Deleting important video on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that almost every user faces. Whether it’s a random click, reset or file manager error, losing valuable records is always frustrating. Fortunately, devices on MIUI have several data protection mechanisms, and modern tools allow you to restore files even after complete deletion. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard firmware functions to professional utilities that will return your videos with a probability of up to 90%.
It is important to understand that recovery success depends on three factors: time after deletion (the earlier you start, the better), type of storage (internal memory vs. internal memory). SD-We will not be spraying on abstract tips – only specific instructions tailored to Xiaomi’s features, including models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
1. Checking the basket at the MIUI Gallery
The first thing to do is to look into the MIUI Recycle Bin. Unlike standard Android, Xiaomi firmware saves deleted files in temporary storage for up to 30 days (configurable in the gallery settings), this method works even without root rights and additional programs.
How to find the basket:
- 📱 Open the Gallery app (icon with colored squares).
- 🗑️ Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → pick the basket.
- 🔍 Scroll through the list or search by deletion date.
- 📤 Select the right videos → Click Restore (Icon with an arrow up).
If the cart is empty or the video is not there, check the storage settings:
- Go to the Gallery → Settings → Basket.
- Make sure that the Autocleaner slider is turned off (otherwise, files are deleted after 15 days).
- See the Maximum size option – if it’s less than 1GB, old files could be automatically cleared.
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On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the basket is hidden. To activate it, go to Gallery Settings → Additional → Show the cart
2. Recovery via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)
If your Xiaomi has enabled sync with Mi Cloud, the chances of returning videos are much higher, the cloud keeps backups of media files even if they are deleted from the device, the main condition is the presence of a Mi Account account and an active subscription to storage (free 5 GB).
Step-by-step:
- 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in.
- 📁 Select the Gallery section → Recycle Bin (in the web version it stores files for up to 60 days).
- 🔄 If the video is not in the Recycle Bin, check the Archive or All Files – sometimes the files are moved there automatically.
- 💾 To recover, click on three dots next to the video. → Download or Restore to the Device.
The nuances of working with Mi Cloud:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage period | The cloud cart stores files for 60 days (versus 30 days in the local gallery). |
| File size | Videos over 200MB are not automatically synced (you need to download manually). |
| Formats | .mp4,.mov,.mkv are supported, but not.avi or.flv. |
| Limitations | With a free tariff, you can recover no more than 50 files per day. |
3. Connection to the PC and scanning the program
If the video is permanently deleted (not in the cart or in the cloud), you will have to connect the smartphone to the computer and use specialized utilities. Xiaomi will be suitable for programs that support the F2FS file system (used in many models instead of ext4).
- 🛠️ DiskDigger - free version scans photos and videos, paid ($15) recover all types of files.
- 🔍 Recuva is a simple utility with deep scanning support (works better on Windows).
- 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – specializes in mobile devices, recognizes Xiaomi formats.
Instructions for DiskDigger:
- Download and install the program on PC (official site).
- Connect Xiaomi over USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode (select this option in the notification curtain).
- In DiskDigger, select your device → press Full Scan (full scan).
- After analysis, tick the desired video (filter by extension.mp4) → Recover Selected.
Why is Xiaomi’s internal memory not visible in the program?
Critical point: if the video is recorded on SD-card, the chances of recovery are higher - flash memory is not overwritten as actively as the internal drive.
4. Recovery through ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods didn’t work, you can try extracting videos from Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires skills to work with the command line and the included USB-It can be debugged, but sometimes it saves even without root rights.
Algorithm of action:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Connect Xiaomi via USB and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell su (if there is root) find /storage/emulated/0/ -name ".mp4" -o -name ".mov" This will start a search for all video files in memory.
If you find the video, copy it to your PC:
adb pull /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/video.mp4 C:\Backup\💡
ADB does not guarantee the recovery of deleted files, but it can find fragments of them if they are not already overwritten, which is effective in the first 24-48 hours after deletion.
5. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If the videos are critical (e.g., court evidence or unique footage) and the self-propelled attempts have failed, you should contact Xiaomi’s authorized service center.
- 💰 The cost of the service starts from 3000-5 000 ₽ (Depends on the model and complexity).
- ⏳ Term of implementation – 3-7 working days.
- 🔒 Confirmation of ownership of the device (checks, box tied to Mi Account) is required).
- ⚠️ There is no 100% guarantee of recovery – if the data is overwritten, even specialists are powerless.
How to find the official service:
- Go to the Xiaomi Service website.
- Choose a country → enter the city or address.
- Check the reviews about the center (sometimes the "partner" services work worse than the official ones).
Make sure the battery is 50%+ charged.
Make a backup copy of the remaining data
Bring a box and documents to your phone.
Turn off the pattern lock/password (if possible)
Write it down. IMEI (dial *#06#)-->
6.Prevention: How to Avoid Losing Video in the Future
The best way to combat data loss is prevention, and here are the proven methods for Xiaomi owners:
- ☁️ Automatic sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Gallery. Enable Auto Sync and select Wi-Fi Only. Set Download Quality to Original (otherwise, the videos will be compressed).
- 📁 Backup on PC: Use Mi PC Suite (the official utility from Xiaomi) for weekly backup.Save copies on the external HDD or SSD — They're more reliable than clouds.
- 🔄 Duplication by SD-Map: In the Gallery highlight the video → More. → Copy on SD-Use the class cards. A2 or U3 speed-record.
For models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), remember:
⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is an extension of internal memory (Adoptable Storage), its formatting will lead to irretrievable data loss!