Where on Xiaomi is the basket: search for deleted files in MIUI

You accidentally deleted an important photo, video or document on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone — and now you can’t find where the shopping cart is stored? Unlike computers, Android devices don’t have a single system storage for temporarily deleted files. However, there are several hidden mechanisms in MIUI firmware that can save your data. In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to find the shopping cart on Xiaomi, including built-in gallery, file manager and cloud services.

It’s important to understand that the shopping cart’s behavior depends on the MIUI version, smartphone model, and even the firmware region. For example, on older versions (before MIUI 12), the shopping cart may not be in the gallery at all, while in new ones it works by default, but with a storage time limit (usually 30 days), we analyzed all current versions of the firmware and collected universal instructions that will help restore files regardless of the model – whether it is Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5.

1.Basket in the standard MIUI gallery

The most obvious place to look for deleted photos and videos is the built-in Gallery app (com.miui.gallery). Most versions of MIUI 12-14 have a hidden Recycle Bin folder, but it doesn't show up on the home screen.

1. Open the Gallery app (an icon with multi-colored squares).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) in the lower right corner or swipe to the right to open the side menu.
3. Scroll down the list and select Recycle Bin (on some models, “Recently Deleted”).
4. Inside, you will see all files deleted in the past 30 days (the timeframe may vary depending on the model).

If the item "Basket" in the menu is not, it can mean:

• 📱 You've got an old version. MIUI (before MIUI 11), where the basket was missing.
• 🔧 The function is disabled in the settings (see Section 3 of this article).
• 🗑️ You deleted files through another file manager (like Google Files) where the shopping cart is stored separately.

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If the gallery does not have a Recycle Bin, try updating the app via Google Play or installing an alternative gallery, such as Simple Gallery, where the file recovery feature is implemented more flexibly.

2.Basket in Xiaomi file manager

The second way to find deleted files is through the standard Files (com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer), where the bin works differently than in a gallery: it stores not only media files, but also documents, APKs, archives and other types of data.

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. In the lower menu, select the Categories section (or File Types on some models).
3. Scroll down to the Recycle Bin (may be called Remote or Recycle Bin on global firmware).
4. Inside, select the files you want, click “Restore” and specify the folder to save.

Features of the basket in the file manager:

• ⏳ Storage period: default - 15 days (configured in Settings) → Basket).
• 📁 File Types: All file formats are supported except system and hidden file formats.
• 🔄 Recovery: Files are returned to the original folder if it has not been deleted.

3. How to turn on the basket if it is not on the menu

If you don't find the basket in either the gallery or the file manager, it may be disabled in the settings, which is true for users who have moved data from an old smartphone or reset the settings to the factory settings, to activate the function:

For the gallery:

1. Open the Gallery» → ☰ → Settings.
2. Find the "Basket" section and turn on the switch.
3. Set a storage period (from 1 to 30 days).

For the file manager:

1. Open the Files» → ☰ → Settings → Basket.
2. Activate the option “Enable the cart”.
3. Set up automatic cleaning (15-30 days recommended).

If the settings do not include the “Basket” item, this may mean:

• 📵 Outdated firmware: on MIUI 10 and below function is missing.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some global and Chinese firmware basket hidden.
• ⚙️ Rooted Device: After obtaining root rights, system functions may not work properly.

MIUI 14|MIUI 13|MIUI 12|MIUI 11 or older |I don't know-->

4. Alternative ways to recover files

If the cart is empty or not, don't despair. There are several alternative methods to recover deleted data:

4.1 Cloud backups

If your Xiaomi has been enabled synchronization with Mi Cloud, Google Photos or Yandex.Disk, check:

• 🖼️ Mi Cloud: Close Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
• 📸 Google Photos: Open the app → Library → Recycle Bin (stores files for 60 days).
• ☁️ Yandex.Disk: web version → Section "Baskbasket" (30 days).

Third-party recovery applications

If you don't have backups, try specialized utilities.The best options for Xiaomi are:

Importantly, the faster you start recovering from deletion, the better the chances of returning files. When you use your smartphone actively (install apps, take new photos), deleted data can be overwritten.

PC-based recovery

If you don't have any deleted files on your smartphone, connect it to your computer and use programs like EaseUS Data Recovery or 7-Data Recovery.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB (enable File Transfer Mode).
2. Start the recovery program and select the smartphone drive.
3. Start a deep scan (may take several hours).
4. Save the files found on the computer.

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Third-party recovery programs work better if the smartphone has not overwritten data after deletion, avoid installing new apps and taking photos/video before the process is complete.

5.Why the basket might not work

Sometimes users find that the Recycle Bin in MIUI does not save files or is not at all.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: In new versions of the firmware basket works more stable.
• 🛠️ System File Integrity: Reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, but note that this will delete all data.
• 📱 Hardware malfunctions: If the smartphone fell or got wet, the problem may be in damaged memory.

Make sure your smartphone is over 50 times charged%|Do not connect the device to other gadgets during scanning|Use the original. USB-plug-in|Save the recovered files to another medium (not a smartphone)-->

6. How to protect files from accidental deletion

To avoid data loss in the future, follow these tips:

1. Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Photos: 🖼️ Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Gallery (turn on autoload). 📸 In Google Photos: Settings → Backup and synchronization.
2. Use third-party file managers with an extended basket, such as Solid Explorer (stores files for up to 30 days). FX File Explorer (supports cloud baskets).
3. Regularly back up your PC or external drive: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system (team to create a full backup through ADB).
4. Set up a password for important folders: In Files: select a folder → ☰ → Password protection. at Mi Gallery: Settings → Album protection.

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If you often work with important documents, install Dropsync or FolderSync to automatically sync selected folders to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

7. Frequent errors in file recovery

Many users make critical mistakes that reduce the chances of recovery to zero.

⚠️ Warning: Never save recovered files back to your smartphone, which can overwrite the remaining deleted data. Always use an external drive or PC.

Other common mistakes:

• 🔋 Battery Discharge During Recovery: An Interrupted Process Can Damage the File System.
• 📲 Smartphone use during scanning: new data overwrites remote data.
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings: This permanently deletes all data, including the cart.
• 🛠️ Install unofficial firmware after deleting files: This changes the structure of memory.

⚠️ Note: If you've used the Recycle Bin Clean feature manually, standard recovery methods won't help, in which case only deep scanning via PC using Recuva or TestDisk remains.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions