Deleting an important video from Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a familiar situation. One careless click and a video of a memorable event disappears from the gallery. But don't panic: 80 percent of the time, files can be returned if you act quickly and correctly. The main mistake users make is to continue to actively use the phone after deleting, which leads to overwriting the space with new data.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to restore video on Redmi 7 – from standard features. MIUI We will focus on the nuances of working with internal memory and microSD, and explain why some methods work only in the first hours after deletion, you will learn how to circumvent the limitations of the system and increase the chances of successful file returns.
1.Basket check MIUI: first step in recovery
Modern versions MIUI (Starting with 12, they have a built-in recycle bin where deleted files temporarily go. On Redmi 7 with factory firmware, this feature can be disabled by default, but it is easy to activate. The recycle bin stores files for 7 to 30 days depending on the settings.
To check the basket:
- 📁 Open the Gallery app (or Files)
- 🔍 Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket
- 🔄 Find the right video, click on it and select Restore.
- 📥 The file will return to the original folder (usually) DCIM/Camera or Movies)
If the cart is empty, it doesn't mean that the video is permanently lost, but it may have been disabled in the settings to enable it:
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Basket
- Activate the slider Include the basket
- Set a storage period (recommended 30 days)
⚠️ Note: If you were manually cleaning the cart through Settings → Warehouse → Clear, Files are Deleted Permanently and Require Other Recovery Methods.
2. Recovery through cloud services: Mi Cloud and Google Photos
If your Redmi 7 has been enabled to sync with the cloud, the chances of returning videos are much higher.Mi Cloud and Google Photos automatically reserve media files, but there are important nuances:
Mi Cloud (Xiaomi's built-in cloud):
- 🌥️ Check if synchronization has been enabled: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery
- 🔗 If yes, go to i.mi.com from your PC, log in and check the Deleted Files folder (stored for 30 days)
- 📤 To recover, click on the video → Restore → Select the device
Google Photos (if used):
- 🖼️ Open the app or go to photos.google.com
- 🗑️ Select the Recycle Bin (files are stored for 60 days)
- 🔄 Find the video, click on three dots. → Restore
| Service | Retention period of deleted files | Max. Free Storage Volume | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | 30 days | 5GB | Xiaomi account requires synchronization manually |
| Google Photo | 60 days | 15 GB (shared with Gmail and Disk) | Automatic synchronization with backup enabled |
| Yandex Disc. | 30 days | 10GB | Requires manual download or autosynchronization through the app |
Critical information: If the video was filmed in a format HEVC (extension.mp4 codeced H.265), Google Photos may not support viewing in the web version, but the file will remain in the shopping cart and be restored to the device in its original quality.
3.Look for hidden copies of videos in system folders
MIUI It creates temporary and backup copies of media files in hidden folders, and on Redmi 7, you can find them through the file manager with the hidden file display enabled:
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — Video miniatures (sometimes full copies)
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots — If the video was recorded as a screencast
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.gallery/cache — gallery-cash
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Extra — backups of some files
To access hidden folders:
- Install a file manager (e.g., Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer)
- In the manager settings, enable the option to Show hidden files
- Follow these paths and look for files with extensions.mp4,.mov,.3gp
⚠️ Note: Do not rename the files found directly in system folders – copy them first to a secure location (for example, on a PC) to avoid damage.
Install a file manager with root support (optional)|Enable the display of hidden files|Check the folders. DCIM, MIUI, Android/data|Copy the found files on the PC before viewing|Check files by date of creation (corresponding to the shooting date)-->
4.Use of PCs and programs for deep scanning
If the video is not found in the cart or cloud, you will need to connect Redmi 7 to your computer and use specialized utilities.
| Programme | Support for Redmi 7 | Scan depth | Free version |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | Yeah (root requires) | Deep (restores fragments) | Limitation on file size |
| Recuva | Yeah (no root) | Medium (whole files only) | Full-functioning |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Yes (with drivers) ADB) | Deep. + pre-setting | Pre-examination without preservation |
| 7-Data Recovery | Yeah (requires USB debugging) | Maximum (restores metadata) | Limitation 1 GB |
Step-by-step instructions for Recuva (the most versatile option):
- Connect Redmi 7 to your PC via USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode)
- Download and install Recuva from the official website (avoid the "cracked" versions)
- Start the program, select the type of files Video
- Specify your phone’s drive (usually a Removable Disc (E:) or similar)
- Press Analysis. → Wait until it is completed (may take a while). 1-3 hour)
- Check the videos found with ticks → Restore → put the folder on the PC
To increase the odds:
- 🔌 Use the original. USB-Redmi 7 cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection)
- 🔋 The charge of the phone should be >50% (scanning consumes a lot of energy)
- 🚫 Do not connect your phone to other devices during recovery.
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If the program doesn’t see the phone, turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 7 (7 times click on Version) MIUI In the settings) and activate the debugging USB developer menu.
5. Recovery with microSD: features and risks
If the video was stored on a memory card, the recovery process is different, and the main advantage is that the microSD can be extracted and connected to the PC through a card reader, which reduces the risk of overwriting the data.
What you need to know:
- 📛 SanDisk and Samsung Maps EVO It is better to recover than no-name models.
- 🔄 Formatting a card in a phone (= Settings → Warehouse → Clean up SD) erase data irrevocably
- 🔒 If the card is encrypted (the option to encrypt) SD-map MIUI), Recovery is possible only on this phone.
The best programs to work with microSD:
- 🛠️ PhotoRec (free, works without installation, supports) FAT32/exFAT)
- 💾 R-Studio (paid, but with a demo mode for preview)
- 🔍 TestDisk (for partition recovery if the card is not determined)
Algorithm of action:
- Remove the card from the phone and insert it into the PC card reader
- Do not save the recovered files to the same card!
- In PhotoRec, select the card drive → specify the format MP4/MOV → run the scan
- After completion, check the results folder (files will be unnamed – sort by date)
⚠️ Warning: If the memory card is physically damaged (not detected on any device), do not attempt to recover data software. Contact the lab - self-attempts can aggravate the damage.
What to do if the memory card is not determined?
6. Root access: When standard methods don't work
If the video was deleted a long time ago (more than a month ago) or the phone was actively used after removal, root access may be required.This allows programs to scan system partitions where conventional utilities do not have access.
- 🔓 Magisk (recommended method, does not block) OTA-update)
- 🔧 TWRP + SuperSU (universal but can break encryption)
Step-by-step instructions for Magisk:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account tied to the phone)
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub
- Fastboot flash boots magisk_patched.img
- Install DiskDigger or Undelete from Magisk Repository
- Start scanning with superuser rights
Risks of getting root:
- 🚨 Reset all data (be sure to backup before unlocking)
- 🔒 Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty)
- 📵 Possible problems with banking applications (due to SafetyNet)
After video recovery, you can remove root by returning the phone to its original state via the original bootloader’s fastboot flash.
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Root access gives you the best chance of recovery, but should only be used if other methods have failed. MIUI 12+ Unlocking the bootloader requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after the account is linked.
7.Losses prevention: how to protect video in the future
The best way to avoid losing a video is to prevent it from being deleted. Redmi 7 has several built-in and third-party tools to protect files:
Built-in MIUI functions:
- 🔐 Secure folder: Move important videos to Settings → Confidentiality → Protected folder (required) PIN/print)
- 🔄 Authorization: Enable in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery
- 📤 Export to PC: Copy files regularly through Windows Explorer or Mi PC Suite
Third-party decisions:
- ☁️ Google Photos with Original Backup (up to 15 GB free)
- 💾 Sync.com or pCloud for encrypted storage (5-10 GB free)
- 📱 FolderSync for automatic synchronization with NAS cloud-wire
Rule "3-2-1" securely:
- Save 3 copies of important videos (original) + 2 standby)
- Use 2 different types of media (e.g. phone) + cloud + external SSD)
- Keep 1 copy outside your home (cloud or bank box)