Deleting important messages on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a familiar situation. Whether it’s accidentally erased WhatsApp, a critical SMS from a bank or a precious photo on Viber, data loss always causes panic. Fortunately, owners of smartphones based on MIUI have several ways to recover deleted messages, from built-in features to specialized programs.
In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methods, including working with MI Cloud backups, hidden folders, and even low-level memory scanning. It's important to understand that recovery success depends on how long it's been since you deleted it and whether you've used your phone since, and the faster you act, the better the chances of getting your data back.
Note that some methods require root rights or a PC connection. If you are not sure about your technical skills, start with the simplest options – they often give a result without risk to the system.
Recovery via MI Cloud: The Official Way From Xiaomi
MI Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that automatically stores copies of messages, contacts and other data when the feature is activated.This is the most secure method, but it only works if:
- 🔄 The phone was synchronized with MI Cloud before removing messages
- 📱 You have access to a Mi Account linked to Redmi 9
- ⏳ Messages were deleted no more than 30 days ago (retention period of backup copies)
To recover the data:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account → MI Cloud.
- Select the Sync section and make sure the switch opposite the Message is active.
- Click Recover Data and select the latest backup.
- Confirm the recovery and wait until the process is complete (may take up to 10 minutes).
Method limitations: MI Cloud does not save all types of messages, for example, correspondence from Telegram or Viber is not reserved, only standard SMS and MMS. Also, the recovery will replace the current messages with those that were in the copy, so pre-export important chats.
2. Search in hidden MIUI folders: where deleted data is stored
The MIUI system on Redmi 9 does not delete the message files immediately after clicking the Delete button, but instead they are moved to hidden system folders, where they are stored for up to 7-14 days (depending on the firmware version) to find them:
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable and turn on file transfer mode:
- Open the internal memory of the device.
- Go to the.Trash or.MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder (Hidden folders – turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings).
- Find files with the.sms or.db extension (message databases).
- Copy them onto your computer and open them with software like SMS Backup & Restore.
Important: Not all files in these folders will be readable, such as messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) stored in encrypted form and require special utilities to decode.
What if there is no.Trash folder?
3. Use of third-party applications: top-3 Android utility
If the system methods didn’t help, third-party programs come to the rescue, we tested dozens of utilities and selected the 3 most effective for Xiaomi Redmi 9:
| Annex | Types of data recoverable | Need a Root? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | SMS, MMS, photos, documents | No (basic scan) | Free (Pro - $14.99) |
| GT Recovery | Messages, contacts, WhatsApp, Viber | Yes (for deep scanning) | Free of charge. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | SMS, correspondence of messengers, media files | No. | $39.95 (limited trial version) |
Instructions for DiskDigger (without root):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select Basic Scan (without superuser rights).
- Mark the file types of Messages and Documents.
- Click Scan and wait until it is completed (may take up to an hour).
- Select the messages found and click Restore.
⚠️ Attention: Apps like GT Recovery requires root rights, which will void the Redmi 9 warranty and may cause system failures. Use them only if other methods have failed and you are prepared for the risks.
4. Recovery of messages from messengers: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram
Correspondence in messengers is restored differently than standard SMS. Each service has its own backup mechanisms:
- 💬 WhatsApp: Automatically backs up Google Drive (if enabled). To restore: Remove and reinstall the app. When you first start up, the system will prompt you to restore chats from Google Drive. Confirm the recovery (requires the same phone number and Google account).
Viber:
Viber/Media
Telegram:
secret-chat
Critical nuance: If you delete the messenger account or reset the phone to factory settings without a backup, it is impossible to restore correspondence - the data is erased from the servers.
☑️ Preparation for the restoration of messengers
5. Low-level memory scanning: when nothing helps
If the messages were deleted long ago (more than a month ago) and none of the above methods worked, the last chance is a bit-by-bit memory scan.
- 🖥️ Redmi 9 Connections to PCs USB-debugging
- 🔧 Utilities. ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
- 🛠️ Software like Autopsy or Scalpel (for power users)