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

Why are files disappearing from Xiaomi phone and can they be returned?

Accidental deletion of photos, videos or documents from a Xiaomi smartphone is a familiar situation, especially when it comes to memory shots or important work files. Fortunately, in most cases, data can be recovered if you act quickly and correctly. In this article, we will examine all the available methods, from standard MIUI functions to professional utilities.

The reasons for data loss on Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO, Mi models) usually boil down to three scenarios: accidental user deletion, factory reset, or file system damage. It is important to understand that after deletion, files do not physically disappear — they are simply labeled as “free space.” The less you use your phone after an incident, the better the chances of successful recovery.

The probability of data return depends on several factors:

• 🔹 File Type: Photos and Videos Recover Easier Than System Documents.
• 🔹 Time after removal: If more than 30 days have passed, the chances drop dramatically.
• 🔹 Post-Deletion Actions: Write new files on top of old ones destroys data irrevocably.
• 🔹 Type of memory: recovery from internal memory is more difficult than with SD-map.

Before you start recovery, check the obvious places: the Recycle Bin folder in the gallery, cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) and the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails are saved even after the originals are deleted.

Method 1: Recovery from the MIUI Recycle Bin (for photos and videos)

The standard MIUI shell (versions 12 and later) has a built-in multimedia file basket, so if you deleted a photo or video through the Gallery app, they could stay there for 30 days to return them:

1. Open the Gallery app on your Xiaomi.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the basket.
3. Find the files you need, highlight them with a long tap.
4. Click Restore (the icon with the arrow down).

Note that the MIUI Recycle Bin only stores files for 30 days, after which they are permanently deleted, and the Recycle Bin does not work for files deleted through Explorer or third-party file managers.

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If the basket is empty, check the hidden folders. In Explorer, enable the display of hidden files in the settings (three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).

Important: the cart is not available on all Xiaomi models, for example, on the budget Redmi 9A or POCO M3 this feature may not be available, in which case move to the next method.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually clean the cart through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup. It'll delete files without any recovery.

Method 2: Use Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, you have a chance to return files via the web version of the service, which works even if the phone is dropped or broken.

1. Go to i.mi.com from a computer or other device.
2. Sign in with the same Xiaomi account that was used on your phone.
3. Select the Gallery or Files section (depending on the type of data lost).
4. Find the files you need and download them to your device.

Mi Cloud stores backup photos in their original quality, but compression can be used for video. Free storage is 5GB, so if you didn't buy extra space, old files could be deleted automatically.

If there are no files in Mi Cloud, check Google Photos (if installed), which automatically backs up if Autoupload and Sync is enabled.

Method 3: Deep scanning programs (without root)

If the files are not found in the cart or cloud, you will need specialized utilities. For Xiaomi, programs that work without root rights are suitable (as getting root on modern models is fraught with loss of warranty).

• 📱 DiskDigger scans the internal memory and SD-It supports photo, video and document recovery, and the free version shows the files found, but you need to save them. PRO-version (~300 rubles).
• 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver – works by connecting your phone to your PC. MIUI 12-14, restore 1000 format.
• 📂 Recuva (for) SD-cards) - if the files were stored on a removable drive, connect it to the computer and scan this program.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the program from Google Play.
2. Run and select Full Scan (it takes longer but finds more files).
3. Wait until the process is complete (it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours).
4. Tick the required files and click Restore.
5. Save them to the cloud or another medium (not the same phone!).

The critical caveat is that you don't save the recovered files back to the phone's internal memory, which can overwrite the data that hasn't been scanned yet.

⚠️ Note: Some programs (such as Dr.Fone) require you to disable Mi Account in the developer settings.This can lead to locking your phone if you forget your Xiaomi account details.

Method 4: Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try extracting files via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that is suitable for users familiar with the command line, and the advantage of the method is that it works even if the phone is not turned on (but is determined by the computer in Fastboot mode).

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).

Recovery teams:

adb shell


su




cd /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ # the path to the folder with the photo




ls -la # viewing content




pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/photo.jpg C:\Backup\# copying a file to a PC

If the phone is not turned on but is defined in Fastboot, try extracting data via TWRP (Castom Recovery).

1. Install TWRP for your model via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
2. Download recovery (Power + Vol Up)
3. Connect your phone to your PC and use the adb pull /sdcard/ command.

Note: This method requires an unlocked bootloader, which on new Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) can take up to 720 hours to unlock.

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ADB-This method is only suitable for files that have not been overwritten. If a long time has passed since the deletion and the memory has been actively used, the chances of success are minimal.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center (extreme case)

If the files are critically important (for example, these are the only photos from an important event), and independent attempts were unsuccessful, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

What you need to know before your visit:

• 📌 Service centers do not guarantee 100% recovery (especially if memory is damaged).
• 💰 The cost of the service starts from 3000 rubles and depends on the complexity of the work.
• ⏳ Recovery period - from 3 days to 2 weeks.
• 🔒 You will need to prove ownership of the phone (checks, box, tied Mi Account).

The official service centers can be found on the Xiaomi Russia website. Before visiting, check by phone if they are engaged in data recovery - not all centers provide this service.

The alternative is private data recovery labs (like Data Recovery or Hetman) that work with physically damaged storage devices, but the cost can be as high as 10-15 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Warning: Never agree to a phone flashing on unofficial services, which can permanently destroy the remaining data.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future: 5 Rules for Xiaomi Owners

The best way to combat file loss is to prevent it, and follow these guidelines to minimize the risks:

1. Automatic backup: Set up sync with Mi Cloud or Google Photos. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync and enable options for Gallery, Contacts and Notes.
2. Regular export to PC: Once a month, connect your phone to your computer and copy important files to a separate folder. Use the original cable, cheap analogues can interrupt data transfer.
3. SD-Map as a buffer: If your Xiaomi model supports memory cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11), set up photo/video saving on it. SD will remain intact.
4. Backup Apps: Install Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup to create local application backups and their data.
5. Check before cleaning: Before clicking Clean Everything in Settings → Storage, check the contents of Download, DCIM, and Documents folders.

For models with MIUI 14, backup to the cloud with encryption is available. Activate it in Settings → Memory → Backup. This will allow you to recover not only files, but also system settings after reset.

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Create the!IMPORTANT folder (with an exclamation point at the beginning) on internal memory and store critical files there, so you quickly find them when you back up.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi