Recovering deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from the basket to deep scanning

Removed important photos from Xiaomi Redmi 9 by mistake? Or after resetting documents disappeared? Don't panic - the chances of returning data are even without a backup. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of recovery, from simple (checking the cart) to complex (using a PC and specialized programs).

The Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) is powered by the Mediatek Helio G80 processor and has two memory options: 32/64/128 GB. That depends on which recovery methods are right for you. For example, on devices with internal eMMC (not UFS) the chances of returning data are higher due to the controller's features. But more on that later.

Important: If files were deleted from an external memory card (microSD), the recovery algorithm will be different – this is discussed in a separate section, and we will also consider what to do if the phone does not turn on or stuck on the MI logo after a failed update.

1. Checking the basket and system folders

The first thing you need to do is check the built-in Recycle Bin in the Gallery, Files or Google Photos apps. Redmi 9 has Mi Cloud backup enabled by default, but many users turn it off. Here's where to look:

• 📁 gallery MIUI: open the app → tap three points in the upper right corner → Select Recycle Bin. Files are stored there for 30 days (unless you have changed the settings).
• 🗃️ Files app: go to Categories → The basket, there may be documents, APK other file types.
• ☁️ Google Photos: If sync was enabled, check the web version of photos.google.com → Basket (stored for 60 days).

If the basket is empty, try to find the files through a search system:

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Put it on the magnifying glass. → Enter a part of the file name (for example, IMG_2023 photo).
3. Make sure that the search is conducted by internal memory and SD-card (if any).

⚠️ Warning: Do not save new files to your phone until you recover! Every new photo or video can overwrite deleted data, reducing the chances of success.

2. Recovery via Mi Cloud (if synchronized)

If your Redmi 9 has been enabled to sync with Mi Cloud, there is a high chance of returning files even after a complete reset.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
2. Select the Gallery or Files section (depending on the type of data lost).
3. Find the files you need and download them back to your phone or PC.

Please note the limitations of the free account:

If there are no files in the cloud, check the archived copies:

• 🔄 In Mi Cloud, go to Settings → Archives. Old versions of files can be stored here.
• 📅 In Google Drive (if you have used) check the Recycle Bin and Versions (right-click on the file) → Version management).

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If you don’t remember if sync was enabled, check the phone settings: Accounts → Mi Cloud → Data Sync. This shows all the types of data that are backed up in the cloud.

3. Programs for recovery without root rights

If the files are not found in the cart and cloud, it is time to use specialized utilities. Redmi 9 will work with programs that do not work with superuser rights (root).

• 📱 DiskDigger (for Android): scans internal memory and SD-card, supports photo, video and document recovery.
• 💻 EaseUS MobiSaver (for PC): Works through USB-Debugging, recovering over 1,000 file formats.Requires Xiaomi drivers.
• 🖥️ Recuva (for PC): Free utility, but you need a memory card (does not work with internal memory without root).

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

If DiskDigger can’t find files, try connecting your phone to your PC and use EaseUS MobiSaver:

1. Turn it on on Redmi 9. USB-debugging (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → USB-debugging).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Launch EaseUS MobiSaver, select the device and start scanning.

⚠️ Warning: Do not restore files to the same memory they were deleted from! Use an external drive or PC, otherwise you risk overwriting the remaining data.

4. Deep scanning with root rights

If previous methods have failed, the last chance is to use programs with superuser rights, which is risky (you can lose your warranty or brick your phone), but sometimes it is only through this that you get critical data back.

What you need:

• 🔓 Root rights (can be obtained through Magisk or KingRoot).
• 📱 Undeleter Recover Files & Data (from Play Market) or Dr.Fone (for PC).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (the process can take several hours).

Instructions for Undeleter:

1. Install Undeleter and provide root access when requested.
2. Select a Deep Scan (not fast!).
3. Mark the sections for scanning: /data (for user files) and /sdcard (internal memory).
4. Wait until the end (may take up to 3-4 hours).
5. View the files found and restore them to an external medium.

If the phone isn’t rooted but you’re willing to take a chance, here’s a quick guide to getting root on Redmi 9:

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Deep root scanning increases the chances of recovery by 70-80%, but requires technical skills. Without root, efficiency drops to 20-30%.

5. Recovery from damaged or non-emerging phone

If Redmi 9 doesn't turn on, gets stuck on the MI logo, or goes to the bootloop, there are still ways to save data, and the key is that the phone is defined by the computer in Fastboot or EDL mode.

Option 1: Retrieving data via Fastboot

If the phone responds to the power button + volume down (his Fastboot), try:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and check if it is determined by the command: fastboot devices If yes, move on to the next step.
2. Use the utility. SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek) or Mi Flash for creating a memory dump: fastboot oem dump /data (Knowledge of the work of ADB/Fastboot).

Option 2: Service centre

If the phone doesn't respond to any combination of buttons, contact the service.

• 🔧 Connect through EDL-mode (emergency firmware) and extract data.
• 💾 Sweat out a memory chip (eMMC) and read data on a programmer (expensive but efficient).

The cost of such services in Moscow and the regions:

6. How to prevent future data loss

To avoid losing files, follow these tips:

• ☁️ Automatic backup: enable sync with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization of data or Google Photos.
• 📁 Regular backup on PC: once a month, copy important files to your computer or external drive.
• 🔄 Use cloud services: Yandex Drive, Dropbox or Mega with automatic apploade photo.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus: some viruses can delete files. Dr.Web or Kaspersky will do.

For Redmi 9, it is especially important:

• 🔋 Watch the battery health: if you shut down sharply (below 15%), the risk of file system damage increases.
• 📵 Avoid interrupting memory operations (e.g., retrieval) SD-card-writing).

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In the settings of the Redmi 9 camera, you can enable saving photos simultaneously to your phone and memory card: Camera settings → Save Place → Simultaneously to the device and SD card. This duplicates files and increases the chances of recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Redmi 9