How to recover deleted photos on Xiaomi phone: from cart to deep scan

Why photos are disappearing from Xiaomi and can they be returned?

Photo deletion on Xiaomi smartphones often happens unexpectedly: accidental clicking, resetting, a virus attack, or even a bug in the MIUI firmware. Unlike computers where files are first sent to the trash, on phones the deletion mechanism works differently. However, this does not mean that the photos are lost forever. In most cases, they can be restored - if you act quickly and correctly.

The key point is that once deleted, photos are physically stored on the drive until new data takes their place. So the first rule is don't write anything to your phone (don't take new photos, don't install apps, don't update the system). The less activity, the better the chances of success.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of recovery - from standard tools. MIUI We will also discuss how to avoid data loss in the future, and we will pay special attention to the nuances for different Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or the other two models). POCO X5), where algorithms may differ.

Method 1: Checking the basket in the MIUI Gallery

Modern versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) have a built-in basket where photos are sent before final deletion. 30 days (default), but it can be changed in settings. If you have recently deleted pictures, check this folder first.

How to open the basket:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app (icon with colored squares).
• 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
• 🔍 View the list of deleted files. To return a photo, click on it. → Restore.
• 📤 For mass recovery: highlight a few files → Press Restore Everything.

If the cart is empty or not on the menu, it means:

• ❌ The files were deleted a long time ago (more than 30 days ago).
• ❌ The basket is disabled in the gallery settings.
• ❌ You have used the function Delete Forever (Basket bypass).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI (11) the basket may not be available. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Method 2: Recovery through backups

If your Xiaomi has automatic backup enabled, the chances of returning photos are much higher.

• 🖥️ Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud) – up to 5 GB free.
• 📁 Google Photos – if the synchronization has been configured.
• 💾 Local backups (through Settings) → Memory. → Backup).

Instructions for Mi Cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in (if not authorized).
3. Choose the Gallery → Find the right photos.
4. Click Download or Save to the device.

For Google Photos:

• 📲 Install the Google Photos app (if removed).
• 🔄 Log in to the same account used for synchronization.
• 🔍 Go to the Recycle Bin (stores files for 60 days) or Archives.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings without detaching your Mi Account, access to cloud copies may be blocked.

Disconnect mobile internet (to prevent new data from being downloaded)

Check the free space on the phone (at least 10% of the copy volume)

Charge your phone to 50% or more

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection-->

Method 3: Deep scanning programs (without root)

If the photos are not in the cart and there are no backups, specialized software will help. Xiaomi will be suitable for programs that work without superuser rights (root), but with restrictions.

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – scans internal memory and microSD cards, supports recovery in formats JPG, PNG, HEIC.
• 🔍 Recuva (Android) - portable version of the popular utility for PC.
• 📱 Dumpster is an alternative basket that intercepts deleted files (you need to install before data is lost).

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Start and select Start a simple scan (without root).
3. Specify the file types: mark Images (JPEG, PNG).
4. Wait until the scan is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
5. Select the photos found → click Restore → save to a memory card or to the cloud.

Limitations of methods without root:

• ❌ Does not restore files overwritten with new data.
• ❌ Does not work with encrypted partitions (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with a MIUI 14).
• ❌ You may not find photos deleted more than 2-3 weeks ago.

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If the phone doesn't see the memory card after recovery, restart it or check the card on your PC through the card reader. Sometimes the files are saved in a hidden folder.DiskDigger

Method 4: Recovery with PC (ADB and specialized software)

For advanced users, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or programs like EaseUS MobiSaver.

• 🖥️ You have access to a computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Debugging is on. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode).
• 📂 Photos were stored in internal memory (not on a microSD card).

Instructions for EaseUS MobiSaver:

1. Download and install the program from the official website.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (use the original cable!).
3. Enable USB debugging: go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB.
4. Run the scan in the program (select the Gallery section).
5. After analysis, mark the desired photos and press Recover.

For power users, the ADB team to create a photo section image (requires root):

adb shell


su




dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0pXX of=/sdcard/backup.img

Where mmcblk0pXX is the data section (you can find out through the adb shell mount).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB without experience, it can lead to loss of all data or a firmware failure.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods have failed and photos are critical (such as documents or unique photos), it is worth considering professional assistance.

• 🔧 Chip-off method – direct reading of data from the memory chip (expensive, but effective even after formatting).
• 🛠️ JTAG — Connect to test contacts of the board (requires disassembly of the phone).
• 📊 Specialized software with access to service sections MIUI.

The cost of services varies from 3 000 to 15 000 rubles depending on the complexity.

• 📋 Make a list of deleted files (dates, folder names).
• 🔋 Don’t discharge your phone below 20% – it can make it harder to work.
• 📄 Take a check or a warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).

The official service centers can be found on the Xiaomi website, and only contact authorized workshops, which ensures the safety of data and avoid fraud.

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Xiaomi service centers do not guarantee 100% recovery, but the chances are higher than with independent actions, especially if the photos were deleted long ago or after resetting settings.

How to Prevent Loss of Photos in the Future

The best protection against data loss is proactive measures, and here’s what we recommend you set up on your Xiaomi right now:

• ☁️ Automatic sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. Enable Gallery Sync and Autoboot. Set a limit on mobile data (e.g. Wi-Fi only).
• 🔄 Google Photos as a backup: Install the Google Photos app. In the settings, select Backup and Sync → Enable. Configure the download quality (High quality - free, Original - paid).

Local copies to the memory card:

1. Insert microSD (recommended Class 10 or UHS-I).
2. In the gallery, select a photo → Export → On the memory card.
3. Copy the DCIM folder on your PC periodically.

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Even if your photos are stored in the cloud, check for them periodically – sometimes sync can be interrupted due to network failures or account errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photo recovery on Xiaomi