Recycle Bin in Xiaomi Redmi phone: where to look for deleted files and how to restore them

You accidentally deleted an important file on Xiaomi Redmi and now you don't know where to look for the cart? Or maybe you're trying to figure out why some deleted data disappears forever? Unlike computers where the cart is always in plain sight, Xiaomi smartphones have a different way of storing deleted files, depending on the type of data, the version of MIUI, and even the device model.

In this article, we will discuss where the Recycle Bin on Redmi is stored, how to get there through standard and hidden tools, and why some files (such as messengers or third-party apps) may not get into the Recycle Bin at all, and how to increase the storage life of deleted data and what to do if the Recycle Bin is empty, although files have been deleted recently.

Spoiler: Xiaomi Redmi doesn’t have a single basket for all file types — it’s an app-by-app counterpart — and that’s a key point that many users miss.

Where is Xiaomi Redmi’s photo and video cart?

The most popular feature is to recover deleted photos and videos, and on Xiaomi smartphones, the standard Gallery app (or Google Photos, if you use it) is responsible for this.

1. Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
2. Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the lower right corner.
3. Select Recycle Bin (or recently deleted in older versions of MIUI).
4. Here you will see all deleted media files that can be restored within 30 days (by default).

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos, the shopping cart is in its menu (Library) → The cart is 60 days old, but the files take up space in the cloud.

An important caveat: in Redmi with MIUI 12 and later, the shopping cart in the gallery can be hidden if you have never deleted files. It only appears after the first deletion!

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If the gallery basket is empty, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder through the file manager – sometimes thumbnails of deleted photos remain there.

File and Document Recycle Bin: Where to Find It?

With documents, PDF, APK and other files, the situation is more complicated. Xiaomi Redmi does not have a universal basket for all types of data, it all depends on which application the file was deleted:

• 📁 File manager MIUI: Deleted files only enter the Recycle Bin if you have used the embedded Files (yellow folder icon). → Recycle bin (bottom menu) Shelf life - 15 days.
• 📄 Google Drive/OneDrive: The cart is in the cloud services, but does not sync with the local storage of the phone.
• 📱 Third-party annexes: For example, ES Explorer or Solid Explorer have their own baskets (settings) → basket).

Critical: files deleted by connecting the phone to the PC (in data mode) bypass the cart and are erased forever!

Why are there no deleted files in the cart? 5 possible reasons

You've definitely deleted the file, but the bin is empty?

1. For example, photos in the gallery are stored for 30 days, and documents in the Files are stored for 15 days.
2. The file is deleted permanently. This happens if: You used the Clean the Recycle Bin function, deleted the file via PC or adb, formatted the memory card.

The basket is off.

MIUI Global

Files.

The file is too big.

Redmi Note 10 Pro

System failure.

MIUI

⚠️ Note: If you deleted files through Recovery Mode or fastboot erase userdata, the Recycle Bin won’t help – the data is erased at a low level.

How to increase the storage time of files in the basket?

By default, Xiaomi sets minimum retention times for deleted files, but they can be extended:

For photos and videos (Gallery):

1. Open the gallery. → Basket → Settings (⚙️).
2. Select a Shelf Life and set a maximum value of 60 days.

⚠️ Warning: Extending the shelf life of the cart reduces free space on the device, as deleted files physically remain in memory.

How to recover files if the basket is empty?

If the files are not in the basket, there are three options:

1. Restoration through backup

If you have used Mi Cloud or Google Drive:

1. Open the Settings app → Accounts → Mi Cloud.
2. Select Data Recovery and specify the date when the file was still on the phone.

2. Recovery programmes

For Xiaomi Redmi, you can:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger (requires root rights for deep scanning).
• 📱 Recuva (works by connecting your phone to your PC).
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver (paid but with free trial period).

Important: The less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery. New files can overwrite old ones!

3. Contact the service center

If files are critical (for example, work documents or only photos), you can contact the official Xiaomi service, they use professional equipment to recover data from flash memory.

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The most reliable way to avoid data loss is to back up regularly to the cloud or PC. The Recycle Bin does not guarantee 100% recovery!

Differences in the cart in different models of Redmi and MIUI versions

The functionality of the basket varies depending on the model and firmware.

💡 Tip: If you've updated MIUI and the cart is gone, try to roll back to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.

What can I do to avoid losing files in the future?

Preventing data loss is easier than recovering it. Here are the proven ways:

• ☁️ Cloud reservation: Set up automatic photo upload to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup).
• 🔄 Local Copies: Regularly copy important files to a PC or external drive.
• 📱 Third-party file managers: Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer has extended baskets with a customizable shelf life.
• 🔒 Protection against accidental deletion: Deletion Confirmation can be enabled in the Gallery (Settings) → Confirm removal).

⚠️ Attention: Don't just rely on the basket! In Xiaomi Redmi, it works as a temporary buffer, not as a reliable storage. For example, if memory is scarce, the system can automatically clear the basket.

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Create a Backup folder on the memory card and set up automatic copying of important files there using the Automate or Tasker application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the cart in Xiaomi Redmi