Where did the basket on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro go: where to look for deleted files in 2026

You deleted an important file on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro and now you can't find a basket to recover it? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone owners -- especially those who have recently moved from iPhones or pure Android devices. The fact is that the MIUI firmware does not work in the same way as standard shells, it can be hidden, disabled or even absent in some applications.

In this article, we’ll look at where the Recycle Bin on Redmi 9 Pro is stored, how to get there through the built-in MIUI tools, and what to do if files are lost without recovery, and why the Recycle Bin can suddenly disappear after a system upgrade and how to avoid it. If you’ve used third-party file managers (like Google Files or ES Explorer), they may have their own baskets — that’s what we’ll talk about.

We warn you right away that not all deleted files can be returned, for example, photos from the gallery are stored in the basket for 30 days, but here are documents or photos from the gallery. APK-Files are often deleted permanently, so the sooner you start acting, the better the chances of success.

1. Where is the Recycle Bin in the standard MIUI file manager

In MIUI 12/13/14 firmware (which is installed on Redmi 9 Pro), the basket is built into the Files app (a blue folder icon), but its location is not obvious - many users simply do not notice this tab.

  1. Open the Files app (if you don’t find it, check the Tools folder or search the system).

Important: the Recycle Bin in MIUI is not infinite. By default, files are stored there for 15-30 days (depending on the firmware version), after which they are automatically cleaned. There is also a limit on volume - if the basket is overflowing, old files will begin to be deleted.

Free space on the device (minimum 10% of memory)

Wi-Fi connection (if files are synced to the cloud)

Battery charge >30% (to avoid interruption)

Lack of active system updates (they may reset settings)

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If the Recycle Bin tab is not in the bottom menu, it means the function is disabled.

  1. Open Files → click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.

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If you frequently delete files by mistake, increase the storage time in the Recycle Bin to a maximum of 30 days. To do this, select “Clean the Recycle Bin” → “Configure” in the file manager settings and set the desired period.

Photos and videos deleted through the standard MIUI Gallery are placed in a separate bin that is not associated with the file manager.

  1. Open the Gallery app**.
  2. Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
  3. Select Recycle Bin. * This will be all deleted media files.
  4. Press the file. → «Restore»**.

Features of the gallery basket on Redmi 9 Pro:

    ⚠️ Note: If you deleted photos not through a gallery (for example, through a file manager or a third-party application), you should search for them in the Files basket**, not the gallery!

    Through the standard gallery

    Through the MIUI file manager

    Through Google Photos

    Through third-party applications (ES Explorer, Solid Explorer, etc.)

    I don't delete it, I clean it up.-->

    3.Why the basket may disappear and how to get it back

    Sometimes Redmi 9 Pro users experience a shopping cart suddenly disappearing from the menu.

    Reason for disappearanceHow to get the basket back
    Disabled in the File Manager SettingsGo to Files → “Settings” → turn on “Basket”
    MIUI update resets settingsReboot your phone, check the settings of the file manager
    A third-party launcher (Nova, Apex, etc.)Return the standard launcher or look for a basket in the menu of third-party software
    Reset to factory settingsThe basket is cleaned completely, recovery is possible only through backup copies.
    Virus or system failureCheck with antivirus, if necessary, reinstall the firmware

    If the cart is missing after the MIUI update, try the following steps:

    1. Restart your phone (sometimes a simple switch-off/on helps).
    2. Clear the file manager cache: “Settings” → “Applications” → “Files” → “Clear the cache”**.
    3. Check if the basket is hidden in the display settings. To do this, in the file manager, click on three dots → Settings → Show hidden folders**.

    Critical information: Once reset to factory settings, the basket clears without recovery. If you plan to reset, pre-copy all important files on your PC or in the cloud.

    4. basket in third-party applications: Google Files, ES Explorer, etc.

    If you use alternative file managers, they may have their own shopping carts. Consider the most popular options for Redmi 9 Pro:

    📁 Google Files (Files from Google)

    • 🔹 The Recycle Bin is called “Recently Deleted»**.
    • 🔹 Storage period: 30 days.
    • 🔹 How to Open: Open the Application → slip on ⚙️ «Settings» → «Basket»**.
    • 🔹 Feature: restores files to the folder "Restored"** on the internal drive.

    📂 ES Conductor

    • 🔹 Where to look: Main menu → basket»**.

    ☁️ Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

    If you have Mi Cloud enabled sync, deleted files can stay in the cloud bin for up to 60 days to recover:

    1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud**
    2. Select "Basket"** in the bottom menu.
    3. Find the file you want and click “Restore”**.

    ⚠️ Note: if you manually deleted a file from the cloud (not through your phone), it may be permanently lost.

    5 What to do if the basket is empty or files are not restored

    If you don't find a deleted file in the recycle bin, it doesn't mean it's lost forever. Here's what you can try:

    🔍 Searching through system cache

    Sometimes files are left in the app cache to find them:

    1. Select the application through which the file was opened (such as WhatsApp or VK).

    💾 Recovery via PC

    If the file was deleted long ago, but not overwritten with new data, you can try to restore it using software for PC:

    • 🖥️ DiskDigger (there is a version for Android, but requires root).

    For recovery via PC:

    1. Connect Redmi 9 Pro to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
    2. Run a regenerative program and scan the internal memory.
    3. Save the files you find on your PC, not back to your phone (so you don’t overwrite the data).
    Why not restore files to the same phone?
    When you restore files to the same drive (Redmi 9 Pro internal memory), new data can overwrite old data, making it impossible to restore other deleted files. Always save the recovered data to another medium (PC, flash drive, cloud).

    📱 Use of root rights (for advanced users)

    If you have root access, you can use apps like Root Explorer or Undeleter to scan system partitions, but this method is risky.

    • ⚠️ Could be disrupting work. MIUI.
    • ⚠️ The phone guarantee will burn.
    • ⚠️ Without experience, it is easy to delete critical system files.

    If you are not sure about your skills, it is best to contact the Xiaomi service center – they can recover data using professional equipment.

    6. How to protect files from accidental deletion in the future

    To avoid losing important data, follow these tips:

    • 🔒 Enable backup in Mi Cloud: “Settings» → «Xiaomi account» → «Mi Cloud» → «Backup"** Select which data to save (contacts, photos, notes).
    • ☁️ Use Google Photos: it automatically saves copies of all images to the cloud. Even if you delete a photo from your phone, it will remain in Google Photos (there are files stored in the basket for 60 days).
    • 📂 Create an archive folder on internal memory or SD-transfer important files instead of storing them in standard folders ("Downloads», «DCIM» etc.).

    It is also useful to set up cart cleanup notifications:

    1. Open Files → Settings → Recycle Bin**.
    2. Enable the option “Notify before cleaning”**.
    3. Set a fill threshold (e.g. 80%) at which the system will alert you to an imminent automatic cleanup.

    💡

    The most reliable way to keep data from being lost is to back up two places: for example, in Mi Cloud+ to an external hard drive, so you protect yourself from cloud failures, phone theft, or physical device failure.

    7. Frequent mistakes when working with a basket on Xiaomi

    Many Redmi 9 Pro users make the same mistakes that cause them to lose files forever.

    • 🚫 Cleaning the cart manually without checking the contents.Always review the files before final deletion.
    • 🚫 Using memory cleaners (Clean Master, CCleaner, etc.) they often delete files from the bin without warning.
    • 🚫 Disconnecting sync with Mi Cloud to save battery life.Without the cloud, it will be almost impossible to recover data.
    • 🚫 Formatting SD-maps instead of the usual deletion of files. Formatting erases data irrevocably.
    • 🚫 Ignoring updates MIUI. Newer versions of firmware often improve backup mechanisms.

    Another common mistake is deleting files via a PC, and when you connect Redmi 9 Pro to a computer and delete files through Windows Explorer, they don't end up in the MIUI Recycle Bin, they're erased immediately.

    • Always delete files directly on your phone.
    • If you need to clear memory through a PC, copy the files to a separate folder on your computer first, and then delete them.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About the Recycle Bin on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

    🔍 Can I recover files if the cart is already cleaned?
    If the cart was manually or automatically cleaned (after the shelf life expires), the chances of recovery are minimal. Try: Check Mi Cloud or Google Photos (if synchronization was enabled); Use data recovery software (such as DiskDigger), but they require root rights. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – they have specialized equipment for data extraction. ⚠️ The more you use your phone after cleaning your cart, the less chance you have of recovering (new data overwrites old ones).
    📱 Why After Updating MIUI basket became empty?
    For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), the system may reset the file manager settings, including clearing the Recycle Bin. To avoid this in the future: Back up important files on your PC or in the cloud before upgrading. Don't agree to Clear Data when installing the update (if the system offers). After the update, check the Recycle Bin settings in Files → Settings**.
    ☁️ How to increase the storage period of files in the basket?
    In a standard MIUI file manager, the maximum storage time is 30 days, and you can't change it. However, there are workarounds: Use Google Files -- there's 30 days, too, but you can set up notifications before cleaning. Install ES Explorer -- it allows you to set a period of up to 99 days. Regularly manually transfer files from the basket to the archive folder (for example, once a week).
    🗑️ Can you turn off the cart completely so that files are deleted immediately?
    Yes, but it's risky. To turn off the basket: Open Files» → «Settings» → «The basket. ⚠️ After that, all deleted files will be permanently erased, and we do not recommend this if you often work with important documents.
    🔄 What to do if the wrong file is restored or damaged?
    If the recovered file doesn't open or it's not the version you expected: Check the date of the file change (you may have restored the old copy). Try opening the file on your PC, sometimes phones don't support some formats. If the file is corrupt, try restoring it again or using programs like File Repair. If none of the methods worked, chances are the file was overwritten with new data and you can't restore it anymore.