Recovering Remote Folders on Xiaomi: From Recycle Bin to Deep Scanning

Deleting important folders on Xiaomi is a familiar situation, with one careless move in the file manager and vacation photos, work documents, or project archives disappearing in an unknown direction. Fortunately, owners of Redmi, POCO, or Mi devices have several ways to recover lost data, from standard MIUI tools to professional utilities, the main thing is to act quickly and not write new files to the device so as not to lose deleted data.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of folder recovery, from checking the basket and cloud backups to using ADB and third-party programs like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver. Also, we will tell you how to prevent data loss in the future - with automatic backup and sync settings. If you deleted the folder recently (within 30 days), the chances of success are maximum!

⚠️ Warning: The longer you use your phone after deleting, the lower the probability of recovery. Each new photo, installed app or system update can overwrite the memory sectors where your files were stored.

1.Basket check in MIUI: the first step to recovery

Modern versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12) have a built-in recycle bin where deleted files are temporarily stored for 30 days, then permanently erased, to check the recycle bin:

1. Open the standard Files application (yellow folder icon).

2.In the lower menu, tap on the basket section (dumpster icon).

3. Find the folder you want, select it with a long tap, and press Restore.

If the folder is not in the basket, it means:

• 🗑️ It was removed more than 30 days ago (or you manually cleaned the cart).
• 📁 Files deleted through a third-party file manager (e.g., Total Commander or the file manager) FX File Explorer that doesn’t use a cart MIUI.
• 🔄 Recycle Bin feature disabled on phone (check in Files app settings) → Settings → Basket).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the built-in basket may not be available.

2.Recovery through MIUI backups

MIUI offers two types of backups: on-premises (on-device) and cloud-based (via Mi Cloud).If you've previously set up reservations, the chances of returning folders are high.

Method 1: Local backup

Local backups are created manually or on schedule and stored in /MIUI/backup/AllBackup to recover data:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select the right backup (orientate by the date of creation).
3. Click Restore and confirm the action.

Method 2: Cloud Mi Cloud

If sync with Mi Cloud has been enabled, check cloud storage:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.

2. Slip on the backup of the device and select the latest copy.

3. Click Restore and wait for the process to be completed.

🔹 Note: The free Mi Cloud tariff only provides 5GB of space. If the backup wasn't created automatically, check if the limit is exceeded.

Disable Wi-Fi (if you are recovering via mobile Internet)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Free up 1-2 GB of memory on the device

Remember the password from the Mi Account (in cloud recovery)-->

3. Use ADB to recover deleted files

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool for working with the Android file system through a computer, which allows you to scan the memory of your phone for deleted folders, even if they do not appear in the file manager.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.

2. Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi:

- Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.

- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.

3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trust in the computer.

4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell


su




cd /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases




sqlite3 external.db




SELECT * FROM files WHERE data LIKE '% folder name%';

Replace the folder name with the remote directory name part, and if the team returns the results, the files still exist on the system and can be retrieved using adb pull.

⚠️ Attention: To work with ADB Root rights are required. Most Xiaomis can get them through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, but this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable system operation.

4.Programs for deep memory scanning

If standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, scan the device's memory at a low level and can recover files even after formatting.

1. DiskDigger (free version)

• 📱 It works without root rights, but with them the efficiency is higher.
• 🖼️ Restores photos, videos, documents (PDF, DOCX).
• ⚠️ The free version does not save files in their original quality.

2. EaseUS MobiSaver (paid, but with trial period)

• 🔍 Supports recovery with Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
• 📂 Restores folders completely, maintaining the structure.
• 💻 Requires a connection to the PC.

3. Dr.Fone (for power users)

• 🛠️ Works with damaged memory sections.
• 📊 Provides a preview of the found files.
• 💰 The full version costs from 50.$.

How to use (for example, DiskDigger):

1. Install the program from Google Play.

2. Run the scan (select Full Scan to search for deleted files).

3. tick the required folders and click Restore.

4. Save files to your PC or cloud (not to your phone!).

Important: No program guarantees 100% recovery, and the longer it has been since the deletion, the greater the risk of losing some of the data.

💡

Before scanning, turn off mobile Internet and Wi-Fi on your phone – this will prevent background recording of data (updates, notifications) that can erase deleted files.

5. Computer recovery (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi doesn’t start or is stuck on the MI logo, but the phone’s memory is physically healthy, you can connect the drive to your PC in Mass Storage mode.

• 🔌 OTG-cable or card reader for microSD (if the folders were on the memory card).
• 💻 Recovery software (e.g. Recuva or TestDisk).
• 🔧 Disassembled phone (for retrieval of memory chip - only for experienced ones!).

Instructions for the memory card:

1. Remove the microSD from the phone and insert it into the card reader.

2. Connect to the PC and start Recuva.

3. Select a memory card drive and start scanning.

4. Upon completion, mark the files found and save them to the computer hard drive.

⚠️ Note: If the phone doesn’t turn on due to firmware damage, try flashing it over Fastboot first (see the forum for instructions for your model). 4PDA or XDA Recovery of data from a dead device is a task for a service center.

6. How to prevent future data loss

The best way to deal with remote folders is prevention, set up automatic backup and sync on Xiaomi to minimize the risks:

1. Enable autosynchronization with Mi Cloud

Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronize and activate options for:

• 📁 Gallery (photo and video)
• 📄 Notes and Documents
• 📱 Contacts and SMS

2.Tune local backups

In Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset Enable:

• 🔄 Automatic backup (weekly).
• 💾 Save it on. SD-card (if any).

3.Use third-party clouds

Install Google Photos (unlimited storage of compressed photos) or Yandex Drive (10 GB free) and set up automatic folder downloads.

4.Install a file manager with a basket

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer have their own recycle bin, where deleted files go, even if they bypass the MIUI system basket.

💡

Combine several backup methods, such as using Mi Cloud for contacts + Google Photos for media files + local backup once a month.

FAQ: Frequent questions about folder recovery on Xiaomi