How to Cancel File Deletion on Xiaomi: Recovery in 2026

Deleting important files on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that almost every user faces: vacation photos, work documents or videos from memorable events can disappear in one click due to accidental clicking, a system failure or a failed MIUI update. Fortunately, in most cases, files can be restored - even if you have already cleaned the basket or formatted the memory card.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to return deleted data on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models on MIUI 12/13/14). You will learn how the mechanism of storing files in the memory of a smartphone works, why you should not immediately write new data after deleting, and what tools will help you recover information without loss of quality. From simple actions like checking the basket to using professional utilities, choose a method for your situation.

Why Files Can Be Recovered After Deletion

When you delete a file on Xiaomi, it doesn't disappear from memory instantly. Android simply labels the storage area as "free," allowing you to write new data on top of it. Until that area is overwritten, the chances of recovery remain high.

• 📁 Basket MIUI: Files deleted through a standard Explorer are placed in the Recycle Bin and stored there for 30 days (configured in settings).
• 🔄 Operations log: The system logs changes, which helps recovery programs roll back actions.
• 💾 Flash memory: Unlike the memory HDD, eMMC/UFS-Smartphone drives do not overwrite data immediately – this increases the chances of success.

However, there are also critical factors that reduce the likelihood of recovery:

• ⚠️ Formatting (especially “complete” rather than fast) erases file service information.
• 📱 Update MIUI or resetting settings (Wipe Data) can overwrite system partitions.
• 🔋 Battery discharge to 0% during recovery interrupts the process and damages data.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete files from a microSD card, remove them from your phone immediately! Every new photo or video reduces your chances of recovery.

Method 1: Recovery through the MIUI basket

The easiest way is to check the Recycle Bin in Xiaomi's standard file manager, which works similarly to a Recycle Bin on a PC: deleted files are stored there for a limited time (by default 30 days), after which they are automatically cleared.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. In the bottom menu, tap on the basket (dumpster icon).
3. Find the files you need, highlight them with a long tap and click Restore.

If the cart is empty or there are no files, check the settings:

1. In the Files app, go to ⋮ → Settings → Basket.
2. Make sure that the Auto Clean option is disabled or a maximum shelf life is set.

⚠️ Attention: Basket in MIUI does not save files deleted through third-party applications (such as Google Photos or WhatsApp.

Method 2: Use of MIUI backups

If your Xiaomi enabled automatic backup, files could be saved to the Mi Cloud or local copy, a method that is suitable for restoring contacts, messages, photos, and even some system settings.

Step 1. Checking the Mi Cloud

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in with the same account that was linked to the device at the time of deletion.
3. Go to the Backups section and select the latest copy.
4. Click Restore and select the categories you want (such as Gallery or Documents).

Step 2. Local backup

If the cloud is not used, check the folder with local backups:

/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/

Files are stored encrypted here, but they can be restored through Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.

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If you don’t remember if a backup was enabled, check the /MIUI/backup/ folder through the root file manager or connect the phone to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP).

Method 3: Data recovery programs (without root)

If the files are not in the cart and there are no backups, specialized software will help. For Xiaomi devices, programs that work without root rights (but with restrictions) are suitable.

• 📱 DiskDigger - restores photos and videos, supports FAT32/exFAT (memory-card).
• 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver scans internal memory and SD-cards, export files to PC.
• 🔍 Recuva (for PC) – works with a connected phone in mode MTP.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Download DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Start the program and select Start basic scanning (without root).
3. Wait for the analysis to be completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
4. Tag the files you want and click Restore by selecting a folder to save (such as a cloud or PC).

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone – use the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) or PC.

Method 4: Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try extracting files via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills but allows you to access raw memory data.

Preparation:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Download ADB Tools on your PC and connect your phone with a cable.

Data extraction commands:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell # Going to the shell of the phone




su # Request root rights (if any)




ls /sdcard/ # View files on internal memory




pull /sdcard/DCIM/ ~/Desktop # Copying the DCIM folder on PC

If root is not available, try an alternative method:

adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -nosystem

This command will back up all user data to the backup.ab file on your PC. Use the abe (Android Backup Extractor) utility to extract files from the archive.

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ADB-This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader or root rights. On standard Xiaomi firmware, it gives limited access to data.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If files are critically important (such as court documents or unique photos) and independent attempts have failed, contact the official Xiaomi service center.

What you need to know before your visit:

• 📋 Take your phone documents (guarantee card, check) with you - this will speed up the process.
• 💰 The cost of the service varies from 3000 to 15 000 ₽ depending on the complexity.
• ⏳ Recovery period - from 1 to 5 days.

Addresses of service centers in Russia:

• 📍 Moscow: 16 Leo Tolstoy St. (at the Afimall shopping center»)
• 📍 St. Petersburg: Ligovsky Prospect, 50 (in the shopping center "Gallery»)
• 📍 Kazan: Bauman St., 47 (shop "Svyaznoy»)

⚠️ Warning: Don't go to informal workshops! Unqualified intervention can irrevocably damage smartphone memory, making recovery impossible even for professionals.

What to do to avoid data loss in the future

The best way to combat file loss is to prevent it, and follow these rules to minimize the risks:

• ☁️ Automatic Sync: Configure backup to Mi Cloud or Google Photos (enable Autoboot option).
• 🔄 Regular local copies: Once a month, copy important files to your PC or external drive.
• 📱 Use reliable file managers: Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager has a built-in cart and change history.
• 🛡️ Virus protection: Install antivirus (like Dr.Web) – some malware erases files.

Set up automatic backup in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
2. Enable the option of Automatic backup.
3. Select networks for synchronization (Wi-Fi only is recommended).
4. Specify the categories of data (required to mark the Gallery and Documents).

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Create a separate folder on your PC or in the cloud called “Xiaomi Backup” and copy files from DCIM, Downloads and Documents folders from your smartphone every month.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi