How to return remote SMS to Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: all working methods

Deleted an important message on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro and you don't know how to get it back?The situation is familiar to many: accidentally tapping, resetting settings or a virus could erase SMS that seemed irretrievably lost. Fortunately, even on this budget smartphone from Xiaomi, there are several ways to restore — from standard MIUI features to specialized utilities.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including working with backups, cloud services and PC programs. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of the Redmi 8 Pro: where SMS is stored in the device’s memory, how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI 11/12 and what to do if the phone is not rooted. Importantly, the recovery effectiveness depends on how long it has been since deleting and whether the phone used cache cleaning functions.

If you’re looking for a solution for another Xiaomi model, consider that instructions for the Redmi 8 Pro (codename begonia) may differ from methods for the Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 due to differences in firmware and hardware platform. For example, Redmi 8 Pro has defaulted to disable system folders through the file manager, making manual recovery difficult.

1. Checking the messaging basket in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi added a shopping cart feature to the standard Messages app, similar to that of email clients, where remote SMS is stored there for 30 days before final erasure. Here's how to check this section:

Open the Messages app → tap three points in the upper right corner → Select the Recycle Bin. If the message is on the list, restore it by swipe to the left or through the menu (icon) ⋮ → Restore).

• 📱 It works without root and additional programs.
• ⏳ Storage time: up to 30 days (configured in Settings) → Basket).
• ⚠️ If the basket is empty, proceed to the following methods.

On the Redmi 8 Pro with firmware below MIUI 12.0.3, the basket may not be available. Update through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

2.Restore from MIUI backup

If your Redmi 8 Pro has automatic backup enabled, the chances of returning SMS are increased. MIUI Backup saves messages to the cloud or locally.

Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backups. If there is an actual copy (see the date of creation in the file name), tap on it → Restore → Select Messages.

⚠️ Note: When recovering from backup, current SMS First, export important messages manually (see section 4).

• ☁️ Cloud copies are stored in Mi Cloud (requires a Xiaomi account).
• 📁 Local copies are in the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup (Viewing is possible through a Explorer or PC).
• 🔄 If the copy is old, restore it only. SMS, tick off other data.

If you don’t have backups, go to method 3. But first check if automatic backup is disabled: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Device Backup.

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To avoid data loss in the future, enable weekly backups to Mi Cloud. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Automatically and select frequency.

3. Use of specialized programs for PCs

If the cart is empty and there are no backups, connect Redmi 8 Pro to your computer and use data recovery software.

Instructions for Dr.Fone (similar to other programs):

1. Install the program on your PC and connect Redmi 8 Pro over USB.
2. Turn it on. USB-Debugging on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Run the scan in Dr.Fone (select Messages).
4. After completion, mark the necessary SMS and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Don't save the recovered data back to your phone - use a PC or cloud. SMS memory.

If programs don’t find messages, it could mean:

• 🗑️ Data was overwritten with new files (photos, applications).
• 🔒 Encryption is enabled on the phone (check in Settings). → Security → Encryption).
• 📵 USB-Debugging is unstable (try another cable or port).

Turn on USB-debugging|Install Xiaomi drivers (if the PC does not recognize the phone)|Charge your phone at least 30 times%|Do not connect your phone to other devices during scanning-->

4. Manual recovery through the file system (for experienced)

SMS on Redmi 8 Pro is stored in the mmssms.db database along the way:

/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

This folder is only accessible with root rights or through ADB (without root, only reading some metadata). If you have root, use Root Explorer or SQLite Editor to extract data.

Try the following method using ADB (works on MIUI 11-12):

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Connect the phone and execute in the command line: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db (if Permission denied error appears, root is required).
3. Open the downloaded file mmssms.db via DB Browser for SQLite and export the sms table.

If ADB doesn't work, the alternative is TWRP Recovery, which allows you to create an /data partition image and analyze it on your PC.

5. Appeal to the communications operator

If SMS was critical (e.g., contained confirmation codes or legal information), you can request them from the operator.The service is paid and does not guarantee 100% result, but some providers store message logs for up to 3 months.

Instructions for popular operators:

• 📡 MTS: Call 111 and request "Details statement on the SMS". Cost — ~200 ₽.
• 📡 Beeline: Dial it up *110*456# Or go to the salon, the logs are stored — 90 days.
• 📡 MegaFon: Message Archive service (activated via *105#) Price: 3 ₽/storage.
• 📡 Tele2: Details by SMS Only available through a personal account or office.

⚠️ Note: Operators provide only metadata (number, time, sometimes the beginning of text), but not the full text of the message. SMS This method is not suitable.

For corporate clients (for example, if SMS was working), some operators offer advanced logs.

• MTS: 0890
• Beeline: 0611
• MegaFon: 0500

How to Prevent SMS Loss in the Future

To avoid looking for recovery options, set up Redmi 8 Pro to automatically save messages:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Enable synchronization SMS In Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Communications.
• 📤 Export to file: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (Saves in the XML Google Drive).
• 📧 Email forwarding: Set up automatic forwarding of important SMS through IFTTT Tasker.
• 🔄 Backup copies MIUI: Start manual copying before resetting settings (Settings) → Backup).

For business users, we recommend Google Messages with the archiving function in Google Drive. The application automatically saves SMS to the cloud and allows you to search for them by keywords.

If you have custom firmware installed on your phone (like LineageOS), use Titanium Backup (requires root) to create complete backups of system data, including SMS.

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The most reliable way is to combine Mi Cloud + local backups via SMS Backup & Restore, which covers the risk of data loss when a phone is dropped or broken.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS recovery