Recovering deleted files on Xiaomi: from the Recycle Bin to deep scanning

Did you delete important photos from Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or accidentally clear the folder with documents on POCO X5? Don't panic - even after formatting the memory card or resetting the settings, the chances of returning data remain. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recovery, from built-in MIUI tools to professional utilities for PC, taking into account the features of Xiaomi smartphones 2023-2026.

The rule is, the faster you start to act, the more likely you are to succeed. When you delete files, they don't physically disappear -- the system just marks their space on the disk as "free." Until the new data overwrites those sectors, recovery is possible. file-system F2FS (It is used in new Xiaomi models instead of ext4) The chances are lower, and a deep scan may be required. ROOT-access.

We tested all the methods on MIUI 14/15 smartphones (including Redmi 13C, Xiaomi 14 and POCO F5) and only selected the ones that actually work. No magic software from questionable sites, only proven solutions.

1. Check the MIUI Recycle Bin and Cloud Backups

The first thing you need to do is check the built-in MIUI tools, and many users don't know that the Xiaomi Gallery has a cart where files are stored for up to 30 days after deletion, and if you have backup enabled in the Mi Cloud, the chances of returning data are even higher.

How to open the basket:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app (or Photos on new versions) MIUI).
• 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
• 🔍 Scroll down the list or search by deletion date.
• 📤 Select the files you need. → press Restore.

If the cart is empty, check out Mi Cloud:

• ☁️ Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Open the Gallery or Files section.
• 🔎 Use the filter by date – it is possible that files are synced automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you deleted files from the Recycle Bin or disabled sync with Mi Cloud prior to the incident, this method will not work.

2.Recovery through the Mi File Manager app

MIUI has a hidden file recovery feature available through standard File Manager, which works without ROOT, but is only effective for files that have been deleted no more than 7 days ago.

Instructions:

1. Open Explorer (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Categories section (bottom of the screen).
3. Select Recently Deleted (or Recycle Bin in English).
4. Press the file. → Restore.

If the recently deleted section is not available:

• 🔧 Go to the Explorer Settings (three points) → Settings).
• 🔄 Turn on the option to show the basket.
• 📱 Restart the application.

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In Xiaomi Explorer, you can filter files by type (photos, videos, documents) - this will speed up the search for the necessary data.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for files deleted through adb or third-party file managers.
• ❌ Does not restore data after a complete reset (hard reset).
• ❌ Maximum storage time in the cart - 7 days (configured in Settings) → Warehouse → Basket).

3.Use of PC: Deep scanning software

If the built-in MIUI tools didn’t help, connect your smartphone to your computer and use specialized utilities. We tested 5 programs and selected the two most effective for Xiaomi:

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

1. Download the program from the official website (avoid pirated versions!).
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Start DiskDigger → select your device.
4. Specify file types (e.g..jpg,.mp4) → click Next.
5. Select the scanning method: 🔍 Dig Deep (Deep, Long, but Effective). 🔄 Dig Deeper (requires) ROOT, But he finds more files).

Recover Selected

⚠️ Warning: Don't save recovered files back to your smartphone - this can overwrite the remaining data.Use a PC or external drive.

4. Recovery after resetting settings (Hard Reset)

If you have made a complete reset (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset), the chances of returning data drop dramatically, but they do. Here only professional software that supports F2FS and EXT4 will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Disconnect your smartphone immediately and don't use it. Any action (install apps, take photos) will overwrite the data.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
3. Use UFS Explorer or R-Studio to create a memory image (Create Image feature).
4. Scanning on a PC is safer than working directly with a smartphone.

Average prices in Moscow (2026):

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Professional recovery is only justified for critical data (such as family photos or work documents), and it is cheaper and faster for regular files to use cloud backups.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi