How to recover data from Xiaomi phone: from photos to messages

Loss of important data on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that affects one in five users. According to statistics of service centers, 63% of requests are associated with accidental deletion of photos, 22% with loss of contacts after resetting settings, and 15% with damage to the file system after a failed MIUI update. Fortunately, even if you did not make backups, the chances of returning information remain high.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven recovery methods, including Xiaomi built-in tools, third-party programs and professional services. Particular emphasis will be placed on the nuances of working with Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4 and flagship Xiaomi 13/14, where the data encryption algorithms are different. All instructions are adapted to the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and take into account the features of the F2FS file system used in new devices.

1. Recovery through MIUI basket (for photos and videos)

The standard Recycle Bin feature in Xiaomi Gallery saves deleted media files for 30 days (starting with MIUI 12), which is the fastest way to return photos without additional programs.

• 📁 The Recycle Bin only works for files deleted through the standard Gallery app, and files erased through Explorer or third-party managers are not included.
• ⏳ The storage period can be extended to 60 days in the settings: Gallery → Basket → Storage period.
• 🔒 On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) the cart is disabled by default – it must be activated in the Gallery Settings. → Additionally.

To recover files:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Basket.
3. Select the desired files with a long tap → click Restore.

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If the Recycle Bin is empty but you are sure that files were deleted through the gallery, check the /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Gallery/trash folder through Explorer with the hidden files displayed enabled.

2.Using backups of MIUI Cloud

MIUI Cloud automatically saves contacts, notes, messages, and even some system settings. If sync is enabled, you can restore data in a few minutes. Importantly, Xiaomi only keeps backups for 90 days from the last update.

Instructions for remediation:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select a section (such as Contacts or Notes).
3. Tap it on three points. → Restore.
4. Please provide the date of the backup (the last 3 versions are available).

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If you don’t remember if sync was enabled, check in Mi Cloud → Devices – it shows the date of the last backup.

3. Programs for recovery without root rights

If the built-in methods didn’t work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue.

• 🛠️ DiskDigger scans internal memory for deleted files, and the free version only finds photos and videos.
• 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver - restores contacts, messages and documents.
• 🔍 Dr.Fone (Wondershare) – supports Xiaomi with MIUI 8+, But requires you to disable Mi Account in the developer settings.

Algorithm of working with DiskDigger:

1. Install the program with Google Play.
2. Run a full scan (may take 1-2 hours).
3. Check the files to recover → click Save.
4. Save the data on SD-Map or cloud (not internal memory!).

⚠️ Note: When scanning, do not connect your phone to charging through USB-cable, which can interrupt the process due to overheating of the memory controller, use wireless charging or turn off power altogether if the battery is above 50%.

4.Restoring with root rights: an in-depth analysis

If you're ready to root, the chances of recovery are up to 80 percent, because programs can access /data and /system partitions where fragments of deleted files can remain.

• 🔧 TWRP + ADB — Allows you to create a complete memory image for analysis on a PC.
• 💾 R-Studio is a professional utility that works with raw images.
• 📊 Autopsy – open source forensics, finds files even after formatting.

Step-by-step instructions for TWRP:

1. Install. TWRP Recovery for your model (for example, for Redmi Note) 10 Pro's gonna do the version. twrp-3.7.0_12-v6.7_A11-sweet).
2. Boot in recovery mode: turn off the phone → pinch Power + Volume up.
3. Select Mount → Enable MTP.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the /data folder with ADB pull:

adb pull /data C:\Xiaomi_Backup\

Next, scan the image with R-Studio by selecting the F2FS file system (for new models) or EXT4 (for old models).

5. Recovery after resetting settings (Hard Reset)

The Wipe Data reset is one of the most difficult situations, and it's only professional tools like Chip-Off or JTAG that help.

• 🔄 MIUI Hidden Menu – through the engineering menu you can try to restore IMEI Type in the dialer: ##4636## → Battery information → Test menu.
• 📡 EDL Mode is an emergency firmware mode available on Qualcomm processors. Requires cable EDL Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool.

For models on MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3), SP Flash Tool with DA-file firmware is suitable. Importantly, this method will only work if the NVRAM backup (folder with the communication module settings) was previously made.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL or SP Flash Tool without experience can lead to total loss IMEI On models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13) for logging in EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account, which is issued only to service centers.

6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If the software methods did not work, you can consult specialists, the cost of data recovery in Xiaomi service centers depends on the complexity of:

Before the service visit:

Don't turn on your phone (risk of overwriting)|Remove your password/pattern lock if your phone is turned on |Please make a list of lost files (dates, types)|Clarify if the center has a license to work with Xiaomi|Prepare a check or warranty card (if valid)

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In Moscow and St. Petersburg, we recommend contacting authorized centers:

• 📍 Xiaomi Service Moscow (16 Leo Tolstoy St.) – specializes in Snapdragon-devices.
• 📍 Mi Repair SPb (Ligovsky Prospekt, 50) – Experience with MediaTek and Dimensity.
• 📍 Android Clinic (network in Russia) - offers free diagnostics.

7.Preventing Data Loss: 5 Rules for Xiaomi Owners

To avoid repeated problems, follow these guidelines:

1. Automatic backup: Enable sync with Mi Cloud (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup) and set up weekly copy creation.
2. Local Backups: Use Xiaomi’s Backup & Restore app to save data to your home SD-Backup folder: /MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
3. Cloud services: install Google Photos (unlimited storage of compressed photos) or Yandex Drive (autoupload video).
4. Turn off memory optimization: in Settings → Features → Memory optimization, select Not Optimize – this will prevent the automatic deletion of the cache with important data.
5. Check the health of the drive: run the test every 3 months through the engineering menu (##6484## → Manual Test → eMMC Test).

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On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and later, the Smart Storage feature defaults to delete unused files older than 90 days. Turn it off in Settings → Storage → Free up space → Settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data recovery