How to find a Recycle Bin with deleted files on Xiaomi on Android: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have the usual “basket” on the computer?

If you delete an important file on a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO smartphone and you’re looking for a basket like Windows or macOS, you’ll be surprised: pure Android and MIUI have no single system storage for temporarily deleted data. Instead, each file type (photos, videos, documents) may have its own basket — or not have one at all.

For example, photos from Google Photos are in the cloud for 60 days, and files deleted through MIUI Explorer can disappear forever in 10 days. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from standard MIUI functions to hidden folders and third-party recovery tools, you will learn where to look for deleted data on your Xiaomi, how to return it and what to do if the basket is already cleaned.

1. Recycle Bin in the standard MIUI gallery: where to look for deleted photos and videos

If you delete photos or videos through the Gallery app (the flower icon), they don't disappear immediately. MIUI automatically moves them to the hidden Recycle Bin folder, where files are stored for up to 30 days (some models have 15 days), and then they are deleted irrevocably to find this folder:

1. Open the Gallery app on your Xiaomi.
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper right corner.
3. Select the Recycle Bin (may be called Recently Deleted on older versions of MIUI).
4. Click on the file and choose Restore or Delete Forever.

⚠️ Note: If you do not see the item "Basket" in the gallery menu, then:

• 📱 Your version. MIUI outdated (update the system in Settings) → The phone. → Update MIUI).
• 🗑️ You deleted files not through a gallery, but through another explorer (e.g. Google Photos or Files).
• 🔧 The function is disabled in the settings (check Gallery Settings). → Basket).

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If the gallery basket is empty but you're sure you've deleted files recently, try restarting your phone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't display files in the cart without restarting the system.

2. Google Photos Recycle Bin: How to Retrieve Deleted Images from the Cloud

If you use Google Photos to back up, deleted photos and videos are put in a cloud bin that stores 60 days, even for Xiaomi owners, as the service works independently of MIUI.

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner → Basket.
3. Select the desired files with a long tap and click Restore.

⚠️ Note: If you delete files from your memory card (not from internal memory), they will not be in the Google Photos Recycle Bin. SD-There are other rules for maps - read about it in the section about the conductor MIUI.

Recycle Bin in MIUI Explorer: Recovery of Documents and Other Files

Unlike the gallery, the standard Explorer (Files app on Xiaomi) has a basket only for files deleted from internal memory. SD-The cards are removed immediately and irrevocably to find the basket:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. In the bottom menu, select the Recycle Bin (Dumpster Bin icon).
3. Select files and click Restore.

🔹 Conductor basket limitations MIUI:

• 📁 It only works for internal memory (not for internal memory). SD-map OTG-accumulator).
• ⏳ Files are stored for a maximum of 10 days (on some models - 7 days).
• 🚫 Does not support files larger than 2GB (they are deleted immediately).

4. Where to look for a basket for files with SD-maps on Xiaomi

This is one of the most frustrating things for Xiaomi owners: files deleted from a microSD don't get into the cart. They're deleted immediately and irrevocably -- neither the gallery nor the MIUI Explorer saves them temporarily. But there are two ways to try and recover them:

Method 1: Deleted file scanner (without root)

Use apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (for PCs) that scan the memory card for traces of deleted files, and success depends on how long it's been since you deleted it and whether you've written new data to a map.

Method 2: Backup copies (if included)

Check it out.

• 🔄 Google Drive: If you had folder sync enabled from memory card.
• 📱 MIUI Cloud: Some Xiaomi models automatically back up files SD-maps (check in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Cloud).

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Files from SD-If they are critical, stop using the card immediately (don't write new data) and connect it to your PC for scanning with programs like Recuva.

5. How to recover files if the shopping cart is already cleaned

If you have more than 30 days (for gallery) or 10 days (for explorer) and still need files, you will need to use specialized tools, and the options depend on whether the phone has root access and which files you need to return.

No root rights (for most users)

Try these apps:

• 📱 DiskDigger scans the internal memory and SD-map.
• 💻 Recuva (for PC) – connect your phone to your computer in drive mode and scan the memory.
• ☁️ Google Drive / MIUI Cloud – Check backups.

Root access (for advanced users)

If you have root, chances are higher:

• 🛠️ Undelete for Root Users – Recover files directly from your phone.
• 🗃️ GT Recovery – works with system partitions.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery from root can lead to:

• 🔒 Loss of warranty (if phone warranty).
• 🐞 Unstable system operation (if the tools are used incorrectly).
• 📵 Losing all data (if you re-flash the phone).

Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data (to prevent new files from being downloaded)

Not installing new applications

Do not take photos or videos

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take hours)

Use only proven programs (DiskDigger, Recuva)

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6.How to prevent permanent loss of files in the future

To avoid looking for a cart after every accidental deletion, set up automatic backup on your Xiaomi. Here's what you can do right now:

1. Enable reservations in Google Photos

1. Open Google Photos → Click on the avatar → Photo settings.
2. Select Backup and Sync → turn on the switch.
3. Specify the quality (high or original).

2.Tune in the MIUI cloud

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for Gallery, Notes and Files.
3. Set a storage limit (free of charge 5 GB).

3.Use third-party clouds

Recommended services:

• ☁️ Yandex Drive (10 GB free, automatic photo download).
• ☁️ Dropbox (2GB free, reliable sync).
• ☁️ OneDrive (5GB free, Windows integration).

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If you often work with important documents, install the FolderSync application. It allows you to automatically sync selected folders with several clouds at the same time (Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

7. Frequent mistakes when searching for a shopping cart on Xiaomi

Many Xiaomi users face the same problems when trying to find deleted files, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🔍 Looking for a basket in the "Settings" system → It's not there! The cart is a function of specific applications (Gallery, Files, Google Photos).
• 🗑️ Confusing gallery basket and conductor basket → These are different storage facilities with different storage periods.
• 📱 Not updated. MIUI → In older versions of the shell basket may be missing or work incorrectly.
• 💾 Trying to recover files from SD-basket-card → The memory card basket doesn't work!
• ⏳ Wait too long. → files in the basket are stored for a limited time (from 7 to 60 days).

If you make one of these mistakes, don't panic. Go back to the relevant section of the article and follow the instructions for your case.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions