Recovery of deleted photos on Xiaomi: what to do if the cart is cleaned?

We deleted important photos from Xiaomi's phone, and then we found that the cart was cleaned, too, and we're all familiar with this: in a hurry, you hit Delete Everything, or you wiped your files yourself after 30 days, and fortunately, even after cleaning the cart, you still have a chance to get the pictures back -- but you have to do it quickly and correctly.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods of recovery, from built-in MIUI tools to professional programs. Let’s pay attention to the nuances: why some methods work only on certain models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), how to get around restrictions without root rights and what to do if the phone overwrote data.

Why photos can be restored even after cleaning the basket

When you delete a photo on Xiaomi, it first enters the cart (Gallery → Recycle Bin) where it is stored for 30 days. After cleaning the cart, the file doesn't physically disappear - the system simply marks it as "free space." Until the new data overwrites these memory sectors, the photo can be returned.

Here are the key factors that influence success:

• 🔹 Time since deletion: The earlier you start recovery, the better the chances. After 2-3 days of active phone use, data can be overwritten.
• 🔹 Type of memory: Internal memory (eMMC/UFS) It's more difficult to recover than microSD, and the latter often use the file system. FAT32, scanner.
• 🔹 Version. MIUI: In the firmware MIUI 14+ The function “Backup” is implemented (Settings) → The phone. → Backup, which can automatically save photos to the cloud.

Importantly, if you've tried to recover files and you haven't, don't despair. You may have used the wrong tool, like DiskDigger, which doesn't work well with Xiaomi on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors, but it does well on models with MediaTek Helio G96.

Method 1: Recovery via Xiaomi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

The most reliable method is to check the Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage, and even if you don’t remember whether synchronization was enabled, it’s worth checking that on new models (Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 12 Turbo), it activates by default on the first run.

Instructions:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Check if the option "Sync Gallery" is enabled. If so, go to Gallery → Albums → Xiaomi Cloud.
3. Use the filter by date (Sort → Date of Addition) to find deleted photos.

If you don’t have a photo in the cloud, try to recover it from the archive:

• 📁 Go to i.mi.com from your computer.
• 🔍 In the Trash section, check the files (they are stored there for up to 60 days).
• 🔄 Click "Restore" to return the photo to the gallery.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Cloud only provides 5GB for free. If the space is out, old backups can be automatically deleted.

Check the Wi-Fi connection

Make sure that your Xiaomi account is logged in to your phone

Update the Gallery app to the latest version

Turn off VPN (it can block access to the cloud)

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Method 2: Local rootless recovery with DiskDigger

If cloud sync is disabled, try DiskDigger, which scans your phone's internal memory for deleted files, and works on 70% of Xiaomi models, but there are some nuances:

• 📱 On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1 required USB-debugging.
• 🔧 On devices with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) standard access is sufficient.
• ⚠️ The program does not restore the photo in its original quality – artifacts are possible.

Step-by-step:

1. Download DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Start the app and select Basic Scan (without root).
3. Specify the folder to scan: /storage/emulated/0/DCIM or /Pictures.
4. Wait until the analysis is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
5. Tag the desired photos and press Recover.

If DiskDigger can’t find files, try alternatives:

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same memory that you deleted the photo from, this will lead to overwriting. Use a separate microSD or computer.

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If DiskDigger doesn’t see internal memory, connect your phone to your PC in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode and scan through the Windows version of the program.

Method 3: Restore through MIUI backup (if it was created)

Xiaomi offers a built-in backup tool that many users ignore. If you've ever created a backup, the chances of returning a photo are high.

Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup. If there are archives with a date before the photo is deleted, perform recovery:

1. Select the right backup and click "Restore".
2. Check the "Gallery" box.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart).

Important: this method overwrites the current data in the gallery, so if you take new photos after deleting, they will disappear, and we recommend that you copy them to your PC first.

If there is no built-in backup, check for third-party solutions:

• 🔄 Swift Backup (requires root) – restores app backups, including gallery.
• 📦 Titanium Backup (Old, but Works on Titanium Backup) MIUI 12 and below).
• ☁️ Google Photos – If Autoboot was enabled, photos could be saved there.

Method 4: Manual recovery via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods worked, it is a direct memory scan through ADB. This method requires command line skills, but gives the maximum chance of success – especially on devices with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and later.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools and Python 3.8+.
• 📱 On. USB-debugging on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

Connect your phone and check the device


adb devices




Create a /data partition dump (where the photo is stored)



adb shell su -c "dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0pXX of=/sdcard/dump.img"




*Replace mmcblk0pXX with the current section (learn via adb shell mount)




Copy the dump on the PC



adb pull /sdcard/dump.img C:\backup\




Scan the dump using PhotoRec (Linux) or R-Studio (Windows)

⚠️ Warning: The wrong teams ADB This could cause data loss or a phone reset. If you're not sure what you're doing, call a specialist.

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ADB-method is the only way to recover a photo after full formatting of internal memory (for example, after resetting to factory settings).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center (extreme case)

If all independent attempts failed, and photos are critical (such as documents or unique footage), contact the authorized service center Xiaomi.

What you need to know:

• 💰 Cost of service: from 5,000 to 20,000 ₽ (Depends on the model and complexity).
• ⏳ Timeframe: 3-7 days (in some cases up to 2 weeks).
• 📌 Addresses of the centers: check on the official website of Xiaomi.

Before the visit:

1. Do not make changes to your phone (do not install programs, do not reset).
2. Bring a check or confirmation of purchase (for warranty devices).
3. Check if they provide a report on the recovered data (not all centers do).

⚠️ Warning: Be careful with "handicraft" services; unscrupulous craftsmen can copy your data or damage your phone. Xiaomi's official centers give a guarantee of privacy.

How to avoid losing photos in the future: 5 rules for owners of Xiaomi

To avoid the problem of deleted photos, follow these recommendations:

1. Enable autoload in Google Photos: Go to Google Photos → Settings → Backup and Sync. Select “Original Quality” (if space permits) or “High Quality” (unlimited storage).
2. Set up Xiaomi Cloud: In Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud, activate Gallery Sync and Autoboot. On the newer models (Xiaomi 14), this takes up to 5 minutes.
3. Use microSD as your primary storage: In Settings → Storage → Memory by default, select a memory card. Photos will be stored there, rather than in internal memory, making it easier to recover.
4. Create local backups regularly: Once a month, back up through Settings → About Phone → Backup. Store your archives on your PC or external drive.
5. Install a Removal App: Apps like Dumpster or Recycle Bin create an additional shopping cart with unlimited shelf life.

Additionally, if you take pictures often, consider buying a Xiaomi Mi Smart Band with remote camera control, which will reduce the risk of accidentally deleting images when transferring files.

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On Xiaomi 13T Pro and later, there is a hidden feature called “Secure folder” (Gallery → Settings → Secure folder). Move important photos there – they will not appear in the main gallery and will be accidentally deleted.

Frequent questions about photo recovery on Xiaomi