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

Deleting important files from your smartphone is a familiar situation. On Xiaomi with MIUI, you can recover lost data in a number of ways, but success depends on how quickly you start acting. Unlike computers where files often stay on the system even after deleting, mobile devices work differently: the Android operating system can overwrite the freed up space with new data in just a few minutes of active use.

In this article, we'll look at 5 proven recovery methods, from standard MIUI tools to professional utilities that work even after resetting. Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, files deleted more than 30 days ago without a backup, it's almost impossible to return if new data has already been written in their place. But for fresh losses, the chances are high - the main thing is to do it right.

1.Basket check in MIUI: the first step to recovery

Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware has a built-in recycle bin that includes deleted files from the gallery, file manager and some applications, and it’s the easiest way to get back data, but it only works for 30 days — after that, the contents of the recycle bin are automatically cleared.

To check the basket:

• 📁 Open the Files app (File icon on the desktop).
• 🗑️ In the lower menu, tap on the Recycle Bin section (or recently deleted in older versions). MIUI).
• 🔍 Find the desired file, click on it and select Restore.
• 📤 The file will return to the folder from which it was deleted (for example, in the DCIM/Camera photo).

If the cart is empty or there are no files, move to the next method. Note: the Recycle Bin in MIUI does not save files deleted through third-party applications (such as Google Photos or Telegram).

⚠️ Warning: Do not manually clean the bin if you hope to recover files later.Even after recovering some of the data, others may remain in the bin until the 30-day deadline expires.

2.Restore through MIUI and Google backups

If your Xiaomi has automatic backup enabled, the chances of file returns are much higher. MIUI firmware offers two types of backups:

1. Local copies are saved on the device or memory card.
2. Cloud copies are downloaded to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

To recover data from a local copy:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and find the date you want.
3. Click Restore and select data types (photos, contacts, messages, etc.).

For cloud-based copies:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Recovery.
• 📱 Google Drive: Open the app, find the Backups section, and select the device.

If you don't have backups, move to the next section. Remember: Mi Cloud only saves contacts, notes and settings by default - you need to enable separate sync in the gallery for photos and videos.

💡

Before recovering from the cloud, check if there is enough space on the device. If not, free up the memory or transfer the files to the memory card.

3.Use of third-party applications for deep scanning

If the files are not in the recycle bin and there are no backups, the only way to do this is to scan the device's memory using specialized utilities, which look for fragments of deleted data that have not yet been overwritten, and the effectiveness depends on:

• 🕒 The time after the removal (the earlier the better).
• 📱 Smartphone models (on Xiaomi with) UFS 3.1 odds higher than on older eMMC devices).
• 🔄 Device activity (the fewer new files are written, the more likely you are to be).

The best recovery apps on Android:

• 🛠️ DiskDigger – Supports scanning without root rights, but finds more files with them.
• 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in photo and video, has a preview.
• 📁 Recuva (for PC) – if you connect Xiaomi to your computer as a drive.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Download the app from Google Play (or APK from the official website).
2. Run and select Full Scan (requires root for maximum results).
3. Wait until the process is over (it can take up to an hour).
4. Mark the files you need and click Restore.

⚠️ Note: Do not install recovery software on the same memory partition where deleted files were stored. This reduces the chances of success, as new data can overwrite old ones.

Install the application on the memory card (not in internal memory) |

Connect the charger (energy-intensive process)|

Do not interrupt the scan until it is completed.|

Save the recovered files to another media-->

4.Recovery through ADB: for power users

If standard methods don’t work and root rights aren’t available, you can try recovering files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for tech-savvy users and requires a computer.

Preconditions:

• 🖥️ Established ADB-Xiaomi drivers (download from Xiaomi website or via Mi) PC Suite).
• 🔌 Included Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap on the version, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 📡 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Create a backup copy of the data partition (replace) /sdcard/ On the right path: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\
4. To recover deleted files, use the Android Data Recovery utility (works through ADB).

This is a more complex method, but it can sometimes return files that are not found by standard programs, but without root access, you can only recover data that has not been overwritten by the system.

5. Features of recovery on different models Xiaomi

The file recovery process may vary depending on the Xiaomi model and MIUI version. Here are the key nuances for popular lines:

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the recycle bin works differently: files are stored not for 30 days, but for 15 days by default.

1. Open the files. → Basket → ⚙️ Settings.
2. Select Auto Cleanup and set a maximum time limit (up to 60 days).

For models with dynamic memory (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) it is not recommended to use deep scanning, this can lead to system failures.

💡

On flagship models (Xiaomi 13/14), prioritize cloud-based copies – local recovery without root is almost impossible due to hardware encryption.

6. What should I do if nothing has worked?

If all of these methods have not worked, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center – Xiaomi specialists have access to professional recovery tools, but there is no guarantee (especially if the data is overwritten).
2. Lab services – Companies like Kroll Ontrack or DriveSavers recover data from physically damaged drives, but the cost starts from $50-$100.

Before you bring your phone to the service:

• 📌 Check if they work specifically with Xiaomi models (not all centers are taken for Android devices).
• 💰 Ask about the upfront cost – sometimes the recovery costs more than a new smartphone.
• 🔒 Check your privacy: some centers may copy your data.

If files are critical (such as single photos from an important event), the lab is the only chance, and it's easier for ordinary data to accept the loss and set up automatic backups in the future.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t settle for “guaranteed recovery” in questionable services. If data is overwritten, it can’t be returned – this is a physical limitation of flash memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file recovery on Xiaomi