How to sync your desktop on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Desktop synchronization on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a convenience, but a necessity for those who often change devices or want to keep their settings safe. Imagine: you installed a new smartphone and all your apps, widgets and wallpapers are already in place – this is how the proper synchronization works. However, many users face problems: data is not saved, icons are lost, and settings fly off after the update. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to sync your desktop on Xiaomi, including cloud services, manual backup and hidden MIUI functions.

Most people lose data because of Mi Account or cloud storage that's not working properly, and for example, when you reset to factory settings, you wonder why the desktop didn't recover, because the sync was disabled beforehand, and we'll show you how to avoid that, and we'll talk about little-known features that can even save the location of icons and folders.

1. synchronization through Mi Account: the main way

Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method is to use an official Mi Account, which automatically saves not only contacts and messages, but also desktop settings, including:

• 📱 Location of icons and folders
• 🎨 Wallpaper and themes
• ⚙️ Widgets (partially, depending on version) MIUI)
• 🔄 Lock screen settings

To enable sync, go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Sync. Make sure the switch opposite Desktop is active. If it is not, upgrade MIUI to the latest version (at least MIUI 12).

An important nuance: some users complain that after the icon is restored, it “flys” from the desktop, this is due to a conflict with launchers from third parties (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher). MIUI.

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If the icons do not appear after recovery, try restarting the device or manually updating the data in Mi Cloud via Settings → Mi Account → Update data.

2. backup in MIUI: local backup

If you don't trust cloud services or you don't have a stable Internet connection, you can create a local desktop copy.

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select Create a backup and tick the Desktop Data item.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (it can take 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data).
4. The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on the internal drive.

To recover data, select the backup file from the same menu and click Restore. Note that when you restore from the local backup, all current desktop data will be overwritten.

Charge your phone at least 50% |Free 1–2 GB of memory |Disable battery optimization for the Backup app |Remember the password from Mi Account (required to decrypt the backup)

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Synchronization through Google: an alternative method

While Xiaomi is actively promoting its Mi Account, many users prefer to use a Google account.Unfortunately, standard sync through Google does not keep the location of icons or widgets, but it is suitable for:

• 📁 List of installed applications (will be restored after logging in to the account)
• 📝 Settings of some system parameters (language, date/time)
• 🔧 Basic screen parameters (brightness, timeout)

To enable synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and activate the switches opposite the desired points.
3. To recover data, simply log in to the same account on the new device.

Limitation: This method is not suitable for accurate desktop recovery; it only makes it easier to set up a new smartphone in the first place.

4. Third-party synchronization applications

If you don't like standard methods, you can use specialized applications, such as:

• 🔄 Swift Backup – saves applications, data, and even some desktop settings (root rights required for full functionality).
• 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to export/import desktop settings (location of icons, folders) through a file.
• ☁️ Titanium Backup is a powerful backup tool (root users only).

Example of the Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Backup/Import.
3. Select Export and save the settings file (e.g., on Google Drive).
4. On the new device, import the file through the same path.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers (such as Nova or Action Launcher), standard sync via Mi Account may not work properly. MIUI.

5. Sync between Xiaomi devices (Mi Share and Quick Share)

If you have multiple Xiaomi devices (such as a smartphone and tablet), you can use the built-in Mi Share or Quick Share features (in newer versions of MIUI) to transfer desktop settings.

• 📲 Quick handover of wallpaper and themes
• 📂 Transfer the list of applications (without the exact location of the icons)
• 🔗 Exchange of links to settings (for example, a set of widgets)

Instructions:

1. Activate Mi Share on both devices (Settings → Connection & Sharing → Mi Share).
2. On the original device, select Send → Desktop Settings (if available).
3. Accept the file on the second device and apply the settings.

Unfortunately, this method does not provide full synchronization, but it is convenient for rapid transfer of basic parameters.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right sync setting, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: After the restoration, the icons stacked up in a pile.

Solution: This is due to conflicting versions of MIUI. Update both devices to the last stable firmware before you restore. If the problem persists, manually drag the icons to their seats and create a new backup.

Problem 2: Syncing with Mi Accounts is not working.

Decision:

• Check if sync is enabled in Settings → Mi Account → Cloud.
• Make sure that the device has enough free space (minimum 500 MB).
• Restart your phone and try to update the data manually.
• If nothing helps, log out of your account and log in again.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard sync via Mi Account may not work.

Problem 3: The widgets are not regenerated.

Solution: Most widgets are application-specific and do not sync through the cloud, and once you restore the desktop, you will have to add them manually, except for widgets from Xiaomi (weather, calendar), which are sometimes restored automatically.

7.How to sync the desktop between Xiaomi and other brands

If you are switching from Xiaomi to a smartphone of another brand (such as Samsung or Google Pixel), standard sync methods will not work.

• 📱 Use Google Account to move the list of applications.
• 🖼️ Save wallpaper manually (for example, through Google Photos).
• 📁 Use Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher to transfer icons and folders (export settings to file and import on a new device).

Example for Samsung:

1. On Xiaomi, export the Nova Launcher settings to the file.
2. Transfer the file to Samsung (e.g., Google Drive).
3. Install Nova Launcher on Samsung and import the settings.

Important: On devices with a One UI shell (Samsung) or ColorOS (Oppo), widgets may have trouble displaying, and then they will have to be reconfigured.

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For cross-platform desktop synchronization, third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) or manual backups through ADB are best suited. Standard cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google) do not provide full portability of settings between different brands.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions