Recovering deleted files on Xiaomi smartphones: from the basket to deep scanning

You deleted a vacation photo, an important document or a video from Xiaomi -- and then you realized you needed it? It's a familiar situation. Fortunately, even after you cleared the memory, you still have a chance to get it back if you act quickly and correctly. In this article, we'll look at all the recovery options available, from standard MIUI features to professional utilities, and explain why sometimes files are returned partially or with distortions.

The rule is, the less you use your smartphone after deleting it, the more likely you are to succeed. When you delete a file, the system doesn't physically erase it, it just marks the memory area as free. New data can overwrite old data, so don't install programs, shoot videos, or update apps until you try to recover what you've lost.

We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO X5 Pro models with the latest MIUI 14/15 (based on Android 13/14). Instructions are valid for older devices as well, but some features (such as the MIUI Recycle Bin) may not be available on firmware below MIUI 12.

1. Check out MIUI basket - the fastest way

Modern versions of MIUI automatically send deleted files to an internal bin, where they are stored for 7 to 30 days (depending on the model), including photos, videos, documents and even some types of archives.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. In the bottom menu, tap on the basket (dumpster icon).
3. Find the file you want, click on it and select Restore.

If the file is empty or the file is not there, then:

• 🗑️ You cleaned the basket manually (or it automatically cleaned after the expiration date).
• 📁 The file was deleted not through Files, but through another application (for example, Google Photos or Gallery).
• 🔧 Recycle cart function is disabled on your device (less common on older models).

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If the Recycle Bin is not on the menu, try updating the Files app via Google Play or enable it in the settings: Settings → Storage → Recycle Bin → Enable (the path may be different).

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the basket may be hidden to activate:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Files → Permissions → Memory → Allow

2. Recovery via Google Photos (for media files)

If you use Google Photos to back up, deleted images and videos can be returned within 60 days, and this method works even if the file has been erased from a memory card or internal drive.

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → Cart.
3. Select the files you need and click Restore.

Please note:

• 📸 Recovered files will return to the same folder from which they were deleted (for example, Camera or Screenshots).
• ☁️ If backup has been disabled, this method will not work.
• 🔄 Files deleted more than 60 days ago cannot be returned via Google Photos – they are irretrievably erased from servers.

If you don’t remember if backup was enabled, check:

Settings → Google → Backup → Photos and videos

If the switch is active, the files may have been saved to the cloud.

3.Use Mi Cloud – backup from Xiaomi

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically stores contacts, notes, photos, and even some system settings. If you’re logged in to Mi-account and enabled synchronization, the chances of getting your data back are high.

How to check:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi-account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down to the Device Backup section.
3. Select the last copy and click Restore (you can select individual data types).

Important nuances:

• 🔒 Recovery will require the same Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 📱 Recovery is possible only on the same device or model with a similar firmware.
• ⏳ The process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours (depending on the amount of data).

If there is no backup, check:

Settings → Mi-account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Settings → Automatic Backup

If the feature was disabled, the cloud did not save your data.

4. Deep scanning programs (without root)

If standard methods didn't work, you'd have to use third-party tools that scan the device's memory at the binary level and can find files even after formatting. We tested 5 popular programs -- DiskDigger and EaseUS MobiSaver showed the best results.

Top.-3 recovery:

Instructions for DiskDigger (the most versatile option):

1. Download and install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and select Start basic scanning (without root).
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
4. View the files found, mark the necessary ones and click Restore.

Battery charge > 50%|Disable Wi-Fi and Mobile Data|Do not run other applications|Save recovered files on PC, not phone-->

Important! The free version of DiskDigger allows you to recover only low-resolution files (for photos) or a limited amount of data. Full recovery will require a premium version.

⚠️ Note: If the program offers "deep scanning" with the requirement of root rights, be careful. getting root on modern Xiaomi can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the application. MIUI (For example, the failure of Google Pay or the bank account Mi).

5. Recovery from a memory card (microSD)

If files have been deleted from a memory card, the chances of recovery are higher because it is not used to write system data, both mobile applications (DiskDigger) and desktop utilities (Recuva, PhotoRec) will help.

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva (Windows):

1. Remove the memory card from your phone and connect it to your PC via a card reader.
2. Download and install Recuva (free version).
3. Start the program, select the file type (such as Images) and specify the path to the memory card.
4. Start scanning. Once completed, mark the files for recovery.

Features of working with maps:

• 📱 Do not use the card on your phone after deleting – each new file reduces the chances of recovery.
• 🔍 If the map is formatted, select the Recuva mode Deep Analysis (takes more time).
• 💾 Save the recovered files to your PC hard drive, not back to the card.

For MacOS, Disk Drill is suitable - it supports the exFAT file system, which is often used by memory cards with a capacity of more than 32 GB.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center. Specialists can extract data using professional equipment (for example, Chip-Off or other equipment). JTAG). It's expensive (from 5,000). ₽), Sometimes the only way to get back critical files.
2. Try recovery through ADB (for power users) This method requires command line skills and does not guarantee results, but sometimes helps to extract files from damaged partitions of memory.

For recovery through ADB:

adb pull /data/media/0/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Recovery


adb shell "ls -la /data/media/0/"

These commands copy the contents of the DCIM folder (where photos and videos are stored) to your computer, and change the path to the right one if you're looking for other files.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can harm the system if you're incorrectly typed, don't use them unless you're sure you're doing something, and it won't work if you're using the security on the device. MIUI (It blocks access to system folders).

If you choose to use the service, choose proven centers with equipment to work with eMMC drives (they are used in Xiaomi smartphones). ₽ — it's often a scam.

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The faster you start recovery, the better the chances of success. After deleting a file, avoid writing new data to your device, which is a key factor!

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi