Losing photos on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most painful situations for a user. Even if you accidentally clicked “Delete” or formatted a memory card, the chances of returning pictures remain. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to recover, from standard MIUI functions to professional tools, taking into account the features of different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).
It is important to understand that success depends on the time after removal and the type of storage (internal memory or storage). SD-The faster you start, the better the odds, for example, files that were deleted less than a day ago are often restored in full, whereas after a week, only partially, and whether you used your smartphone after deleting also plays a role: New photos, updates or app installations can overwrite lost data irretrievably.
We're not going to be limited to the clichéd tips like "check the cart," instead, detailed instructions with MIUI versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), the features of Xiaomi Cloud and Google Photos cloud services, and the nuances of working with ADB for advanced users, and if you're ready to act, get started.
1. Checking the basket in the standard Xiaomi gallery
The first thing you need to do is to look into the built-in Gallery application cart, where the deleted files are stored for up to 30 days (the default setting) in MIUI, and then they are permanently erased, and this method works on all models, from the Redmi 9A to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
How to open the basket:
- 📱 Open the Gallery app (a flower or film icon).
- 🔍 Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper right corner.
- 🗑️ Select the Recycle Bin (or Recently Deleted in Older Versions) MIUI).
- 🔄 Hold your finger on the photo, then click Restore.
If the cart is empty or the item is not on the menu, then:
- ❌ Files were deleted more than 30 days ago (or you manually cleaned the shopping cart).
- ❌ You have used third-party file managers (e.g, ES Explorer) that delete files without placing them in the Recycle Bin.
- ❌ Photos stored on SD-not in the internal memory (basket) MIUI It does not work with external storage devices).
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 and HyperOS Recycle Bin can be hidden if you have disabled it in the gallery settings. To return: go to Gallery Settings → Basket → Turn on the basket.
2.Recovery through Xiaomi Cloud backups
If your Xiaomi has enabled sync with Xiaomi Cloud, the chances of returning photos are much higher. the service automatically saves copies of photos (if the function is activated in the settings), This works even after resetting the phone to factory settings.
Instructions for remediation:
- 🌐 Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- 📁 Choose Gallery (or Photos in new versions).
- 🔍 Check if the cloud has the right images. If so, download them back to your device.
- 🔄 If photos have been removed from the cloud, please check out the Mi Cloud Recycle Bin (available for 30 days).
Features of working with Xiaomi Cloud:
- 📶 Volume limit: Free 5GB (50GB for Chinese accounts for 90 days) If the space is over, backups will no longer be created.
- 🔄 Auto Sync: Check if it is included in Gallery Settings → Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
- 📱 Cloud-free models: On some devices for the Chinese market (e.g. Redmi) K50i) Mi Cloud may not be pre-installed, in which case use Google Photos.
| Xiaomi model | Xiaomi Cloud Support | Free storage volume |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5 | Yeah (global firmware) | 5GB |
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mi 11 | Yes (with HyperOS support) | 5 GB (10 GB for some regions) |
| Redmi 9A/10A | Yes, but without autosynchronization by default. | 5GB |
| Devices for the Chinese market (Redmi K60) | Yes, but requires a Chinese account Mi | 50 GB for 90 days |
⚠️ Note: If you deleted a photo from the gallery before registering for your Xiaomi account, there will be no backups in the cloud.
💡
Before recovering from the cloud, check if there is enough space on your phone. If not, download the photo to your computer via the web version of i.mi.com (you need a Xiaomi account).
3. Using Google Photos to Restore
Google Photos is an alternative to Xiaomi Cloud, which often saves when standard methods fail. The service automatically backs up photos if synchronization is enabled. The main advantage is free storage for compressed images (up to 15 GB per account).
How to return photos via Google Photos:
- 📲 Install Google Photos from Play Market (if removed).
- 🔍 Open the side menu (swipe on the right) and select the basket.
- ⏳ The photos are stored there for 60 days (twice as long as in the previous year). MIUI).
- 🔄 Select the desired pictures and click Restore.
If the basket is empty:
- Check the Archive folder in Google Photos (sometimes screenshots and duplicates are included there).
- If the photos were deleted more than 60 days ago, try to restore them via Google Takeout.
Nuances for Xiaomi:
- 🔋 If the battery is discharged below 15%, MIUI It stops the background synchronization.
Open Google Photos → Settings → Backup and Sync | Check if the “Backup” option is enabled | Make sure the correct device is selected | Check if there is enough space in Google Drive-->
4. Recovery with PC and software (DiskDigger, Recuva)
If you can't get your photo back through the cart or the cloud, you'll need to plug in your computer, and you'll need special programs that scan the memory of the device at the file system level.
- 💻 DiskDigger - Supports FAT32/exFAT (perfect SD-map).
- 🔍 Recuva – Works better with internal memory, but requires root rights for deep scanning.
- 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in mobile devices, supports MIUI.
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:
- 🔌 Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (file transfer mode).
- 💾 Install and run DiskDigger, select your device.
- 🔍 Press Full Scan – it will take from 20 minutes to several hours.
- 📷 After scanning, mark the desired photos (formats.jpg,.png,.heic) and click Recover.
- 💾 Save files to another drive (not your phone!) to avoid overwriting.
Important points:
- 🔋 Battery charge: If the phone runs out during scanning, the process will stop and the chances of recovery will decrease.
- 📵 Without the rights of the superuser, the program sees only thumbnails (previews) photos, not the originals.
- 💾 SD-maps: To recover from an external drive, remove it and connect it through a card reader - so the scan will be more accurate.
⚠️ Note: If you have already formatted your memory card after deleting your photo, do not save new files to it until you recover it – this reduces the chances of success by 3-5 times.
What if the program doesn’t see the phone?
5. Recovery through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don't work and root rights don't, you can try ADB, which is a technique that's suitable for tech-savvy users and requires a computer, and it allows you to access hidden MIUI folders, where sometimes copies of deleted files remain.
Instructions:
- 🔧 Install. ADB Tools on PC.
- 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on Xiaomi (see spoiler above).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices (should display your device).
- 📁 Enter the command to view hidden folders: adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/ Miniatures of deleted photos can be stored here.
- 🔄 To copy files to PC: Adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/ C:\Xiaomi_Recovery\
Limitations of the method:
- 📵 Without root, you can’t recover full-size photos – just thumbnails (192×192 px).
- 🔧 Nana MIUI 14 And the way to folders may be different for HyperOS. Use the command: adb shell ls. /storage/ to see the actual structure.
- ⚠️ Some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) Block access to system folders through ADB loader-free.
💡
ADB-This method is only suitable for the recovery of thumbnails or metadata of photos. Full images require root rights or specialized programs.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all the independent attempts failed, the last option is the official service center. Xiaomi does not provide data recovery services, but in some cases, experts can help:
- 🔧 Memory problems: If the photo is missing due to firmware failure or partition damage /data.
- 💾 Physical damage: For example, if it is not read SD-card (in which case it is sent for restoration to the laboratory).
- 📱 Reset: If you accidentally made a hard reset, but the data is not overwritten.
What to do before your visit:
- 📋 Write it down. IMEI phone (on the box or via code *#06#).
- 🔄 Do not update the firmware or install new applications.
- 📄 Take a check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
Cost and timing:
| Type of problem | Timeline for recovery | Approximate cost (RF, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Logical errors (software failure) | 1-3 days | 1 500–3 000 ₽ |
| Physical memory damage | 5-10 days | 5 000–15 000 ₽ |
| Post-discharge recovery | 2-5 days | 3 000–8 000 ₽ |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi service centers in Russia often refuse to restore data, citing company policies.In this case, contact independent laboratories (for example, Data Recovery or Kaspersky Lab), but clarify your experience with the company. MIUI.
7. How to prevent future photo loss
To avoid the problem of deleted photos, set up automatic backup and follow the simple rules:
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: Enable Auto Sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Gallery.Configure Google Photos to reserve in original quality (if space is enough).
- 💾 Local Copies: Regularly transfer photos to your PC or external drive MTP (Use applications like SyncMe to automatically send pictures to the Internet. NAS phone.
- 📵 Gallery settings: Increase the storage time in the cart to the maximum (Gallery settings) → Basket → Storage period) Turn off automatic cache cleanup in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
Additional measures:
- 🔋 For SD-maps: Use class cards A1/A2 (They crash less often. Format them only through your phone, not your PC.
- 📱 For internal memory: Do not store photos in a folder DCIM/Camera — Create a separate directory (for example, DCIM/Backup).
- 🔄 Before reset: Always back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
💡
If you take pictures often, set up Google Photos to automatically delete local copies after you have reservations.This will free up space on your phone by saving the pictures in the cloud. → Make room.