How to recover deleted files on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from the MIUI basket to deep scanning

Remove important photos from vacation, accidentally cleared the folder with documents or after resetting the video was lost? on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 to return lost data is real — but only if you act quickly and correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to restore files, from built-in MIUI functions to specialized programs for PC. It is important to understand that the chances of success depend on how long it has been since the deletion and what actions you have done with the phone after that.

The Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) is powered by a Snapdragon 665 processor and has a hybrid slot for microSD cards up to 512GB. This means that files could be stored either in internal memory (eMMC 5.1) or on a removable drive – this will determine the recovery method, for example, universal utilities like Recuva will be suitable for a memory card, and internal memory will require root-acce tools or Mi Cloud backups.

Before you start, answer two key questions:

1. Where files are stored – in internal memory or on SD-map?
2. Have you recorded new data after deleting the operation (install applications, shoot photos, update the system)?

If the answer to the second question is yes, the chances of recovery drop dramatically – the new data could overwrite deleted files.

1. Checking the MIUI Recycle Bin: Where to Look for Deleted Files

First, check the built-in MIUI Recycle Bin, which saves deleted files for 30 days (by default), and this method only works for files deleted through Xiaomi’s standard apps: Gallery, Files, Records. If you cleared data through third-party file managers (such as Total Commander or ES Explorer), the Recycle Bin will remain empty.

How to open the basket:

1. Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
2. In the bottom menu, tap on the basket (dumpster icon).
3. Select the desired files with a long tap and click Restore.

Please note:

• 📁 The bin only stores files from internal memory. SD-The card doesn't work.
• ⏳ The storage period can be changed in the settings: Files → Settings → Basket → Storage period (available 7, 15 or 30 days options).
• 🚫 If the shopping cart is empty but you are sure that files were deleted through standard apps, try restarting your phone – sometimes the contents are displayed after restarting.

⚠️ Warning: After recovery from the Recycle Bin, files are returned to the original folders. If the folder was deleted, the data will be in the root directory Internal drive.

Recovery via Mi Cloud: If synchronization was enabled

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that automatically backs up photos, videos, contacts and notes. If your Redmi Note 8 has synced, the chances of returning files are high. The service provides 5GB for free, but many users turn it off due to limited space.

How to check backup copies:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Check if synchronization is enabled for Gallery, Notes or Records sections.
3. If sync is active, go to i.mi.com from your PC or phone and log in.
4. In the Gallery or Files section, find the Remote folder (stores files for 30 days).

What to do if there are no files in the cloud:

• 🔍 Check the Autoboot folder in Mi Cloud – sometimes screenshots and downloaded files get there.
• 📅 Check the date of the last sync: Mi Cloud → Settings → Synchronization log.
• 💾 If the backup was created manually, try restoring it completely: Settings → System system → Backup.

⚠️ Note: When you restore backup from Mi Cloud, all current data on your phone will be replaced with saved data. SD-map.

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If Mi Cloud is not synced due to lack of internet, connect to Wi-Fi and wait until the process is complete. Sometimes files appear in the cloud after a few hours.

3.Using file managers with built-in recovery

Some third-party file managers have a remote file scanning feature, such as DiskDigger or Dumpster can find data even if it's not in the MIUI Recycle Bin. These applications are root-free, but their effectiveness is limited, they only see files that haven't been overwritten yet.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and select Start basic scan (without root).
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 10–30 minutes).
4. Tick the required files and click Restore.

Advantages and limitations of methods:

Important: After installing DiskDigger or similar programs, do not save recovered files back to internal memory – use it. SD-You run the risk of overwriting data that you haven't yet recovered.

4.Pc Connection and Recovery through Specialized Programs

If previous methods didn’t work, connect the Redmi Note 8 to your computer and use professional utilities like Recuva, EaseUS MobiSaver or 7-Data Recovery, which scans memory at a low level and can find files even after formatting (provided they haven’t been overwritten).

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva:

1. Download and install Recuva on PC.
2. Connect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. In the program, select the file type (such as Images) and specify the path to the phone’s internal memory.
4. Start a deep scan (may take 1-2 hours).
5. Save the recovered files to the PC hard drive.

The nuances of working with PC:

• 🖥️ For scanning. SD-The card can be removed from the phone and connected through the card reader - this will speed up the process.
• 🔌 If the phone is not detected in the mode MTP, Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🛠️ For internal memory Redmi Note 8 programs without root will find only multimedia (photos, videos). APK-Files require superuser rights.

⚠️ Note: Do not use programs like Dr.Fone or iMobie PhoneRescue to restore them, as they often install unnecessary software and have low efficiency for Android devices.

Turn off automatic photo sync (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Use the original USB-cable

Do not connect your phone to other devices during scanning-->

5. Restoration with root access: risks and opportunities

If files are critical and other methods fail, root rights are the last option, allowing programs like Undeleter or Hexamob Recovery to scan memory at the raw data level, increasing the chances of success by 60 to 70 percent.

Risks of getting root:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• 🔒 Security breach (some banking applications will stop working).
• 🔄 The ability to “brick” the phone in case of an error.

How to get root on Redmi Note 8:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model (ginkgo).
3. Squeeze Magisk through recovery.

After rooting, use Undeleter:

1. Launch the application and select "Deep Scan".


2. Specify the /data partition (for internal memory).




3. wait until completion (may take several hours).




4. Save files to a SD- card or PC.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 with firmware MIUI 12+ Unlocking the bootloader erases all data. Try other methods first!

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Root access is the last chance to return files, but it is only suitable for advanced users. For most tasks, there are enough methods without root.

6.Application to the service center: when it is justified

If the files are critically important (for example, single photos from an important event), and independent attempts were unsuccessful, contact the service center. Specialists use professional equipment like Chip-Off (reading data directly from the memory chip) or JTAG. However, the service is expensive (from 5 000 to 20 000 rubles) and does not guarantee 100% results.

When to contact the service:

• 💔 Files have emotional or legal value.
• 📱 Phone is physically damaged (not turned on, broken screen).
• 🔧 You tried all the software methods without success.

What to ask the service:

1. What is the recovery method (Chip-Off or JTAG)?
2. Is there a guarantee of the result?
3. How long will the trial take?

In Moscow and St. Petersburg services are provided by:

• Data recovery laboratory FlashFix (specializes in Xiaomi).
• Service center "Mi Service" (official partner).
• Dr. Flash (works with damaged storage devices).

7.Preventing Data Loss: How to Avoid Future Problems

The best way to combat file loss is to back up files. On the Redmi Note 8, there are a number of ways to do this:

Reservation methods:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: automatically syncs photos, videos and documents. Free - 5 GB, for 299 ₽/month - 200 GB.
• 📁 Google Photos: Unlimited storage of compressed photos (up to 16 MP) and videos (up to 16 MP) 1080p).
• 💾 Local Copy: Transfer important files to PC or external file once a month HDD.
• 🔄 Backup copy MIUI: Created in Settings → System system → Backup.

Additional advice:

• 📲 Install FolderSync for automatic folder sync with the cloud (Yandex Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔋 Before the update MIUI or reset settings always make a backup copy.
• 🚫 Avoid using Cleanup features in antiviruses (such as Clean Master) – they often delete the right files.

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Backup to 3 locations (cloud) + PC + SD-The card will protect you from data loss 99% of the time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Redmi Note 8