Did you accidentally erase photos from Xiaomi Redmi or did they disappear after resetting? Don't panic -- 80 percent of the time, files can be returned even if you haven't backed up, and the key is to act quickly and not write new data to your phone so you don't overwrite deleted images.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven recovery methods, from the simplest (checking the basket and the cloud) to advanced (using a PC and specialized utilities). Particular emphasis will be placed on the nuances for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and flagships of the K series, where the memory algorithms may differ. Also, we will tell you what actions are guaranteed to destroy the chances of recovery - it is critical to know before trying any of any of the ways.
1.Check out "Basket" at MIUI Gallery
Modern versions of MIUI 12-14 automatically save deleted photos in a special folder "Recently Deleted" on the iPhone, which stores files for 30 days - if less than a month has passed, the chances of recovery are close to 100%.
How to find the basket:
- 📱 Open the standard Gallery app (not Google Photos!).
- 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
- 🔍 Scroll down the list or search by date.
- ↩️ Select the right photos → press Restore.
⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos as your main gallery, check the cart there: Library → Recycle bin: 60 days, but only if synchronization was enabled.
2. Recovery through cloud services
If your Redmi was enabled to sync with Mi Cloud, Google Photos or Yandex.Disk, the photos could be saved to the cloud. This is the only way to return the pictures if you have already overwritten the memory of the phone with new files.
Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi account holders):
- Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- Select the Gallery section → Albums → Remote.
- Restore files or download them to your PC.
Google Photos (if backup is enabled):
- 🌐 Open photos.google.com.
- 🔍 In the menu on the left, select the basket.
- ⏳ Photos are stored there for 60 days - if the deadline has not expired, click Restore.
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (synchronization requires internet connection)
Check if there is enough space in the cloud (if the limit is exceeded, new photos will not be saved)
Disable VPN (may block access to Mi Cloud in some regions)
Download photos on PC, not immediately on your phone (so as not to overwrite the memory)
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3. Use of PCs and recovery software
If you don't have a cart or a cloud, you'll have to scan your phone's internal memory, and then you'll have to connect Redmi to your computer and use some specialized tools.
| Programme | Xiaomi support | Recovery. | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiskDigger | Yes (including MIUI 14) | Photos, videos, documents | Slow scanning. |
| Recuva | Yeah (deep scan mode needed) | Any files. | It doesn’t always recognize MIUI formats. |
| EaseUS MobiSaver | Yes (optimized for Android) | Photos, messages, contacts | Paid version for full recovery |
Step-by-step instructions for DiskDigger:
- Download the program from the official website.
- Connect Redmi to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- In the program, select the phone disc → press Dig Deep.
- After scanning, mark the desired photos → Recover Selected Files.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is not defined as a drive, turn on debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
Why can't the software find all the deleted photos?
Recovery through TWRP (for advanced users)
If your Redmi has a custom TWRP recap on it, you can back up the /data partition and try to retrieve a photo from it, which is more difficult, but it works when other methods have failed.
Instructions:
- Upload the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
- Choose Backup → Data and create a backup on SD-map.
- Connect the card to your PC and use 7-Zip or TWRP Image Extractor to extract files from the image.
🔧 Important: Without root rights, this method won't work. TWRP, Installation of the new Redmi model may result in loss of warranty (for example, Note 12 Pro).+).
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Before installing TWRP, check on the XDA Developers forum to see if your Redmi model is supported.Some devices (like the Redmi K50) have a locked bootloader, and unlocking erases all data.
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If the photos are critical (such as documents or single copies of family photos) and the self-propelled attempts have failed, contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center.
What you need to know:
- 💰 Cost of service: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the complexity of the service).
- ⏳ Term: 1-5 working days.
- 📄 Documents required: passport and phone purchase check (if available).
⚠️ Warning: Don't go to a shady workshop that promises "recovery in 5 minutes." Unqualified activities (such as soldering a memory chip) can permanently destroy data.
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Xiaomi service centers in Russia are not officially engaged in data recovery — they send devices to specialized laboratories.
What NOT to do after removing the photo
Some actions are guaranteed to destroy the chances of recovery.
- 📸 Take new photos or take videos.
- 🎮 Install or update applications.
- 🔄 Perform reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
- 🗃️ Format SD-card.
- 🔋 Reduce phone to 0% (this can damage memory).
Even one of these things can overwrite the memory sectors where deleted files were stored, and if you've already done something on the list, try to restore the photo right away -- the less time has passed, the better the odds.