Why is the Redmi Note 8 Pro not a regular shopping cart?
You deleted an important file on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro but didn't find it in the Recycle Bin? It's no coincidence that MIUI smartphones (including your model) work differently than computers or even devices from other brands. Unlike Windows or macOS, where deleted files are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin, Android by default erases them irreversibly - without intermediate storage.
But that doesn't mean that you can't recover it. Depending on how you delete a file (via a gallery, file manager, or third-party app), the chances of returning it vary, like Google Photos has its own shopping cart, and MIUI Gallery has a temporary folder called Recently Deleted, and then we'll go through all the options, including hidden features and third-party tools.
Where to look for the “Basket” in standard MIUI applications
The Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn't have a cart per se, but some system apps mimic its functionality.
- 📷 gallery MIUI: Open the Gallery app, tap on three dots in the upper right corner → Recycle Bin (or "Recently Deleted"): The files are stored there for 30 days, after which they are permanently erased.
- 📁 File Manager: There is no Recycle Bin in Mi File Manager, but you can enable Delete Protection in settings (path: Settings) → Additionally. → File protection).
- ☁️ Google Photos: If sync is enabled, deleted photos/video will be included in the service basket (available via the web version or app).
Important: The recently deleted folder in the gallery only appears after the first deletion of the file, and if you've never erased photos through this app, there may be no partition.
How to recover files if there is no basket
If the file is permanently deleted (e.g., via Mi File Manager or ES Explorer), try these methods:
- Check backups: 🔄 MIUI Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. If sync is enabled, files may have been saved. 🖥️ Google Drive: Open Drive.google.com on PC and check the Recycle Bin section».
Use specialized utilities
Programs like DiskDigger, Recuva (for PC) or Dumpster (an Android shopping cart application) scan a device's memory for deleted files, and the effectiveness depends on how long it has been since you deleted it and how much you've been using your smartphone.
Do not write new files to your device.|Connect charging (the process may take time)|Use the original cable to connect to your PC|Check the space available on your phone (at least 10%)-->
Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same memory partition as the deleted file, which reduces the chances of success, as new data can overwrite old ones.
Hidden folders and system directories: where else can there be files
MIUI creates temporary folders that users rarely check.
| Folder/path | What could be stored there? | How to open |
|---|---|---|
| /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Backup/AllBackup | Backup copies of system data and applications | Mi File Manager with hidden files enabled |
| /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails | Photo and video miniatures (sometimes remain even after the originals are deleted) | Use a Explorer with root or ADB rights |
| /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ | Cache and application data (for example, saved stories from messengers) | Access to the root catalogue is required |
To see the hidden folders in Mi File Manager:
- Open the app.
- Slip three lines in the top left corner.
- Select Settings → Show hidden files.
1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable backup for Gallery, Contacts and Notes.
3. Set a schedule (e.g. weekly).-->
Attention: If you are using SD-The card is an internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), the files on it are encrypted. Once the card is removed or reset, access to the data will be lost.
What to do if the cart is empty and files are not restored
If none of these methods work, radical measures remain:
- PC Connection: Use programs like EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone to scan deep memory. Connect Redmi Note 8 Pro over USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Contacting the service center: If files are critical (for example, work documents or only photos), specialists can extract data using professional equipment (for example, Chip-Off). ₽.
💡
The faster you start recovering, the better the chances of success, and each new record on the device (photo, video, app installation) reduces the likelihood of returning deleted files.
Warning: Don't use dubious programs that promise 100% recovery, they may contain malicious code or damage data even more. Check the reviews and ratings of the app on Google Play.
How to set up a “basket” for the future
To avoid file loss in the future, set up the Redmi Note 8 Pro as follows:
- 🔒 Enable File Protection: In Mi File Manager, go to Settings → Additionally. → File protection and activate the option. Now, when you delete files, they will move to a secure folder.
- ☁️ Automatic Sync: Configure backup in Google Photos or Mi Cloud. For example, in Google Photos you can select the quality of the save (High quality - free, Original - takes place in the cloud).
- 📁 Third-party shopping cart apps: Install Dumpster or Recycle Bin from Google Play. They create a virtual shopping cart for all deleted files.
Example of Dumpster setup:
- Download the application and open it.
- Enable the option of Automatic backup.
- Select file types for protection (photos, videos, documents).
- Set a storage period (from 1 day to unlimited).