Deleting an important video from Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a familiar situation. One careless click, and a video of a memorable event, a work presentation or a creative project disappears from the gallery. Fortunately, in 90% of cases, files can be returned — if you act quickly and correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the available recovery methods, from standard MIUI functions to professional utilities, and explain why some methods only work in the first hours after removal.
Redmi Note 7
F2FS
exFAT/FAT32
We tested all of these methods on Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 10-14 firmware and prepared checklists to help avoid typical errors. If the video was recently deleted (less than 24 hours ago), start with the first partition. For old files or after resetting, you will need specialized tools — we will discuss them at the end.
1. Checking the MIUI basket is the first step
Many users don't know that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has a built-in recycle bin that temporarily gets deleted files, and by default it stores data for 30 days, but this period can be changed in the settings.
- Open the Gallery app (flower icon).
- Slip on three horizontal lines in the lower right corner (menu).
- Select the basket item (dumpster icon).
- Find the right video, click on it and select Restore.
If the bin is empty or there is no video, move on to the next method. Importantly, the bin only works for files deleted through the standard gallery. If you used third-party file managers (such as ES Explorer or Total Commander), this method will not work.
Also check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder, where sometimes thumbnails of videos are saved even after the original is deleted, and can't be viewed as a full-fledged video, but they can help identify the lost file.
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If the cart is disabled, turn it on in the gallery settings: Settings → Recycle Bin → Enable the cart. Recommended shelf life is 60 days.
2. Search in MI Cloud and Google Photos backups
Xiaomi and Google automatically back up media files if activated, and you can check them even without root rights or a PC connection.
MI Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud):
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Check if the gallery synchronization is enabled (Gallery section).
- If yes, go to i.mi.com from your PC, log in and go to Gallery → Recycle Bin, where files are stored for up to 60 days.
Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app on your phone.
- Put it on the profile avatar → Recycle Bin. Shelf life is 60 days.
- If the video is not in the cart, check the archive: Library → Archive.
If you don’t have backups but sync has been enabled before, try to restore data through version history:
- On PC, go to Google Drive.
- Find the Google Photos folder → Right-click on the video → Version Management.
⚠️ Note: If you manually deleted video from the cloud (not through the cart), it will not be possible to restore it.
3. Recovery through file manager (no root)
If a video was recently deleted, traces of it could remain in cache or temporary folders, and any file manager with access to system directories, such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer, can be searched.
Instructions:
- Install FX Explorer from the Play Market.
- Open the menu → click Settings → Show hidden files.
- Go to the folders: 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — video miniatures. 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots — Sometimes screenshots from the video are saved here. 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.gallery — gallery-cash.
.mp4
.3gp
.mov
If you find a file without an extension, try opening it through the VLC video player, which recognizes most formats automatically.
Enable the display of hidden folders in the file manager
Check the folders DCIM, Pictures, Download
View the cache of gallery and other multimedia applications
Try to open files without extension VLC-->
4. Deep scanning programs (from PC)
If previous methods didn't work, you'd need to connect the Redmi Note 7 to your computer and use specialized utilities that scan the device's memory at a low level and recover files even if they were deleted months ago.
| Programme | Support for Redmi Note 7 | Need root? | Max. File size. | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | Yes (internal memory and SD) | No (basic scan) | Not limited. | Free (Pro - $15) |
| Recuva | Yes, only. SD-map) | No. | 4GB | Free of charge. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Yes (inner memory) | Yes (for deep scanning) | Not limited. | $50/year |
| 7-Data Recovery | Yes (SD and internal memory) | No. | 2GB | Free of charge. |
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (recommended for beginners):
- Download and install DiskDigger on PC.
- Connect Redmi Note 7 to USB in file transfer mode (MTP).
- Start the program, select the disk (internal memory or SD-map).
- Press Full Scan (full scan) and wait until it is completed (may take 1-3 hours).
- Filter the results by the type of video file and mark the desired videos.
- Press Recover and save them to the PC.
Instructions:
- Get root access using KingRoot or Magisk (instructions for the Redmi Note 7 are available on 4PDA).
- Install Undeleter and give it root rights.
- Select Deep Scan and select the memory partition (usually /data or /sdcard).
- Wait until it is completed (may take a few hours).
- Save the video found on PC.
Warnings:
- ⚠️ Root voids warranty (if the phone is warranty, use other methods).
- ⚠️ Mistakes can lead to the loss of all data.
- ⚠️ On the Redmi Note 7 with firmware MIUI 12+ Getting root harder because of the bootloader lock.
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Root access is a last resort, and if the video isn't critical, it's better to go to a service center than risk the phone's performance.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If the self-propelled attempts fail, the last option is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, using professional equipment (such as UFI Box or Medusa Pro), which can recover data even from damaged memory parts.
What you need to know before your visit:
- 📋 Bring checks or a warranty card (if the phone is guaranteed).
- 💰 The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the complexity.
- ⏳ Recovery period - from 1 to 3 days.
- 🔒 In 90% of cases, data is restored, but if memory is overwritten or physically damaged, the chances drop.
Addresses of service centers can be found on the official website: mi.com/ru/service/center.
Before visiting, do not update the firmware or install new applications – this reduces the chances of success.
7. How to Prevent Video Loss in the Future
The best way to combat data loss is prevention, and here are proven methods to protect your Redmi Note 7 videos:
- ☁️ Automatic Cloud Sync: Enable video downloads to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).
- 📁 Backups to PC: Once a month, connect your phone to your computer and copy your folder DCIM hard-drive.
- 🔄 Use memory card: Save video on microSD (Redmi Note 7 supports cards up to 256 GB). SD recover more easily.
- 🔒 Turn off automatic cleaning: In gallery settings (Settings) → Warehouse → Cleaning) disable the Auto Cleaning option.
- 📱 Install an alternative gallery: Apps like Simple Gallery or QuickPic have a more robust shopping cart.
We also recommend using the Dumpster app (from Play Market) – it creates a backup bin for all deleted files, including videos, and stores them indefinitely.
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Even if the video is permanently deleted, its thumbnail can remain in the cache of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or social networks.