Recovering Deleted Files on Xiaomi Phone: From Recycle Bin to Deep Scanning

Accidentally deleted important photos from Redmi Note 12 or erased documents on POCO X5 Pro? Don't panic - Xiaomi smartphones have several ways to recover lost data, even if you have already cleaned the basket. In this article, we will analyze all available recovery methods, from standard MIUI features to professional utilities, and also tell you how to increase the chances of success and avoid irretrievable file loss in the future.

The rule is, the faster you start to act, the more likely you are to return data. When you delete files, they don't disappear from memory instantly — they're just labeled as "free space" and can be overwritten with new data. So don't install new apps, take photos/video, or copy files to your device before you try to restore them. If your smartphone is connected to the Internet, sync with Mi Cloud or Google Photos could save copies — check this first.

Recovery on Xiaomi has its nuances due to the features of the MIUI firmware and hardware encryption on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60).We took this into account in the instructions and separately noted the risks for encryption devices (about them in the section on deep scanning).

If you deleted files less than a day ago, start by checking your cart and cloud services. Old or physically damaged files will require specialized programs — we tested them on Xiaomi and selected the most effective ones. And at the end of the article, we have an FAQ with answers to frequent questions, including recovery from reset to factory settings.

1. Checking the Recycle Bin in MIUI: Where to look for deleted files

The MIUI firmware on Xiaomi smartphones (including POCO and Black Shark) has a built-in bin that temporarily includes deleted files, and can last anywhere from 7 to 30 days depending on the system version and phone model.

Open the standard Files app (desktop folder icon) and tap the bottom menu to the Recycle Bin section if this item is missing, update the app via Google Play or check the display settings:

Files → ☰ (menu) → Settings → Show Recycle Bin

In the basket, files are sorted by type: photos, videos, documents, audio, to recover:

1. Select the desired files with a long tap.
2. Press "Restore" (the arrow icon up).
3. Specify the folder to save (by default - the original directory).

Recycle bin restrictions in MIUI:

• 📁 Not all files fall into the basket: temporary cache files, browser downloads or data from some applications (for example, Telegram) are deleted irrevocably.
• ⏳ Storage period: on Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ files are stored for 30 days, on older versions - up to 7 days.
• 🔒 Encryption: On hardware-encrypted devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the shopping cart may not work for system files.

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If the Recycle Bin is empty but you are sure that files have been deleted recently, check the.trash folder through a root file manager (such as FX Explorer).

2.Recovery via Mi Cloud and Google Photos

If your Xiaomi has cloud-based sync enabled, the chances of file returns are much higher, and even after deleting from the device, copies can be stored in the cloud for up to 60 days (depending on the service).

Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud) automatically backs up photos, videos, contacts and notes if the feature is activated.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Check if synchronization is enabled for the Gallery or Files section.
3. Go to i.mi.com from your PC or phone, log in and open the Gallery or Cart section.

Google Photos is an alternative for users who don’t trust Mi Cloud, saving photos and videos in their original quality (unless storage optimization is enabled) to restore:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap on the profile avatar. → "Basket".
3. Select the files and click "Restore".

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

The critical nuance is that if you manually deleted files from the cloud (not just from your phone), you can't restore them, and check if the storage limit is exceeded, in which case the new files are not synced.

3. Use of third-party applications: DiskDigger, Dumpster and others

If files are not found in the cart or cloud, it is time to move to specialized utilities. Xiaomi is suitable for both universal programs (for example, DiskDigger) and solutions with MIUI support (for example, Xiaomi File Recovery).

Top.-3 recovery:

• 🔍 DiskDigger: Supports deep scanning, finds photos/video even after formatting.
• 🗑️ Dumpster: works as an extended recycle bin, restores files without root. Minus - you need to install PARANEIER (will not help after deletion).
• 📱 Xiaomi File Recovery: Optimized for the Recovery MIUI, Reestablish contact and SMS. Cons: limited functionality on new models.

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (the most powerful tool):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Run and select "Full Scan" (requires root) or "Basic Scan" (no root, but less chance).
3. Specify the file type (e.g. JPG, MP4) and wait until the process is complete.
4. Select the files you find and click "Restore." Save them to SD-Map or cloud (not internal memory!).

⚠️ Note: On hardware-encrypted devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro) DiskDigger may not find files without root rights, in which case you can try connecting your phone to a PC and using desktop programs like Recuva or EaseUS MobiSaver.

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data|Not installing new applications|Use it. SD-file-card-->

4. PC Recovery: EaseUS, Recuva and ADB

If the apps on your phone didn't work, connect Xiaomi to your computer and use desktop utilities. They scan memory deeper and often find files that are not available to mobile programs. Consider three methods: EaseUS MobiSaver, Recuva and ADB (for advanced users).

Method 1: EaseUS MobiSaver (for Windows/Mac)

• 🖥️ Download the program from the official website and install.
• 📱 Connect Xiaomi to the USB, set up the debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔍 Run a scan in EaseUS, select file types (photos, videos, documents) and wait for the results.
• 💾 Save recovered files on PC, not phone!

Method 2: Recuva (Free Alternative)

Recuva from the developers of CCleaner is suitable for recovery from internal memory and SD-Instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP).
2. In Recuva, select your phone’s drive (usually a Removable Disc (E:) or the like).
3. Start a deep scan (may take several hours).
4. View the files found and restore them to the hard drive of the PC.

Method 3: ADB (for experienced users)

If files have been deleted recently and are not overwritten, you can try extracting them via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command-line knowledge and root rights:

adb shell


su




cd /data/media/0/




ls -la | grep ".jpg" # example search for JPG- files




pull /path/to/file /sdcard/ # copying the found file

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB without experience, it can cause system damage. /system or /data — This is a threat of a "brick" of the device. 11, POCO F4 etc.) unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool is required.

5. Features of recovery on devices with encryption

Starting with MIUI 12.5 and flagship models (Xiaomi 13, 14, Mix Fold) use File-Based Encryption (FBE), which means that files are encrypted with a unique key attached to the device, and when you delete or reset your settings, recovery becomes extremely difficult and sometimes impossible.

What to do if your Xiaomi has encryption enabled:

• 🔐 Try standard methods (basket, cloud) – they work even on encrypted devices.

To check if your memory is encrypted:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. If there is an icon next to the internal memory 🔒 Or the word "encrypted," that means, FBE activated.

On devices with MIUI 14+ and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipsets (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro), encryption is enabled by default and does not turn off, in which case the only reliable way to restore is backup in the cloud.

6.Recovery after reset to factory settings

Reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting is one of the most difficult situations, in which the files are deleted from the device, but can be saved to the cloud or on the computer. SD-map (if it wasn't formatted) Here's the plan of action:

Step 1: Check out the cloud services

• Log in to Mi Cloud and Google Photos on another device – it’s possible that files were synced before resetting.
• Check your email for attachments or backup emails (such as from Titanium Backup).

Step 2: Use it SD-map

If the files were stored on a microSD, extract it and connect it to the PC via a card reader. scan with Recuva or PhotoRec utility (free, works without installation).

Step 3: Try Deep Recovery Programs

On the phone after the reset:

1. Do not set up the device (skip the initial setting).
2. Connect to your PC and scan your internal memory via EaseUS MobiSaver or Tenorshare UltData.
3. Search for files by signatures (e.g..jpg,.mp4).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and encryption (Xiaomi) 13T Pro, Redmi K60) The reset erases the encryption keys, and in this case, file recovery is impossible, and you can only hope for cloud-based copies.

7.Preventing Data Loss: How to Avoid Future Problems

The best way to combat file loss is to back up regularly, which can be done automatically on Xiaomi with built-in tools or third-party apps. Here are proven methods:

Automatic reservations in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Enable the option "Automatic backup" and select the data to save (photo, video, contacts, SMS).
3. Set a schedule (for example, once a week).

Third-party backup solutions:

• 📁 Swift Backup: Creates full copies of applications and data.
• ☁️ Sync.com or pCloud: Cloud Storage with file versioning (you can restore the old version).
• 💾 Titanium Backup (Old, but Works on Old Xiaomi).

Additional precautions:

• 📸 Google Photos: set up automatic photo/video download in original quality.
• 🔄 Two-step sync: Use both Mi Cloud and Google Drive to duplicate important files.
• 📥 Local copies: once a month, copy photos/documents to a PC or external drive.

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Even if you don’t plan on recovering files, set up a backup right now. On Xiaomi, it takes 5-10 minutes and saves data in 90% of cases of loss.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions