Recovery of deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all working methods

Why do files disappear with Redmi 7 and can they be returned?

Deleting important photos, videos or documents from Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a familiar situation, most often due to accidental clicking on Delete, resetting to factory settings, a virus attack or a file system failure. The good news is that 80 percent of the time, data can be recovered even if it isn't displayed in a gallery or file manager.

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones have storage features: some files can remain in the cache or backup of the Mi Cloud, and some can simply hide from the user due to indexing errors. However, the faster you start acting, the better the chances of success: when writing new data to the device’s memory, deleted files are gradually overwritten.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven recovery methods – from built-in MIUI tools to professional utilities, and also tell you how to avoid irretrievable data loss in the future.

Method 1: Checking Recycle Bin and Hidden Folders in MIUI

Before using third-party programs, check the built-in MIUI mechanisms. Redmi 7 has two traps for deleted files:

• 🗑️ The shopping cart in the Gallery app stores photos and videos for up to 30 days after deleting. → Albums. → Basket.
• 📁 Hidden system folders – files can be moved to /storage/emulated/0/.thumbnails or /MIUI/Backup faulty.
• 🔍 Device Search – Enter the file name in the file manager search bar (e.g. Files by Google or built-in Explorer).

If files are not found, try updating your media base: go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Media Store and click Clear Cache. After rebooting your device, check the gallery again.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save new files to your phone until you recover! Every new photo or video reduces the chances of success, as it takes the place of deleted data.

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If you deleted files through your computer (by connecting Redmi 7 as a flash drive), check the Recycle Bin on your PC – sometimes files remain there even after the device is turned off.

Method 2: Recovery via Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi's cloud storage that automatically stores copies of photos, contacts and notes. If the feature was activated before deleting files, the chances of recovery are close to 100%.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in with the same account you used before you deleted it.
3. Go to the Gallery or Backups section.
4. Find the files you need and click “Restore to Device”.

If there are no files in the cloud, check your backup history:

• 📱 On the phone: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• 💾 On your computer: download the archive with a copy through the web version of Mi Cloud (section "Devices»).

Note: the free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5GB of space. If backups were not created automatically, try the following methods.

Method 3: Recovery programs (without root rights)

If the built-in tools don't help, use specialized utilities. Redmi 7 will work with programs that do not work with superuser rights (root):

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

Install the program from Google Play

Start and select "Full Scan"

Mark the file types (e.g. JPG, PNG)

Wait until it is completed (may take 10–30 minutes)

Save the files found on a PC or other device-->

If the program finds files but they open with errors (for example, photos are displayed in black), this means that the data is partially overwritten, in which case, try deep scanning in Recuva on a PC.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to Redmi 7 - use an external drive or cloud.

Method 4: Recovery with ADB (for power users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a low-level file system access tool that helps if files aren't displayed in the explorer but haven't been physically deleted yet, and it works even without root rights, but requires you to connect to a PC and enable debugging over USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 7: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install it. ADB-driver.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su -c "find /storage/emulated/0/ -name '*.jpg' > /sdcard/recovered_files.txt"

This team will create a file. recovered_files.txt list-listed JPG-Replace.jpg with the desired format (for example,.mp4 video).

To recover a specific file, use:

adb pull /path/to/file C:\folder to PC

Method 5: Contacting a service center (extreme case)

If the files are critical (for example, these are the only photos from an important event), and independent methods did not help, contact the Xiaomi service center.

• 🔧 Retrieve data directly from the memory chip (Chip-Off method).
• 📊 Use professional equipment (e.g., professional equipment, UFS Explorer).
• 🔄 Recover files from backups created during firmware.

The cost of the service varies from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles depending on the complexity.

• Is there a guarantee for recovery (not all centers give it).
• Whether the data will be kept confidential (especially important for working documents)
• Will they provide a report on the recovered files?

⚠️ Warning: Don’t settle for flashing your device as a recovery method, it will result in total data loss.

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If files were deleted more than 6 months ago and new data was recorded on the phone, the chances of recovery are close to zero - even in the service center.

How can we prevent data loss in the future?

The best protection against file loss is regular backups, and Redmi 7 can do this in a number of ways:

• ☁️ Automatic sync with Mi Cloud: Enable it in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
• 💾 Local Backups: Create them once a month through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🖥️ PC Copying: Connect your phone to your computer and transfer important files manually.
• 📱 Third-party clouds: Google Photos, Yandex Drive or Dropbox with automatic download.

Additional precautions:

• Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to protect against ransomware.
• Don’t store important files on your phone alone – use the 3-2-1:3 rule on 2 different media, 1 of which is out of the house.
• Before resetting your settings or firmware, always back up via TWRP Recovery (if installed).

If you often work with important documents, consider buying an external drive (such as Xiaomi Flash Drive) or SD-high-speed card (UHS-I). Redmi 7 supports memory cards up to 256 GB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Redmi 7