How to recover deleted files from Xiaomi phone: from the cart to deep scan

Deleting important files from a smartphone is a familiar situation for many Xiaomi users: vacation photos, work documents, or videos from memorable events can disappear in a single click due to accidental clicking, resetting, or system failure. Fortunately, in most cases, deleted data is recoverable if you act quickly and correctly.

Modern MIUI-based Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones have built-in loss protection mechanisms, such as a cart and backup in the Mi Cloud. However, even if files have been deleted past the cart or the cloud is disabled, there are ways to get them back. In this article, we will look at all the available methods — from standard features to professional tools — and explain why time plays a key role in successful recovery.

It is important to understand that the longer you delay recovery attempts, the greater the risk that deleted data will be overwritten with new files.

1. Checking the MIUI Recycle Bin: The First Step to File Return

Most Xiaomi users are unaware that their smartphone automatically sends deleted files to a hidden bin, where they are stored for 7 to 30 days (depending on the model and version of MIUI), which works for photos, videos and documents deleted through the standard Files or Gallery app.

To check the basket:

1. Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
2. In the top menu, tap three points (⋮) and pick the basket.
3. View the list of deleted files. Click on the desired one, then select Restore.

Note that the basket in MIUI 14 can be hidden if you have previously cleaned it manually or disabled the function in the settings.

⚠️ Note: Files deleted through third-party file managers (e.g., Total Commander or ES Conductor, in the basket MIUI They're not getting rebuilt, and they're going to require special utilities.

2.Recovery through Mi Cloud: Cloud Lifeline

If your Xiaomi is synced to Mi Cloud, the chances of recovering lost data are greatly increased, the cloud automatically stores copies of photos, contacts, notes and even some documents, the main condition is the presence of a backup created before deleting files.

Instructions for remediation:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud.
• 🔍 Check if synchronization is enabled for the desired type of data (e.g. Gallery or Files).
• 📤 If sync is active, go to i.mi.com from your computer, log in and find the Devices section. → Backup copies.
• 🔄 Select the latest backup and download the desired files.

Mi Cloud only provides 5GB of free space, and if you didn’t back up because of space constraints, this method won’t work, and if you don’t have a cloud recovery, you’ll overwrite your phone’s current data — copy your important files to your computer or other storage media before you do the procedure.

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To increase the chances of a successful recovery, disable automatic sync with Mi Cloud immediately after you detect file loss, which will prevent the backup from being overwritten with new (empty) data.

3. Use of third-party programs: deep memory scanning

When standard methods fail, specialized data recovery utilities come to the rescue, scanning the smartphone’s internal memory at the file system level and can find files even if they were deleted months ago (assuming that new data is not taking their place).

Top.-3 Proven programs for Xiaomi:

Recovery algorithm with DiskDigger (for example):

1. Download and install the program on your computer.
2. Connect Xiaomi over USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Start DiskDigger, select the phone drive and press Dig Deep.
4. After scanning, mark the desired files and save them to the PC.

⚠️ Note: Programs without root rights scan only cache and residual data. Full access to memory will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, which cancels the warranty and may result in the device being blocked.

Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data on your phone|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Use the original USB-cable|Do not connect your phone to other devices during scanning-->

4.Recovery through ADB: A Method for Advanced Users

If you’re familiar with the command prompt, you can try extracting deleted files via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method doesn’t require root rights, but only works for files that haven’t been overwritten by the system yet.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell su cd /sdcard/ ls -la (If the files are in internal memory, replace them. /sdcard/ on /data/)

This method is suitable for recovering files with known paths (e.g. photos from a folder). DCIM/Camera). However, without knowing the exact location of the files, the process turns into a “finding needle in a haystack".

5. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps

If all of these methods failed, and the files are critically important (for example, single copies of legal documents or unique photos), you should consider contacting a professional service.

• 🔧 Chip-off – extracting the memory chip and reading data directly.
• 🔬 JTAG — Connecting to test contacts of the board to access memory.
• 🛠️ Replacement of the controller – if the problem is in the damaged memory controller.

The cost of such services starts from 5 000 rubles and depends on the complexity of the work. It is important to choose a service with a good reputation - unqualified actions can finally destroy data. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, we recommend contacting the Data Recovery Laboratory or Data Recovery.

Before the service visit:

• Do not turn on your phone or try to write new data to it.
• Tell the master the phone model and the circumstances of deleting the files.
• Check if free diagnosis is available.

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Hardware recovery is the only way to recover data after physical memory damage (for example, after a phone drops or moisture hits).

6.Preventing Data Loss: How to Avoid Future Problems

The best way to combat file loss is to back up regularly, and Xiaomi owners have a few reliable methods available:

Automatic synchronization with Mi Cloud:

• 📁 Enable backup for Gallery, Contacts and Notes in Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Set a daily or weekly copy schedule.

Local backups:

• 💾 Use the Backup function in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset: Copies are stored for internal memory or SD-map.
• 🖥️ Regularly transfer important files to your computer or external drive.

Third-party decisions:

• ☁️ Google Photos – automatically saves all photos and videos in their original quality (up to 15 GB free).
• 📦 Sync.com or pCloud – Cloud Storage with Enhanced Data Protection.

If you often work with important documents on your phone, install the AutoSync app to automatically sync selected folders with Google Drive or Dropbox.

Frequent mistakes that reduce the chances of recovery to zero

Many Xiaomi users inadvertently complicate the recovery process by making typical errors.

• 📱 Continue to use your phone – every new photo, app installed or browser cache can overwrite deleted data.
• 🔄 Perform a reset – this erases all data without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔋 Discharge the phone to zero – at a critical charge level, the system can begin cleaning the cache, affecting deleted files.
• 🛠️ Disassemble your phone yourself – without special equipment, you risk damaging the memory chip.

Another common mistake is to use the first software you find to recover, and some programs (especially from unverified sources) may contain malicious code or permanently damage the file system.

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If you delete files from SD-Take it out of your phone immediately and connect it to your computer through a card reader, which will prevent overwriting when you continue to use your smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About File Recovery on Xiaomi