Search and Recovery of Deleted Files on Xiaomi Smartphones: A Complete Guide

Deleting important files from your smartphone is one of the most common problems Xiaomi users have, especially when it comes to photos, documents or work materials. Unlike computers where files are often sent to the Recycle Bin, on Android devices, the deletion mechanism works differently: data can disappear irrevocably after just one click, but not all is lost: MIUI has built-in recovery tools, as well as third-party solutions that will help to recover what is lost.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to find and recover deleted files on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones, from standard system functions to advanced methods using the PC. Special attention will be paid to the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15, the Mi Cloud service and programs like DiskDigger or Recuva. Importantly, the recovery effectiveness depends on the time that has passed since deletion and the user’s actions – so start searching as soon as possible!

1.A check of the "Basket" in MIUI: the first step to recovery

Many users don't know that MIUI has a Recycle Bin analogue that temporarily gets deleted files, which works for the Gallery, File Manager and some system applications, and the deleted data is stored for up to 30 days (depending on the model and firmware version), after which it is permanently erased.

To check out "Basket":

• 📁 Open the Files app (File icon on the desktop).
• 🗑️ In the lower menu, tap on the Recycle Bin section (or recently deleted in older versions). MIUI).
• 🔍 Find the desired file, click on it and select Restore.
• 📲 For Gallery: Open the album Cart in the Albums section → highlight the photo/video → Restore.

⚠️ Note: If you manually cleaned the Recycle Bin or used features like Security Optimization, the files could have been permanently deleted.

In some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the Recycle Bin can be disabled by default to activate it:

1. Open Files → Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
2. Select the Recycle Bin and switch on the switch.

Recovery through Mi Cloud: Cloud Reserve

If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, the chances of returning deleted files are much higher, the cloud automatically stores copies of photos, contacts, notes and some documents, the main condition is the presence of a Mi Account account and active sync before deleting files.

Instructions for remediation:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com from your computer or phone.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same account that is linked to the phone.
• 📂 In the Gallery or Files section, find the Recycle Bin folder (or Remote).
• 🔄 Select the files you need and click Restore.

If there are no files in the cloud Recycle Bin, check Archive or Backups. Mi Cloud can save automatic backups once a week -look in Settings → Mi Cloud → Backup on your phone.

⚠️ Warning: Mi Cloud's free fare provides just 5GB of storage.If the space is out, new files won't sync.Check available space in Settings → Mi Cloud → Warehouse.

3.Using a File Manager: Finding Hidden Copies

Sometimes files are not deleted completely, but moved to hidden system folders or remain in the application cache. MIUI has a built-in Explorer (or Files) that allows you to search data by name, date or type.

How to do a deep search:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Slip on the icon of the magnifier (Search) in the top menu.
3. Enter the file name or part of it (for example, report or.pdf).
4. Check the results in the Local Files, Downloads and Others sections.

If standard search didn’t help, try finding files manually in these folders (use Categories in Files):

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — photo miniatures.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download — browser-loading.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — Application cache (root rights required to access).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Backup — backup.

Check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder | Use the extension search (.jpg,.pdf) | View the messenger cache (Telegram, WhatsApp) | Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings

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To display hidden folders:

1. In Files, click on three points → Settings.
2. Activate the option to show hidden files.

4. PC Connection: Recovery through Specialized Programs

If files are not found on your phone, connect Xiaomi to your computer and use data recovery software.

• 💻 DiskDigger – supports the recovery of photos, videos and documents without root rights.
• 💻 Recuva is a universal solution for Windows (works with internal memory and SD-map).
• 💻 EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in mobile devices, including Xiaomi.
• 💻 7-Data Recovery – Recovers data after resetting settings.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Download and install the program on PC (official site).
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode on Xiaomi screen).
3. Start DiskDigger, select the phone drive (usually Internal Storage).
4. Press Next and wait for the scan to be completed.
5. Mark the files found and save them to the PC.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone - this can overwrite the remaining data.

To increase the chances of success:

• 🛑 Do not write new data to your phone after deleting files.
• 🔌 Use the original. USB-stable-connection.
• 🔄 If the program does not see the phone, turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

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If the phone is not detected on the PC, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or restart both devices, 30% of the time the problem is solved by replacing the cable.

5. Restoration through root access: for power users

If standard methods don’t work and files are critical, you can try root-right recovery, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (such as TWRP).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Access to system partitions where temporary copies of files can be stored.
• ✅ The ability to use powerful tools like Undeleter or GT Recovery.
• ✅ Data recovery even after resetting (in some cases).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi through the official tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Download Undeleter (requires root) and scan the /data section.
4. Save the files found to an external medium.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone. This method is only relevant if you have a backup or files are critical.

6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If all of these methods failed and the files are of high value (for example, single photos from an important event), you can contact the Xiaomi service center or a specialized data recovery laboratory.

What you need to know before applying:

• 💰 The cost of recovery starts from 3 000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the).
• ⏳ Term of implementation - from 1 to 5 days.
• 📱 The service may require you to unlock the bootloader or provide access to the Mi Account.
• 🔒 The warranty on the phone will be canceled if you need to open the case (to work with the memory chip).

The addresses of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Check by phone before visiting whether they are engaged in data recovery – not all centers provide this service.

Alternative laboratories (unofficial but well-reputed):

• HDD Recovery (Moscow, St. Petersburg) – specializes in mobile devices.
• Data Recovery (there are branches in the regions) – work with memory chips eMMC/UFS.
• Flashback Data: Recover data after physical damage.

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Service centers do not guarantee 100% data recovery, the chances are higher if the phone is not used after deleting files and has not been subjected to physical stresses (falls, moisture).

7 Prevention: How to avoid future data loss

The best way to combat file loss is to prevent it, set up automatic backups and follow simple rules:

• ☁️ Cloud Backups: Enable autoload photos in Mi Cloud or Google Photos (Settings) → Synchronization).
• 💾 Local Backups: Once a month, copy important files to your PC or external drive.
• 📱 Backup apps: Use Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup to backup applications and their data.
• 🚫 Caution when deleting: Before cleaning folders, check their contents. Xiaomi Gallery has Delete Protection (long press on the file) → Block it).

Set up automatic backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on the switch next to Gallery Sync and Backup.
3. Select Autoboot → Only over Wi-Fi (to avoid wasting mobile traffic).
4. Set the backup frequency (daily/weekly).

For additional protection:

• 🔐 Set passwords to important folders through Security → Private folder (available in MIUI 12+).
• 📧 Set up export pin codes and passwords to an encrypted file via Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi