How to recover remote calls on Xiaomi phone: from backups to software recovery

Losing your phone history on Xiaomi is a bad situation, especially if the deleted records included important numbers or business details. Unlike photos or messages, calls are stored in a separate Android database, and recovery requires specific methods. Fortunately, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi devices have several ways to recover lost information, from standard MIUI features to using third-party utilities.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of call recovery on Xiaomi, including working with backups, cloud storage Mi Cloud, and even manually extracting data from system files. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of MIUI 14/15, where the logic of storing call logs is different from the old versions. If you act quickly (within 24-48 hours after deletion), the chances of success are maximum.

1. Checking the Recycle Bin and Hidden MIUI Folders

Before you resort to sophisticated methods, make sure that calls are actually deleted. In the latest versions of MIUI (starting with 12.5), the call history can be temporarily placed in a "hidden cart" - analogous to the Recently Deleted feature in the gallery.

  • πŸ“± Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  • πŸ” Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Choose Call Management.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Scroll down: If you have a recently deleted section, tap it.
  • ⏳ It stores calls for up to 30 days (depending on the model.

If there is no partition, check the system folders through the Explorer:

  1. Open Files β†’ Categories β†’ System folders.
  2. Find the directory /data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases (root rights or access via ADB required).
  3. Look for contacts2.db file, which can store traces of deleted calls.

⚠️ Note: Do not rename or delete files in the folder /data/ without backup! this can cause the Contacts app to crash».

πŸ“Š How often do you back up your data on Xiaomi?
Weekly
Once a month
Only before the update
Never.

2. Recovery via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

If your Xiaomi has Mi Cloud sync enabled, the chances of returning calls are much higher, the cloud automatically saves your call history (when the option is enabled) and allows you to roll back to the previous version of the data.

  • 🌐 Go to Settings. β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud.
  • ☁️ Make sure that the call sync slider is active (if not, turn on and wait for the process to be completed).
  • πŸ”„ Click on Calls. β†’ Recover data.
  • πŸ“… Select a backup date (before deleting calls) and confirm the recovery.

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”’ If you logged out of Mi Account after deleting calls, the cloud could overwrite the data.
  • πŸ“± In some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Call synchronization is disabled by default – check your settings!
  • ⏳ Recovery can take up to 10 minutes (depending on the amount of data).
Xiaomi modelSupport for call synchronization in Mi CloudMax. Depth of backup copies
Redmi Note 11/12Yes (on manually)30 days
POCO X5 ProYes (automatically)60 days
Xiaomi 13/13TYes (with MIUI 14+)90 days
Redmi 10ANo (contacts only)β€”

Critical information: If you reset your phone to factory settings, call recovery via Mi Cloud is only possible within 7 days of resetting.

3. Use of Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

Many Xiaomi users are unaware that the call history can be partially saved in Google Contacts if sync with a Google account is enabled, which works even if the Mi Cloud is disabled.

  1. Open your browser on your PC or phone and go to contacts.google.com.
  2. Sign in with the same Google account as you do on your smartphone.
  3. In the left menu, select Other β†’ Restore Contacts.
  4. Enter the date (before deleting calls) and click Restore.

Please note:

  • πŸ”„ Google only stores numbers, not time/date of calls. Call history will be partially restored.
  • πŸ“± On the phone after recovery go to Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google and enable synchronization of β€œContactsΒ».

πŸ’‘

If calls are missing after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware version via Fastboot.Instructions for your model, look for the Xiaomi.eu forum.

4. Data recovery programs (without root)

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use third-party tools. Xiaomi is good for programs that run Android databases without superuser rights.

  • πŸ› οΈ Dr.Fone (Wondershare) - Recovers calls, messages and contacts. MIUI 12–15.
  • πŸ” EaseUS MobiSaver scans internal memory for deleted records.
  • πŸ“± GT Recovery (for Windows) – specializes in call logs.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Dr.Fone:

  1. Install the program on your PC and connect Xiaomi via USB (enable USB debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version β†’ 7 times tap the build number).
  2. In the program, select Data Recovery Android β†’ Calls.
  3. Follow the prompts to scan the device (it will take 5-15 minutes).
  4. After analysis, mark the required records and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Don't install recovery software on your smartphone! They often contain malicious code and can overwrite deleted data. Use only PC versions.

Enable debugging on USB|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Install Xiaomi drivers (from en.miui.com)|Disable antivirus on PC|Use the original USB-cable-->

5. Manual recovery via ADB (for advanced)

If you have experience with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can try extracting the call database directly, which requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights (on some models, ADB is enough).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
  2. Enter the command to copy the database: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
  3. Use the SQLite Browser utility to open the contacts2.db file.
  4. In the call table, find deleted entries (they can be marked as is_deleted=1).
  5. Export data to CSV and import back through ADB push.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands can lead to the loss of all contacts. If you are not sure, contact a specialist.

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1. Check if the debugging is included USB (Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers). 2. Install Xiaomi drivers ADB/Fastboot official website. 3. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 4. Restart your phone and PC. 5. If you are using Windows, run the command line on behalf of the administrator and do: adb kill-server adb start-server

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all methods are exhausted and calls are critical (for example, for litigation), contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center.

What you need to know:

  • πŸ’° Cost of service: from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and complexity).
  • ⏳ Timeframe: 3-7 working days.
  • πŸ“„ Passport and phone check (if any) will be required).
  • πŸ”’ Warranty: Data recovery does not void the hardware warranty.

The service centers can be found at mi.com/global/service, and check by phone before you visit if they are engaged in data recovery, not all centers provide this service.

πŸ’‘

The faster you take action after deleting calls, the better the chances of success. The optimal time is the first 24 hours before the data is overwritten with new information.

7.Prevention: How to avoid loss of calls in the future

To avoid losing your phone history, follow these simple rules:

  • ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud and Google: Go to Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Mi Cloud and activate Call Sync. Do the same for your Google account (Settings) β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ Synchronization).
  • πŸ“± Create local backups regularly: Use the built-in Settings feature β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup. Export copies to a PC or external drive.
  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI β€” New versions have improved data protection.
  • 🚫 Avoid cleaners like Clean Master – they often delete system logs.

For additional protection, install a Call Recorder app (like Cube ACR) that automatically records all conversations.This won't restore old calls, but will prevent new ones from being lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about call recovery on Xiaomi

Can I recover calls after resetting the phone to factory settings?
Yes, but only if: You backed up to Mi Cloud or Google before the reset. It's been no more than 7 days since the reset (then the cloud copies are deleted). You haven't reflashed your phone (for example, you haven't installed custom firmware). If these conditions are not, the chances are minimal - professional data recovery from the memory chip will be required.
Why is there no β€œRecover Calls” option in Mi Cloud?
This feature is not available on all models. Reasons: outdated version of MIUI (update firmware); no support on budget devices (Redmi 9A, POCO C31, etc.); Regional restrictions (for example, on firmware for China); Solution: try to recover data through Google Contacts or third-party programs.
Can I return calls that were deleted a year ago?
Not if: You didn't back up. The phone was heavily used (the data was overwritten many times); the only chance is if the phone was off all the time (unlikely); otherwise, the data is lost forever.
Do Play Market apps like Undeleter help?
Most of these applications are ineffective for call recovery for reasons: They scan only user files (photos, videos) and not system databases; they require root rights, which is risky for inexperienced users; often contain advertising or malicious code; Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver are exceptions, but they need to be used from a PC.
How to recover calls to Xiaomi with a broken screen?
If the phone is turned on but the screen is not working: Connect the device to the PC USB and use ADB for data extraction (see Section 5). USB Not activated beforehand, connect the mouse through OTG-Adapter and control your phone blindly (remember the location of the buttons). Contact a service center to replace the screen and restore it. If the phone doesn't turn on, you'll need flash ration to retrieve the data, which is expensive and doesn't guarantee the result.