How to recover deleted data on Xiaomi smartphones: from photos to messages

Losing important data on a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that almost every user faces. Whether it is accidentally deleted photos, contacts after resetting or files that disappeared after a MIUI update, you can restore information even without special skills. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of data recovery – from standard Mi Cloud functions to professional utilities like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger.

The rule is, the faster you start recovering, the better the chances of returning files, because once you delete the information, it doesn't disappear instantly, it's just marked as "free" and can be overwritten with new data, so don't install new apps, take photos, or update the system if you find that files are missing.

We will look at ways to different scenarios:

• 📱 Restoration without root rights (through the cloud, backups)
• 🔍 Search for deleted files using a PC (if the phone is not turned on)
• 🛠️ Root access (for experienced users)
• 💾 Resuscitation of data from damaged SD-map

Note: The effectiveness of the methods depends on the phone model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 11, etc.), the version of MIUI and the type of data lost.

Recovery via Mi Cloud: When Data is Synced

If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, you can get your contacts, notes, photos, and even your call history back in minutes, and this method works even if your phone is broken or stolen, so you need to have your Mi Account linked to your device.

How to check if synchronization is enabled:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. See what data is marked as “Synced” (usually contacts, notes, gallery).
3. If synchronization is disabled, try other methods from this article.

Instructions for remediation:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com from any device and log in.
• 📁 Select the section with the data you want (for example, “Gallery” for photos or “Contacts»).
• 🔄 Click "Restore" or download files to your computer.
• 📱 To return data to the phone: go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Restore and select backup copy.

⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud only provides 5GB of free space.If you don't pay for an extended rate, old backups can be automatically deleted. Also note that recovery from the cloud will overwrite current data on your phone (such as contacts or notes).

💡

If you don’t remember the password from your Mi Account, try to restore it via email or a linked phone number. To do this, click on the Mi Cloud login page and follow the instructions.

2. Local backups: where Xiaomi hides your data

Xiaomi automatically creates local backups when you update MIUI or reset settings, which are stored in the phone’s memory and can contain contacts, messages, app settings, and even some media, and the main advantage of the method is that it works without the Internet and does not require root rights.

Where to look for backup copies:

1. Open Files → Internal Storage → MIUI → Backup → AllBackup
2. Date folders (e.g, backup_20260515) archive.
3. .mbk files are full backups of the system.

How to recover data from a local copy:

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• 🔍 Select the desired copy by date (focus on the time when the files were still on the phone).
• 🔄 Click "Restore" and confirm the action.
• ⚙️ Wait until the process is complete (the phone can restart).

⚠️ Note: Local backups are not encrypted, so they can be opened on a PC using archivers like 7-Zip. However, not all files will be in a readable format – for example, message databases (mmssms.db) will need to be converted using special utilities.

3. PC recovery software: when the phone is not turned on

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the activation, is stuck on the MI logo or the screen is broken, you can try to extract the data using a computer.

• 🖥️ PC with Windows or Mac;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Recovery software (e.g. Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, EaseUS MobiSaver).

The best data recovery software with Xiaomi in 2026:

Step-by-step instructions for Dr.Fone (similar to other programs):

Install the program on your PC and run it | Connect Xiaomi to your computer in debugging mode via USB|Select the type of data to scan (e.g., "Gallery")| Wait for the analysis to be completed (may take 10-30 minutes)|View the files found and click "Restore"

-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not detected by the computer:

• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB.
• 🔄 Enable Debugging Mode on USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
• 🔒 Unlock the phone screen (if it responds to touch).

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on at all, you may need to disassemble and connect the memory chip to the programmer – this is a complex procedure that is better to entrust to the service center.

4.Root Access Recovery: Maximum Opportunities

If you have root rights (or are willing to get them), the chances of getting data back are much higher, and Root allows programs like DiskDigger or Undeleter to scan system partitions that are not normally accessible.

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• 🔐 Vulnerability to viruses.
• 💥 The ability to “brick” the phone with incorrect actions.

How to recover data from root:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Start the program and select “Full Scan”.
3. Wait until the analysis is completed (it may take several hours).
4. Check the files and save them to the SD-map.

For power users: If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on but you have root, you can try connecting your phone’s memory to your PC via TWRP:

• 🔧 Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP through TWRP.
• 📁 Copy files from folders /data/data (a) annexes /sdcard (media).

⚠️ Note: Not all files can be recovered even from root. For example, encrypted data (such as from WhatsApp or Telegram) will require additional keys. ADB — Incorrect commands can erase the remaining data.

💡

Root access provides maximum recovery opportunities, but requires technical skills. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to consult a specialist or use programs without root (paragraph 3).

Recovery of data from SD-card or damaged memory

If the files are stored on SD-Xiaomi's internal memory is damaged (the phone asks to format the drive), you can try to return data using specialized utilities.

The best programs for recovery from SD-map:

• 💾 Recuva (free, simple interface);
• 💾 PhotoRec (works with severely damaged media);
• 💾 R-Studio (paid but supported) RAID complex cases).

Instructions for Recuva:

1. Put it in. SD-card to the card reader and connect to the PC.
2. Run Recuva and select the file type (such as “Images”).
3. Specify the disc with SD-map and click "Analysis».
4. After scanning, mark the files for recovery (green circle is high odds, red is low).
5. Save data to another disk (not to another disk) SD-map!).

If SD-map not defined:

• 🔧 Try another card reader or port USB.
• 🔄 Use the utility. SD Card Formatter for soft formatting (not fast!).
• 💡 For physical damage (for example, after falling into water), contact the data recovery laboratory.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi is writing «SD-The card is corrupted" every time you connect, don't agree to formatting via your phone - it erases data irrevocably. Better connect the card to your PC and use programs like TestDisk to restore partitions.

6 What to do if nothing helps: alternative ways

If standard methods fail, more radical (and often costly) options remain:

• 🔬 Lab recovery companies, like, HDD Recovery or Flashback Data can extract data even from a damaged memory chip. Cost: from 5 000 to 30 000 rubles, depending on the complexity.
• 📡 Feedback to Xiaomi.If data loss occurred after the update MIUI, You can write in support of Xiaomi through the official website, sometimes they help restore backups.
• 🔄 Checking other devices, maybe files synced to Google Photos, Dropbox or another cloud.

If you decide to go to the laboratory, consider:

• 💰 Cost depends on the type of damage (logical/physical).
• ⏳ Timeframes - from 1 day to several weeks.
• 📄 Proof of ownership of the phone will be required.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid “handicraft” masters who promise to recover data for 500 rubles Unqualified actions (for example, soldering a memory chip in unsanitary conditions) can make recovery impossible even for professionals.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery on Xiaomi