The Xiaomi smartphone basket is a temporary storage for deleted files that many Redmi Note 5 users forget to check, and over time, it gets stuffed with unnecessary photos, videos and documents, taking up precious gigabytes of internal memory. But how do you properly clean it so that files disappear forever, rather than just move to a hidden folder?
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to remove data from the cart, from standard MIUI tools to third-party utilities. We will also examine whether you can restore files after cleaning, why the cart may not display, and what to do if the system gives an error, and pay special attention to the hidden folders and nuances of working with Redmi Note 5 on different versions of the firmware.
If you’ve never cleaned your Xiaomi shopping cart, be prepared: up to 10 to 15 GB of storage can be freed up after the procedure — especially if you’re actively using the camera or downloading files from instant messengers. But before you start, make sure that the shopping cart is not important data: deleted files are stored there for only 30 days, and then deleted automatically.
1. Standard method: cleaning through the "Files"
The easiest method is to use the built-in Files by Google (or standard MIUI File Manager) application, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 smartphones and does not require additional settings.
To clear the basket:
If you have Files by Google installed (the blue icon app from Google), the path will be a little different: Files → Menus (☰) → Basket → Clean up.
Make sure important files are saved in the cloud|Check the free space on the device|Close all background applications|Connect the charger (if the charge is below 20%)-->
Attention! On some versions of MIUI (especially MIUI 9-10), the shopping cart may be hidden in Categories → Recent. If you don't see it right away, try updating the Files app via Google Play.
2. Cleaning through the Gallery: removal of photos and videos
Photos and videos deleted through the standard MIUI Gallery are in a separate shopping cart, and cleaning it does not affect other types of files (documents, APKs, etc.), so this method is suitable if you need to make room for media files.
Instructions:
- Open the Gallery app**.
On the Redmi Note 5 with firmware MIUI 11+ The basket in the Gallery may be called Recently Deleted. If you can't see this section, check the settings of the app: Gallery → Settings (⚙) → Show the basket.
Once a week.|Once a month|Only when memory ends|Never cleaned.-->
Important: The files in the Gallery Recycle Bin are only stored for 15 days (as opposed to 30 days in Files) and are deleted automatically after that, but can be restored before the expiration date.
3.Using "Storage Settings" for deep cleaning
If the Recycle Bin doesn’t appear in Files or Gallery, try clearing it through system settings, which works even on older versions of MIUI and helps you remove hidden temporary files.
Step-by-step:
This method removes not only files from the shopping cart, but also the cache of applications, which can further free up 1-3 GB of memory. However, be careful: deep cleaning can reset the settings of some applications (for example, messengers).
What is a deep cleanup in MIUI?
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 5 root-rights deep cleaning can remove files from folder /data/.trash, If you're not sure what you're doing, you better use other ways.
4 Third-party applications: Total Commander, Files by Google and others
If standard methods don't work, third-party file managers will come to the rescue, allowing you to see hidden bin folders and manually delete files that the system doesn't show.
The best apps to clean the cart on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5:
- 📁 Total Commander - Shows system folders including.trash and Recycle Bin.
- 🗃️ Files by Google – a simple interface with the function “Clean up” (deletes duplicates and old files).
- 🔍 FX File Explorer – allows you to configure the display of hidden files and folders.
- 🗑️ Dumpster – an alternative cart with advanced storage settings.
Instructions for Total Commander:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Enable the display of hidden files: Settings → Display → Show hidden files.
- Go to the folder. /storage/emulated/0/.trash (or /sdcard/.recycle_bin firmware).
- Select all files and click Delete.
⚠️ Note: Deleting files through Total Commander with root rights can cause system applications to crash if you make a mistake with the folder. /system or /data/app!
If you use Files by Google, use the “Clean Up” function: Files → Cleanup → Delete from the Recycle Bin.
5. Manual removal via ADB (for power users)
If the cart is not cleaned in the standard way, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for users who are ready to work with the command line.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 5 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
- Remove files from the Recycle Bin: adb shell rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/.trash/* adb shell rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/RecycleBin/*
- Reboot the phone.
On some firmware MIUI The folder of the basket can be called.recycle or MIUI_Trash. To see all hidden folders, use the command:
adb shell ls -la /storage/emulated/0/⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure. If you're not sure about the commands, you better use other ways.
Comparison of cleaning methods of the basket on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | Deletes all files. | Recovery is possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through Files. | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, after cleaning) |
| Through the Gallery. | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ Media files only | ❌ No. |
| Deep cleaning in settings | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (+ cash) | ❌ No. |
| Third-party applications (Total Commander) | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ⚠️ Optionally. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Maybe (before re-recording) |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ❌ No, but I need a PC) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
💡
For most Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 users, standard methods (via Files or Gallery) are sufficient. ADB and manual removal via Total Commander should only be used if the cart is not cleaned by conventional methods.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes cleaning the cart on the Redmi Note 5 is accompanied by errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The Recycle Bin does not appear in Files or Gallery.
- 🔄 Solution: Update apps through Google Play.
- 🔧 Solution: Check the settings: in Files go to Settings → Show hidden files.
- 📱 Solution: Reboot your phone – sometimes the basket becomes visible after a reboot.
Problem 2: When cleaning, the error “failed to remove” appears.
- 🛠️ Solution: Check if the files are occupied by another application (for example, photo editor).
- 📂 Solution: Try to delete files one at a time, not all at once.
- 🔄 Solution: Use Total Commander with root rights (if any).
Problem 3: After cleaning, files reappear in the bin.
- 🗑️ Solution: It could be a bug MIUI. Try to clean the basket through ADB.
- 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
- 📱 Solution: Delete and reinstall the Files app».
💡
If the Recycle Bin on Redmi Note 5 is constantly recovering deleted files, check if it syncs with the Mi Cloud. Turn off autosynchronization in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync.