Delete important photos with Xiaomi Redmi Note and don’t know how to return them? Don’t panic — even if the pictures disappeared from the gallery, they can still be stored in the device memory or cloud storage. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven recovery methods, including built-in MIUI tools, Mi Cloud backups and specialized programs for deep scanning.
It's important to understand that success depends on how long it's been since you deleted it and whether you've used your smartphone since then. New files written over the deleted ones can permanently erase them, so you need to move quickly -- preferably without installing any unnecessary apps before you recover.
We have tested all methods on Redmi Note 9/10/11 Pro models with the latest MIUI 14/15, but the instructions are also valid for older devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Note 7). If the photos were deleted a long time ago (more than a month ago), the chances of returning them are reduced - but it is still worth trying.
1.Check the basket at MIUI Gallery
The first thing you need to do is to look into the built-in Gallery application basket, where in MIUI, deleted photos are not erased immediately, but are sent to a temporary storage facility where they are stored for up to 30 days (some firmware for 15 days), which is the simplest way and requires no additional software.
How to find the basket:
- 📱 Open the Gallery app (image with multi-colored squares).
- 🔍 Click on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the lower right corner.
- 🗑️ Select the Recycle Bin (or recently deleted in English firmware).
- 🖼️ View the list of photos, mark the necessary and click Restore.
⚠️ Note: If the cart is empty, the photos have been deleted permanently (or more than 30 days have passed). MIUI Google Photos are different storage!
If you don't find the Recycle Bin item on the menu, it's probably hidden.
- 🔄 Update the Gallery app through Play Market.
- 🔧 Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → gallery → Storage and press Clear cache.
- 📲 Install an alternative gallery (like Google Photos) that also has its own shopping cart.
2. Recovery via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud Storage)
If your Redmi Note had Mi Cloud sync enabled, the photos could automatically be saved to the cloud, which works even if you deleted the pictures from your phone months ago, provided they had time to download.
How to check:
- 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Xiaomi account you used on your phone.
- 📁 In the Gallery or Photos section, find the Remote (or Trash) folder).
- 🔄 If no photos, try recovering them from the Mi Cloud Recycle Bin (stores files for up to 60 days).
- 💾 To download the phone, click on the photo → More. → Save it to the device.
If sync has been disabled, check other cloud services:
- 🖼️ Google Photos (if backup was enabled).
- 📦 Yandex.Disk or Mail.ru Cloud (if you used autoboot).
- 📱 Telegram (in the Saved Messages section, photos sent to themselves could be saved).
⚠️ Attention: Only 5GB of storage is available for free in Mi Cloud. If the space is over, new photos won't sync. Check backup settings in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
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If you don’t remember if sync was enabled, try restoring old Mi Cloud settings through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Data Recovery.
3.Use of recovery programs (without ROOT)
If you don't find photos in the cart and the cloud, you'll have to use specialized tools. Xiaomi Redmi Note will be suitable for programs that scan internal memory for traces of deleted files. Importantly, don't install programs on the smartphone itself, it can erase data. Use a computer!
The best free recovery tools:
| Programme | Xiaomi support | Deep scanning. | ROOT is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | Yes (via OTG) | Yes. | No (limited) |
| Recuva | Yes (through memory card) | Yes. | No. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Yeah (Android) | Yes. | No (basic) |
| PhotoRec | Yes (via ADB) | Yes. | No. |
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (the easiest option):
- 📱 Connect Redmi Note to PC via USB-cable.
- 🔄 Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) notice-curtain.
- 💻 Download and install DiskDigger on your computer (official website).
- 🔍 Launch the program, select your smartphone and press Scan.
- 🖼️ After scanning, mark the desired photos and press Recover.
If you can't find photos, try a deep scan (longer, but more efficient). Note that programs restore files in.jpg,.png formats, but don't always save the original names and dates.
Do not install new apps on your phone|Don't take new pictures.|Connect charging (the process can take hours)|Use the original. USB-cable-->
Recovery through TWRP (for advanced users)
If your Redmi Note has a custom TWRP recap on it, you can try recovering photos through a backup of the /data partition.This method is more complicated, but sometimes saves you when other methods have not worked.
What you need:
- 📱 Established TWRP Recovery (check the version – should support your model).
- 💾 Backup (if you made a backup before removing the photo).
- 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot (for file transfer).
Instructions:
- 🔄 Boot in. TWRP (clamp down on power. + Volume up when switched on).
- 📁 Go to Backup. → Restore and select the backup of the data section.
- ⚠️ Just restore the folder. /DCIM or /Pictures, so as not to erase other data!
- 💾 If there is no backup, connect the phone to the PC and through ADB copy files from /data/media/0/DCIM.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect recovery through TWRP If you are not sure about your actions, you should consult a specialist or use the programs from the previous section.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods did not help, and photos are critical (for example, they are the only copies of documents or memorable pictures), you should contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.
What you need to know before your visit:
- 📄 Bring checks or a warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
The addresses of official Xiaomi services in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Call before you visit to see if they are recovering data – not all centers provide this service.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid "handicraft" workshops that promise recovery for 500 rubles. Unqualified intervention can irrevocably damage the memory of the phone. Official Xiaomi services work with certified equipment and give a guarantee of the result.
How to avoid losing photos in the future
To avoid the problem of deleted photos, set up automatic backup on your Redmi Note. Here are the proven ways:
1. Mi Cloud:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
- 🔄 Enable Auto Sync and select Only over Wi-Fi (to avoid wasting mobile traffic).
- 📁 Make sure you have enough space (free 5GB, buy an extension if necessary).
2.Google Photo:
- 📱 Install an application from the Play Market.
- 🔧 In the settings, enable backup and synchronization.
- 📊 Choose High Quality (unlimited storage) or Original Quality (counted from Google Drive quota).
3. Local copying on PC:
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your computer once a month and copy the folder. DCIM hard-drive.
- 💾 Use programs like Syncthing to automatically synchronize.
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Even if the photos are stored in the cloud, make sure that the backups are created correctly, for example, in Google Photos, go to the Library → Recycle Bin and manually clean it to make room.