Deleting important photos, documents or videos by mistake is a situation familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone owners. MIUI It also includes Recycle Bin, which temporarily saves deleted files before being erased, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly, especially if the files have disappeared from the Recycle Bin or its icon has disappeared from the desktop.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to recover data from standard tools. MIUI We will focus on the nuances of the cart on different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T You will learn how to return files even if the basket is empty, why some data is not restored, and what to do if the storage time in the basket has expired.
Important: the algorithms of the basket in MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 different. We'll point out the key differences for each version so you don't waste time on ineffective methods.
1. Where is the basket on Xiaomi and how to open it
In the firmware MIUI The basket is integrated into the standard File Manager application, but it depends on the firmware version and the phone model:
On Xiaomi MIUI 13/14:
- Open the Files app (the blue-background folder icon).
- In the bottom menu, tap on the Categories (or Browse) section.
- Scroll down to the basket block (dumpster icon).
On the Redmi or POCO s MIUI 12:
- Run the File Manager.
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Basket.
- If there is no item, update the Files app via Google Play.
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If the basket icon is missing from the desktop, check the Internal Drive folder. → MIUI → Trash via any file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer).
In some cases, the basket may be hidden due to:
- 🔹 Disabled function in settings (relevant to POCO F4 Xiaomi 12 Lite).
- 🔹 Outdated version of the Files application (renew it manually).
- 🔹 Rooted firmware or custom recavéri (for example, TWRP).
2. How to recover files from the basket: step-by-step instructions
If the files are still in the bin, it won't take more than a minute to recover them.
Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin through the Files app (see section above).
Step 2. Select the files you want with a long tap or tick them next to them.
Step 3. Click the Restore button in the lower menu.
Step 4: Select the folder to save (the default is the original location).
☑️ Pre-reconstruction checks
Features for different types of files:
- 📸 Photo/video: Restored to folder DCIM/Camera or Pictures.
- 📄 Documents: Return to Downloads or Documents.
- 🎵 Audio: may not appear in the player until the phone restarts.
Critical information: files deleted from the Google Photos Gallery are stored in a separate shopping cart (60 days) that cannot be recovered through a standard shopping cart. MIUI.
⚠️ Note: If there is an error “Not enough space” during recovery, free up the memory or transfer the files to the computer. SD-In the map. MIUI 14 Recycle Bin Reserves Up to 5% of Internal Storage for Deleted Files.
3. File Recycle Bin Recycle Bin Recycle Bin and How to Extend It
By default, files are stored in the basket 30 days MIUI 12) or 15 days MIUI 13/14). They are then removed irrevocably, but this time limit can be changed:
How to increase storage time:
- Open the Settings → Storage → Recycle Bin.
- Select Auto Cleanup.
- Set the value Never or maximum period (up to 60 days).
Exceptions:
- 🗑️ Files size >2GB removed from the cart after 7 days regardless of settings.
- 🔄 When manually cleaning the basket (clean the basket), all files are erased immediately.
- 📱 On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) shelf life is fixed and unconfigurable.
| MIUI version | Default period | Maximum time limit | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | 30 days | 60 days | Supports recovery APK-file |
| MIUI 13 | 15 days | 30 days | 1GB limit on files from the cloud |
| MIUI 14 | 15 days | 30 days | Auto Cleaning with Low Battery Charge (<15%) |
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Than the newer version MIUI, Regularly check the basket if you use it. MIUI 13/14.
4 What to do if the basket is empty or files are missing from it
If the files don’t appear in the Recycle Bin, but you’re sure you’ve deleted them recently, try these methods:
Method 1: Checking Hidden Folders
Some files (such as screenshots or downloads) may be placed in hidden sections of the shopping cart to be seen:
- In the Files app, click on three dots (⋮) → Settings.
- Activate the option to show hidden files.
- Go back to the cart and check the.trash or.recycle folders.
Method 2: Recovery through Google Photos
If the files have been synced to Google Photos:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Put it on the avatar. → Basket.
- Select files and click Restore.
Method 3: Use of backup copies MIUI
Firmware MIUI automatically backs up some files to find them:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
- Select Local Backups.
- Check the folders with the dates preceding the deletion.
⚠️ Attention: Backup copies MIUI Do not include media files (photos/video) - only system settings and some documents. For multimedia, use Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
5. File recovery programs if the Recycle Bin is cleaned
If files have been permanently deleted from the recycle bin, specialized software will help. Importantly, do not write new data to the phone until recovery - this reduces the chances of success.
Top.-3 Xiaomi:
- 🛠️ DiskDigger - Restores photos and videos even after formatting. MIUI 12-14, But with root rights, the effectiveness is higher.
- 🔍 EaseUS MobiSaver – Supports Recovery from SD-The free version is limited to 10 files.
- 📱 GT Recovery – specializes in Xiaomi/Redmi. Recovers WhatsApp and Viber messages (requires root).
Instructions for DiskDigger (without root):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select Basic Scan (Surface Scan).
- Mark the file types (e.g. JPG, MP4).
- Wait for the scan to be completed and save the files to your PC or cloud.
What happens if the program does not find the files?
Programme constraints:
- 🚫 Without root rights, only miniature photos are restored (full-size ones are rarely used).
- 🚫 Video files are often restored damaged (without sound or artifacts).
- 🚫 Files, deleted >3 months ago, almost never recoverable.
6. How to prevent future data loss
To avoid repeated problems with deleted files, set up Xiaomi according to these recommendations:
Automatic backup:
- 📁 Enable synchronization with Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup.
- 🌐 Set up Google Photos for Auto-Save Media: Settings → Backup and synchronization.
- 💾 Regularly copy important files to your PC or external drive via a computer. MTP-regime.
Bin setup:
- ⏳ Increase the storage period to a maximum (see Section 3).
- 🔔 Enable Cart Cleanup Notifications: Settings → Notifications → Files. → Basket.
- 🗑️ Turn off autocleaning for specific file types (such as documents).
Advice for advanced users:
- 🔧 Install. TWRP Recovery and create full partition backups /data (requires unlocking the loader).
- 🛡️ Use AppOps to block automatic cart cleaning with system applications.
- 📱 In the models with SD-A card (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Configure the default file saving to an external drive.
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Create a shortcut on your desktop for quick access to the cart: a long tap in the free space → Widgets → Labels → Files. → Basket.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
When recovering files, Xiaomi users often face typical problems.
Error: "File is corrupted or not maintained"
Causes and solutions:
- 🔹 The file was partially overwritten with new data. → Try to restore it through PC.
- 🔹 Incompatible format (e.g, HEIC older versions MIUI) → Convert through Online-Convert.
- 🔹 Damage to metadata → Use PhotoRec (for experienced users).
Mistake: “Not enough rights to restore”
This problem arises when:
- 🔹 Attempt to recover system application files (e.g. com.miui.gallery).
- 🔹 Lack of rights to write to the target folder → Save the file in Downloads.
- 🔹 Use of custom firmware → return to the official MIUI.
Mistake: "The basket won't open"
Actions to eliminate:
- Clear the cache of the Files application: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- Reinstall the update for the File Manager via Google Play.
- Reset the application settings: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Additionally. → Reset.
⚠️ Warning: If the Recycle Bin never appears after resetting, check your phone for viruses using Malwarebytes. Some Trojans (such as Android.Triada) block access to system folders.