Where is the basket in the phone Xiaomi Redmi 5: search for deleted files and data recovery

Why Redmi 5 doesn’t have a regular cart and what to do

If you're looking for a shopping cart on Xiaomi Redmi 5, you're probably facing a typical MIUI smartphone problem: the standard shopping cart, like on a computer or in some Android apps, is simply not there. Unlike Windows or macOS, where deleted files are temporarily stored in a special folder, MIUI 9/10/11 (which is the version installed on Redmi 5) destroys data by default immediately after clicking "Delete." This applies to both the built-in file manager and the gallery.

But that doesn't mean files are gone forever. Depending on what data you deleted (photos, videos, documents, contacts), there are different ways to recover it, from system tools to third-party utilities, and then we'll go through all the options, including hidden folders, cloud backups and specialized programs.

It is important to understand that the faster you start to act after deleting, the better the chances of returning lost data. MIUI system does not block overwriting of the freed space, so new files (photos, downloads, cache of applications) can irretrievably erase old ones.

Where to look for a cart in standard Redmi 5 apps

Although Redmi 5 doesn’t have a full-fledged recycle bin, some system applications have their own mechanisms for temporarily storing deleted files.

• 📷 Gallery (Photo/Video): Open the Gallery app, tap three dots in the upper right corner, and select Recycle Bin, which stores deleted photos and videos for 30 days (unless manually cleaned).
• 📄 File Manager: There is no file basket in the standard file manager, but you can enable the display of hidden folders in the settings (three dots). → Settings → Sometimes deleted data is left in the.trash or.recycle folder.
• 📱 Screen recordings: If you deleted the screen recording, check the folder MIUI/screenrecorder — Sometimes there are temporary files.
• 🔄 Mi Cloud: If sync is enabled, remote contacts, notes or photos can be stored in Mi Cloud (web version or application).

Note that MIUI 9 (which was on Redmi 5 at the release) only brought the cart to the gallery after the updates. If you have an older firmware version, this section may not be available. Update through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

How to recover deleted files without a basket: 4 working methods

If files aren't found in standard partitions, don't despair. Here are four proven methods to help you get your data back to Redmi 5:

1. Restore via Google Photos (for photo/video)

If you have synced with Google Photos on your phone, you can return deleted media files within 60 days:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Put it on the avatar. → Basket.
3. Select files and click Restore.

If the app is not installed, check the cart through the web version (sign in with the same account as on your phone).

2. Use of DiskDigger (for all file types)

DiskDigger is one of the few apps that can scan Redmi 5's internal memory for deleted files. Importantly, don't install it on the same partition where lost data was stored (better use it instead). SD-map).

Install DiskDigger on another phone or PC (via APK)

Connect Redmi 5 in file transfer mode (MTP)

Do not save new files to your phone until recovery.

Select "Full Scan" (root is not required, but increases the odds)-->

Once you scan it, it'll show you the files you found. SD-Free version supports photo and video recovery; documents require Pro version.

3. Verification of Mi Cloud backups

If you have synced with Mi Cloud on Redmi 5, check:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select a section (e.g. Gallery, Contacts, Notes).
3. Check for backups (Basket tab or Archive).

Note: Mi Cloud’s free fare provides just 5GB, so backups might not have saved if the space ran out.

4. PC connection and scanning by Recuva

For deep scanning of internal memory, connect Redmi 5 to your computer and use Recuva (Windows) or PhotoRec (macOS/Linux).

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version in Settings → About the phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Start Recuva, select the phone drive and start scanning.

This method takes longer, but can find files that are not visible through mobile apps.

Hidden folders and system directories: where can you store deleted files?

MIUI creates many service folders, where sometimes shadow copies of files remain, and here are the key directories that are worth checking on Redmi 5:

To see these folders:

1. Install a root-enabled file manager (like Root Explorer) or use Total Commander.
2. In the manager settings, enable the option to Show hidden files and Show system files.
3. Look for files with extensions.bak,.tmp,.old – they can be copies of deleted data.

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If you find files with the.nomedia extension, rename them by removing this extension so they will become visible in the gallery.

What to do if files are not restored: alternative solutions

If none of the above methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔍 Contact the service center: Professionals can extract data using professional equipment (e.g. Chip-Off), but it is expensive (from 5 000 to the first time). ₽) It does not guarantee 100% results.
• 📱 Check Other Devices: It is possible that files were sent via Bluetooth, Telegram or Email to another gadget.
• 💾 Use Google Backups: If the phone was linked to a Google account, check Google Drive (Section Backups).
• 📧 Embedded emails: Sometimes users send important files to their own mail. Check the Sent and Draft folders in Gmail or Mi Mail.

Critically, if files are of high value (such as single photos from an important event), immediately disconnect your phone from the Internet and do not save new data to it.

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The faster you start recovery, the more likely you are to succeed. Once deleted, files don't physically disappear -- they're just marked as "free space" and can be overwritten with new data.

How to Avoid Data Loss in the Future: Setup Automatic Backup

To stop looking for a Recycle Bin on Redmi 5, set up automatic backups. Here are three reliable ways to do this:

• ☁️ Google Photos: Enable autoboot in the app settings. 15GB is free (shared with Google Drive).
• 📱 Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and activate sync for Gallery, Contacts and Notes.
• 💻 Local Backup: Connect your phone to your PC and manually copy important files to your hard drive (e.g., once a week).

We also recommend installing Dumpster, an analogue of the Android Recycle Bin, which saves deleted files for a predetermined period (manually configured), the application works without root and supports recovery of photos, videos, documents and APK.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-In Redmi 5, format it regularly via your phone (not your PC) to avoid file system errors.

Frequent errors in data recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 5

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

• 🚫 Install recovery programs on the same partition where the deleted files were stored.
• 🚫 Format the phone after deleting. Even a soft reset (Settings) → Reset) will delete all data.
• 🚫 Use unverified utilities (e.g., from obscure sources) that may contain viruses or permanently damage the file system.
• 🚫 Connect your phone to your PC in Charging mode. Always choose File Transfer (MTP).

Another common mistake is ignoring call logs and SMS, and if you delete contacts or messages, check:

1. Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage → Clear the data (sometimes temporary files remain here).
2. The folder /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases (root required).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5s MIUI 9 there is a bug that causes reset to factory settings via Settings → Reset sometimes doesn't clear folder DCIM. Before resetting manually transfer the photo to the PC.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Recycle Bin and Data Recovery