You accidentally deleted an important photo or document on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and now can’t find a basket to return files?The problem is that Xiaomi smartphones don’t have the usual “Basket” on computers or even iPhones. Instead, deleted files are temporarily stored in hidden application folders – but only if you used standard MIUI tools.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 ways to find a shopping cart on Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), recover deleted data, and set up backups to avoid future losses. Importantly, files deleted through third-party file managers (e.g. ES Explorer) bypass the system basket and are deleted irrevocably. So first check the way you erased the data.
1.Where to look for a basket in the standard Files app
On Xiaomi Redmi 9, the Recycle Bin is played by the built-in Files app (a blue folder icon) that automatically saves deleted files for 30 days, but only if you erased them through the same app.
- Open the Files app (if you don’t find it, check the Tools folder in the menu).
- Slip on three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
- Select the basket item (dumpster icon).
- Click on the file and choose Restore or Delete Forever.
⚠️ Note: If the Recycle Bin item is not on the menu, you have never deleted files through this app.
☑️ What to do if the basket is empty
In the application basket, Files are stored:
- 📁 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel)
- 🎵 Audio files (MP3, WAV)
- 🎬 Videos (except for camera footage) are taken to the Gallery)
- 📄 Archives (ZIP, RAR)
2. recovery of photos and videos through the "Gallery"
Photos and videos that are deleted through the standard Gallery are placed in a separate folder, recently deleted, stored for 15 days, then erased permanently, to be returned:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Tap on three points (⋮) top-right.
- Select the Recycle Bin (or recently deleted in newer versions of MIUI).
- Select the files you need and click Restore.
🔍 Why there are no files in the gallery basket?
- 🚫 You deleted them through another file manager (e.g. Total Commander).
- ⏳ It has been more than 15 days since the removal.
- 🗑️ You cleaned the basket manually or through storage settings.
- 🔄 Files were synced to Mi Cloud and deleted from there.
If you don’t have files in the Recycle Bin, but you’re sure you’ve deleted them through the Gallery, try updating the app to the latest version on Google Play. In older versions of MIUI (below 12.5), the Recycle Bin may not work smoothly.
3. Search for deleted files via Mi Cloud
If your Redmi 9 is synced to Mi Cloud, the chances of returning files are much higher.The cloud keeps backups of photos, contacts and documents, even if they were deleted from your phone.
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Make sure that the synchronization of the Gallery or Files is enabled.
- Go to i.mi.com from your phone or computer.
- Log in and check the Gallery folders or Backups.
| File type | Where to look for Mi Cloud | Storage period |
|---|---|---|
| 📸 Photo/video | Gallery → Bastard | 30 days |
| 📄 Documents | Files → Basket | 30 days |
| 📱 Backup copy | Devices → [Your Redmi 9] | No restrictions. |
| 📞 Contacts | Contacts → Remote. | 15 days |
⚠️ Warning: If you've never set up Mi Cloud or turned off autosynchronization, this won't work. Also check if there's enough space in the cloud (only 5GB is free).
💡
To increase your chances of recovery, immediately after deleting files, disconnect your phone from the Internet, which will prevent you from syncing changes with the Mi Cloud.
4. Third-party applications for basket recovery
If system methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities that scan the phone's memory for "remnants" of deleted files. The best options for Xiaomi Redmi 9 are:
- 🗑️ Dumpster creates a virtual basket for all files (even with third-party managers.
- 🔍 DiskDigger - Searches for deleted photos and videos without root rights. Supports recovery to the cloud.
- 📱 GT Recovery – Recovers messages, contacts, and files (requires root for deep scanning).
📌 How to use Dumpster:
- Install the application and give access to the storage.
- Enable the option of Automatic reservation in the settings.
- Delete the test file through any manager – it should appear in Dumpster.
- To recover, tap on the file and select Restore.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Dumpster only work if they were installed before deleting files, and if you put them after the fact, they won't be able to recover data that was erased before.
Can I recover files without root rights?
5. Manual recovery via PC (for power users)
If files are critical and system methods don’t work, you can connect Redmi 9 to your computer and scan the memory using professional tools:
- 🖥️ Recuva (free, suitable for beginners).
- 💻 EaseUS Data Recovery (paid but with high recovery percentage).
- 🛠️ PhotoRec (complex but works with all fileymi systems).
🔧 Step-by-step instructions for Recuva:
- Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Run Recuva and select the file type (such as Images).
- Specify the path to the phone’s internal memory (usually This PC → [Your Redmi 9]).
- Start the scan and wait for the results.
- Select the files you want and click Restore (save them to your PC, not back to your phone!).
💡 Important: Do not save the recovered files to the same disk from which they were deleted (in this case, to your phone), which can lead to overwriting of data and irretrievable loss.
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The faster you start recovering, the better the chances of success, and each new record on your phone (photo, video, app installation) reduces the likelihood of returning deleted data.
6 How to set up an automatic basket for the future
To avoid future data loss, set up automatic backups on Redmi 9 and use reliable deletion tools to:
- ☁️ Enable autosynchronization with Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronize data Select Gallery, Contacts and Notes.
- 📁 Install Dumpster (see Section 4) and enable AutoCapture Deleted Files.
- 🔄 Regularly create backups through: Settings → System system → Backup Save copies on Google Drive or PC.
📢 Tip: If you often work with important files, use cloud services (Google Photos, Dropbox) to automatically download. For example, Google Photos saves all photos in their original quality (if there is enough space) and allows you to restore them even after years.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many Xiaomi Redmi 9 users lose files due to typical errors. Here's what you can't do if you delete something important:
- 🚫 Clear cache or application data (such as Gallery or Files) and delete the shopping cart.
- 🔄 Update MIUI System updates can overwrite memory sectors with erased files.
- 📱 Install new apps – they take up space and reduce the chances of recovery.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to charge via a non-original cable (file system failure risk).
⚠️ Note: If you have used the Storage Cleanup function in settings (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear), files are permanently deleted, bypassing the basket, in which case only professional recovery software will help (see Section 5).
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Before selling or resetting your phone to factory settings, always check the shopping cart in Gallery and Files. Even after a reset, some data can be restored through Mi Cloud, if the account was linked.