Recovering deleted files on Xiaomi: from the Recycle Bin to deep scanning

Why Xiaomi files are “disappearing” and can they be returned?

You delete a photo, document or video on a Xiaomi smartphone -- and then you realize you needed it -- and it's familiar to many people. Unlike computers where files first go to the trash, on Android (including Redmi, POCO or Mi), the deletion mechanism works differently: data is often erased immediately, without any storage in between, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to recover it.

The reason for the "disappearance" of files lies in the features of the F2FS/ext4 file system used by modern Xiaomi smartphones. When you delete the information is not physically erased, just frees up space for new data. Until other files are written on top of the "deleted" files, they can be returned using built-in tools or third-party utilities, the main thing is to act quickly and not save new files to the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven recovery methods, from simple (Mi File Manager Recycle Bin) to complex (ADB and deep memory scanning), and explain why some methods only work on rooted devices, and what to do if the file was deleted long ago.

Method 1: Checking the basket in Mi File Manager

The fastest way to return deleted files is to look into the recycle bin of Xiaomi’s standard file manager, but it doesn’t always work: the recycle bin is only available if files have been deleted through Mi File Manager (not through a gallery or third-party apps) and if no more than 30 days have passed since the deletion (the default storage period).

How to check:

• 📂 Open the Files app (File icon on the desktop).
• 🗑️ In the bottom menu, tap on the basket tab (if it is not – your model does not support the function).
• 🔍 Find the desired file, click on it and select Restore.
• 📲 The file will return to the original folder (for example, in the DCIM/Camera photo).

If the basket is empty or there is no tab at all, go to the following ways. On devices with MIUI 12 and later, the basket can be disabled by default - check the settings of the file manager in the Settings → Recycle Bin section.

Method 2: Restore from Mi Cloud backup

If your Xiaomi has automatic backup enabled in Mi Cloud, the chances of returning files are much higher. Xiaomi cloud saves not only contacts and notes, but also photos, videos, and sometimes documents.

• 📱 Backups are created only if the function is activated in Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• 📅 Data is stored every 24 hours (when connected to Wi-Fi).
• 💾 Free only available 5GB – if the place is over, old copies are overwritten.

Instructions for remediation:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the Backup section and tap on the latest copy.
3. Find the Files or Gallery category (depending on the type of content removed).
4. Mark the files you need and click Restore.

If the cloud doesn't have the data you need, check Google Photos, which automatically syncs media files even if Mi Cloud backup is disabled. Go to the Google Photos app, open the menu, and select Recycle Bin, which stores files for up to 60 days.

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Before recovering from Mi Cloud, make sure there is enough space on the device. If the memory is full, the process may be interrupted.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (without root)

If the files are not in the cart and there is no backup, specialized utilities for data recovery will come to the rescue.

• 🔧 DiskDigger – scans internal memory and microSD card, supports recovery of photos, videos and documents.
• 📱 Dumpster – analogue of the shopping cart for Android, works as a background service and saves deleted files.
• 🖼️ Recuva (for PC) – if you connect Xiaomi to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP).

Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and select Start basic scan (without root).
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).
4. Tag the files found and click Restore by selecting a folder to save (such as Download).

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Without root rights, applications only see unencrypted data.
• ⚠️ Recovered files can be damaged (especially video).
• ⚠️ The more time has passed since the removal, the lower the chances of success.

Method 4: Deep scanning with root rights

If your Xiaomi is rooted (has superuser rights), the chances of recovery are multiplied. Root allows programs to access raw memory areas, where even after formatting, fragments of data can remain.

• 🛠️ Undeleter – scans memory at a low level, restores files by signatures.
• 🔍 Hex Editor – for power users, allows you to manually search for pieces of data.
• 💻 PhotoRec (via ADB) — console utility with maximum scan depth.

Example of Undeleter:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. Select a partition to scan (e.g. /data for internal memory).
3. Start a deep scan (may take several hours).
4. Save the files found to a microSD card or to the cloud.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Rooting a Xiaomi device is warranty-free and can lead to unstable system operation. Before using root programs, create a full backup through the system. TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Do not save the recovered files to the same memory from which they were deleted – this will lead to overwriting of the remaining data.

Check for root rights (Magisk app)

Create a backup copy through TWRP

Connect the charger (energy-intensive process)

Use a microSD card to save files-->

Method 5: Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try extracting data through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to interact with the device’s file system directly, which requires command line skills, but sometimes saves you even without root.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Recovery teams:

adb shell


su (if there is root)




cd /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases




sqlite3 external-.db "SELECT  FROM files;" > /sdcard/recovery_list.txt

This command exports a list of deleted media files to a text file on the memory card, and it requires additional manipulations with dd or specialized utilities like Scalpel to recover the files themselves.

Alternatively, use ADB Backup:

adb backup -f C:\backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all

This command will back up all of your device data (except for system applications), but it’s hard to recover individual files from it, requiring you to convert.ab to readable format using Android Backup Extractor.

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ADB-The methods are only effective if the files have been deleted recently and the fragments have not yet been overwritten.

What to do if nothing works: alternative solutions

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Contacting a service center – some workshops offer data recovery services using professional equipment (for example, Chip-Off or other services). JTAG). Cost: from 3 000 to 15 000 rubles.
• 💽 Removing a memory chip is an extreme method in which a memory chip eMMC/UFS They solder and read data on a programmer, suitable for mission-critical files.
• 📦 Checking other devices – it is possible that the files were synced to Google Drive, Dropbox or sent via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).

If a file has been deleted from a microSD card, try connecting it to your computer and scanning it with TestDisk or R-Studio. Memory cards are easier to recover than your smartphone's internal drive, as they don't use encryption.

Is it worth spending time and money on recovery?

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi