Removed valuable video from Xiaomi by mistake or after resetting? Don't panic: in most cases, files can be returned even if they don't show up in the gallery. Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones run on MIUI firmware, which offers built-in data protection mechanisms, but often users don't know how to use them. In this article, we'll discuss 5 working methods for recovery - from standard features to advanced utilities that will save rollers even after formatting.
It's important to understand that success depends on how long it's been since you deleted it and how much memory your phone has been using. New data can overwrite deleted files, so you need to act quickly. We'll look at different scenarios: recovering from the MIUI Recycle Bin, backing up Google Photos, using PC programs, and even manually extracting through ADB for power users. If the video was deleted long ago, the odds are lower, but they are.
1. Check the Recycle Bin in MIUI: Hidden 30 Days Reserve
MIUI 12 and later automatically saves deleted files in the Recycle Bin for up to 30 days, and many Xiaomi users are unaware of this feature, although it works by default.
- Open the standard Gallery app (not Google Photos!).
- Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the lower right corner.
- Select the Recycle Bin (or Remote in some versions).
- Find the right video, hold your finger on it and click Restore.
⚠️ Note: If you have manually cleaned your cart or used features like Memory Optimization in Settings → Memory, files could be permanently deleted, and the Recycle Bin also doesn't work for videos deleted through File Manager or third-party apps.
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If the video doesn’t show up in the Recycle Bin, try sorting files by deletion date – sometimes new items are hidden under old ones.
In Xiaomi with MIUI 13+, the Recycle Bin can store files for up to 60 days if the Advanced Storage feature is enabled.
Settings → Memory → Recycle Bin → Advanced Storage (Switch)2.Recovery via Google Photos: Cloud Lifeline
If your Xiaomi has enabled sync with Google Photos, the chances of returning a video are close to 100%.The service automatically saves copies of all media files in the cloud, even if they are deleted from the device.
- 📱 Open the Google Photos app on your phone or go to photos.google.com from PC.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter the video or the title of the video (if you remember).
- 🗑️ Click on the profile avatar → Recycle bin (files are stored there for 60 days).
- 🔄 Select the video and tap Restore.
⚠️ Warning: If you manually cleared your Google Photos Recycle Bin or turned off your backup (Settings) → Backup and sync, the video could have been deleted forever, and check if cloud storage was exceeded, in which case the new files are not synced.
For Xiaomi users with a minimum Google One (15GB) tariff, it’s helpful to know that videos at up to 1080p resolution don’t take up space in the cloud if High Quality (not Original Quality) is enabled, which means that even with crowded storage, the videos could have survived.
3. PC programs: deep memory scanning
If the video is not found in the cart and cloud, it is time to connect professional tools. Xiaomi will be suitable for programs that support the F2FS file system (used in new models) and ext4 (old devices).
| Programme | Xiaomi support | Deep scanning. | Free version |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | Yes (including F2FS) | Yes (up to 2 levels) | Limited. |
| Recuva | Partially (better for ext4) | No. | Yes. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Yes (special mode for Android) | Yes. | No. |
| 7-Data Recovery | Yes (supports MIUI) | Yes (3 levels) | Limited. |
🔹 Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger (recommended for Xiaomi):
- Download and install DiskDigger on PC.
- Connect Xiaomi over USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- In the program, select your device and file type – Video.
- Run a full scan (may take several hours).
- After completion, mark the desired files and press Recover.
⚠️ Warning: Don't save recovered videos back to your phone - use a PC or external drive. Recording to the same memory as the recovery can overwrite the remaining files.
Why can’t the software see Xiaomi’s internal memory?
4.Recovery through ADB: A Method for Power Users
If the standard methods didn't work, and the video is critical, you can try extracting it from Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills, but sometimes saves you even after you reset.
- 🖥️ PC with installation ADB Tools.
- 📱 Xiaomi with enabled debugging USB.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
🔹 Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Xiaomi.
- Get root rights (if the phone is rooted): adb shell su
- Find the video in /sdcard/DCIM or /storage/emulated/0/Movies: ls /sdcard/DCIM folder
- Copy files on PC: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ your folder on pc
Critical: This method only works if the video is physically left on the disk but has been removed from the file system index. After overwriting the data or full formatting, the odds tend to zero.
Debugging is on. USB|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|The phone is charged at least 50 times%|The original cable is used.|Backup of important data (in case of errors)-->
5. Contact Xiaomi Service Center: When Nothing Helps
If the video is critical (e.g., court evidence or unique footage) and the self-propelled attempts have failed, contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center. they have dedicated chip-off hardware that reads data directly from the memory chip.
🔹 What you need to know:
- 💰 The cost of the service starts from 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and complexity).
- ⏳ Timeframes - from 3 days to 2 weeks.
- 📄 Proof of ownership of the phone will be required.
- 🔒 The warranty on the device will be cancelled.
⚠️ Note: Not all service centers are data recovery--check in advance if they provide such a service. Also avoid questionable workshops: unqualified intervention can permanently destroy data.
For Xiaomi users in Russia, official service centers can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service. Check by phone before visiting if they are recovering files – not all centers have the necessary equipment.
How to Prevent Video Loss in the Future
To avoid losing important videos, follow these rules:
- ☁️ Automatic backup: Set up sync with Google Photos or Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery).
- 📁 Duplication of files: Regularly copy videos to your PC or external drive. Xiaomi is comfortable using Mi PC Suite.
- 🔄 Turn off automatic cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → Cleanup Deactivate the Auto-Cleanup option – it can delete temporary video files.
- 📱 Use two. SIM-map + MicroSD: On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or POCO F4 You can expand the memory with the card to 1 TB and store backup copies on it.
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The most reliable way to protect is a combination of cloud reserve (Google Photos/Mi Cloud) + local backup on a microSD. Even if the phone is stolen or broken, the video will remain safe.
Xiaomi owners with MIUI 14 have a new feature, a Secure folder (Settings → Privacy → Secure folder), where you can move important videos, and they will not be deleted when you clean up your memory or reset your settings.