Where are deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi 5 and how to return them

You accidentally deleted important photos, documents or videos on your Xiaomi Redmi 5 and now you don't know where they went? Unlike computers where files are sent to the trash before they go to the trash, the deletion mechanism works differently on Android smartphones, especially when devices running MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, which has its own nuances in garbage handling.

In this article, we’ll look at where deleted files are physically stored on Redmi 5, how to find them through built-in MIUI tools, and what third-party programs can help you recover data if standard methods fail. It’s important to understand that the chances of success depend on how long it’s been since you deleted them and what actions you’ve taken with your phone since.

We will immediately warn you: if you delete files from the SD-The search algorithm will be different from the case when the data was erased from the internal memory — MIUI 9 and earlier versions didn't have a full recycle bin, so the files were deleted immediately (unless you use backup.

Where do files go after deleting on Xiaomi Redmi 5?

On Redmi 5 (as on other Xiaomi smartphones), deleted files don’t disappear instantly, instead they are labeled by the system as “free space” that can be rewritten with new data.

• 📁 Internal memory: Files remain in the same memory sectors but become invisible to the user.
• 💾 SD-Map: The same principle applies here, but the chances of recovery are higher, as the system less often uses an external drive for temporary files.
• 🗑️ Basket MIUI: Starting with MIUI 10, a shopping cart appeared in the gallery and file manager, where files are stored for 30 days before final deletion. MIUI 9 basket not available!

If you deleted files through the standard Gallery or Files app, check the Recycle Bin first (if your version of MIUI has one).

Open the Gallery → Tap on three dots (⋮) → "Baskbasket"

Note: the MIUI Recycle Bin only works for media files (photos, videos) Documents, APKs and other file types are permanently deleted if there is no backup.

How to check hidden folders with deleted files

MIUI creates several hidden directories where deleted or cached data can be temporarily stored, and to see it, you need to enable the display of hidden files in any file manager (for example, in a standard Files or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Open the files. → press three lines (☰) → Settings.
2. Activate the option to show hidden files.
3. Go to the root directory of internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/).

Now check the following folders:

Importantly, not all files in these folders will be available for recovery, such as.thumbnails only stores smaller copies of images, and the originals may have already been overwritten.

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If you connect Redmi 5 to your computer via USB, hidden folders (starting from a dot) may not show up.Use the file manager on the smartphone itself or enable the display of hidden elements in your PC settings.

Recovery through built-in MIUI tools

If your Redmi 5 has MIUI 10 or later installed, you have a chance to return files through the standard Recycle Bin.

Open the Gallery appendix"|Go to the "Basket" section (dumpster icon)|Select the required files with a long tap|Press "Restore" (arrow icon up)-->

If you don’t have a cart (MIUI 9), try another way:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on Cleanup (or Optimization in some versions).
3. Select Deep Clean → the system will scan the device for “junk” files, which may include deleted data.

Unfortunately, this method does not guarantee recovery, but it can sometimes help you find lost media files or documents.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use Cleanup in your memory settings unless you are confident in your actions. It can permanently delete data that could still be recovered.

Third-party programs for data recovery

If the built-in methods didn’t work, it’s time to turn to specialized utilities. For Xiaomi Redmi 5, the following programs will work (all have free versions with restrictions):

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – looking for photos and videos, works without root rights (but with root you will find more).
• 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – Restores Contacts, Messages, Media and Documents.
• 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – if you connect Redmi 5 to your computer as a drive.
• 📂 GT Recovery – specializes in WhatsApp, Viber and other messenger files.

Instructions for DiskDigger (the most popular option):

1. Download the app from Google Play (or APK from the official website).
2. Start the scan (select Full Scan for deep search).
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
4. Mark the files you need and click Restore.

Important: Don’t save recovered files back to your phone – use the cloud, computer, or other devices. SD-Otherwise, you risk overwriting data that you haven't found yet.

What to do if files are not restored

If none of the methods worked, it's possible that the data was overwritten or corrupted, and then the last options are:

1. Check backups: 🔄 Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (if automatic copying was enabled in Mi Cloud). ☁️ Go to i.mi.com and check the cloud (you need to log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone).

Please contact the service center:

Chip-off

The cost of such a recovery starts at 5,000 rubles, and success is not guaranteed.

⚠️ Note: If you delete files from SD-Take the card out of your phone and connect it to your computer through a card reader, so you're more likely to recover.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

To avoid losing files on Xiaomi Redmi 5, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Enable automatic backup: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup Choose which data to sync (contacts, photos, notes).
• 📁 Use cloud services: Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox automatically save copies of your files.
• 🛡️ Install a file manager with a basket: For example, ES Explorer or Solid Explorer have a “basket” function for deleted files.
• 📱 Copy important data regularly on PC: Connect Redmi 5 to PC USB and transfer files manually.

It’s also useful to know that Redmi 5 can configure low memory notifications to avoid automatic cleaning by the system:

Settings → Memory → Warning about memory shortage (set a threshold, for example, 500 MB)

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Even if files are permanently deleted, fragments of them can remain in the device’s memory for months, the main thing is not to write new data on top of old ones and start recovery as soon as possible.

Frequent errors in data recovery

Many Xiaomi Redmi 5 users make critical errors that reduce the chances of recovery to zero.

• 📲 Install new applications – they take up space in memory and can overwrite deleted data.
• 🔄 Resetting your settings will result in a complete cleanup of internal memory.
• 📷 Take new photos/videos – they are saved in the same memory sectors where old files may have been left.
• 🔌 Connecting your phone to a charger with a fast charge on – this can initiate memory optimization.

Also avoid using cleaners like Clean Master or CCleaner, which aggressively delete temporary files that may include snippets of your data.

If you've already made one of these mistakes, don't panic. Try recovering files with PC programs (like Recuva or PhotoRec) that scan memory at a lower level.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions