How to view deleted messages on Xiaomi phone: all working methods in 2026

Introduction: Can I return deleted messages to Xiaomi?

Deleted important SMS or WhatsApp/Telegram messages on Xiaomi’s smartphone (including Redmi and POCO) — and now you don’t know how to restore them? — you’re not alone: Statistically, 68% of users have lost data at least once due to accidental clicking or resetting. The good news is that deleting messages is rarely irrevocable — they can be returned if you act quickly and correctly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to recover deleted messages on Xiaomi, from built-in features. MIUI Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on how long it took to delete, whether the phone was used after that, and whether synchronization with the cloud was enabled. SMS And an hour ago, you didn't write the new data to the device, and the odds of success are 90 percent, but if you've had a week and the phone's memory is full of new files, the odds drop to 20 or 30%.

Before you start, remember a key rule: the less you interact with your phone after deleting, the better the chances of recovery. Each new memory record (photo, video, app installation) can overwrite the sectors where the deleted messages were stored. So turn off mobile Internet and Wi-Fi if you haven't already done so, and proceed to the instructions below.

Method 1: Recovery through MIUI backup

The most reliable and secure method is to use the built-in MIUI backup function, which automatically saves data (including SMS and call logs) to the Xiaomi Cloud or local drive if you have enabled this option in advance.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down to the Backup section.
3. Make sure the switch next to the Message is on (green).

If you have a backup, restore the data:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Restore Data.
2. Select the latest copy (note the date of creation).
3. Check Messages and click Restore.

Is there enough space on the phone (at least 10% of free space is needed)

Is the phone connected to charging (the process can take 10–30 minutes)

Wi-Fi enabled (if the copy is stored in the cloud)

- Does the password from the Xiaomi account (required for confirmation)

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⚠️ Attention: Recovery from backup MIUI If you receive new messages after you make a copy, they will be lost. To avoid this, export the current ones first. SMS via the Messages appendix → ⋮ → Exports.

Method 2: Using Google Drive (for Android Messages)

If you use Google’s standard Messages app (rather than MIUI), your SMS could automatically sync to Google Drive.This method works even if you didn’t set up manual backups — Android defaults to save data when the phone first starts.

To recover messages:

1. Install the Google Messages app (if removed).
2. Open it and tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Settings → Backup and Restore.
4. Click Restore and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Recovery through Google Drive only works if:

• 📱 You used Google Messages as your primary SMS-attachment.
• ☁️ Backup is enabled in Google Account Settings (Settings) → Google → Backup).
• ⏳ No more than 30 days have passed since the last synchronization (old copies are deleted).

Application "Messages" from Xiaomi (MIUI)

The “Messages” app from Google

Telegram/Viber/WhatsApp (Messaging only)

Other (write in the comments)-->

If the recovery fails, check if the sync in the account settings is disabled.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → [your email].
2. Make sure that the data synchronization slider is active.
3. Tap on the backup management and check for a copy with the desired date.

Method 3: Data recovery programs (without root)

If you don't have backups, the only option is to use specialized tools that scan the phone's memory for "residual" data that hasn't been overwritten yet.

• 🔧 Dr.Fone (Wondershare) – Supports recovery SMS, Photos and contacts without root rights.
• 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – Free version recovers up to 2 messages (full version paid).
• 🛠️ Tenorshare UltData – working with the MIUI 12-14, but requires a connection to the USB.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Dr.Fone:

1. Download and install Dr.Fone on PC (Windows/macOS).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable (turn on debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
3. Start the program, select Data Recovery Android.
4. Tick the Messages and click Next.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen (confirmation on the phone may be required).
6. After scanning, select the desired SMS and click Restore.

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Before scanning, turn off mobile internet on your phone – this will prevent data from being overwritten with new messages.

⚠️ Attention: Root-free software will only recover messages that have not yet been overwritten by new data, and if more than a week has passed since deleting and the phone has been actively used, the chances are minimal:

• 🚫 Don’t install programs on your phone – they can overwrite deleted data.
• 💰 Free versions usually show found messages, but do not allow them to be saved.
• 🔒 Avoid questionable utilities – they may contain viruses or spyware.

Method 4: Recover messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

If you deleted the messages in the messenger instead of the SMS, the algorithm of actions will be different.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp automatically backs up chats in Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) to recover messages:

1. Remove and reinstall WhatsApp.
2. When you first start, enter the same phone number.
3. Follow the hints – the system will prompt you to restore chats from the backup.

⚠️ Copies are created only if you have not disabled this feature in Settings. → chat → Backup copy.

Telegram

In Telegram, recovery is only possible for secret chats (if you have turned on self-destruct, you can not return them).

• 🔄 Correspondence is stored on Telegram servers – just reinstall the app and log in under the same account.
• 🗑️ You can return deleted messages within 48 hours (long press). → Cancel deletion).

Viber

Viber does not store backups on servers, but allows you to make backup manually:

1. Open More → Settings → Account → Backup copy.
2. Click Create a copy (the file will be saved in the phone’s memory).
3. When reinstalling the application, select Restore from copy.

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In messengers, recovery is possible only if you have not deleted your account and changed your phone number, otherwise the correspondence is lost irretrievably.

Method 5: Calling for support (for SMS)

If it's about SMS-In theory, you can request messages, not messaging, from a mobile operator, but this method only works in exceptional cases:

• 📜 Operators keep logs SMS not more than 3-7 days (depending on the company).
• 🔒 To obtain the data, a formal request (passport, contract) and a valid reason (for example, a court case) will be required).
• 💸 The service is paid (from 500 to 3000 rubles) and takes up to 30 days.

How to make a request:

1. Visit the operator’s office (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) with a passport.
2. Write a request for providing detail by SMS (the sample is usually on the rack).
3. Specify the date range and phone number (your own or the subscriber with whom the correspondence was conducted).
4. Pay for the service and wait for the answer (comes by mail or in your personal account).

⚠️ Note: Operators do not restore content SMS — Metadata (date, time, sender/receiver number) is not available unless you have backed up your phone.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center – some workshops offer data recovery services using professional equipment (for example, Chip-Off or JTAG). Cost: from 5000 rubles. Please note that this does not guarantee 100% results, especially if the phone’s memory is very fragmented.
2. Accept loss – if messages are not critical and the phone has been actively used after deletion, the chances of recovery tend to zero.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid "miracle programs" that promise to recover data in 1 click, often a scam that is intended to be a "miracle:

• 💳 Theft of bank card data (if you require payment).
• 📴 Installation of viruses on the phone (if you ask to download) APK).
• 🔄 Subscription for paid SMS-Services (if you request a phone number).

If it is really important for you to prevent future data loss, follow these rules:

• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📲 Regularly (once a month) create local backups through Settings → Backup.
• 🔄 For instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) set up weekly copying.
• 🚫 Don’t store important messages in just one place – duplicate them in Google Keep, Evernote or email.

FAQ: Frequent questions about post recovery on Xiaomi