The shopping cart on Xiaomi smartphones is a temporary storage for deleted files that many users forget to check, and over time it is filled with gigabytes of unnecessary data: photos, videos, documents and even a cache of applications. If you notice that the phone’s memory suddenly runs out and the gallery or file manager appears “ghosts” of old files, the problem is precisely in the crowded basket.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to clean the cart on Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI functions, recovery of accidentally deleted data and setting up automatic cleaning. The instructions are relevant for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the firmware versions from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden basket in the Files application, which is known to less than 20% of users.
Where is the Xiaomi cart and why is it filled
Unlike the iPhone or Samsung, where the basket is usually one, Xiaomi can have three:
- 📁 Gallery basket - stores deleted photos and videos (path: Gallery) → Albums. → Basket).
- 📂 File Manager Recycle Bin – Collects all deleted documents, APK, archives (path: Files) → Categories → Basket).
- 🔄 Hidden basket MIUI — System Storage for Temporary Files (Available through Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup).
By default, files are stored in the recycle bin for 30 days, but this period can be changed. The main problem is that many users do not know that MIUI automatically transfers to the recycle bin not only explicit deletes, but also:
- 🗑️ Files deleted through "Memory Optimization" (Settings) → Battery and productivity).
- 📱 App cache after resetting settings (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).
- 🔍 Antivirus scan results (Security) → Scanning).
⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos or Mi Cloud, the files deleted through them do not enter the local shopping cart Xiaomi.
Method 1: Cleaning the gallery basket (photos and videos)
This is the most obvious, but not always effective, method, and many users limit themselves to it, unaware that 80% of the "junk" is hidden in other sections.
Instructions:
- Open the Gallery app (flower icon).
- Slip on three horizontal lines (☰) lower-right → select the albums.
- Scroll down to the basket section (urn icon) 🗑️).
- Click Control (top right) → highlight unnecessary files or tap Select All.
- Click Remove (below) and confirm the action.
If the Remove button is inactive:
- 🔒 Check if the protection mode is enabled (in the gallery settings).
- 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet – some versions MIUI Requires verification of the Mi Account.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning the gallery basket
Method 2: Cleaning the Recycle Bin in the File Manager (Hidden Files)
The MIUI file manager hides the basket deeper than the gallery.
- 📄 Deleted documents (.pdf,.docx,.xlsx).
- 📦 Archives (.zip,.rar) and APK-file.
- 🎵 Audio files and recordings from the recorder.
How to clean:
- Open the Files app (folder icon).
- Go to the Category tab (bottom).
- Scroll to the Recycle Bin section (may be called Recently Deleted).
- Tap Edit → Select files → Delete forever.
If there is no basket section:
- 🔍 Enter the file manager search box for recycle or.trash.
- 📁 Go to the Inner Memory →.recycle (hidden folder).
- 🔧 Enable the display of hidden files: Files → ☰ → Settings → Show hidden files.
How to recover files from the file manager basket?
Method 3: Clean the system basket through MIUI settings
MIUI has a hidden system basket that doesn't show up in the gallery or file manager.
- 🧹 Temporary application files (cache, logs).
- 📱 Data after resetting settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
- 🔄 Files deleted through memory optimization.
How to clean:
- Go to Settings. → Memory.
- Slip the cleanup (or clear the place).
- Wait for analysis → select the category of Recycle Bin or Recently Deleted.
- Press Clean and confirm.
If the item is not on the list:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in old firmware, the function is hidden).
- 📱 Use Developer Mode: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Turn on basket cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning the system basket through settings deletes files irrevocably, unlike a gallery where there is a possibility of recovery.
Method 4: Automatically clean the basket (MIUI setting)
To avoid manually cleaning the cart, set up automatic removal:
| Parameter | Where to set up | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Storage period in the basket | Settings → Memory → Cart → Storage period | 7-15 days (default 30) |
| Autocleaning with a lack of memory | Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Optimization | Turn on |
| Exceptions for the basket | gallery → ☰ → Settings → Basket → Exceptions | Add important folders (e.g. Screenshots) |
| Notifications for completion | Settings → Notifications → System notifications → Memory | Insert (threshold: 80% of the filling) |
To set up automatic cleaning:
- Open the Settings → Memory → Recycle Bin.
- Activate the Automatic Cleaning Switch.
- Set a fill threshold (e.g., 5GB).
- Choose the frequency (weekly/monthly).
💡
If you take pictures often, set the gallery settings (☰ → Settings → Recycle Bin) exception for the Camera folder, so photos won't automatically be deleted from the Recycle Bin.
Method 5: Cleaning the Recycle Bin via PC (for power users)
If the shopping cart on your phone doesn’t clear or gives you errors, connect Xiaomi to your computer and use it. ADB-commands or file manager.
Instructions for Windows:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps → For developers).
- Open the Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
- Enter the commands: adb shell su rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/.recycle/* rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.gallery/cache/trash/*
- Reboot the phone.
Alternative method (without ADB):
- 🖥️ Use Total Commander or ES Explorer on PC to access hidden folders.
- 📁 Go on the path of internal memory →.recycle or.trash.
- 🗑️ Delete all files manually.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Requires root rights for some Xiaomi models (e.g., for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60). Without root, the commands may not work. It will also reset some system settings.
What to do if the basket is not cleaned
If after all the manipulations the basket remains filled, check:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Remove button is inactive | Files protected by MIUI or third-party software | Turn off privacy protection in security settings |
| The basket is empty, but memory is busy. | Hidden system files or cache | Use Settings → Memory → Deep Cleaning |
| The "Impossible to delete" error | Damaged files or file system error | Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”) |
| The basket is not on the menu | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional firmware | Update the software through Settings → System Update |
If nothing helps:
- 🔄 Reset Gallery settings: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 📱 Install an alternative file manager (like Solid Explorer) and clear the Recycle Bin through it.
- 🔧 Perform reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).
💡
If the recycle bin is not cleaned through standard methods, the cause is often a corrupted file system, in which case only resetting settings or flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.