Deleting files on Xiaomi smartphones is often accompanied by the question: "Where did they go?". Unlike computers where the basket is visible on the desktop, on the desktop, on the computer. MIUI It's not that obvious, and many users lose photos, documents or videos, unaware that the system stores them in a hidden folder for another 30 days, but there's a nuance: not all files get into the bin, and it depends on the firmware version and the device model.
If you delete a file and want to return it, don’t panic. In this article, we will discuss where the basket is stored on Xiaomi, how to get there on different versions. MIUI, And what to do if there's no files there, and we'll also talk about hidden folders, alternative recovery methods, and automatic cleanup settings. It's important to understand that the Xiaomi shopping cart doesn't work like Windows or macOS, and it's different.
V MIUI The 12-15 basket is integrated into the File Manager app, but its display depends on the type of content removed, for example, photos from the gallery and documents from the downloads fall into different sections. Files deleted through third-party apps (such as Google Photos or Total Commander) can be stored in their own shopping carts or disappear permanently.
Before proceeding to the instructions, check:
- What version? MIUI installed on your device (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
- Whether the file is deleted through the standard Xiaomi app or third-party software.
- More than 30 days have passed since the removal (by default, the basket is cleaned automatically).
Where is the basket on Xiaomi: standard location
Most smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO The basket is hidden in the Files app (a blue-backed folder icon) to find it:
1. Open the Files app (if it is not on the desktop, search through the system search).
2. In the bottom menu, tap on the "Baskbasket" (the bin icon). If this tab is not available, your version MIUI uses another path.
3. The files in the basket are grouped by types: "Images", "Video", "Audio", "Documents" and "Other".
⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3 Or Redmi Note 10 Pro, the shopping cart can be called "Recently Deleted" or "Deleted Files." If you don't see it in the Files app, try updating it through Google Play, because older versions might not have a tab.
Here’s what the path to the basket looks like in different versions MIUI:
| MIUI version | The way to the basket | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–12.5 | Files → Basket | The basket is displayed right at the bottom menu, and it supports recovery with a package. |
| MIUI 13–14 | Files → Categories → Recycle Bin | So you've added a sorting by date of removal, and you can set up automatic cleanup. |
| MIUI 15 (HyperOS) | Files. → Profile → Basket | The interface has been changed, the basket has been moved to the user’s personal account. |
| POCO Launcher | Files. → Menu (three dots) → Basket | In some models POCO The basket is hidden behind an additional menu. |
If you didn't find the cart on these paths, it might be disabled in the settings to activate it:
- Open the Files" → "Settings” (cog icon).
- Find the "Basket" section and turn on the "Show the Cart" option.
- Set a storage period (by default - 30 days).
Why Files Aren't in the Recycle Bin: 5 Possible Reasons
You opened the cart, but there's no deleted files? That's normal, and here's why:
1 Files deleted through a third-party app. For example, if you deleted photos in Google Photos, search for them in the shopping cart of this service (path: Google Photos) → Library → The same goes for Gallery Go, ES File Manager and other file managers.
2. It's been more than 30 days. Xiaomi stores deleted files for exactly a month by default, after which they are permanently erased. Check the date of deletion in the file properties (if it's still in the recycle bin).
3. Files deleted from memory card.Basket MIUI It only works with the device’s internal memory, and if you format or delete files directly from the microSD, recovery is possible only through a PC (programs like Recuva or DiskDigger).
4. Mi Cloud sync is disabled. Some files (such as notes or contacts) may be stored in the cloud. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Basket.
5. Used "full reset" When the phone returns to the factory settings, the basket is cleared instantly, without the possibility of recovery.
⚠️ Note: If you have deleted files through Safe Cleanup (in some versions) MIUI It's called Deep Delete, and they bypass the cart and they're erased forever, and this mode is usually available with a long press on the file. → "More" → "Safe removal".
To avoid data loss, enable backup in Mi Cloud:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Enable synchronization for Gallery, Notes and Files.
- Set up automatic booting over Wi-Fi.
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If you lose files often, create an Archive folder on internal memory and periodically copy important data there, which will protect it from accidental deletion.
How to recover files from the Xiaomi cart: step-by-step instructions
If the files are still in the trash, it will take less than a minute to recover them.
1. Open the Files app and go to the Recycle Bin.
2. Find the files you want. Use:
- Search (loop icon at the top).
- Filter type (images, videos, documents).
Sorting by date (from new to old).
3. Select files by tapping on the circle next to each, or click "Select all" at the top.
4. Click Restore (down arrow icon) Files will return to the original folders:
- Photos in the Gallery.
- Documents - in "downloads" or "Documents".
- Videos - in "Video" or "DCIM".
⚠️ Note: If there is an error "Not enough space" during recovery, free up the device memory. The Recycle Bin cannot return files if the internal drive has less than 10% free space.
If you need to recover only a portion of the files from the folder:
Click on the folder in the basket|Select the required files (long press)|Tap "Restore selected items"|Check the target folder for files-->
V MIUI 15 (HyperOS) The process has changed a little:
- Open the Files" → "Profile" (avatar on top right) → "Basket".
- Select files and click "Restore to..." to select a new folder.
Alternative ways to recover deleted files
If the files are not in the recycle bin, everything is not lost. Here are 4 working methods to return them:
1. Check backups in Mi Cloud:
- Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Data management.
Find the "Backups" section and check the date of the last save.
If you have a backup, restore it (but note that this will overwrite the current data).
2. Use of PCs and recovery software:
- Connect the phone to the computer in the mode "File transfer" (MTP).
Install Recuva (for Windows) or DiskDigger (for Android).
Scan the internal memory of the device, the chances of recovery are higher if no new files were written after deletion.
3. Search in the app cache:
Some apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) store temporary copies of media files.
- Check the folders:
- /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/
- /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/
4. Calling the support team:
If files are critical (such as documents or unique photos), contact Xiaomi Support via the official website. In rare cases, they can help with recovery through server logs (but this is not guaranteed).
⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same drive from which the files were deleted! This reduces the chances of success.
How to increase the chances of recovery?
Recycle Bin Settings: How to Change Storage Period and Turn Off Automatic Cleaning
Xiaomi defaults to storing deleted files for 30 days, but that can be changed. Here's how to customize the shopping cart to suit your needs:
Changes in storage period:
- Open the Files" → "Settings" → "Basket".
Select the period: 7, 15, 30 days or "Never" (files will be stored until manually cleaned).
If you have a lot of free memory, set “Never” – this will give you more time to recover.
Disconnection of automatic cleaning:
In the same basket settings, uncheck the box from "Automatic Cleansing".
The files will remain in the cart until you manually delete them.
3. Exclusion of certain folders from the basket:
- V MIUI 14+ You can specify folders, files from which will be deleted without placing in the basket.
- Path: Files → Settings → Basket → Exceptions.
Hand cleaning of the basket:
To make room, open the basket and press "Clean" (broom icon).
- Or highlight the unnecessary files and tap "Delete Forever."
⚠️ Warning: If you choose the "Never" option for storing files, keep an eye out for free space on your device. The basket can take up gigabytes of memory if it is not cleaned for years.
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Setting up your cart for maximum storage life (or turning off automatic cleaning) is the best way to protect yourself from accidental data loss.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Working with the shopping cart on Xiaomi seems simple, but users often make mistakes that lead to irretrievable data loss.
1. Delete files through "Safe Cleaning".
- In some versions MIUI When you press a file long enough, you get the option "Safe Deletion." It bypasses the basket!
Solution: Always use standard removal (basket icon).
2. Formatting a memory card instead of cleaning.
- If you format microSD through Settings → Memory, all files are deleted without the possibility of recovery through the basket.
Solution: Delete files one by one through the Files app.
3. Ignoring the notifications of overflow of the basket.
When the recycle bin is filled, the system can automatically delete old files, even if they have not expired.
Solution: Check the basket regularly and clean it manually.
4. Restore files to a crowded disk.
If the phone has less than 500 MB of free space, the recovery can be an error.
Solution: Free up memory before recovery (remove cache, unnecessary applications).
5. Use of "Memory Optimizers".
Applications like Clean Master or Security (Xiaomi) can clean the cart without warning.
Solution: Turn off automatic cleaning in the settings of these programs.
To minimize the risks, follow a simple rule: Before mass deletion of files, back up, for example, copy important data to your PC or to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).