Recovering deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi: from the Recycle Bin to deep scanning

Why do files disappear from Redmi and can they be returned?

Deleting files on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a problem that one in five users face. Causes of data loss range from a banal random tap on the “Delete” button to system failures after a MIUI update. Unlike computers where files are often sent to the basket, on Android devices, the deletion mechanism works differently: the system immediately frees up occupied space, but the data itself can remain in memory until overwritten with new files.

It is important to understand that the chances of recovery depend on three factors:

• 🔹 Time after removal - the faster you start to act, the higher the probability of success. 2-3 days of active phone use (install applications, shoot photos) the chances drop to 20-30%.
• 🔹 Type of file - photo and video (.jpg,.mp4) Recover more easily than documents (.docx,.pdf) or application databases.
• 🔹 Delete method – files deleted through the Gallery or Files sometimes end up in the Recycle Bin, and those erased through the adb shell or after being reset to factory settings require professional tools.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to recover data on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models – from standard MIUI features to advanced utilities for PC.

Backups save – never lost|1-2 once a year|I'm always accidentally removing something.|I don't keep track of files until I need them.-->

Method 1: Checking the Recycle Bin in Standard MIUI Applications

Many users don’t know that Xiaomi Redmi has a built-in shopping cart, but it doesn’t work in all apps, like the Gallery, where deleted photos and videos are stored for up to 30 days, and File Manager for up to 15 days.

1. For photo/video: open Gallery → tap three dots in the top right corner → select Recycle Bin. Here you can recover files one by one or all at once (Restore all).
2. For documents and other files: Run Files → go to the Category tab → scroll down to the Recycle Bin section.

⚠️ Note: If you manually cleaned the Recycle Bin or used features like Security Optimization, files could be permanently deleted, and the Recycle Bin does not work for files deleted through Explorer (such as Total Commander) or using commands ADB.

Check hidden folders (enable display in Files settings)|Make sure that the files are not transferred to SD-map|Try searching by file name in Files|Move to the next way (cloud storage)-->

Method 2: Recover from Xiaomi Cloud and Google Drive

Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage, the Xiaomi Cloud, which automatically backs up photos, contacts and notes. If the feature was enabled before deleting files, the chances of recovery are high.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Select the Gallery or Files section (depending on the type of data lost).
3. Check the Deleted folder (it stores files for up to 60 days in the cloud).
4. To restore, click on the file → Restore.

If you use Google Photos or Google Drive, the algorithm is similar:

• 📁 Google Photos: Open the app → Library → Recycle bin (files are stored for 60 days).
• ☁️ Google Drive: Web version or application → Basket (30 days of storage).

Critical detail: Xiaomi Cloud only reserves original photos by default if Autoupload is enabled. Documents and videos are synced only when manually added to the cloud.

Method 3: Connect to a PC and use recovery software

If the files are not found in the cart or cloud, the next step is to connect Redmi to your computer and scan the memory using specialized utilities.

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva (on the example of Windows):

1. Download and install the program from the official website (avoid pirated versions!).
2. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP) phone-curtain.
3. Run Recuva → select the file type (such as Images) → specify the location (your phone will show as a removable drive).
4. Click Analysis → wait for the scan to be completed (may take up to an hour).
5. Tick the required files. → Restore. Important: save files to your PC, not back to your phone!

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not defined as a removable drive, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port on your PC).
• 📱 Connection Mode: In the Redmi notification curtain, File Transfer should be selected, not Charging.
• 🔧 Developer Settings: If previously included Debugging USB, Turn it off and reconnect the device.

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Before scanning, turn off the Internet on your phone and do not run other applications, which will reduce the risk of overwriting deleted data with new files (for example, an application cache).

Method 4: Restoration through root access (for power users)

If standard methods didn’t work and files are critical, you can try deep scanning with superuser rights (root), which is suitable for users who previously unlocked the bootloader and got root on their Redmi, the advantage is access to system partitions where traces of deleted files can remain.

The work will require:

• 📱 Phone with root rights (for example, via Magisk).
• 💻 PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 🛠️ DiskDigger (root version) or Undelete.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play (root version).
2. Launch the application and provide root access when requested.
3. Select Full Scan → Specify the memory partition (usually /data or /sdcard).
4. Wait until it is completed (may take a few hours).
5. Mark the files you find and save them to your PC or cloud.

⚠️ Attention: Root access voids Xiaomi's warranty and may cause system instability. /system or /boot If you're not sure about your skills, call a specialist.

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Deep root scanning increases the chances of recovery by 60-70%, but requires technical knowledge. Without root, programs see only surface data, which reduces the efficiency to 20-30%.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center (extreme case)

If the files are of high value (for example, single photos from an important event), and independent attempts were unsuccessful, you can contact the authorized service center Xiaomi. UFS).

What you need to know before your visit:

• 🔒 Privacy: Check whether the service center will copy your data.

⚠️ Attention: Not all service centers are dedicated to data recovery, some are dedicated to iron repair. Check by phone before you visit if they provide this service. Unqualified interference can damage the memory chip irrevocably.

The addresses of official Xiaomi service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service (Choose your city in the Service Centers section).

How to Prevent Future File Loss: Checklist for Redmi Owners

The best way to combat data loss is to prevent it, and here are 7 rules to avoid it:

Enable automatic sync with Xiaomi Cloud or Google Photos|Regularly (once a month) copy important files to your PC or external drive.|Use backup applications (e.g. Swift Backup)|Do not store a single copy of important files on your phone.|Before resetting to factory settings, check backups|Avoid memory cleaners (such as Clean Master) – they can delete files without warning|Set a password to important folders (via Files) → Personal vault)-->

Additional advice:

• 📁 For photo/video: in the Gallery, enable backup to the cloud (settings) → Cloud).
• 📄 For documents: use Google Drive or Yandex Drive with automatic download of files from the Downloads folder.
• 🔄 For applications: in Settings → Annexes → Backup Enable Data Saving Applications.

If you often work with important files, consider buying external files. SSD-A storage device (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Portable) SSD) MicroSD cards with high speed recording (class) A2 or U3). This will allow you to store backups separately from the main memory of the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi Redmi