Recovery of Remote SMS on Xiaomi Redmi 9: From Backups to Deep Scanning

You're not alone: according to statistics, one in three smartphone users at least once lost an SMS due to accidental clicking, resetting or a virus attack. Fortunately, you can restore deleted SMS on Redmi 9 even without special skills - the main thing is to act quickly and use the right tools.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working methods, from standard MIUI features to professional utilities like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, how to return messages via Google Drive, why Xiaomi Cloud backups don’t always save you, and what to do if your phone isn’t rooted, and the only way to restore SMS after a full hard reset, which is not even in service centers.

Importantly, the odds of success depend on how long it's been since you deleted it, and the sooner you start to restore it, the more likely you are to return 100% of the data, and let's start with the simplest thing, which is to check backups.

1. Recovery through MIUI backup (fastest method)

Xiaomi Redmi 9 automatically backs up SMS if sync with Mi Account is enabled, which works even if you deleted messages a few days ago – as long as you make a copy before you delete them.

To check for backup:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Backup.
2. Check the date of the last copy in the Local Backups or Xiaomi Cloud section.
3. If you have a copy, click Restore and select the desired date.

⚠️ Attention: when recovering from backup MIUI current SMS Save important messages manually (e.g., send them to your own mail) before starting the procedure.

If you don’t have local copies or they’re outdated, try the cloud.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
• 🔄 Make sure the SMS switch is active (green).
• 📥 Click Restore Data and select the latest sync.

Spoiler: Mi Cloud only stores SMS for 30 days, and if you deleted messages earlier, this method won't work.

2. Restore via Google Drive (if sync is enabled)

Many Redmi 9 users don’t know that Google automatically backs up SMS if the app data backup option is enabled in your account settings. This works even without root permissions!

How to restore:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Make sure that backup is enabled and the last copy is made before the SMS is deleted.
3. Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Resetting).
4. When you first set up after reset, select Restore from Google Drive.

⚠️ Warning: This method deletes all current data on your phone! Use it only if:

• 🔹 You do not have important information on your device (or it is stored separately).
• 🔹 The last copy in Google Drive is fresh (maximum 1-2 weeks ago).
• 🔹 You are ready to reconfigure your phone (install applications, log in to accounts).

3. Software for SMS recovery without root rights

If you don't have backups or they're outdated, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested the top 3 programs for Redmi 9 that don't have root access:

Step-by-step instructions for EaseUS MobiSaver (the most reliable option):

Download the program from the official website|Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB (set up the debugging USB)|Select the data type "Messages"|Press "Scan"|Look at the ones we found. SMS and press "Restore"-->

🔹 Important: before scanning, do not install new applications or save files to your phone - this can overwrite remote ones. SMS!

If programs don’t find messages, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Data overwriting - new SMS or updates to apps erase old ones.
• 🛠️ Memory Fragmentation – Redmi 9 uses eMMC, which is worse than the memory of deleted data UFS.
• ⏳ After 2-3 weeks, the chances of recovery are close to zero.

4. Restoration with root rights (for power users)

If your Redmi 9 has root access, the chances of returning SMS are 80-90%, because with root rights, programs gain access to system files that store traces of deleted messages.

The best utilities for rooted devices:

• 📱 Undeleter Recover Files & Data – Scanning /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db.
• 💻 DiskDigger - looking for SMS Even after formatting (requires a PC connection).
• 🔧 TWRP + Nandroid Backup – If you have custom recavery, restore backup through it.

⚠️ Attention: getting root rights to Redmi 9 resets all data and can deprive you of warranties.

Instructions for Undeleter:

1. Install the program from Google Play.
2. Provide root access (if requested).
3. Select the Messages section and click Deep Scan.
4. After completion, mark the necessary SMS and click Restore.

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If you are recovering SMS after resetting, first check the /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/ folder – it may have a backup from the custom recavator.

5. Recovery after hard reset (emergency method)

If you've done a full hard reset and you haven't saved backups, the chances of returning SMS are minimal, but there's one way to work, using specialized services like Oxygen Forensic Detective or Cellebrite, which are used by service centers and law enforcement.

How it works:

• 🔍 The program scans. RAW-Phone memory at a low level.
• 📊 Restores fragments of the database SMS (mmssms.db).
• 💰 The cost of the service is from 5 000 to 15 000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the service).

Where to order:

• 🏢 Xiaomi Service Centers (officially not engaged in data recovery, but can advise partners).
• 🔧 Digital forensics labs (search for "Data Recovery from Android" on request").
• 🌍 Overseas services (e.g. DriveSavers or Secure Data Recovery).

⚠️ Warning: before contacting the service do not turn on the phone and do not connect it to the charger - this can overwrite the remaining data!

6. How to prevent future loss of SMS

To avoid losing important messages, set up automatic backups on Redmi 9:

Enable synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → SMS)|Activate Google Backup (Settings) → Google → Backup)|Install the app SMS Backup & Restore for additional copies|Export important SMS manually (open the message) → ⋮ → "Exports")-->

Also useful:

• 📤 Export SMS into XML once a month (through SMS Backup & Restore).
• ☁️ Use cloud services like Dropbox or Yandex Drive to store copies.
• 📧 Send important messages to the mail (for this purpose in the mail) SMS-Select the message in the application → Share. → Gmail).

💡 Tip: If you lose data often, consider buying a Redmi 9c UFS 2.1 instead of eMMC 5.1, this memory is better at storing deleted files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recovery SMS on the Redmi 9

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If you deleted SMS less than a week ago, start by checking backups in Mi Cloud and Google Drive. If you don't have copies, use EaseUS MobiSaver or Dr.Fone. For root-access phones, the odds of success are 30-40% higher.