Accidentally deleted a video from a vacation, an important event record or archived clips with Xiaomi Redmi? Don't panic: 80 percent of the time, files can be returned even if you've cleaned your cart or formatted your memory card. The problem is that most users start looking for solutions after they've overwritten data with new files, which critically reduces the chances of success.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to recover video on Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi A2/A1, POCO X5/X4 and other models on MIUI. From simple methods (check cloud copies) to complex ones (use ADB and root rights).
🔹 Key point: Deleted videos don't disappear instantly -- the system just labels their disk space as "free." Until those sectors are overwritten with new data, files are recoverable. But with every hour of phone use, the odds drop by 10 to 15%.
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1. Checking the basket and built-in MIUI tools
The first thing to do is check the built-in Recycle Bin in the Gallery or Files app. In MIUI 14/13, deleted videos are stored there for up to 30 days (the default setting), but many users are unaware of this or accidentally clear the Recycle Bin.
How to check:
- 📁 Open the Gallery app → tap three points in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
- 🔍 If there is no video, try Files (Folder Icon) → Categories → Basket.
- 🔄 In some firmware, the basket is hidden: go to the Gallery Settings → General. → Turn on the option to show the basket.
Nuance for Redmi with a memory card: If the video was stored on SD-map, the cart can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Warehouse → Settings SD-map → Turn on the basket.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the basket MIUI The last one only stores files for 60 days and requires active synchronization. If you haven't used Google Photos, there won't be any video there.
Stop using the phone for new records
Do not install/remove applications
Do not format a memory card
Move to the next recovery method-->
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2. Recovery through cloud services: Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive
If your Redmi had cloud sync enabled, the videos could have been saved automatically.
| Service | Where to find | Storage period | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Photo | photos.google.com → Cart or Archive | 60 days in the basket, indefinite in the archives | Requires login under the same Google account as on your phone |
| Mi Cloud | i.mi.com → Gallery → Deleted files | 30 days | Only works if you have enabled the option to backup the gallery in Settings → Mi Account |
| Yandex Disk | App → Cart or Autoboot → Video | 30 days in the basket | Syncs only files from the DCIM/Camera folder by default |
How to recover from Google Photos:
- Open photos.google.com on your PC or in your phone browser.
- From the menu on the left, select the Recycle Bin (if the video has been recently deleted) or Archive (if it has been archived).
- Find the file you want, highlight it and click Restore.
Important: If the video was deleted more than 60 days ago but you pay for Google One, contact support - they can recover data from the last 6 months.
Google Photo
Mi Cloud
Yandex Disk
Other (write in the comments)
I don't use clouds.-->
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3. Use of specialized programs (without root)
If the video is not found in the cart or cloud, it is time to move to software recovery. For Xiaomi Redmi without root rights, the following utilities will suit (checked on MIUI 14/13):
- 🛠️ DiskDigger scans the internal memory and SD-The free version shows a video preview, but you need to buy a Pro to save it.
- 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver – Supports Recovery from Xiaomi USB-There's a Russian interface.
- 📱 Dumpster is an alternative basket that runs parallel to the system.
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:
- Download DiskDigger from Google Play.
- Launch the app and select Full Scan (takes more time but finds more files).
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take 1-2 hours for 128 GB of memory).
- Filter the results by video type and mark the desired files.
- Click Restore and save the video to another medium (not the same Redmi!).
⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered videos back to your phone, this can overwrite the remaining deleted files. Use the cloud, PC or other SD-map.
For SD-If the video was stored on an external drive, remove it from your phone and connect it to your PC via a card reader. Use Recuva (Windows) or PhotoRec (macOS/Linux) scan.
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Before scanning, turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi on your phone – this will prevent new data from being written into memory.
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4. Recovery with ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can try extracting videos via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn’t require root rights, but requires a command line.
What you need:
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Backup the section with the video (for example, /sdcard/DCIM/Camera): adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera C:\Redmi_Backup\ Replace the path with one that is relevant to your model.
- Use PhotoRec or TestDisk to scan the resulting copy.
Limitations of the method:
- Not all videos can be retrieved (depending on memory fragmentation).
- Files can be corrupted if their sectors are partially overwritten.
- Some Redmis with MIUI 14 require OEM Unlock unlocking.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
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5. Deep scanning with root rights (maximum efficiency)
If the videos are critical (e.g., court evidence or unique footage), it is worth considering root-access recovery, which gives access to low-level memory areas where fragments of deleted files can remain.
How to get root on Xiaomi Redmi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires a Mi Account binding and waits 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
- Run Magisk through TWRP.
Recovery programs with root:
- 🛠️ Undeleter Recover Files & Data – scans deep memory layers, restores video in original quality.
- 🔍 GT Recovery – Supports recovery from external SD-maps and internal memory.
- 📱 Hexamob Recovery – works with damaged partitions (for example, after resetting settings).
⚠️ Attention: Getting root rights voids Xiaomi's warranty and can lead to unstable system operation. MIUI 14 and later unlocking the bootloader erases all data (fastboot oem unlock).
Alternative for unblocked phones: If you don’t want to lose your warranty, contact Xiaomi’s service center for data recovery. They have specialized equipment (such as Chip-Off) that reads information directly from the memory chip.
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Root access increases the chances of recovery by up to 90%, but requires technical skills and risks data on the phone.
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6. Recovery after resetting settings or firmware
If you've done a hard reset or reflashed your phone, the chances of getting a video back drop dramatically, but there are a few nuances:
- 📦 Fastboot firmware completely overwrites the userdata partition, but sometimes snippets of files remain in unused sectors.
- 🔧 Firmware through Recovery (for example, TWRP) It can leave some areas of memory intact.
What can be done:
- Do not write new data to your phone after resetting.
- Connect Redmi to your PC and use PhotoRec to scan the entire drive (\\.\PhysicalDriveN).
- If the phone doesn’t turn on, remove the eMMC chip and connect it to the programmer (requires hardware).
Cost of professional recovery:
| Type of damage | Cost (₽) | Time. | Chances of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical removal (without reset) | 1 500–3 000 | 1-2 days | 80–90% |
| After resetting the settings | 3 000–6 000 | 2-4 days | 40–60% |
| After the firmware through Fastboot | 5 000–10 000 | 3-7 days | 20–40% |
| Physical memory damage | 10 000–30 000 | 5-14 days | 10–30% |
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7.Prevention: How to Avoid Losing Video in the Future
The best way to keep your video alive is to automate your backup. On Xiaomi Redmi, you can do this in a number of ways:
- ☁️ Autoboot in Google Photos: Open Google Photos → tap on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup and sync. Turn on the option and select Original Quality (if it is important to save video without compression).
Local Copying on PC
adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera D:\Xiaomi_Backup\Video\Task Scheduler
cron
Mi Cloud
Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device → Gallery
Additional measures:
- 📵 Use it. SD-class A2/U3 Video recording – it is less prone to failures.
- 🔋 Do not shoot videos with low battery charge (<15%) — This can cause damage to the file.
- 🛡️ Install AppLock to protect the Gallery from accidental removal.
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Regular backup saves 99% of lost data problems. Set up automatic sync to at least one cloud!
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