Where to look for deleted photos on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete recovery guide

Have you accidentally deleted valuable photos from Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and now you don't know how to get them back? Don't panic: Android smartphones have several mechanisms to protect against irretrievable data loss. Even if you cleared the cart or formatted the memory card, the chances of recovery remain - but you need to act quickly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible locations for deleted photos on Redmi Note 5, from the standard Gallery Recycle Bin to system folders and cloud backups, how to use embedded MIUI tools, third-party apps, and even custom PC software, and finally, a checklist of actions to help avoid future data loss.

1.The basket in the standard Gallery: the first step to recovery

Most users of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 do not even realize that the standard Gallery app has a built-in shopping cart, which works on the principle of “soft removal”: files are not erased immediately, but moved to temporary storage, where they remain for up to 30 days (depending on the settings).

To check the basket:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app (image with multi-colored squares).
• 🗑️ In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → pick the basket.
• 🔍 View the list of deleted files. Photos are sorted by date of deletion.
• 🔄 To restore, select the necessary pictures. → Click Restore (Icon with a down arrow).

Important: If you were manually cleaning the cart or using features like Optimize in MIUI, the files could have been permanently deleted, in which case move on to the following methods.

2. Hidden folders: where Xiaomi hides backups

The MIUI system on the Redmi Note 5 automatically backs up some files, including photos, stored in hidden folders that are not displayed in the standard file manager to find them:

Use any file manager that supports hidden files (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Backup/AllBackup/


or




/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/

These folders may contain:

• 📸 Photo miniatures (.thumbnails) that sometimes persist even after the originals are deleted.
• 📁 Backups created by the system before updates MIUI (allback).
• 🔄 Temporary files with.nomedia extension – can be renamed.jpg.

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If you don’t see hidden folders, in the file manager settings, enable the “Show hidden files” option (usually under “View” or “Display settings”).

On Redmi Note 5, backups in the AllBackup folder are only created if the Backup function is enabled in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Check if it is activated from you.

3. Cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Photos and others

If your Redmi Note 5 has been enabled to sync with the cloud, the chances of recovery are much higher, and even if you deleted the pictures from the device, they could be saved in:

To recover photos from Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in if you have not done so before.
3. Choose the Gallery → Basket.
4. Find the right photos and click Restore.

⚠️ Note: If you deleted the photos from the cloud more than a month ago, they may have been permanently erased.

4. PC recovery: programs for deep scanning

If you don't find your photos in the cart or cloud, the most reliable (but also the most difficult) method is to use specialized data recovery software.

• 💻 Recuva (Free version with limitations).
• 💻 DiskDigger (there is an Android version, but it is better to use the PC version).
• 💻 EaseUS Data Recovery (paid but free trial period).
• 💻 PhotoRec (free, works via command line).

Instructions for DiskDigger (on the example of Windows):

1. Connect the Redmi Note 5 to your PC via USB-cable (in file transfer mode).
2. Download and install DiskDigger.
3. Select your device from the list of disks.
4. Start a full scan (deep scan).
5. After you complete, mark the photos you want (usually marked as.jpg or.png) and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to Redmi Note 5 - this may overwrite the remaining data and make it impossible to recover other files.

Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data on your phone

Charge your phone at least 50%

Use the original USB-cable

Do not connect your phone to other devices during scanning

Save recovered files on PC, not phone-->

5. Recovery from memory card: features for the Redmi Note 5

If you've stored your photos on a microSD card, the recovery process has its nuances. The rule is, don't write new data to the card after you delete your files. Every new photo or video reduces your chances of a successful recovery.

To work with the memory card:

1. Remove the microSD from the Redmi Note 5 and connect it to the PC via the card reader.
2. Use programs like Recuva or TestDisk (the latter is suitable for restoring the structure of the file system).
3. In the scanning settings, select either FAT32 or exFAT (depending on which file system your card is formatted).

Tips for increasing the chances:

• 🔋 Don’t use cheap card readers – they can damage your card.
• 🛑 Do not format the map before recovery (even if the system suggests it).
• 🔍 If the program finds files with type names DSC_0001.jpg, But they don't open, try renaming them manually.

⚠️ Note: Class 10 memory cards or UHS-I (The ones that are often used in Redmi Note 5 have a fast write speed, which speeds up the overwriting of deleted data!

MIUI System Tools: Backups and Resets

MIUI on the Redmi Note 5 has a built-in backup feature that can save your photos to the archive.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backups.
2. Check the backup list. If there's a copy that has the right date, select it and click Restore.
3. Select only the Gallery (so as not to overwrite other data).

If there are no local copies, try resetting to factory settings with recovery from Mi Cloud:

• 🔄 Make a backup of current data (contacts, messages).
• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔐 Select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in.
• 📸 In the list of data for recovery, mark the Gallery.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings will delete all current data on your phone. Use this method only if other methods have not worked and you have a backup in the cloud.

7.Preventing Data Loss: How to Avoid a Problem in the Future

To avoid losing important photos, follow these rules:

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Regular backups are the only reliable way to protect against data loss: set up autosynchronization to at least one cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Photos).

Basic precautions:

• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud:
• 📁 Repeat your photo to a PC or external drive (e.g. once a month).
• 🔄 Before the update MIUI or reset settings make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🚫 Avoid using garbage cleanup features in optimizer apps – they can delete temporary files needed to recover.

Also useful:

• 📸 Use apps with Recycle Bin feature, such as Google Photos or Simple Gallery.
• 🔐 Set the password on the folder. DCIM (where photos are stored) via file manager with encryption support.
• 📱 Regularly check the health of the memory card with applications such as SD Card Tester.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo recovery on Redmi Note 5