How to recover deleted SMS on Xiaomi Redmi phone: the complete guide

Accidentally deleting important messages on a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone can be a real problem, especially when it comes to confirmation codes from banks or correspondence with important customers. Owners of devices based on MIUI often face the question of whether it is possible to return lost data, and the answer depends on whether you have time to set up backup in advance. Modern Android systems have a complex architecture of data storage, where deleted information is marked as free space, but can physically remain on the media until the time of overwriting.

Message recovery can be done in a number of ways, from standard cloud services to the use of specialized software for deep memory scanning. It is critical to understand that the success of an operation depends on the time elapsed since deletion and the activity of using the phone after an incident. The less new data you write to the device, the better the chances of returning lost information without loss of quality.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from the built-in functions of the Xiaomi ecosystem to the advanced techniques of working with the database mmsms.db. You will learn how to properly configure synchronization to avoid similar situations in the future, and which programs really work in 2026.

Checking the cloud storage Mi Cloud

The first and most logical step for Xiaomi smartphone owners is to check the Mi Cloud service. The company has integrated the function of synchronizing messages deep into the MIUI shell, and often users do not even suspect that their correspondence was automatically saved.

In the cloud storage interface, you should select the Messages or SMS section. If the sync slider was active at the time of deletion, you will see a list of all saved messages, restore automatically when you re-authorize on the phone, or you can selectively copy the desired text, but you should consider that free space is limited, and old messages could be replaced by new ones.

⚠️ Note: If you have enabled two-factor authentication, make sure you have access to your phone number or backup codes, otherwise your Mi Cloud login may be blocked.

It is important to check your sync settings to see if the save mechanism was working in the background. Often users turn off this option to save traffic or space without even noticing it. Check the Settings path → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure the switch opposite Messages is green. If it was turned off, this method, alas, will not help, and you will have to look for alternatives.

Recovery via Google Drive and Google One

An alternative and often more reliable way is to use the Google ecosystem. Android’s default operating system offers backups of data, including SMS and MMS, on Google Drive. This method is good because the data is tied to your email account and is independent of the smartphone manufacturer’s services. To check for a backup, go to Settings → Google → Backup.

Here you'll see the date of the last saved copy and the list of devices for which it's relevant. If the date corresponds to the time before the messages are deleted, you can restore them. However, unlike Mi Cloud, Google doesn't allow you to just "look" inside the archive and pull out a single message. The recovery process requires a complete device reset or initial setup after purchase, when the system suggests downloading data from the cloud.

There's a nuance with the Google One app that manages storage.In some shell versions, there's a nuance. MIUI settings may be duplicated or conflicted. Make sure that the Google One app activates the item «SMS-If you choose to use this method, prepare yourself for the fact that all current data on the phone will be replaced by data from the archive.

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Before performing a full reset to recover from Google Drive, be sure to make a local copy of current important photos and files to your computer so as not to lose new data.

Use of local MIUI backups

Shell MIUI has a powerful built-in tool for creating local backups that stores data in the memory of the phone or on the phone SD-This is ideal if you're used to making regular manual copies of the system, and the local archive contains not only messages, but also a call log, settings, and application data. → The phone. → Reservation and rehabilitation.

If you find a file here with a date prior to the data loss, the recovery process will take only a few minutes. The system will suggest choosing the type of data to return - tick "Messages." It is important to understand that the recovery from a local copy will overwrite the current messages on the phone with those that were in the archive, which means that all correspondence received after the date of creation of the backup will be lost unless you make a preliminary copy of the current state.

For advanced users, it is possible to extract specific messages from a backup file without completely overwriting the system, but this requires root rights and knowledge of the file structure. Backup files usually have the.bak extension and are located in the hidden folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup. Working with them through the file manager allows you to copy the archive to a computer for secure storage.

Specialized software for data recovery

When cloud services are empty, third-party PC programs like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or DroidKit come to the rescue, scanning the device’s internal memory for residual database files, and searching for “traces” of deleted information that has not yet been overwritten by new data, depending on root access.

Without super-user rights, programs can only show surface results or require pre-routing of the device, which is a risky procedure. The algorithm of actions is usually simple: installing the program on a computer, connecting a smartphone over USB, enabling debugging and starting scans. The process can take from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of memory.

It’s worth noting that most quality software is paid. The free versions often only allow you to scan the device and show a preview of the messages found, but require payment to actually restore them. Before you buy a license, use the demo mode to make sure that the program really “sees” your deleted SMS.

⚠️ Warning: Using questionable free software from unverified sources can lead to identity theft or virus installation on your computer and phone.

Manually working with SMS database

For technically trained users, there is a direct way to work with the system message database, which is stored in the file mmsms.db. /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/. This directory is only accessible if you have root rights, and if you have superuser rights, you can copy that file to your computer and open it with the SQLite editor.

Inside the database, messages are stored in the sms table. Deleted records are often marked with the deleted flag, but physically remain in the file until the operation is performed. VACUUM (base compression. SQL-requests, you can try to find and retrieve those marked as deleted records. This is a complex method that requires caution, since improper editing of system files can lead to the failure of the Messages application».

SELECT * FROM sms WHERE deleted = 1;

An example is provided above. SQL-It's a query that can help you find deleted records if they haven't been permanently erased by the system, but it's not enough to find a record, you have to be able to embed it back into an active database, which requires a deep knowledge of the Android structure. For the average user, this method may seem unnecessarily complex, but for data recovery experts, it is one of the most effective tools available.

Table of comparison of recovery methods

To make it easier for you to navigate the way data is returned, we have prepared a comparative table that will help you quickly assess the pros and cons of each method in your particular situation.

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The most reliable way is to create local copies regularly or set up automatic sync with the cloud before problems arise.

Preventing Data Loss in the Future

To never face the painful issue of recovery again, an automatic data retention process is needed. Xiaomi Redmi owners are advised to set up a weekly backup to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.This will take a couple of minutes of setup, but save hours of nerves at a critical moment.

Also worth considering is the use of third-party SMS applications, such as QKSMS or Textra, which have their own system-independent cloud backup systems.These applications often allow you to export correspondence in XML or JSON format, making data readable on any device. Regularly exporting important dialogs to a computer or external drive is the “gold standard” for information security.

Remember that information is a valuable asset. In the digital age, losing access to confirmation codes can mean losing access to bank accounts and personal accounts. Don't neglect simple digital hygiene rules, and your smartphone will always be a reliable assistant, not a source of problems.

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Use SMS duplicate applications that automatically send copies of incoming messages with confirmation codes to your email, which will create an independent archive of security codes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)