Losing important Xiaomi videos is a familiar situation, as you may accidentally click Delete, format your memory card, or experience a system failure. Fortunately, in most cases, files can be returned even if they have disappeared from the gallery. In this article, we will discuss all the current recovery methods, from built-in MIUI tools to professional utilities, and also explain how to avoid irretrievable data loss in the future.
The rule of thumb is, the faster you start, the better the chances of success. After you delete the video, don't write new files to the device, don't update the firmware, don't reset the settings, it can overwrite deleted data. SD-Remove the card and connect it to the PC via the card reader to minimize the risks.
Note that the effectiveness of the methods depends on how the files were deleted, for example, videos deleted through the MIUI basket are restored in a couple of clicks, and files after “full formatting” may require deep scanning with DiskDigger or Recuva. Below is a detailed guide for each scenario.
1. Check the basket in MIUI - the fastest way
Modern versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) have a built-in bin where deleted files temporarily go. If you erase video in the standard way (via gallery or explorer), first of all, look there:
- Open the Gallery app (or Files → Images).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Basket".
- Find the right video, hold your finger on it to highlight, then click "Restore".
The recycle bin files are stored for 30 days (default) and then they are deleted irrevocably. If the recycle bin is empty or the video is not there, move on to the next method.
⚠️ Note: In some firmware (for example, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the MIUI 11) The basket can be disabled. To activate it, go to Settings → Warehouse → Cart and turn on the option.
2. Restore via Google Photos (if synchronized)
If your Xiaomi has Google Photos autoload enabled, the chances of returning the video are extremely high.
- 📱 Open the Google Photos app on your phone or go to photos.google.com from PC.
- 🔍 In the menu on the left, select “Basket” (or “Archive” if the videos have been archived).
- ⏳ Files are stored in the Recycle Bin for 60 days – if less time has passed, restore them with one click.
- ☁️ If the video is not in the cart, check the folder "All photos" with the filter by date.
If the synchronization has been disabled, this method will not work, in which case, try local recovery (see the following sections).
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To avoid future data loss, enable backup in Google Photos: Settings → Backup and Sync. Select the “Original” for 4K video or “High” qualities to save space.
3 Use Mi Cloud – Cloud from Xiaomi
Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically saves photos and videos if the feature is activated.
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select Gallery and check if synchronization is enabled.
- If yes, open the Mi Cloud web version, log in and find the Remote or Archive folder.
Note that the free Mi Cloud plan only provides 5GB of space, and if the video volume exceeded this limit, the files might not sync, so you can go to restore via PC.
| Recovery method | Storage period | Is the Internet required? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI basket | 30 days | No. | Videos removed through the gallery |
| Google Photo | 60 days | Yes. | Video with synchronization enabled |
| Mi Cloud | 30–90 days | Yes. | Files uploaded to the cloud |
| Programmes for PCs | Before the data is rewritten | No. | Any deleted files |
4. Connect Xiaomi to the computer: recovery via PC
If the video is not found in the clouds or in the basket, connect the phone to your computer and scan the memory with specialized programs, which works even for files deleted months ago (provided that their space on the disk was not overwritten).
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS;
- 📱 Cable USB (preferably original);
- 🔧 Recovery software (e.g. DiskDigger, Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode. To do this, unlock the screen and select the appropriate mode in the notification.
- Install and run a recovery program, for example, in DiskDigger, select your phone drive (or SD-maps) and click "Scan».
- After scanning, mark the videos you find (usually labeled.mp4,.mov,.3gp) and save them to your PC.
⚠️ Note: Do not save recovered files back to your phone or SD-This can overwrite the remaining deleted data. Use an external drive or cloud.
Charge your phone at least 50%
Use the original. USB-cable
Disable the antivirus on your PC (can block programs)
Do not connect your phone to other devices during the scan.-->
Reconstruction of c SD-maps: nuances and risks
If the video is stored on SD-Take it out of your phone and connect it to your computer through a card reader, which will reduce the load on your phone and increase the chances of a successful recovery.
For scanning. SD-The cards will be suitable for the same programs as for internal memory (Recuva, PhotoRec:
- Insert the card into the card reader and connect to the PC.
- Run the recovery program and select a removable drive (usually D:, E: or another letter).
- Select Deep Scan mode, which will take longer but find more files.
- After the scan is completed, save the video to the PC hard drive.
If the card is damaged or undetected, try scanning it through TestDisk, a free utility for working with damaged partitions. However, in this case, it is better to contact specialists - taking independent actions can aggravate the problem.
What to do if SD-card?
6. Root access: Restore through system folders
If you have root rights to Xiaomi, you can manually scan the system folders where deleted files are temporarily stored, a method that is suitable for power users and requires caution - wrong actions can disrupt the system.
Where to look:
- 📁 folder /data/.thumbnails — There may be video miniatures here.
- 📁 folder /data/media/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — gallery-cash.
- 📁 folder /data/lost+found — System directory for recovered files (after failures).
To access these folders, use Root Explorer or FX File Manager with root mode enabled. Note: files here can be fragmented or corrupted. If the videos are not played, try restoring them through VLC Media Player (it can open broken files).
⚠️ Note: Before working with root, back up the system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery. Errors in editing system files can lead to a device blink (complete failure).
7. Professional services: when nothing helps
If all of these methods have failed and the videos are critical (for example, they are the only recordings from a major event), contact a specialist lab. They use professional hardware to recover data from memory chips, even if the device does not turn on.
What the services offer:
- 🔧 Chip-off recovery – retrieving data directly from memory chips (cost from 10 000 USD) ₽).
- 🖥️ Logical analysis - file system recovery when partition damage (from 3 000) ₽).
- 📱 Recovery after flooding/falling – if the phone is not turned on (from 5 000) ₽).
Before contacting the service:
- Do not turn your phone on or connect it to charge (this may overwrite data).
- Do not disassemble the device yourself - this will cancel the warranty and complicate the work of specialists.
- Check whether the service provides free diagnostics and a guarantee for the result.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can contact:
- Flashback Data (specializes in mobile devices)
- ACE Data Recovery (works with damaged storage devices)
- Data recovery laboratory (official partner of Xiaomi in Russia).
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If the videos are of high value (for example, they are the only recordings from a wedding or an important event), do not skimp on professional recovery.