Recovering Deleted Videos on Xiaomi: From Recycle Bin to Deep Scanning

Deleting videos on Xiaomi smartphones often becomes a headache — especially if the video was the only copy of an important event. Unlike computers where files first get into the bin, on phones, the deletion mechanism works differently: users do not always understand that video can be returned within a limited time. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in tools, and for complex cases there are third-party solutions.

The main problem is that after the file is physically deleted (not through the recycle bin), the system marks its storage space as free, but does not erase the data immediately. This means that with rapid response, the chances of recovery remain high. However, each day of delay reduces the likelihood of success: new files (photos, applications, cache) can overwrite deleted video. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from standard MIUI functions to professional utilities, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

1. Checking the basket in the Xiaomi Gallery

The easiest way to return a video is to use the built-in shopping cart in the Gallery app, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, but many users are unaware of its existence. Deleted files are stored here for 30 days (by default), after which they are automatically cleared.

To restore the video:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app (image with multi-colored squares).
• 🗑️ In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and pick the basket.
• 🔍 Find the desired video (you can sort by date of deletion).
• 🔄 Click on the file and select Restore (the icon with the arrow up).

⚠️ Warning: If the basket is empty, check the storage settings (MIUI 13 for Redmi 10) the cart is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Gallery Settings → Basket → Turn on the basket.

Important: You can only recover files that were deleted through the gallery. If the video was erased through a file manager (Conductor) or third-party applications (for example, Google Photos), the MIUI basket will not save it.

2.Recovery through MIUI backups

If your Xiaomi has automatic backup enabled, the videos could be saved to the Mi Cloud or local copy, which works even if the file is deleted long ago, as long as the backup is created before the deletion.

Check out the Mi Cloud cloud:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the Gallery and check the synchronized file list.
3. If you have a video, download it back to the device.

For local backups:

• 📁 Connect your phone to your computer and check the folder MIUI/Backup/AllBackup internal.
• 🔍 Look for files with the.mbk extension – you can open them through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Local backup.

⚠️ Note: If you used the Cleanup function in Mi Cloud (in the Storage Management section), backups may have been permanently deleted. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

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Before you restore from a backup, check the spare space on your phone, and if it's less than 10% of the copy's volume, the process may be interrupted.

3.Using file managers with recovery function

If the video isn’t in the cart and backups, try specialized file managers that scan the device’s memory for “lost” files.

• 📂 DiskDigger – scans internal memory and microSD cards, supports video recovery in formats.mp4,.mov,.avi.
• 🔍 Dumpster – works as an extended shopping cart, saves files even after being deleted through third-party apps.
• 📱 GT Recovery – Requires root rights for deep scanning, but shows better results for highly fragmented files.

Instructions for DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play (Android 5.0+ is required).
2. Run a full scan (may take 10 to 30 minutes).
3. In the results, filter the files by video type.
4. Tag the desired rollers and click Restore (save them to a memory card or to the cloud).

Please note that the free version of DiskDigger only restores low-resolution files (≈300₽). If the video was recorded in 4K or with a high bitrate, it is better to use paid tools immediately.

Charging the phone > 50%|Shut down. Wi-Fi/Mobile data (to avoid interrupting the scan)|Release. 1–2 GB of memory for temporary files|Not installing new applications until the process is complete-->

4. Deep scanning with PC (for power users)

If the video was deleted long ago or the phone was actively used after removal, the chances of recovery through mobile applications are minimal, in such cases, connecting the phone to the computer and using desktop utilities will help:

• 💻 Recuva (free) – simple interface, supports file system F2FS, The new Xiaomi is being used.
• 🛠️ EaseUS Data Recovery – paid, but with high efficiency for corrupted files.
• 🔧 PhotoRec (free) – console utility for advanced users, restores files by signatures.

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via a USB-C cable and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Start Recuva and select the type of Video files.
3. Specify the path to the phone’s internal memory (usually this device → Internal storage).
4. Start a deep scan (may take several hours).
5. After completion, mark the found videos (note the state - a green circle means a high probability of recovery).

⚠️ Note: Do not save recovered files back to your phone, this can overwrite the remaining fragments of deleted data.

For root-right models (e.g., stitched through TWRP) can be used ADB-But this is a risky method: the wrong actions can lead to complete erasure of data. If you are not sure about your skills, you should consult a specialist.

5.Recovery from a damaged memory card

If the video was stored on a microSD and the card is no longer defined or gives errors ("Map damaged", "Unknown file system"), take your time to format it! In 60% of cases, data can be saved by:

• 💾 TestDisk (free) – restores the partition structure on the map.
• 🔧 SD Card Formatter (from) SD Association – sometimes helps to “reanimate” the card without losing data.
• 🛠️ R-Studio (paid) – a professional tool for working with damaged drives.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the card to the PC via the card reader (not through the phone!).
2. Run TestDisk and select your card from the list of devices.
3. Select Analyse → Quick Search.
4. If partitions are found, press Write to restore the structure.
5. Then try scanning the map through Recuva or PhotoRec.

If the card is physically damaged (for example, after falling into water or overheating), do not try to restore the data yourself. Contact the laboratory - attempts to use software can aggravate the damage.₽.

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Never format a memory card via your phone! Use official utilities (like SD Card Formatter) or specialized low-level formatting programs.

6.Prevention: How to Avoid Losing Video in the Future

To avoid having to re-examine recovery methods, set up Xiaomi in advance:

• ☁️ Automatic Sync: Enable backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Mi Cloud → gallery → Synchronization) or Google Photos.
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin Settings: Increase the retention period of deleted files to a maximum (30 days) in Gallery Settings → Basket.
• 🔄 Regular local copies: Once a month, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 📁 Separate storage: Save important videos to a microSD card (but don’t forget about its reliability – choose cards in a class at least below). A2).

For models with OTG support (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 and later), you can use automatic copying to an external SSD. Connect the drive via a USB-C → USB-A adapter and configure sync via the FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer application.

If you often shoot 4K or 8K video, look for cloud services with a lot of storage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video recovery on Xiaomi