Delete important photos from Xiaomi Redmi and the basket is empty? Or after resetting the documents disappeared? Don't panic - the chances of returning data are even without ROOT-rights. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to restore files on Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi 9/10 and other models, from simple methods (via Mi Recycle Bin and the cloud) to advanced (using ADB and specialized utilities).
The rule is, the faster you start to act, the more likely you are to succeed. When you delete files, they don't disappear instantly -- the system just labels them as "free space." Until those memory sectors are overwritten with new data, files can be restored in whole or in part, but every new image, application installed, or update reduces the odds.
We tested all methods on current MIUI 14/15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions). If your Redmi runs on HyperOS, Majority instructions also apply - the differences are listed separately.
1.Check out the "Mi Basket" - built-in lifeline
Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later automatically send deleted files to Mi Recycle Bin, the analogue of the basket on the PC, where they are stored for 30 days (or until manual cleaning), this method is the fastest and requires no additional programs.
How to restore:
- 📁 Open the Files app (Folder icon on the desktop).
- 🗑️ In the bottom menu, tap the basket (or Mi basket on some firmware).
- 🔍 Find the files you need, highlight them with a long tap and click Restore.
- 📤 Files will return to the folder from which they were deleted (for example, DCIM/Camera photo).
Important: If you've been manually cleaning the bin or using security-type garbage cleanup features, the files won't be there, and Mi Recycle does not save data deleted through the Gallery in some versions of MIUI - check both places.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS smartphones, the path to the cart may be different. If you don't find it in the Files, try: Settings → Warehouse → Basket.
2. Restore via Google Photos (if synchronized)
If your Redmi has Google Photos autoupload enabled, deleted photos can be returned even after years, and the service stores photos in the cloud archive and allows you to restore them for 60 days after deletion (or indefinitely if they were in the Archive).
Instructions:
- Open the Google Photos app (if removed, install from the Play Market).
- Slip on the profile avatar. → Basket.
- Select the necessary photos/video and click Restore.
- Files will return to the main gallery and to the device (if synchronization is enabled).
If the cart is empty, check the Archive (there may be hidden photos) or use the web version of Google Photos on PC – it is easier to search by date.
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In Google Photos, you can backup original quality (without compression) if you have space on Google Drive. To do this, go to Settings → Backup and Sync → Download quality.
Limitations:
- 🚫 Not restoring documents, APK or other files - only photos/video.
- 🚫 If synchronization is disabled, there is no data in the cloud.
- 🚫 Files deleted more than 60 days ago cannot be restored.
3.Use Xiaomi Cloud (Mi Cloud) for recovery
Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage, the Mi Cloud, which automatically backs up photos, contacts, notes and even some documents. If you were logged in to Mi-account on your device, the chances of returning data are high.
How to check:
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- In the Devices section, select your Redmi.
- Check the Gallery tabs, Files and Notes – there may be backups there.
- To recover, click on the file → Download or Restore on the device.
Features of Mi Cloud:
- 📸 Stores photos in compressed quality (originals - only when manually loading).
- 📄 Documents and APK reserved only if the option is enabled Data Backup in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- 🔄 After resetting, data from Mi Cloud can be restored when you first turn on your smartphone (select Restore from backup).
⚠️ Note: If you delete your Mi Account or reset your device without leaving your profile, access to cloud data will be blocked.In this case, you can not restore files through Mi Cloud – contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.
4.Programs for recovery without ROOT (on PC)
If the files are not in the cart or in the cloud, you have to use specialized utilities. Xiaomi Redmi will work with programs that work through ADB or directly with internal memory. We tested 3 reliable tools:
| Programme | File types | Need a ROOT? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDrill | Photo, video, documents, audio | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ (simple interface) |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Photos, videos, WhatsApp, contacts | ❌ No, but you need rights. ADB) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tenorshare UltData | Up and down + messages, notes | ✅ Partially (deep scanning) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDrill (recommended for beginners):
- Download and install DiskDrill for Windows/Mac.
- Connect Redmi to your PC via USB, enable Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging in Additional Settings → Developer Settings).
- In the program, select your smartphone and click Scan.
- After scanning, mark the files you want and click Restore (save them to your PC, not your phone!).
Critical: Do not save recovered files back to your smartphone – this can overwrite the remaining data and make it impossible to recover further.
Enable debugging by USB| Connect the original cable (not wireless charging)| Charge your phone at least 50% | Do not use your phone while scanning | Save recovered files to PC-->
5. Recovery with ADB (for Advanced)
If the programs don't find files, you can try manual recovery through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works without ROOT, but requires command line knowledge, suitable for photos, videos and documents stored in internal memory.
What you need:
- 🖥️ PC with installation ADB Tools.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi with enabled debugging USB.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection!).
Instructions:
adb shell
su (if there is ROOT)
cd /data/media/0/
ls -la | grep ".jpg" (or ".mp4", ".pdf", etc.)If you find files, copy them to your PC:
adb pull /data/media/0/DCIM/Camera/photo.jpg C:\Redmi_Recovery\ADB limitations:
- 🔍 Does not show files deleted more than a month ago (they have already been overwritten).
- 🛑 No ROOT Not all folders are available (for example, /data/data/ application).
- 📂 It does not restore folder structure – only individual files.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
6. Recovery after resetting settings (Hard Reset)
If you have done Wipe Data or reset via Settings → Settings Reset, the chances of returning data drop dramatically. However, there are 2 scenarios where it is possible:
Scenario 1: There was a backup in Mi Cloud
- 🔄 When you first turn on after reset, select Restore from backup and log in to Mi-account.
- 📥 The system will offer to restore contacts, photos and some settings (applications will not recover!).
Scenario 2: Use of professional utilities (ROOT required)
If you don't have a backup, you can only do a deep scan of the internal memory.
- Get it. ROOT-rights (e.g. via Magisk - instructions for Redmi are available on the XDA Developers).
- Use TestDisk or R-Studio to scan the /data partition.
- Restore files to your PC, they can be fragmented.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS receiving ROOT It can block some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Face Unlock) before the procedure, make a full backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP.
7. Contact Xiaomi Service Center (extreme case)
If the independent attempts failed and the files are critical (such as court documents or unique photos), you can contact the official Xiaomi service, they have specialized equipment to recover data from damaged memory chips.
What you need to know:
- 💰 Cost: 3,000 to 15,000 ₽ depending on the complexity.
- ⏳ Timeframe: 3-4-10 working days.
- 📄 Confirmation of possession of the device (checks, box tied to Mi-account) is required).
- 🔧 Not all services are taken for recovery – check by phone.
The addresses of official Xiaomi services in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Before the visit, it is necessary:
- 📵 Turn off your phone and don’t turn on – it will prevent overwriting data.
- 📋 Write down the serial number (IMEI) — You will need it to complete the application.
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The official service is the only way to recover data from physically damaged memory (for example, after a drop or moisture), in which case self-attempts can aggravate the problem.