Recovering Deleted Photos and Videos on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide

You're not alone: Statistically, one in three smartphone users has experienced at least one accidental deletion of files. Fortunately, MIUI-based devices have built-in data protection mechanisms, and for complex cases there are specialized programs. In this article, we'll look at 7 proven recovery methods, from using the Xiaomi Gallery Recycle Bin to deep memory scanning via ADB.

It's important to understand that recovery success depends on how long it's been since you deleted it and how much you've been using your phone. New files written over deleted files can permanently erase them. So you need to move quickly and start with the simplest methods. If you're using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instructions below are suitable for all models on MIUI 12 and later.

Before you start, check:

• 📁 Is there a folder in the Gallery "Basket" (it stores files for 30 days).
• ☁️ Was sync enabled with Mi Cloud or Google Photos.
• 🔌 Did you connect your phone to your PC after deleting (this could overwrite the data).

1.Recovery from the Xiaomi Gallery basket

The fastest way to return deleted files is to check the built-in Recycle Bin in the Gallery app, which is activated by default in MIUI and stores files for up to 30 days (on some models, such as the Xiaomi 12T, the period can be extended to 60 days in the settings).

To restore:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select "Basket".
3. Find the right files, click on them. → "Restore".

If the cart is empty or there are no files, move on to the next method. Note: the Recycle Bin folder is not backed up in the cloud — if you reset your phone to factory settings, the data from it will be lost.

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On some MIUI firmware, the basket is hidden. To turn it on, go to Gallery Settings → Recycle Bin → Show the basket.

2. Check backups in Mi Cloud and Google Photos

If cloud sync was enabled, the chances of recovery are significantly higher. Xiaomi offers two major cloud services:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – a proprietary cloud with 5 GB of free space.
• 📷 Google Photos – automatically saves images in high quality (compressed) or original resolution (paid).

To check out Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud
2. Make sure the gallery synchronization switch is active.
3. Go to the gallery. → "Albums" → "Mi Cloud".

In Google Photos, check the Archive or Recycle Bin folder (files are stored for 60 days). If you don't have photos, try using the web version at photos.google.com - sometimes the mobile app doesn't display all backups.

3. Recovery through File Manager (Hidden Folders Check)

Sometimes deleted files remain in the phone’s memory, but become hidden or moved to system folders. Xiaomi has a built-in File Manager with a hidden data display feature.

How to check:

1. Open File Manager (Folder icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on three points → “Settings” → turn on “Show hidden files”.
3. Go to Inner Memory → DCIM →.thumbnails or Pictures.
4. Look for files with.nomedia,.tmp or no extensions.

If you find the photos you want, copy them to another folder (like Download) and rename them by adding the.jpg or.mp4 extension. This method works even if the shopping cart is cleared, but the chances of finding the original files are slim - most often there are only thumbnails left.

4. Use of third-party programs (DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver)

If the built-in methods don't work, it's time to plug in specialized utilities that scan the phone's memory at a low level and restore files even if they don't show up on the system.

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Free version only searches for photos, paid ($15) supports videos and documents.
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver – Deep Scanning, but Requires Root Rights for Maximum Performance.
• 📱 Recuva (for PC) – if you connect your phone as an external drive.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Download the app from Google Play (do not install it on the system partition!).
2. Start and select "Full Scan" (requires more time, but more efficiently).
3. Mark the file types: JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV.
4. Wait for the scan to end and save the files found to a memory card or PC.

⚠️ Note: Do not save recovered files back to the phone's internal memory - this can overwrite the remaining data. SD-map.

5. Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If you’re ready to work with the command line, the method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can help you return files that regular programs can’t see.This method is suitable for Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or root rights, but it can work on standard firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on PC (download from the official website).
2. Turn on the phone debugging by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap the version number → return to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell su cd /sdcard/DCIM/ ls -la Look for files with a change date corresponding to the time of deletion.
4. Copy the files found on PC: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/backup copy photo.jpg C:\Backup\

This method requires technical knowledge and can be dangerous if used incorrectly, and if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to consult a specialist or use software solutions.

Install ADB Tools on PC| Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi| Connect your phone with the original cable | Backup current data | Do not interrupt the scanning process-->

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods failed and files are critical (such as photos of documents or videos from important events), consider contacting an official service center. Xiaomi has partner centers in most major cities where specialists can extract data using professional equipment.

What you need to know:

• 💰 The cost of recovery starts from 3 000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the).
• ⏳ Term of implementation - from 1 to 5 days.
• 🔒 Guarantee of confidentiality: data is not transferred to third parties.
• 📱 The recovery option depends on the phone model and the type of memory (on the phone). UFS 3.1 odds higher than eMMC).

Before the service visit:

• Do not update the phone firmware.
• Do not install new applications.
• Bring checks or confirmation of purchase (for warranty devices).

⚠️ Note: Some “unofficial” services offer data recovery at a low price, but may use questionable methods (e.g., flashing with loss of all data.

7 Prevention: How to avoid future data loss

To avoid losing photos and videos, follow these simple rules:

• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Photos, even 5GB of free space is enough for the most important photos.
• 📁 Regularly copy files to a PC or external drive (once a month).
• 🔄 Set up backup in Settings → System system → Backup (saves not only media, but also contacts, messages).
• 🚫 Don’t use cleaners like Clean Master – they often delete files without recovery.

Xiaomi owners are particularly interested in the "Block Recycle Bin" feature, which prevents automatic cleaning of deleted files, to activate it:

1. Open the gallery. → "Basket".
2. Tap it on three points. → "Recycle bin settings".
3. Turn off the Auto Clean option or set a maximum shelf life (60 days).

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The most reliable way to protect data is a combination of cloud redundancy (Mi). Cloud/Google Photo Photo) + Even if the phone breaks down or is stolen, the files will remain safe.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo recovery on Xiaomi