How to recover deleted photos on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: from simple methods to deep scanning

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a legendary smartphone that is still used by many, despite the release of new models, but even on reliable devices, there are troubles: accidental deletion of photos, resetting of settings or damage to the memory card. If you lose valuable photos, do not panic - the chances of their recovery are high, especially if you act quickly.

In this article, we will explore all possible ways to return deleted photos to Redmi Note 3, from standard MIUI features to professional PC tools. Importantly, the less you use your phone after deleting, the higher the probability of success. Each new action (taking pictures, installing apps) can overwrite lost data.

Redmi Note 3 features support for MicroSD and eMMC 5.0 internal memory, which influences recovery options, and we will take into account the nuances of working with both types of storage, as well as consider cases when the phone does not turn on or requires unlocking the bootloader.

1.Check the basket at MIUI Gallery

The first thing you need to do is to look into the Gallery's built-in application cart, and in MIUI, deleted photos are stored there for up to 30 days (by default), unless they've been manually cleaned, and this method works even without an Internet or PC connection.

How to check:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app on Redmi Note 3.
• 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
• 🔍 View the list of deleted files. Photos marked with an icon 📷.
• 🔄 Select the right pictures. → press Restore.

⚠️ Note: If the basket is empty or you have manually cleaned it, proceed to the next method. MIUI 8-9 (Relevant to the Redmi Note 3) The basket may be missing – in this case, skip the step.

On the Redmi Note 3 with MIUI 7 firmware and below, there is no basket in the gallery - use alternative methods from this article.

2.Recovery through MI Cloud backups

If your Redmi Note 3 has been enabled to sync with Mi Cloud, the chances of returning photos are very high. the service automatically saves copies of the pictures (if the function is activated in the settings).

Instructions:

• 🌐 Go to i.mi.com from any device.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
• 📁 Select Gallery or Backups section.
• 📥 Find the right photos. → Download them to your PC or send them back to your phone.

If the photo is not in the cloud, check the sync settings on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Make sure that the gallery synchronization slider is active.
3. Check the date of the last backup.

⚠️ Note: Free tariff Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB — if the memory is full, the new photos don't sync. On the Redmi Note 3 s MIUI 8-9 Cloud Gallery Functions Can Be Unstable.

3. Use of Google Photos (if included)

Google Photos is another reliable way to get back lost images, and if the app was installed and configured on Redmi Note 3, all the photos could be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Steps:

• 📱 Install Google Photos from Play Market (if not already installed).
• 🔄 Open the app. → Go to the Library. → Recycle bin (photos stored there for 60 days).
• ☁️ Check the Archives or Backups section – there may be old photos.
• 🔍 Search by date or location of the shooting.

If photos are found, they can be:

• 📥 Download the device (long pressing) → Save it to the device).
• 📤 Send to another account or messenger.

4. Software for recovery from PC (without root)

If you don't find the photos in the clouds or in the cart, you'll need to connect the Redmi Note 3 to your computer, and you'll need software that scans your internal memory or MicroSD for deleted files.

Top.-3 Windows:

• 🖥️ Recuva is a simple interface that supports.jpg,.png,.raw.
• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Deep Scanning, Works with EMMC.
• 🔍 EaseUS Data Recovery – Recovers even damaged files.

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva:

1. Download and install the program from the official website.
2. Connect Redmi Note 3 to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
3. Start Recuva → select the type of Image files.
4. Specify the phone’s drive (usually an internal storage or SD-card).
5. Click Analysis → wait for the scan to be completed.
6. View the photos found (preview available) → mark the necessary → Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files to the same drive you are scanning from! Use a different drive (such as a PC hard drive) to avoid overwriting data.

5. Recovery from MicroSD memory card

If the photos were stored on a MicroSD, the recovery process is simplified — the card can be retrieved and connected to the PC via a card reader, which increases the chances of success, as it reduces the risk of overwriting data.

Instructions:

• ⏻ Turn off the Redmi Note 3 and remove the memory card.
• 💾 Connect MicroSD to PC via Adapter.
• 🖥️ Start one of the programs (DiskDigger, PhotoRec).
• 🔍 Select Deep Scan to search for fragments.
• 📁 Save the recovered files to the hard drive of the PC.

For Redmi Note 3, the following nuances are relevant:

• 🔋 MicroSD card format FAT32 It is easier to recover than exFAT.
• 📛 If the card is damaged, try chkdsk in the Windows Command Prompt: chkdsk E: /f (Replace E: with the letter of your disk).

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If the program finds files with names like DSC_1234.jpg, But they don't open, try renaming them manually by adding the.jpg or.png extension. Sometimes programs recover files without the right metadata.

6. Root access and deep scanning (for experienced)

If standard methods don't work, the last chance is to get root rights and use specialized tools like Undeleter or GT Recovery.

• 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all data.
• ⚠️ Could be disrupting work. MIUI (especially on older versions).
• 🛡️ Deprives warranty (relevant if the phone is still in service).

How to get root on Redmi Note 3:

1. Unblock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you will need an account and wait 72 hours).
2. Install a custom TWRP recavator for your model (kenzo or kate).
3. You can stream Magisk or SuperSU via TWRP.

After getting root, use:

• 🔍 Undeleter – scans system partitions.
• 📂 GT Recovery – Recover files even after formatting.
• 🛠️ Root Explorer – for manual search in folders /data/media/0/DCIM.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 3 s MIUI 7-8 unlocking the bootloader erases all data, including photos in internal memory. Use this method only if other options are exhausted or photos were stored on the MicroSD.

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Root access is a last resort. If you're not sure about your skills, consult a specialist. Wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick.

7 If the phone is not turned on or damaged

When the Redmi Note 3 fails to respond to charging, fails to turn on or gives up loading errors, photo recovery becomes more difficult.

Options for action:

• 🔋 Check charging: connect to another cable/power supply for 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Try to enter Recovery Mode (Press Power) + Volume Up with the phone switched off).
• 💽 Remove the MicroSD (if the photo was on it) and connect to another device.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center – wizards can burrow out the memory chip (eMMC) and read the data directly.

If the phone is turned on but not determined by the PC:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🖱️ Install the drivers. ADB for Xiaomi (official website).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone to Fastboot (press the Power) + Volume Down).

JTAG, a method that requires special equipment, sometimes helps to extract data from a broken phone, the cost of such a service in services: from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles (depending on complexity).

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo recovery on Redmi Note 3