How to completely clean the cart on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: all ways + tips for memory optimization

Why the Redmi 7A is clogged and how to fix it

The Recycle Bin on Xiaomi Redmi 7A smartphones is a temporary storage for deleted files that many users forget to clean. Unlike computers where the Recycle Bin is visible on the desktop, it is hidden in the depths of system folders on MIUI, where over time gigabytes of unnecessary photos, videos and documents accumulate, taking up precious space on the internal drive.

The main problem is that automatic cleaning of the basket in MIUI is turned off by default. Files can be stored there for months until the user manually deletes them or until the system fills up memory to a critical level. On the Redmi 7A with its modest 16-32 GB of memory, this is especially critical: a clogged basket can lead to brakes, errors when installing applications and even the inability to take a new photo.

In this article, we’ll cover all the ways to clean your cart, from standard gallery-based methods to hidden system tools, and how to set up automatic file deletion and avoid refilling. If your Redmi 7A already shows a Memory Full notification, the following instructions will help you free up to 5-10 GB in a few minutes.

📊 How often do you clean your smartphone basket?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when memory ends
Never cleaned.
I don't know where she is.

The easiest way is to use the built-in Gallery app, which automatically sorts deleted photos and videos into a separate folder that can be cleaned in several taps, which is suitable for most users, since it does not require the installation of additional programs.

Step instructions:

  1. Open the Gallery app (an icon with colorful photos).
  2. Slip on three horizontal lines in the lower right corner (menu).
  3. Select the Recycle Bin (may be called Recently Deleted).
  4. In the upper right corner, click Control (or Edit).
  5. Check all files or select the necessary ones manually.
  6. Click Delete and confirm the action.

Important: In some versions of MIUI, the shopping cart is hidden in the gallery. If you don't see this item, update the app via Google Play or use an alternative method (see Method 2).

Close all applications that work with photos

Connect the charger (if the memory is almost full)

Check that important files are saved in the cloud or on PC

Make sure you have enough space for temporary operations (minimum 500MB)

-->

After cleaning, it is recommended to restart the phone so that the system correctly updates the free space data. If the gallery continues to show occupied memory, try clearing its cache in the application settings.

Method 2: Using a file manager for deep cleaning

If the shopping cart in the gallery is empty but the memory is still busy, the problem may lie in the system folder of the basket, which stores files from other applications (for example, downloads or documents), and you will need a file manager – a standard Explorer from Xiaomi or a third-party (for example, Solid Explorer) to clean it.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Explorer (or the installed file manager).
  2. Go to the Internal Memory (or Device) section.
  3. Find the.Trash or Recycle Bin folder (it can be hidden – turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings).
  4. Open the folder and delete all files inside (or highlight them and choose Delete Forever).

Critical information: The.Trash folder on Redmi 7A can weigh up to 3-4 GB, even if the gallery shows an empty basket, which is because MIUI stores temporary files from other applications, such as deleted documents from WPS Office or screenshots.

What to do if the.Trash folder is not visible?
If you don’t find the.Trash folder, try the following steps: 1. Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings (usually under View or Settings). 2. Check the MIUI → Trash folder – in some versions of the basket firmware moved there. 3. Use internal memory search (enter “.Trash” without quotes). 4. If the folder is missing, then the basket is empty or the files are stored in cloud storage (check Mi Cloud).

After removing files from the system basket, it is recommended to start memory optimization through Settings → About Phone → Memory → Cleanup. This will help to delete the remaining temporary data.

Method 3: Automatically clean the cart through MIUI settings

To avoid manually clearing the Recycle Bin, you can set up automatic file deletion after a certain period of time, which is available in the latest versions of MIUI, but you need to manually activate it on Redmi 7A.

How to turn on automatic cleaning:

  1. Open the Settings → Storage.
  2. Take a look at garbage cleaning (or optimization).
  3. Select Cleaning Settings (cog in the top corner).
  4. Activate the Auto Clean Cart Switch.
  5. Set a storage period (for example, 30 days).

If your MIUI version does not have such a clause, use an alternative method:

  • 📱 Install Files by Google from the Play Market.
  • 🔍 Start memory analysis and select Recycle Bin in Unused Files section.
  • ⚙️ Set up automatic removal through Settings → Cleanup → Automatic cleaning.

Warning: Autocleaning can delete files you planned to restore, for example, if you accidentally delete an important photo and the storage period is set for 7 days, you will only have a week to recover.

💡

If you frequently work with important documents, set your auto-cleaning period to a maximum of 60 days or turn it off altogether. For additional protection, sync your critical files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

Method 4: Cleaning the Recovery Mode (for power users)

In rare cases, the system basket can be damaged and standard methods fail, so you have to resort to Recovery Mode, which is only suitable for advanced users, because the wrong actions can lead to a reset of the phone.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off Redmi 7A.
  2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
  4. Select Wipe Cache Partition (this won’t delete your data, only temporary files).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
  6. Restart your phone via Reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Do not choose Wipe Data or Factory Reset, this will lead to a complete reset of the phone, and do not interrupt the cleaning process, otherwise you risk getting a brick".

This method helps if the cart is not cleared due to a MIUI malfunction. After rebooting, check the free space in the storage settings. If the problem persists, it is possible that the memory is occupied not by the basket, but by the application cache (see the next section).

Method 5: Alternative methods – cloud and third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party solutions, which are suitable for deep cleaning or if you prefer automation.

The best apps to work with the basket:

  • 📁 Files by Google – Shows Hidden Recycle Bin Files and Offers to Delete Them.
  • 🗑️ Dumpster – an alternative basket with flexible automatic cleaning settings.
  • 🔍 SD Maid – Finds and deletes temporary files, including residues from the system basket.
  • ☁️ Mi Cloud – If you’re syncing files to the cloud, check the Recycle Bin in the web version (it can store deleted data separately).

For use of Files by Google:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and tap on the Cleanup in the bottom menu.
  3. Select the Recycle Bin tab or Recently Deleted tab.
  4. Mark unnecessary files and click Clear.

Comparison of cleaning methods of the basket:

MethodDifficultyEfficiencyRisks.Suitable for
MIUI Gallery⭐Removes only photos/videoNo.Beginners.
File manager⭐⭐Deletes all types of filesImportant data can be deletedUsers with hidden files
Auto-cleaning⭐Warns of fillingCan delete the necessary filesFor those who forget to clean by hand
Recovery Mode⭐⭐⭐Cleans the system cacheThe risk of a phone resetExperienced users
Party of annex⭐⭐Deep cleaningRequires access to filesFor full optimization

If none of the methods worked, the problem might not be the trash, but the corrupted file system, in which case only resetting the phone to factory settings (remember to back up!) will help.

💡

On Redmi 7A, the shopping cart consists of two parts: visible (in the gallery) and hidden (the.Trash system folder).

How to avoid filling the cart in the future: 7 tips

To prevent the Redmi 7A from clogging again, follow these guidelines:

  • 📸 Move your photos/video to your PC or cloud regularly. Use Google Photos with automatic download function.
  • 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning (see Method 3) or install a third-party shopping cart with flexible settings.
  • 🔄 Clean the app cache once a month through Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning up garbage.
  • 🚫 Don't use your phone as your primary storage. For large files (movies, archives) buy a microSD card.
  • 🔍 Check Other Files in your memory settings – often there are gigabytes of unnecessary data hidden there.
  • 📱 Update. MIUI. In new versions of firmware optimized work with the basket.
  • ⚠️ Do not delete files through your PC. When you connect to your computer, bypass the basket. MIUI It does not work and the data is permanently deleted.

If you work with documents frequently, install a file management application (such as Total Commander) and set up a separate bin with a limited size to avoid the accumulation of unnecessary data.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 7A firmware MIUI Recycle Bin 11 may not work properly. If files are returned after cleaning, upgrade your phone or use third-party solutions.

Frequent questions about the cart on Xiaomi Redmi 7A

Can I recover files from the cart after cleaning?
If you cleaned the trash through a gallery or file manager, the files are deleted forever and can not be restored by standard means. However, there is a chance to return the data using specialized programs (for example, DiskDigger or Recuva), but this will require root access and immediate cessation of phone use (to avoid overwriting deleted files). If the files were synchronized with Mi Cloud or Google Photos, check the basket in these services – there may be a backup.
Why is the memory not released after cleaning the basket?
This is a typical MIUI problem associated with data caching. Try these steps: Reboot your phone. Clear the gallery and explorer cache in Settings → Apps → App Management. Run built-in optimization through Settings → Phone → Memory → Cleanup. Check the Download folder — large files often accumulate there. If nothing helps, use the SD Maid app to deep clean up your system debris.
How to turn off the cart on Redmi 7A completely?
You can't completely disable the MIUI Recycle Bin, but you can reduce its impact: Set the auto-cleaning period to a minimum of 1 day. Use third-party file managers (e.g. Solid Explorer) that allow you to delete files without putting them in the Recycle Bin. For photos, set up automatic upload to Google Photos, then delete local copies. Remember that disabling the Recycle Bin increases the risk of irretrievable data loss if you delete them accidentally.
Where is the messaging and contact cart stored?
On Redmi 7A, remote SMS and contacts are stored separately from the file basket: Messages: No Recycle Bin - deleted SMS are erased forever. Recovery requires root rights. Contacts: If you use Mi Account or Google, remote contacts can be restored within 30 days via the web version of the service. To back up contacts, export them to the VCF file via Contacts → Settings → Import / Export.
Can I transfer the cart to a memory card?
No, MIUI doesn't support microSD transfer. However, you can: Configure the storage of new photos/videos right to the memory card (in camera settings); use third-party applications (e.g. Dumpster) that allow you to select the storage location of the basket; clean internal memory regularly by transferring old files to the microSD manually; note that the speed of working with files on the memory card is lower than in the internal memory of the phone.