Introduction: why the recycle bin on Android gets clogged and how to fix it

The recycle bin on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 7A is temporary storage for deleted files, which many users don’t even notice... until it starts to run out memory. Unlike computers, where the trash can is immediately visible, on Android it is often hidden in the depths of file managers or system folders. Meanwhile, this is where gigabytes of unnecessary data can accumulate: from accidentally erased photos to the cache of applications that you deleted long ago.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Redmi 7A is a budget smartphone with a limited amount of internal memory (16 or 32 GB, depending on the modification). When the trash can becomes full, the system starts to slow down, applications crash, and the camera refuses to save new pictures. And if you think that simply deleting files is enough, you are mistaken. Without proper emptying of the recycle bin, “garbage” will take up space for a long time.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods emptying the recycle bin on Redmi 7A —from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities. We’ll also find out why some files are not deleted and how to fix it without resetting the settings.

📊 How often do you empty the recycle bin on your smartphone?
Once a week
Only when the memory runs out
Never cleaned
I don’t know where it is

Method 1: Cleaning through the standard MIUI file manager

The most obvious and safest method is to use the built-in one File manager from Xiaomi. It is available on all smartphones Redmi and does not require the installation of additional apps. Here's how it works:

  1. Open the application Files (folder icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. In the bottom menu, tap on the section Trash (trash can icon).
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Empty Trash.
  4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete in pop-up window.

If there are no buttons Trash it means your version of MIUI hides it by default. In this case:

  • 📁 Go to Categories → Local storage → Internal memory.
  • 🔍 Manually find the folder .Trash or Recycle (it may be hidden - turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings).
  • 🗑️ Delete all contents of the folder.

☑️ Preparing to empty the recycle bin

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the files appear in the trash again, this is a sign of a failure in MIUI operation. Try rebooting your smartphone or updating the firmware via Settings → About phone → System update.

Method 2: Using MIUI system settings for deep cleaning

MIUI has a built-in a tool "Cleaning"that can find and delete unnecessary files, including the contents of the recycle bin. This method is useful if you don't want to dig into the file manager or suspect that the Recycle Bin is damaged.

To use it:

  1. Open Settings → Cleaning (or Settings → Memory → Cleaning depending on the version MIUI).
  2. Wait for scanning to complete (may take up to 1-2 minutes).
  3. In section Unnecessary files find the item Trash or Temporary files.
  4. Place a checkmark next to it and click Clean.

If the option Trash is missing from the scan results, try:

  • 🔄 Restart the cleanup tool (sometimes it doesn't see the trash the first time).
  • 📱 Reboot your smartphone - this resets the cache of system utilities.
  • 🛠️ Update MIUI to the latest version (in older firmware, the empty trash function was unstable).
💡

If after cleaning the memory is not free, check the folder Download - often go there large files are downloaded (for example, application updates), which also take up space.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Cleaning with Optimization in MIUI. The second tool closes background processes but does not delete files. To free up memory you need exactly Cleaning.

Method 3: Manually deleting hidden trash folders via Total Commander

If standard methods do not work, you will have to use a third-party file manager. Total Commander is one of the most reliable applications for working with system folders on Android. It shows hidden files and allows you to delete them without restrictions.

Instructions:

  1. Install Total Commander from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and go to /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory).
  3. Enable the display of hidden files: Settings → Show hidden files.
  4. Find folders:
    • .Trash —standard MIUI trash.
    • Recycle or Recycle Bin —alternative names.
    • .thumbnails —image thumbnails (sometimes they also take up a lot of space).
  • Delete the contents of these folders (you don’t need to touch the folders themselves!).

    • If there are no folders, but the memory is still there busy: .Trash no, but the memory is still busy:

    • 🔍 Check the folder Android/data/ —there may be temporary files from applications.
    • 📂 Look in DCIM/.thumbnails —sometimes thumbnails weigh hundreds of megabytes.
    • 🗑️ Use a search by file size (Total Commander has a sorting function by size).
    Why may the Trash not be emptied?

    Sometimes files in the Trash are blocked by other applications (for example, a gallery or instant messengers). In this case, the only help will be rebooting the smartphone or forcefully stopping the problematic application through Settings → Applications.

    ⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android, MIUI or system - this may lead to a malfunction of the smartphone. Work only with folders associated with the trash!

    Method 4: Emptying the trash via Google Photos (if synchronization is enabled)

    Many users Redmi 7A do not even suspect that Google Photos creates its own trash bin for deleted snapshots. If you have enabled photo synchronization to the cloud, then even after emptying the standard MIUI Trash, files may remain in Google Photos Trash and take up space both on the device and in the cloud.

    To delete them:

    1. Open the application Google Photos.
    2. Tap on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
    3. Select Cart.
    4. Click on the three dots at the top and select Empty Trash.
    5. Confirm the action.

    Important nuances:

    • 📅 Files in the Google Photos Trash are stored 60 days, after which they are deleted automatically.
    • ☁️ If you have backup enabled, deleting from the recycle bin will permanently erase photos from the cloud.
    • 📱 On a smartphone, files may remain in the cache - after emptying the recycle bin go to Settings → Storage → Google Photos Cache and clear it.
    💡

    If you use Google Photos, regularly check your trash in both places: in MIUI and in the Google app. Otherwise, “deleted” photos will take up space for years.

    Method 5: Resetting the cache and data of the “Files” application (if the recycle bin is not emptied)

    Sometimes the recycle bin refuses to be emptied due to a malfunction of the system application Files. In this case, resetting its cache and data will help. Attention: This will not delete your personal files, but will reset the file manager settings (for example, sorting or favorite folders).

    How to do reset:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
    2. Find in the list Files (or File Manager) and tap on it.
    3. Select Storage.
    4. Click Clear cache and Clear data.
    5. Reboot your smartphone.

    After reboot:

    • 🔄 The trash should be empty (if there are files left, delete them manually through Total Commander).
    • 📲 At the first startup Files you may need to grant permissions to access memory.
    • ⚙️ The file sorting and display settings will be reset to standard.

    ⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the data the application Files It is unstable (crashes or does not open folders), try updating it via Google Play or rolling back updates in the application settings.

    Table: Comparison of methods for emptying the recycle bin on Redmi 7A

    Method Complexity Efficiency Risks When to use
    MIUI File Manager ⭐ (simple) ⚠️ Medium (may not see all files) No For regular cleaning
    MIUI system cleaning ⭐⭐ (requires scanning) ✅ High (removes cache and garbage) No If the recycle bin is not emptied in the standard way
    Total Commander ⭐⭐⭐ (need look for hidden folders) ✅✅ Very high (deletes everything) ⚠️ Risk of deleting system files If other methods did not help
    Google Photos ⭐ (simple) ✅ High (for photos and videos) Removing from the cloud If synchronization is enabled
    Resetting “Files” data ⭐⭐ (requires a reboot) ⚠️ Medium (helps in case of failures) Reset manager settings If the cart is stuck

    Frequent problems and their solutions

    Even after emptying the recycle bin, users Redmi 7A encounter problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

    Problem 1: The Trash is emptied, but the memory is not freed.

    • 🔹 Check the folder Download —there may be heavy APK files or archives.
    • 🔹 Go to Settings → Memory → Application cache and clear it.
    • 🔹 Use the application DiskUsage to visualize busy space.

    Problem 2: Files in the Recycle Bin are not deleted (“Deleting is impossible”).

    • 🔹 Reboot your smartphone - this closes the processes that are blocking the files.
    • 🔹 Check if the file is open in another application (for example, in the gallery).
    • 🔹 Delete the file via ADB (advanced method, requires PC).

    Problem 3: The trash appears again after emptying.

    • 🔹 This is normal behavior - MIUI restores the folder .Trash the next time you delete files.
    • 🔹 To disable the recycle bin completely, you need to edit the system files (requires root access).
    💡

    If you often delete files, install the application Simple Gallery - you can disable the recycle bin in it in the settings.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some MIUI firmware for Redmi 7A, the recycle bin may store files in encrypted form. In this case, they cannot be deleted without resetting the settings. If you encounter this situation, make a backup copy of your important data and reset via Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can I disable the recycle bin on Redmi 7A forever?

    Without root access, you cannot completely disable the recycle bin, but you can:

    • Use third-party file managers (for example, Solid Explorer) that do not send files to the recycle bin.
    • Delete files via ADB command 
      adb shell rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/.Trash/*

    ⚠️ Disabling the recycle bin increases the risk of data loss if accidentally deleted!

    Why do photos remain in the gallery after emptying the recycle bin?

    This is due to the gallery cache. To fix:

    1. Open Settings → Applications → Gallery.
    2. Clear the cache and data.
    3. Restart your smartphone.

    If photos are still displayed - they can be stored in the cloud (Google Photos) or on an SD card.

    How to recover files from the Recycle Bin if I accidentally emptied them?

    The chances of recovery depend on how much time has passed:

    • 🔄 Immediately after cleaning: Use DiskDigger - it scans the memory for leftovers files.
    • ⏳ After a few days: Try Recuva (requires connecting the smartphone to the PC).
    • ☁️ If there was synchronization: Check Google Photos → Recycle Bin or Mi Cloud.

    ⚠️ The more you use your smartphone after cleaning, the lower the chances of recovery!

    How much space does the recycle bin take up on Redmi 7A?

    The volume of the basket depends on the MIUI version and settings:

    • Default - up to 5–10% of internal memory (for example, 1–2 GB on a 16 GB model).
    • The maximum size can be changed in the settings of some file managers.
    • If the recycle bin is full, MIUI starts automatically deleting old files (after 30 days).
    Is it safe to use cleaning applications (for example, Clean Master)?

    With caution! Many “cleaners”:

    • 🚫 Remove not only junk, but also useful files.
    • 📊 Collect data about your applications.
    • 🔋 Consume battery power in the background.

    🔹 Safe alternatives: SD Maid or built-in Cleaning MIUI.