing the "garbage" including the basket.
• 🔄 Use the “Delete Forever” function: when you hold your finger on the file, the option of final deletion appears, bypassing the basket.
• 📱 Delete via PC: When you connect to your computer, files are deleted without getting into the basket MIUI.
• ☁️ Disable sync: If you have disabled Mi Cloud or Google Photos, no backups are created.

To minimize the risks:

1. Enable automatic backup in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud.
2. Periodically check the basket and restore the necessary files before the expiration of the storage period.
3. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Drive) for mission-critical data.

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The most common cause of data loss is cleaning the cart through the Security Optimizer. Always check which files are being deleted!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions