How to log into the cart on Xiaomi phone: all ways to recover deleted files

You accidentally deleted an important file on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO and now you don't know how to return it? Don't panic - there's a built-in Recycle Bin in the MIUI shell that stores deleted data for 7 to 30 days (depending on the model), but it's not as easy to find as it is on a computer: the manufacturer hid the feature deep in the settings, and in some firmware it works differently than on standard Android.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to access the shopping cart on Xiaomi phones (including the 2023-2026 models), explain why files may not be displayed, and show you how to recover data if the shopping cart is empty, and learn how to set up automatic cleaning of the shopping cart or disable it altogether if it takes up too much memory.

1. Where is the basket on Xiaomi: the official way through the file manager

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI File Manager (not to be confused with Google Files!), which is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with a MIUI 12-14 shell.

To open the basket:

1. Launch the Files app (an icon with a yellow folder).
2. In the lower menu, tap on the Categories section (or the Browser in older versions).
3. Scroll down and select the Recycle Bin item (Dumpster icon).
4. Click on the file you want to restore and select Restore.

If the item is not on the menu, it means:

• 📱 You are using a third-party file manager (e.g. Total Commander). Install the standard Files app from Google Play.
• 🔄 Recycle Bin function disabled in settings (how to enable – read section 3).
• 🗑️ You deleted files through another app (such as a gallery) and they ended up in a different shopping cart.

⚠️ Attention: In the basket MIUI Only files deleted through the File Manager or Gallery are stored, data from instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), browser downloads or applications such as apps. VK they don't get!

2.An alternative path: a basket in the Xiaomi gallery

If you delete a photo or video, you should not search for it in the file manager, but in the Gallery app, where the cart works separately and stores media files for up to 30 days (on new models like Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5 - up to 15 days).

Instructions:

1. Open the Gallery app (flower icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the basket.
3. Select the files you need (you can select everything through the button at the top) and click Restore.

🔍 Important: In the gallery Xiaomi basket is divided into two tabs:

• 📸 Local files – photos / videos deleted from the phone memory.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – Media synced with Xiaomi account (storage up to 60 days).

If the gallery basket is empty, check:

• 🔄 Is Auto Cleaning Not Enabled (Gallery Settings) → Basket).
• 📁 Have you deleted files through Google Photos – this service has its own shopping cart.
• 🗃️ Did you transfer the photo to SD-card before deleting (the cart only works with internal memory).

3. How to turn on the basket if it is not in the settings

On some firmware (especially POCO with MIUI for POCO or on old Redmi with MIUI 11), the basket is disabled by default to activate it:

Method 1: Through File Manager Settings

1. Open Files → click on the three dots at the top → Settings.
2. Pick the basket.
3. Activate the switch Turn on the basket.
4. Set a storage period (from 7 to 30 days).

Method 2: Through Hidden MIUI Settings (for Power Users)

adb shell settings put global recycle_bin_enabled 1

This command must be entered through ADB (Developer Tool). For more information about setting up ADB, read our separate instructions.

⚠️ Note: On phones with less than 64GB of storage (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C50) The cart can be disabled by default to save space, and it's not recommended to turn it on on these devices, which will slow down the system.

4. Third-party applications for recovering files from the Recycle Bin

If the built-in MIUI cart didn't work, try specialized utilities that scan the phone's memory and find even those files that didn't make it to the cart.

• 🔍 DiskDigger - restores photos, videos and documents. There is a free version with restrictions.
• 📁 Dumpster is an alternative basket that intercepts deleted files.
• 🖥️ Recuva (for PC) – if you connect Xiaomi to your computer as a drive.

📌 Important: To increase the chances of recovery:

1. Do not write new files to your phone after deleting them.
2. Use root access (if any) for deep scanning.
3. Scan your internal memory, not your own. SD-card (the odds are lower on it).

💡

If you're recovering photos, look for files with.jpg,.png,.heic extensions. Videos are usually.mp4 or.mov.

5. Frequent problems and solutions

Xiaomi users often find that the cart:

• 🗑️ Not Opening – Reinstall the Files app or clear its cache (Settings) → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• ⏳ Cleans itself – check the automatic cleaning settings in Files → Settings → Basket.
• 📂 Does not show all files – it is possible they were deleted through another application (see section 6).
• 🔒 Password Requires – This is a function of the Secure folder in MIUI. To remove the lock, go to Settings → Confidentiality → Secure folder.

🛠️ If the basket doesn't work at all:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Reset the Files application settings (Settings → Apps → Files → Reset).
3. Try Safe Mode (click the Off button → Safe Mode).

6. Where else do deleted files go on Xiaomi

Not all data is sent to a standard MIUI shopping cart, but this is where deleted files can be stored:

🔎 Advice: If you are looking for contacts or SMS, check:

• 📞 Annex Contacts → Settings → Contact management → Basket.
• 💬 Communications → Settings → Recycle Bin (not available on all firmware).

💡

The Recycle Bin in MIUI only works with files deleted through standard applications (Files, Gallery, Downloads), and data from third-party programs (such as Telegram or Viber) must be recovered through these applications themselves.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions