Recovering Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin on Xiaomi: The Complete 2026 Guide

Delete an important photo, video or document on a Xiaomi smartphone and don't know how to return it? Don't panic: in most cases, files don't disappear irrevocably immediately after clicking "Delete." Modern versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) have a built-in basket that temporarily stores deleted data just like on a computer. However, there are nuances: shelf life, file type restrictions and hidden settings that few people know about.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for recovering files from the Recycle Bin on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and other models, as well as alternative methods if the Recycle Bin is empty or disabled.

• 🔍 Where is the basket in MIUI How to turn it on if it is hidden
• ⏳ Removed files and how to extend them
• 📱 Recovery methods for different types of data (photos, videos, documents)
• 🛠️ Deep memory scanning programs if the cart doesn't help
• ⚠️ Common errors that cause files to be lost forever

The important thing is, the faster you start to act, the better the chances of success. When you delete files, they don't physically erase them, they're just marked as "free space." But if you keep using your phone, new data can overwrite old data, so the first rule is, immediately after you delete, turn off the mobile Internet and don't install new apps.

Where is the basket on Xiaomi and how to open it

Unlike Android in its pure form, the MIUI shell has its own file management system, the File Application (or File Manager in English firmware), which is where the basket is hidden, but its location depends on the firmware version and the phone model.

To find the basket:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. In the bottom menu, tap on the Categories (or Browse) section.
3. Scroll down the list – there should be a basket (or Trash) item.
4. If there is no basket, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show the basket.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO F5), the basket can be hidden deeper.

→ Internal Memory → Menu (⋮) → Recycle Bin

Attention! On devices with MIUI 11 and older, the recycle bin may be missing, in which case the deleted files are erased immediately, and third-party utilities will be required to restore them (discussed below).

File storage time in the Xiaomi cart: how much time to recover

By default, MIUI stores deleted files in the bin for 15 days, but this timeframe can be changed or even turned off automatically.

To change the storage period:

1. Open the Files → Recycle Bin.
2. Slip on three points in the corner → basket settings.
3. Select Auto Clean and set the desired period (from 1 to 30 days) or turn off the function.

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If you're a frequent fixer on important documents, set maximum shelf life for them or turn off auto-cleaning, but remember, the basket takes up space in the phone's internal memory.

⚠️ Note: If the shopping cart settings check the Clean up box if memory is not enough, files may be deleted early.

Step-by-step: how to recover files from the Xiaomi basket

The file return process takes less than a minute, but there are nuances depending on the type of data.

Open Files | Go to Recycle Bin |Select files (long press) |Click Restore and select folder |Cert file in the target folder-->

For photo and video:

1. In the shopping cart, find the DCIM or Pictures folder – there are media files stored.
2. Select the files you want (you can use the Select All function).
3. Click Restore and specify the original folder (such as Camera or Downloads).
4. If the file is not restored, check if the storage limit is exceeded (see table above).

For documents and APK:

• 📄 Documents are restored to the Documents folder or Downloads.
• 📦 Archives (ZIP, RAR) Return to Downloads.
• 📱 APK-Files can only be restored within 1-3 days (see table).

⚠️ Note: If there is not enough space during recovery, free up the phone memory or transfer files to the phone. SD-card (if supported) Do not use the Clean Recycle Bin function - this will delete files irrevocably!

What to do if the Recycle Bin is empty or files are not restored

If you don't have the files in your cart, it doesn't mean they're lost forever. Here are 3 working methods for getting them back:

Method 1: Checking Hidden Folders

Sometimes files don't get to the bin, but they go to hidden system folders to find them.

1. Open the files. → Internal memory.
2. Enable the display of hidden files: menu (⋮) → Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Check folders:.trash – alternative shopping cart.recycle – MIUI backup → backup → AllBackup – automatic backup

Method 2: Recovery through Google Photos (for media files)

If your Xiaomi is syncing with Google Photos enabled, check:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Go to the Library. → Basket.
3. The files are stored there for 60 days, longer than in a standard MIUI basket.

Method 3: Deep scanning programs

If files are not found, use specialized utilities. The best options for Xiaomi:

• 🔧 DiskDigger – Restores photos and videos without root rights.
• 📂 EaseUS MobiSaver – Supports documents and audio.
• 🛠️ Recuva (for PC) – if you connect your phone in file transfer mode.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select Full Scan (requires root for maximum results).
3. Mark the file types (e.g. JPG, MP4).
4. After scanning, select the desired files and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same memory as the deleted files (for example, internal phone memory) which will reduce the chances of success. SD-card.

Common errors that cause files to be lost forever

Many Xiaomi users accidentally complicate the recovery process. Here are 5 critical mistakes to avoid:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone after deleting. When restarting, the system can overwrite "empty" memory sectors.
• 📲 Install new applications. They take up space, increasing the risk of overwriting deleted files.
• 🧹 Clearing cache or data through Settings → Storage.This deletes temporary files that could help with recovery.
• 🔧 Factory reset. It wipes out all user memory, including the cart.
• 📀 Formatting SD-If the files were stored on the map, the formatting will destroy them without the possibility of recovery.

Another common problem is that there's no backup, and MIUI has a built-in backup feature.

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup

If you turn it on before data is lost, you can recover files in two clicks.

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The most reliable strategy is a combination of MIUI cart + cloud backup (Google Drive or Mi Cloud), which gives dual protection against data loss.

How to prevent future file loss

It is better to set up the phone in advance to minimize the risks. Here are 4 key tips for Xiaomi owners:

1. Turn on automatic synchronization: 📷 For photo: Google Photo → Settings → Backup and synchronization. 📄 For documents: Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Select file types.
2. Increase the shelf life of the basket to 30 days (see the instructions above).
3. Use two memories: 📱 Internal for applications. 💾 SD-map - for media files (set up the default photo/video saving to the card).

Create local backups regularly

Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup

For models with MIUI 14, Cloud Sync is available, which automatically saves files to Mi Cloud (5GB for free) to activate:

Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Select “Gallery” and “Files”

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is an internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), the basket will not work on it, in which case the deleted files are erased immediately.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi