How to recover deleted files from Xiaomi phone via computer: full guide

Why are files missing from Xiaomi and can they be returned?

Data loss on Xiaomi smartphones is a problem that affects one in five users, ranging from accidental deletion to firmware failures or physical damage to the drive, and luckily, 80 percent of files can be recovered if you act quickly and correctly connect the phone to your computer.

The main data loss scenarios are: accidental deletion (photos, videos, documents), factory reset without backup, file system damage after a failed MIUI update, or memory card formatting. It's important to understand that files don't disappear instantly after deletion - they stay on the device until new data overwrites them, which provides a window of opportunity for recovery.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for returning files via PC, from standard Windows tools to specialized utilities like Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working with Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 models), where access to memory is often limited by the MIUI settings.

Preparing Xiaomi Phone for File Recovery

Before you connect Xiaomi to a computer, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to complete loss of data or blocking access to memory.

First, don't write new files to your device, which reduces your chances of a successful recovery. Second, check if the phone has unlocked Developer Mode and USB debugging enabled (which is required for most programs) To activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if available).

Also make sure that the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI — There may be bugs in old firmware that interfere with the connection to the PC. If the phone is not detected by the computer, try changing the phone. USB-cable (preferably the original one from Xiaomi) or port USB 3.0.

USB debugging enabled

Allowed access to files when connected

The original cable is used.

The phone is charged at least 30%

Antiviruses on PCs disabled-->

Method 1: Recovery through Windows Explorer (for internal memory and SD-map)

If files have been deleted recently and not overwritten, you can try to return them using standard Windows tools. SD-cards and internal memory if the phone is displayed as a removable disk.

Connect Xiaomi to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode. Open This computer, find your device (usually called Redmi or Mi), and go to the folder where the deleted files were stored. Right-click → Properties → Previous versions.

If Windows Restore has been activated, you'll see a list of restore points. Select the date you want and click Restore. Importantly, this method only works if the PC has System Protection enabled for the disk on which the backup is stored.

• ✅ It works without additional programs.
• ✅ Suitable for SD-maps and internal memory
• ❌ Requires pre-setting of recovery in Windows
• ❌ It does not restore files deleted more than a month ago.

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If the file folder doesn’t appear in “Previous Versions,” try connecting it. SD-Card through card reader – sometimes Windows recognizes it better as a separate drive.

Method 2: Deep scanning programs (Recuva, EaseUS, DiskDigger)

Recovery of files that have been deleted long ago or after formatting will require specialized tools that scan the device's memory at a low level and find fragments of deleted data.

To work with these programmes:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in MTP mode.
2. Run the program and select the drive that matches your phone.
3. Start the scan (deep analysis is recommended, but it will take longer).
4. Once completed, mark the files for recovery and save them to the PC.

EaseUS MobiSaver shows the best results for Xiaomi, but requires root rights to access all memory. Without root, the program will only see a part of the files (for example, photos from a folder). DCIM). Recuva is easier to use, but may not recognize the internal memory of some models (e.g., the Recuva is a memory that is not easily recognized, POCO F4 s MIUI 14).

Method 3: Recovery via Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

If your Xiaomi has been activated sync with Mi Cloud, the chances of returning files are much higher.

• 📸 Photo and video (Folder Gallery)
• 📄 Documents (from the Files and Notes appendices)
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, call-up
• 🎵 Music (if downloaded manually)

To recover the data:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Gallery or Files section.
3. Find the files you need and download them to your PC.
4. To recover to your phone, use the Restore option on your device.

The limitations of Mi Cloud:

• Only 5GB of storage is available for free.
• Files are stored in the cloud for 30 days after deletion (then deleted irrevocably).
• Files from third-party applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) are not synchronized.

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Even if you don’t remember if sync was enabled, check out Mi Cloud – sometimes it’s activated by default when you first start your phone.

Method 4: Using ADB to access hidden files

For experienced users, there is a recovery method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge.It allows you to access Xiaomi's file system at a low level, even if the phone isn't defined as a removable drive.Warning: wrong commands ADB It can cause data loss or system failure.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools from Google.
2. Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
4. Get a list of files in memory: adb shell ls /sdcard/
5. Copy the files you need on your PC: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\

This method is particularly useful if:

• 🔧 The phone is not defined as MTP-device.
• 📱 You need to restore system files (for example, after a reset).
• 🔍 Access to hidden folders is required (for example, /data/data/).

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB Root rights (such as adb root) may disrupt the work MIUI. On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (Redmi 10, POCO M4) This will lead to a data dump.

Method 5: Contacting a service center (for physical damage)

If files are lost due to physical damage (fall, water, failure of the memory chip), software recovery methods will not help, in such cases, professional equipment is required to retrieve data from the damaged drive.

Xiaomi service centers are not engaged in data recovery, they offer only a replacement memory module. For file extraction, contact the laboratories specializing in flash memory repair.

• 💰 Recovery from Fall: 3,000–8,000 ₽
• 💰 Retrieval of data from a recessed phone: 5,000–15,000 ₽
• 💰 Memory controller repair: 10,000-25,000 ₽

Before contacting the service:

• ❌ Do not dry your phone with a hair dryer or in rice – this worsens the memory state.
• ✅ Turn it off and place it in a sealed silica gel bag.
• ✅ Do not try to turn on the device or connect to the charger.

⚠️ Note: Laboratories in Moscow and St. Petersburg (e.g. Data Recovery or Kaspersky Lab) only guarantee the safety of data if the phone is not turned on after damage%.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future: 7 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 Drive (path: Settings → Accounts → Backup).
2. Local Copies: Once a month, copy important files to your PC or external drive via MTP.
3. SD-map as primary storage: In camera settings (Storage) → Default Memory - Select Memory SD-Card – it is easier to restore it when your phone crashes.
4. Disable Memory Optimization: MIUI has an automatic cache cleaner that can delete important files. Disable it in Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
5. Use reliable file managers: Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager allow you to back up folders to the cloud.
6. Check memory health: AIDA64 shows the state of the drive. If the value of Reallocated Sectors exceeds 10, it's time to think about replacing it.
7. Update. MIUI: New firmware versions fix bugs that cause data loss (e.g. formatting error) SD-card MIUI 12.5).

For Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 13, Redmi) K60) It is especially important to avoid overheating, which accelerates memory degradation, and do not leave your phone on charge near heat sources or use it during intensive charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi