Where are deleted files on the Xiaomi Redmi phone: a full guide to search and restore

You accidentally deleted an important file on Xiaomi Redmi and now you don't know where to look for it? Or just want to understand how the remote storage system works on smartphones of this brand? Unlike computers where files first go to the Recycle Bin, on Android (and MIUI in particular), the deletion mechanism works differently. In this article, we will analyze all possible places where deleted files can be stored, from the obvious basket to hidden system folders, and also tell you how to restore them if they have not been overwritten.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Redmi (like other MIUI smartphones) doesn’t always erase files immediately from memory. Depending on the file type (photos, videos, documents) and the method of deletion (via a gallery, file manager or third-party app), data can stay in one of the buffered storages for 30 to 60 days, but there are exceptions — for example, files deleted through ES Explorer or Root access often disappear irrevocably.

1.Basket in standard Xiaomi apps

The most logical place to search for deleted files is the built-in basket in applications MIUI. However, not all users are aware that shopping carts can be separate for different types of content, such as photos and videos stored in the same shopping cart, and documents and videos are stored in the same shopping cart. APK-Files are in another (or not at all) and this is where you should look:

• 📸 Xiaomi Gallery: Deleted photos / videos are stored here for up to 30 days. → Albums. → Basket.
• 📄 File Manager: For documents, archives and APK. Path: Files → Categories → Basket (or click on three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🎵 Music: Deleted audio files can remain in the Mi Music application basket (if installed).

Note that if you delete a file through a third-party file manager (such as Total Commander or Solid Explorer), it will not get into the MIUI basket – you will have to search for it in other ways (about them below), and the basket will automatically clear if the free space on the device becomes less than 10%.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI (Especially in the older Redmi models. 4/5) The basket in Files can be disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → Additionally. → Cart and activate the option.

Mi Cloud Cloud Storage: How to Recover Deleted Data

If your Xiaomi Redmi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, the chances of returning deleted files are much higher.

• 📷 Photos and videos (if Autoload option is enabled in the gallery).
• 📱 Contacts, notes, calendar records.
• 📁 Some documents (if they were manually downloaded).

To check if there are deleted files in the Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (or go to i.mi.com).
2. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
3. Select the Gallery or Files section → Recycle Bin (in the web version it is called Recently Deleted).
4. Find the file you want and click Restore.

The storage period in the cloud bin is 60 days, and then the files are deleted irrevocably. If you don't find the file in the trash, try looking at the Archives section (there may be old backups).

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Before you restore files from Mi Cloud, check if there is enough space on your phone. If there is not enough memory, the cloud may not allow you to download files back.

3. Hidden system folders: where Xiaomi hides temporary files

Android (and MIUI in particular) creates many hidden folders where deleted or cached files can be temporarily stored, which are usually closed, but if you have Root rights or through ADB, you can view them.

To see these folders:

1. Use a file manager that supports hidden files (such as FX File Explorer or Root Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden folders in the manager settings (the option to Show hidden files).
3. Be careful: Deleting files from these folders can disrupt the system!

⚠️ Attention: Folder Android/data It contains critical application data. Don't delete files manually from there, which can cause software malfunctions.

4. Third-party recovery: What works on MIUI

If you don't find files in the cart or cloud, you can try specialized data recovery software. Xiaomi Redmi works best:

• 🔍 DiskDigger – search for deleted photos and videos (there is a free version).
• 📂 EaseUS MobiSaver – Recover documents, contacts and messages.
• 📱 Dr.Fone – Supports deep scanning, but requires Root for full access.

Instructions for recovery through DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start the scan (select Full Scan for deep search).
3. After completion, mark the desired files and click Restore.
4. Save them to a memory card or cloud (not internal memory!).

Importantly, the less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery.

5. Features of recovery on different models of Redmi

The mechanism for storing deleted files may vary depending on the Xiaomi Redmi model and the MIUI version.

On newer models (like the Redmi Note 13), the shopping cart has become “smarter”: it automatically archives deleted files if there is not enough space on the device, and offers to transfer them to the Mi Cloud. On older smartphones (up to Redmi 7), recovery is possible only through third-party utilities or ADB.

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On Redmi smartphones with MIUI 13+, the shopping cart became part of the system's Security app. To find it, open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Recycle Bin.

6.If nothing has worked: extreme measures

If the files are not found in the cart, in the cloud, or through recovery programs, radical methods remain:

• 🔧 ADB-commands: You can scan low-level memory using Android Debug Bridge. -c "find /storage/emulated/0 -name '*.jpg' -type f -mtime -1" seek JPG-Files that have been changed in the last day.
• 💾 Removal of memory chip: The service center can connect the flash memory of the phone to the PC and scan it with specialized software (for example, UFS Explorer) Cost: from 1500 rubles.
• 📦 Backup copy through TWRP: If you have a custom recap, you can make a backup section /data And try to extract the files from it.

Warning: ADB and chip extraction techniques require technical skills; wrong actions can lead to complete data loss or phone failure; if files are critical (such as family photos), it is better to contact a professional service.

⚠️ Note: On phones with encrypted memory (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 12.5+) data recovery ADB Removing a chip is almost impossible without a password from the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi