Deleting video from a Xiaomi smartphone is often a nasty surprise — especially if the files were valuable. Fortunately, the manufacturer and the MIUI operating system provide several ways to recover what was lost. The main thing is to act quickly: the less time has passed since the deletion, the better the chances of successful recovery.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible methods, from standard features (like gallery carts) to advanced tools like ADB or third-party utilities. We’ll focus on the nuances associated with Xiaomi — such as how to get around MIUI restrictions on access to system folders or where temporary video files are stored. If you’ve used cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Photos), the chances of recovery increase significantly — but there are pitfalls that you should know about in advance.
1. Checking the basket in the standard MIUI gallery
The easiest way to return deleted videos is to look into the Gallery's application basket, which works on a "soft delete" principle at MIUI: files are not erased immediately, but moved to temporary storage for 30 days (by default), but this time limit can be changed - or disable the basket altogether.
To check the basket:
- 📱 Open the Gallery app (image with multi-colored squares).
- 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
- 🔍 Scroll through the list or use the search (magnifying glass icon).
- ↩️ Select the right videos → Click Restore (Icon with an arrow up).
If the Recycle Bin is empty, check its settings: it may have been reduced or the function disabled. Go to Gallery Settings → Recycle Bin and see the Store Deleted Files option. On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the Recycle Bin can be hidden – in which case use an alternative way through File Manager.
⚠️ Note: If you were manually cleaning the cart or using features like Optimization in the Security App, the files could have been permanently deleted.
2. Search through the File Manager application
Xiaomi’s standard File Manager sometimes stores copies of videos in hidden folders or cache to find them:
- Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
- Go to the Category tab → select Video.
- Slip three points up there. → Show hidden files.
- Check folders: DCIM/.thumbnails – video thumbnails; MIUI/Camera/Recycle – backups; Android/data/ – app cache (for example, TikTok or Instagram).
If the videos were recorded through third-party applications (such as CapCut or KineMaster), look for them in the folders of these programs. Android/data/ It may be limited – you will need root permission or PC connection to view.
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If the videos don’t show up in File Manager, try using a third-party file manager like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer – they often show more hidden data.
3. Recovery via Mi Cloud or Google Photos
If your Xiaomi has been enabled to sync with the cloud, the chances of returning the video are very high.Mi Cloud and Google Photos automatically save copies of the media, but there are nuances:
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to i.mi.com → gallery → The cart. The files are stored there for 30 days. If the sync has been disabled, this method will not work.
- 📷 Google Photos: Open the app → Library → Recycle Bin. This is a 60-day file. Please note that Google Photos compresses video when downloading unless the original quality option was enabled.
If the video is not found in the cloud cart, check the Archive (in Google Photos) or the Mi Cloud/Backup folder in File Manager. On some MIUI firmware (such as MIUI 14), cloud backups are created automatically when you connect to Wi-Fi - look for them in Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Backup.
| Service | Storage period in the basket | Max. Free Storage Volume | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | 30 days | 5GB | Requires an account binding Mi |
| Google Photo | 60 days | 15 GB (with Gmail and Disk) | Video compression with "High quality" |
| Yandex Disc. | 30 days | 10GB | Autoboot only works when the option is enabled |
⚠️ Note: If you delete the video from the cloud cart or it was cleaned automatically (for example, when there is a shortage of space), you will not be able to restore files through these services.
4. PC connection and memory scanning
If the video is not found on your phone, connect Xiaomi to your computer and scan the internal memory with specialized programs.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
- Install one of the recovery programs: 🔧 Recuva (free, suitable for beginners); 💾 EaseUS Data Recovery (paid, but with trial period); 🛠️ DiskDigger (there is a version for Android, but requires root).
Internal Storage
deep-scan
.mp4
.mov
.mkv
Important: don't save the recovered files back to your phone -- use a PC or external drive. This will prevent overwriting. If the program finds videos but they're not playing, try restoring them to.raw and converting them through VLC Media Player.
Connect Xiaomi in file transfer mode|Establish a programme (Recuva/EaseUS)|Choose a deep scan|Save files on PC, not on phone|Check the video for playback-->
5.Use ADB to Access Hidden Folders
For advanced users, there is a way to access system folders through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is true if the videos were stored in protected partitions (for example, in the app cache) or were deleted without getting into the basket.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Enter the commands: adb shell su ls /data/data/com.miui.gallery/cache/ Temporary copies of the video may be stored here.
If you don't have root permissions, some folders will be unavailable, in which case try an alternative path:
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ .This command will copy the entire DCIM folder to your PC – sometimes there are “ghost” files that are not visible through standard Explorer.
⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB Incorrect commands can cause system failure. Do not use rm or delete without fully understanding the consequences.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
6.Recovery through MIUI backups
MIUI creates local backups of data if backup is enabled to verify them:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
- See the list of available backups. If you have a copy made before you delete the video, select it and click Restore.
- Check the Gallery or Multimedia → confirm the recovery.
Access to these folders is possible only with root rights or through ADB.