Synchronization in the phone Xiaomi: how it works and why the user needs

Have you ever lost important contacts after resetting your phone or forgotten account passwords when you switch to a new Xiaomi? Data synchronization solves these problems automatically, but many users are not even aware of its capabilities. In this article, we will discuss what synchronization is in Xiaomi smartphones, what data it stores and how to properly configure it so that you never lose important information.

Synchronization technology in MIUI It's powered by Xiaomi Cloud and integrated deeper than competitors, and it not only backs up your data, but also syncs it between devices in real time. At the same time, many people mistakenly believe that synchronization is only necessary for backup - in fact, its capabilities are much wider.

We have analyzed the synchronization work on the latest versions. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, tested it on Xiaomi 14 flagships and Redmi Note 13 budget models to provide up-to-date information. In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions, comparison tables and answers to frequent questions, from basic settings to solving synchronization problems.

What is sync in Xiaomi phone and how it works

Synchronization in Xiaomi is the automatic transfer of data between your smartphone and the Mi Cloud cloud server, as well as other devices on the same account. Unlike simple backup, which creates a static copy of data, synchronization works in real time:

• 📱 Changes in contacts on the phone immediately appear in the web version of the Mi Cloud and on the tablet.
• 📅 New calendar events appear on all synchronized devices
• 📷 Gallery photos are automatically uploaded to the cloud (when the option is enabled)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords are saved and restored when you change your phone

Technically, the process works like this: your Xiaomi sends changes to Mi Cloud servers via an encrypted connection, and then this data becomes available on all devices associated with your Mi Account.

Important nuance: synchronization and backup in MIUI — These are different functions, albeit related. Backup creates a full picture of the system once a day (or on schedule), and synchronization updates only the changed data continuously. For example, if you add a new contact, it syncs immediately, and the backup will only update when you next create a backup.

What data can be synchronized in Xiaomi

The Mi Cloud supports synchronization of 12 data types, but not all of them are enabled by default. Here is a full list with an explanation of what elements are saved in each section:

Critical information for Xiaomi users: synchronization of Wi-Fi passwords works only between devices on the Internet MIUI 12 and newer.If you are switching from an old smartphone (e.g. Redmi Note 8 to a new one) MIUI 11) to a new one, Wi-Fi passwords will not be automatically transferred – they will have to be re-entered or use the Mi Mover function.

Less obvious data that can also be synchronized:

• 📍 Call history (numbers, time, duration)
• 🎵 Playlists in Mi Music
• 📁 Settings of the Mi Browser browser (bookmarks, history)
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, sound schemes - partially)

Please note that some applications (e.g. Xiaomi Health for fitness bracelets) have their own synchronization mechanisms that are not associated with Mi Cloud.

How to enable and configure sync on Xiaomi

By default, sync is disabled on new Xiaomi devices — you need to activate it manually. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the settings of → Mi Account
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (or create a new one)
3. Go to the Mi Cloud section
4. Activate the slider Synchronization at the top of the screen
5. Select specific data types for synchronization (we recommend including at least contacts, notes, and calendar)
6. Click Sync Now for an immediate update

For a more subtle setup:

• 🔄 In the Mi Cloud section → Synchronization settings can be selected for frequency (each 6/12/24 for an hour or only on Wi-Fi)
• 📡 B Settings → Transfer of data → Data usage can be limited to synchronization with Wi-Fi networks only
• 🔒 In Mi Cloud → Secure Two-Factor Authentication for Data Protection

Mi Account Confirmed by the Account email/phone

Synchronization of at least 3 data types is enabled

Restrictions on mobile traffic are set

Backup created before first synchronization activation

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On devices with MIUI for POCO The path to settings may be slightly different: Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Cloud, also on some models, POCO F5) There is a separate synchronization section POCO brand-name.

1) Whether both devices show the same time (synchronization is sensitive to time divergence)

2) Is there enough space in the cloud storage (checked in Mi Cloud) → Warehouse)

(3) Does not block the firewall or VPN Connect to Xiaomi servers (try to disable them temporarily)-->

The difference between synchronization in Xiaomi from Google and Apple

Many Xiaomi users use both Google and Mi Cloud services at the same time, leading to data duplication or conflict, and here are the key differences between synchronization systems:

The main advantage of Mi Cloud is that it is deeply integrated with Xiaomi’s proprietary applications, for example, only through Mi Cloud you can sync:

• 📱 Settings of Double Applications (Duplicates of Messengers)
• 🎮 Save in games from Xiaomi Game Center
• 🔊 Individual sound circuits and vibrations
• 📊 Xiaomi Health Data (Steps, Sleep, Pulse)

But Google has its advantages: sync with Gmail and Google Calendar is more stable, while Google Photos offers more flexible tools for working with images, and the best option is to use both services in parallel, configuring synchronization of different types of data in different clouds.

Synchronization problems in Xiaomi and their solution

Despite the smooth operation of the Mi Cloud, users sometimes experience sync errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the data is not restored from the cloud after resetting the phone to factory settings, check if your Mi Account has changed. When you change your account region (for example, from Chinese to global), access to old data may be lost.

To diagnose synchronization problems:

1. Check the status of Mi Cloud servers at status.mi.com
2. Make sure your phone has the current time and date (Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time)
3. Clear the cache of the Mi Cloud application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Mi Cloud → Clear the cache)
4. Try to log out of your account and log in again.

If the problem persists, create an error log:

Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version, Press 7 Times)


Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Enable “Error Journal”




Reproduce the synchronization problem




Send the log through Feedback (Settings → Feedback)

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Before resetting your phone to factory settings, be sure to check the status of the latest sync in the Mi Cloud. → Synchronization log: If there are errors, resolve them before reset, or the data may be lost.

Synchronization between several Xiaomi devices

One of the key advantages of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the ability to synchronize between different devices: smartphones, tablets (Xiaomi Pad), laptops (Xiaomi Book) and even TVs (Mi). TV). Here's how it works in practice:

Scenario 1: Smartphone + Tablet

• 📱 Contacts, notes and calendars are synchronized automatically.
• 📷 Photos from the phone appear in the tablet gallery (if autoload is enabled)
• 🎵 Music from Mi Music is available on both devices
• 📍 Call history is transferred in only one direction (from smartphone to tablet)

Scenario 2: Smartphone + Xiaomi laptop

• 🖥️ The web version of Mi Cloud (cloud.mi.com) allows you to view and edit contacts, notes, calendar
• 📁 Files from the cloud can be downloaded directly to the laptop
• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwords are not synchronized with Windows/macOS

Script 3: Smartphone + Mi Band/Watch

• 🏃 Health data (steps, pulse, sleep) are automatically synced with the Xiaomi Wear app
• 📱 Notifications from the smartphone are duplicated on a smart watch
• 🔋 The charge level of the watch is displayed in the notification panel of the phone

For full synchronization between devices:

1. Make sure that all devices use the same Mi Account.
2. Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → Updating the system)
3. Enable the Mi Share function (Settings) → Connection and sharing → Mi Share for fast file sharing
4. For tablets, install the latest version. MIUI for Pad

Limitations of cross-arranged synchronization:

• 🚫 Communications (SMS) Not synchronized with tablets and laptops
• 🚫 Settings of some system applications (for example, Topics) are not portable
• 🚫 Data from some third-party apps (such as WhatsApp) is not synced via Mi Cloud

Data security during synchronization in Xiaomi

Many users are worried about the security of their data in the cloud. Xiaomi uses several layers of protection for the Mi Cloud:

• 🔐 Encryption of data: all information is transmitted by protocol HTTPS 256-bit encryption
• 🔑 Two-factor authentication: confirmation of entry by SMS or through the Mi Security application
• 🌍 Local Storage: Mi Cloud servers are located in Singapore and the United States (for global accounts)
• 📱 Biometric protection: Access to the cloud can be protected with a fingerprint

To protect your data as much as possible:

1. Enable two-factor authentication: Mi Cloud → Security → Two-step verification
2. Set up notifications for new logins: Mi Account → Security → Security notifications
3. Check your active sessions regularly: Mi Account → Device management
4. Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs)

⚠️ Note: When you remove a device from the Mi Account trusted list, all data from it will be deleted from the cloud after 30 days.

For additional protection of sensitive data:

• 📂 Store your important files in a secure folder (Gallery) → Albums. → Safe folder)
• 🔑 Use Private Mode in Mi Browser for Confidential Surfing
• 📱 Set up Application Blocking for Critical Programs (Settings) → Privacy → Application lockdown)

It is worth noting that Xiaomi complies with the GDPR For European users, which means:

• You can request a copy of your data through Settings → Mi Account → Privacy → Request data
• It is possible to delete the account and all associated data.
• Xiaomi does not sell personal information to third parties (as stated by the company)

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization in Xiaomi