Losing photos on Xiaomi Redmi 3S is a familiar situation for many owners of this popular smartphone. Even with careful handling of files, errors happen: accidental clicking, a failure of the Gallery app or a failed MIUI update can lead to the disappearance of valuable images. Fortunately, Redmi 3S has several built-in data protection mechanisms, as well as third-party tools to help recover lost ones.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recovery - from the basic (checking the basket). MIUI and cloud storage Mi Cloud) to advanced (use ADB We'll focus on the nuances associated with Redmi. 3S: memory limitations, firmware versions and specifics of working with ext4-Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on how long it has been since the deletion and what actions you have taken since then.
1.Basket check in MIUI: the first step to recovery
Modern versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) have a built-in basket where photos are taken after removal and stored there for up to 30 days. On Redmi 3S, this feature does not always work consistently due to the limited resources of the device, but it is worth checking it first.
How to open the basket:
- 📁 Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
- 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and pick the basket.
- 🖼️ View the list of deleted files. Photos that can be recovered will be ticked.
- 🔄 Click on the desired pictures, then select Restore at the bottom of the screen.
If the cart is empty or not on the menu, it means one of two things:
- The files were deleted a long time ago (more than 30 days ago).
- Your Redmi 3S has an outdated version of MIUI (before MIUI 12) where the cart was missing.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3S firmware MIUI Recycle Bin 11 may not be displayed even if you have deleted files. In this case, try updating the system through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
2. Recovery via Mi Cloud: if synchronization was enabled
Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that automatically backs up photos when the feature is activated. On Redmi 3S, it is often disabled by default due to limited storage (only 5GB for free).
Instructions for checking Mi Cloud:
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Make sure you are logged in with the same account you were using when you deleted the photo.
- Go to the Gallery or Backups section.
- If there are photos, click Restore and select the desired files.
If there are no current images in the cloud, check:
- 📅 Last sync date (possibly backup is outdated).
- 📶 Internet access during deletion (without network synchronization does not work).
- 🔧 Autosynchronization settings: Settings → gallery → Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Photos in the cloud are available, but not restored | Not enough space on the phone | Clean up memory or restore files selectively |
| The cloud is empty, although synchronization has been turned on | Failure in the last synchronization | Check backup history at i.mi.com |
| I can't log into the account. | Forgot a password or another number is tied | Restore access through Forgotten password? on the login screen |
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If Mi Cloud doesn’t have the right photos, but you remember that sync worked, try recovering data through the web version of the cloud on your PC, sometimes showing files that are not available in the mobile app.
3. Use of PCs and programs for deep scanning
If the cart and the cloud didn't work, the next step is to connect Redmi 3S to your computer and use specialized utilities. Importantly, the less you use your phone after deleting, the better the chances of success. New files can overwrite old data.
Popular Recovery Programs:
- 🔧 DiskDigger - Supports ext4 (Xiaomi file system and works without root rights.
- 💾 Recuva is a simple utility, but requires root for deep scanning.
- 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in mobile devices, there is a free version.
- 🔍 PhotoRec is a powerful tool for power users (works through the command line).
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:
- Download and install the program on PC (official site).
- Connect Redmi 3S to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Start DiskDigger, select your device and click Next.
- Specify the file type (JPG, PNG) and start the scan.
- After completion, mark the desired photos and press Recover.
⚠️ Warning: When recovering via PC, never save the found files back to your phone - this can result in their permanent loss.
Turn off the mobile Internet on Redmi 3S|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Use the original USB-cable|Do not connect your phone to other devices during scanning-->
4. Rootless Recovery: Limitations and Workarounds
Many recovery software requires root rights, but getting them on Redmi 3S is not always easy: it can violate the warranty, cause MIUI malfunctions or even lock the device.
Recovery methods without root:
- 📂 Scanning through ADB: Allows you to access system folders without full superuser rights.
- 🔄 Temporary connection as USB-Driver: on older versions of Android (up to 7.0) it worked more stable.
- 📱 Use of embedded logs MIUI: Sometimes deleted files remain in the app cache.
Instructions for recovery through ADB:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (or Terminal) macOS/Linux) and enter: adb shell su -c "find /storage/emulated/0/ -name '.jpg' -o -name '.png' > /sdcard/recover_list.txt" This team will create a file. recover_list.txt List of all images, including deleted ones.
- Download the file on your PC and analyze it for the right photos.
If ADB does not find files, try an alternative method:
How to recover photos through the cache of the gallery?
5. Recovery with backups (TWRP and MIUI Backup)
If you have ever created backup copies through TWRP or embedded MIUI Backup, the chances of getting a photo back are much higher. 3S These copies are usually stored in a folder. /MIUI/Backup/ or SD-map.
How to recover from MIUI Backup:
- Open Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset.
- Select Local Backups and find the one you need by date.
- Click Restore and tick the Gallery.
- Confirm the recovery and wait for the process to be completed.
To recover via TWRP:
- 🔧 Load into Recovery Mode (turn off the phone, then pinch the power) + Loudness up).
- 📁 Select Restore and specify the backup folder (usually) /TWRP/BACKUPS/).
- 🖼️ Check the data section (there are photos stored) and confirm the recovery.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery through TWRP If you add new photos after you create the backup, they will be lost. Always make a fresh copy before you restore them!
6. Contacting a service center: when nothing helps
If all of these methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- 💥 Physical memory damage (fall, moisture intrusion).
- 🔄 System failure after firmware or reset settings.
- 📛 Loss of access to your Mi Cloud account (if backups were available).
What you need to know before visiting the service:
- 📋 Bring a phone box and a check (if any) to speed up the process.
- 🔒 If your phone is locked, unlock it or remember the pattern lock./PIN.
- 💰 The cost of data recovery can reach 3-5 thousand rubles (depending on the complexity of the data).
Xiaomi service centers in Russia do not always deal with data recovery, but can redirect you to partners. Alternatively, specialized laboratories (for example, HDD Recovery or Data Recovery) that work with flash memory of smartphones.
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The faster you access the service after you delete a photo, the better the chances of success, and every day you use your phone reduces the chance of recovery by 10 to 15 percent.
7 How to avoid loss of photos in the future: prevention
To avoid the problem of lost photos, follow these guidelines:
Methods of data protection:
- ☁️ Automatic sync with Mi Cloud: Enable it in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
- 💾 Backups to PC: once a month, copy a photo to a computer or external disk.
- 📱 Backup apps: Google Photos, Dropbox or Yandex Drive automatically save pictures.
- 🔄 Regularly check your Recycle Bin: Clean it only after you are sure that all files are saved.
On Redmi 3S, it is especially important to monitor the free space - if it is not enough, the system can automatically delete old files.
Also useful:
- 📵 Disable automatic memory optimization in Settings → Battery and productivity → Optimizing memory.
- 🔧 Use file managers with deletion protection (e.g. Solid Explorer).