How to recover deleted files on Xiaomi smartphone: from the basket to deep scanning

Remove important photos from Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or accidentally cleared the folder with documents on the site POCO X5 Pro? Don't panic: 80 percent of the time, files can be returned even if you've already emptied your shopping cart. MIUI have built-in recovery tools, and third-party utilities allow you to “retrieve” data even after formatting internal memory.

The rule is, the faster you start, the better the chances of success. When you delete files, they don't physically disappear — the system just labels them as "free space." As long as new data doesn't overwrite those sectors, recovery is possible. In this article, we'll discuss unique methods for Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI features, working with ADB and cloud services that are not written in the standard instructions.

1. Check out the MIUI basket - the first step

Modern versions of MIUI 12-14 automatically send deleted files to the recycle bin, where they are stored for 30 days (some models up to 60 days), a section that is often overlooked, although it saves 90% of cases of “accidental” deletion.

How to open the basket:

• 📁 Start the Files app (Files by Google or standard) MIUI File Manager).

⚠️ Note: If the Recycle Bin is empty but you are sure that files have been deleted recently, check your storage settings. On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the Recycle Bin is disabled by default. → Warehouse → Basket → Turn on.

If you don't have files in the bin, go to the next method, but first make sure that:

• 🔍 You view all categories** (photos, videos, documents) – the basket is divided by type.

Recovery via Mi Cloud: If there was synchronization

Xiaomi automatically backs up photos, contacts and some documents to the Mi Cloud – but only if the feature was activated before deleting files.

Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Storage Management. If there is data in the Backup section**, it can be restored:

1. Go to Mi Cloud → Gallery (or Files).
2. Find the Recently Deleted folder, where files are stored for up to 60 days.

If you don’t have a recently deleted folder, try:

⚠️ Note: When you restore from the Mi Cloud backup, all data on your phone created after the backup date will be lost!

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If Mi Cloud doesn’t have the right files, check Google Photos – many Xiaomi users include autoloading there instead of the standard cloud. Open the Google Photos app → Library → Recycle Bin (files are stored for 60 days).

3.Use the file recovery app from Xiaomi

V MIUI 13 and later, there's a hidden system application called File Recovery that scans internal memory for deleted data. ROOT-Right, but it only works if it works:

• 📱 The device did not restart after deleting files.
• 🔋 Battery charge > 20% (process energy intensive).
• 📁 There is enough free space on the phone (minimum 1 GB).

How to start:

1. After completion, mark the files for recovery and click "Restore"**.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not restore files deleted more than 7 days ago.

Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data (to avoid background recordings)

Close all apps (especially instant messengers and gallery)

Connect the charger

Free up at least 1 GB of memory-->

4. PC programs: deep memory scanning

If Xiaomi's built-in tools didn't help, plug your phone into your computer and use professional utilities. They scan memory at a low level and find files even after formatting.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (recommended for beginners):

1. Download and install DiskDigger on PC.
2. Connect Xiaomi through USB-cable in the mode "File transfer»** (MTP).

For advanced users: if the phone is rooted, use it ADB-team to create a memory image:

adb shell


su




dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0 of=/sdcard/mmcblk0.img

Then scan the resulting file mmcblk0.img via R-Studio or PhotoRec.

⚠️ Attention: When you connect to a PC, Xiaomi may suggest formatting memory — never agree! This will lead to irretrievable data loss. PTP (Photos: It does not give access to the full file system.

5. Recovery with ADB (no ROOT)

If you have access to USB debugging, you can try extracting files through ADB — it works even without superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your phone and allow debugging (see spoiler above).
3. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Create a backup of the data section: adb backup -f C:\xiaomi_backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all On the phone confirm the reservation (do not set the password!).
5. Unpack. xiaomi_backup.ab Using Android Backup Extractor and find the files you need.

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not restore files deleted before backup.
• ❌ Not working with SD-map.
• ⚠️ Some system files may not be available in the backup.

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ADB-It's safer than programs like DiskDigger, because it doesn't overwrite data on the phone, but it does require technical skills and doesn't guarantee 100% results.

6.If nothing has worked: Professional services

When all independent methods are exhausted, you have to go to specialized laboratories.

• 💔 Files are critically important** (e.g. single photos from an event).
• 🔧 Phone is physically damaged (drowned, memory broken).
• 🛡️ Data was encrypted (for example, via Private Mode in Xiaomi).

Cost of recovery in Russia (2026):

Where to look for proven services:

• 🔍 Laboratory Hetman Recovery** (Moscow, St. Petersburg) - specialize in Xiaomi/Redmi.

⚠️ Avoid handicraftsmen who promise recovery for 500-1000 ₽. Often they use the same software as you, but charge for 10 minutes of work.

7. How to prevent future data loss

The best protection against file loss is proactive measures. Set them up right now:

Additional advice:

• 🛡️ For sensitive data, use the Private Mode in MIUI (encryption + storage).

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Xiaomi has a hidden function called "Secure folder" that creates an isolated storage. To enable: Settings → Special features → Second space, files there are password protected and are not deleted when you reset your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions