How to completely clean the basket on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X: detailed instructions

Why the Redmi 4X Recycle Bin is Overflowing and How to Fix It

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price, but over time, many people face a problem: the device’s memory runs out even though you have long since deleted unnecessary photos, videos and documents, it’s all about a hidden basket that saves deleted files for 30 days by default, if not manually cleaned, it can take up to several gigabytes of precious space.

Unlike modern Xiaomi models, where the Recycle Bin is integrated into MIUI at the system level, Redmi 4X (with MIUI version 8-11) is located depending on the application used. For example, the Google Photo Gallery and the standard Xiaomi Gallery store deleted files in different folders. In addition, some file managers (like ES Explorer or Mi File Explorer) also create their own baskets. Let's figure out how to find and clean them all.

Where to store the cart on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 possible locations

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand where the junk files are accumulating. In Redmi 4X, the basket can be located in the following places:

  • 📁 Standard gallery MIUI: Trash or MIUI/Trash inner-memory.
  • 🖼️ Google Photos: Cloud Recycle Bin (available via web version or app).
  • 📂 File Manager: Recycle Bin or.recycle folder (if you use third-party guides).

It is important to note that on Redmi 4X with MIUI 8/9, the system basket can be disabled by default - in this case, deleted files are erased immediately, without the possibility of recovery. To check its status, go to Settings → Additional → Recycle Bin (if there is no item, then the function is disabled).

📊 What gallery do you use on Redmi? 4X?
Standard MIUI
Google Photo
Third-party (e.g. QuickPic)
I don't know what I have.

If you use the built-in Xiaomi gallery, the deleted photos and videos are then taken to the hidden folder.Trash.

  1. Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Recycle Bin (or Remote).
  3. Click Clean at the bottom of the screen or highlight unnecessary files manually and delete them again.

If the item is not on the menu, it means:

  • 🔹 You're using it. MIUI 8 without updates – the function of the cart appeared only in the MIUI 9.
  • 🔹 The cart is disabled in the settings (see the next section).
  • 🔹 You delete files through Google Photos or another manager.

☑️ Preparation for cleaning the basket

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Manually delete the.Trash folder through the file manager

If the gallery doesn't show you the basket, you can manually remove it through the conductor.

  1. Open Mi File Explorer (or any other manager, such as Solid Explorer).
  2. Turn on the display of hidden files: tap on three lines in the upper left corner → Settings → Show hidden files.
  3. Go to internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/) and find folders:.Trash (main MIUI basket), MIUI/Trash (alternative location) DCIM/.thumbnails (cache of thumbnails, also takes up space)

Delete

Warning: Do not delete folders.android_secure, Android MIUI It's completely out of order, and it could cause system failures!

What if the.Trash folder is not deleted?
If the system gives an error "Folder is used", try: 1. Reboot the phone. 2. Delete the folder via PC (plug Redmi 4X over USB in file transfer mode). 3. Use the SD Maid application for forced cleanup.

Method 3: Clean up the Google Photo Recycle Bin (if you use the cloud)

Many Redmi 4X users sync photos with Google Photos, which also has its own shopping cart, which stores files for 60 days and can take up space in the cloud or on the device (if backup is enabled) to clean it up:

  1. Open the Google Photos app.
  2. Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner → basket.
  3. Click Clear the Recycle Bin or highlight individual files to delete.
  4. Confirm the action (files will be deleted irrevocably).

If you want to disable the shopping cart in Google Photos:

  1. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
  2. Select Storage Management → Basket.
  3. Tap Clean automatically (files will be deleted after 30 days instead of 60).

💡

To free up even more space, go to Settings → Storage → Free up space in Google Photos. The system will prompt you to delete blurred images, screenshots and duplicates.

How to turn off the cart on Redmi 4X forever

If you don't want deleted files to be saved in the trash, you can deactivate it.

  1. Go to Settings → Additional → Cart.
  2. Move the slider to the position of the Retraction.
  3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

If nothing works, it could be the file system that's corrupted.

  1. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC via USB.
  2. Run a command in CMD (on behalf of the administrator): chkdsk X: /f where X is the drive letter of your phone.
  3. Wait for the check to be completed and restart the device.

💡

If the Recycle Bin is not cleared due to the "File is being used" error, try removing it through recovery mode (TWRP) or ADB-team.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the cart on the Redmi 4X

Can I recover files from the cart after cleaning?
If the cart was manually cleaned — no, recovery is impossible (except through specialized programs like EaseUS MobiSaver, but the chances are minimal). If the files are lost by themselves (for example, after resetting), try: Check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder — sometimes there are thumbnails. Use Google Photos (if sync was enabled). Connect your phone to your PC and scan the memory with programs like Recuva.
Why is the memory not released after cleaning the basket?
This can happen for several reasons: 📂 Files are still stored in Google Photos or another cloud. 🗑️ The system did not have time to update the data about the free space (reboot the phone). 🔍 You have the device encryption enabled – in this case, the freed memory can be displayed with a delay. 🛑 The Recycle Bin folder has been deleted, but its contents are left in Lost.DIR (system folder for file recovery). To find out exactly what takes up space, install the Storage Analyzer or Files by Google app.
How to increase the storage time of files in the basket?
In Redmi 4X, files are stored in the Recycle Bin for 30 days by default, but you can change this value: Open Settings → Additional → Recycle Bin. Select Storage Term. Set the right number of days (maximum 60). Note that increasing the time will lead to faster memory filling, especially if you often photograph or download files.
Is it safe to delete the.Trash folder manually?
Yes, safe, but with reservations: ✅ The folder will be automatically recreated the next time you delete the files. ⚠️ Do not remove it through root rights or system utilities – this can disrupt the work MIUI. 🔄 If after removing the basket stopped working, restart the phone or reset the settings of the gallery.
What is the difference between MIUI and Google Photos?
Main differences: MIUI Recycle Bin Google Photos Storage period 30 days (configured) 60 days (fixed) Storage Locally on your device In the cloud (but can be cached on your phone) File types Photos, videos, documents Only Photos and Video Recovery Through the MIUI Gallery via the web version or app