The Recycle Bin on Xiaomi smartphones is a temporary storage for deleted files that takes up space in the device’s memory and can contain sensitive data. Many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi face a problem: even after cleaning the Recycle Bin through the standard menu, files continue to take up space, and some system applications (such as Gallery or Files) restore it automatically.
In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to remove the basket - from basic to advanced, including working with the help of the cart. ADB, change-of-setting MIUI And even manual removal through Root access, and we'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the firmware. MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and smartphone models.
⚠️ Note: Remove the Recycle Bin through system methods (without Root) does not guarantee full free space.Files may remain in hidden.trash or.recycle folders until the next device reboot.
If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), standard methods may not work – manual intervention will be required.
1. Standard cleaning of the basket through the Files app
The easiest way is to use the built-in file manager Files from Xiaomi (or File Manager in global firmware), which is suitable for most users and does not require additional knowledge.
Open the Files app, go to the Recycle Bin (the bin icon at the bottom menu) and you'll see all the deleted files grouped by date.
- 📂 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Clean the basket.
- ⏳ Confirm the action – the system will show how much space will be vacated.
- 🔄 After cleaning, restart your smartphone to remove temporary files.
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ The basket can automatically recover the next time you delete the file. To avoid this, turn off the function in the Files application settings: Settings → Basket → Automatic removal (set "Immediately»).
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If the Recycle Bin doesn’t clear the first time, try to delete files one at a time – sometimes the system “forgets” to delete folders with a lot of elements.
2. Removal of the basket through the Gallery (for photos and videos)
The Gallery app on Xiaomi has its own shopping cart, which doesn't always sync with the file. If you deleted photos but they still take up space, follow these steps:
Open the Gallery, swipe to the right or click on the icon ☰ → Recycle bin. Here you'll see all deleted media files:
- 🖼️ Select all files (long pressing) → check-box).
- 🗑️ Click Remove Forever (or Clean the Cart).
- 🔧 Go to Gallery Settings → Basket → Disable the cart (not available on all firmware).
In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 for POCO F4), the Gallery Recycle Bin is linked to Mi Cloud cloud storage. If files are not deleted, check sync: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Gallery → Disable sync.
Why do files come back after cleaning?
3. Manual removal of basket folders through the conductor (for experienced)
If standard methods don’t work, you can manually remove hidden bin folders, which requires any file manager with access to system folders (e.g., Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
Activate the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings and go on the path: /storage/emulated/0/
Look for the following folders (they may be hidden):
- .trash is the main MIUI basket.
- .recycle.recycle_bin — alternatives.
- MIUI/Gallery/trash is the gallery basket.
- Android/data/com.miui.gallery/files/trash is a backup folder.
Delete these folders manually, but note:
⚠️ Note: Deleting.trash or.recycle folders can cause system applications to fail. If files or Gallery stop opening after deleting, restart your device or restore folders through backup.
Enable the display of hidden files
Backup of important data
Close all applications that work with files
Use a conductor with Root access (optional)-->
4. disable the cart through MIUI settings (without Root)
In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can completely disable the Recycle Bin function.
Go to: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Memory → Clear Data
This method will reset the Files application settings, including the Recycle Bin History, but after the reboot, the function can be restored.
For permanent shutdown (not available on all devices):
- Open the files. → ☰ → Settings → Basket.
- Select Turn off the cart or install Auto Clean after 0 days.
- Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.
On POCO with global firmware, the path may be different: Settings → Additional settings → File Manager → Trash → Disable
MIUI Global
MIUI China
MIUI Europe (xiaomi.eu)
Castomium (Pixel Experience, LineageOS, etc.)
I don't know.-->
5. Complete Cart Removal via ADB (for Advanced)
If you're willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can force the cart to be removed at the system level, which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and enabling USB Debugging.
First activate debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the following commands at the terminal (or PowerShell):
adb shell
pm clear com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer #Reset the Files app
rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/.trash # Removal of the main basket
rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/trash # Removal of Gallery basket
reboot⚠️ Note: The pm clear command will delete all application Files data, including bookmarks and sorting settings. MIUI 14+, After restarting, the basket can be created again – in this case, repeat the steps from Section 3 (manual deletion of folders).
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ADB-The method is the most effective way to remove the basket without Root, but it requires caution.
6 Removal of Root Access Recycle Bin (maximum cleaning)
If you have Root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can completely remove the Recycle Bin mechanism by editing system files.This method is suitable for users who want to get rid of the Recycle Bin forever.
Using a Root Explorer (e.g., Root Explorer) go to /system/priv-app/FileExplorer/
Look for files that mention trash or recycle (like TrashProvider.apk). Rename them by adding the.bak extension, or delete them.
Also edit the file /system/build.prop by adding a line:
ro.miui.has_trash=0This will shut down the basket at the system level.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up through TWRP Or OrangeFox.
| Deleting method | Need a Root? | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cleaning | ❌ No. | Low (files may remain) | Absent. |
| Manual deletion of folders | ❌ No. | Medium (may recover) | Application failure |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | Tall. | Data loss of the Files app |
| Editing system files | ✅ Yes. | Maximum | Bootloop, loss of warranty |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users experience problems when removing the cart, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 Recycle Bin reappears after rebooting Solution: Disable automatic Recycle Bin creation in Files settings or use ADB forced-out.
- 📁 The.trash folder is not deleted (writes "File is busy") Solution: Close all applications that work with files (including Gallery and Downloads), and try again.
- 🔧 After the recycle bin was removed, the system applications stopped working. Solution: Restore deleted folders through backup or reset Files to factory settings.
If none of these methods worked, check if your device is using storage encryption (Settings → Lock & Protection → Encryption) in which case the basket can be stored encrypted and you will need to completely reset the device to remove it.
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Before experimenting with a basket, check the free space on the device through Settings → Storage. Sometimes the system shows incorrect data about the occupied space due to the cache.