Where to search for files in Xiaomi Cloud: all the ways of access and hidden features

Why Users Lose Files in Xiaomi Cloud – and How to Avoid It

Xiaomi Cloud is one of the most underrated services in the Mi Account ecosystem, and many owners of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi smartphones don’t even realize that their photos, contacts and notes are automatically synced to the cloud until they need to be found. The main problem is that the service interface has changed several times, and the logic of storing files is different from the usual Google Drive or iCloud.

In this article, we will examine all the ways to access files in Xiaomi Cloud, from the official mobile application to the little-known web versions for the PC. Particular attention will be paid to hidden folders with backups that do not appear in the main interface, but contain critical data (for example, SMS or call log), and explain why some files can disappear after changing the device and how to restore them.

Method 1: Access via the Mi Cloud mobile application

The most obvious, but not always convenient, method is that the Mi Cloud app is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, but its functionality is limited compared to the web version.

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (white cloud icon on a blue background).
2. Sign in under the same Mi Account that was used for synchronization.
3. Go to the Warehouse tab - here the total amount of occupied space and the distribution by category are displayed.
4. Click on the category (such as Photos or Documents) to view the files.

⚠️ Note: The mobile version does not search by file content, only by name. If you are looking for a specific document but do not remember its name, it is better to use the web version (see next section).

Sign in to the correct Mi Account (multiple accounts may be linked to the device)

Make sure sync is included in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud

Check the space available – when the cloud overflows, no new files are saved

Update the Mi Cloud app to the latest version (older versions lack some file categories)-->

Method 2: Web version of Xiaomi Cloud for PC and phone

The i.mi.com web interface offers enhanced features over a mobile application.

• 🔍 Search files by content (e.g., text inside) PDF or DOCX).
• 📁 View hidden system folders with backups.
• 🔄 Recover deleted files within 30 days (free rate).
• 📊 Sort files by date, size or type.

Instructions for entry:

1. Go to i.mi.com from any device.
2. Sign in under your Mi Account (if necessary, confirm the login via SMS or email).
3. In the left menu, select the Storage section.
4. Use the top bar to search or go to categories: Photos, Videos, Documents, Audio, Other.

💡 If you don’t see the expected files, check the Trash section. Deleted files are stored there for 30 days (at paid rates – up to 90 days).

Only for backup of contacts

Keeping photos and videos

Synchronizing notes and documents

I don't use it at all.

Another option-->

Method 3: Hidden folders with backups

One of the most useful but little-known features of Xiaomi Cloud is that it automatically backs up system data, which is stored in hidden folders that are not displayed in the main interface.

• 📱 Call logs and SMS (Even if they are removed from the phone).
• 📝 System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, sound profiles).
• 🎮 Game data (progress in the MIUI-games or supported titles).
• 📅 Calendars and reminders.

To access this data:

1. In the web version of Xiaomi Cloud, go to the Devices section.
2. Select the device for which the backup was created.
3. Click Restore – a list of available copies with dates will open.
4. Select the copy you want and click View Data.

⚠️ Warning: Restore the backup will overwrite the current data on the phone if only individual files need to be extracted (e.g, SMS), Use third-party tools like Mi. PC Suite (see next section).

Method 4: Access via Mi PC Suite (for Windows)

The official Mi PC Suite software allows you to manage files in the Xiaomi Cloud directly from your computer, including features not available in the web version.

• 🔄 Sync music and video between PC and cloud.
• 📱 Manage installed applications on your phone remotely.
• 📂 Restore sample data from backups (as opposed to the web version).

Instructions for setting:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website pcsuite.mi.com.
2. Install the program and connect your phone via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer settings if required).
3. Sign in with your Mi Account.
4. Go to the Cloud tab, where all files, including hidden system data, will be displayed.

Access problems: why files are "disappearing"

Users often face a situation where files previously available in Xiaomi Cloud are Suddenly disappear.

1. Changing Mi Account: If you are logged in under another account, the previous profile files will not show. Check which account is linked to Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Expirement of storage period: At the free tariff, deleted files are stored in the basket for 30 days, after which they are deleted irrevocably.
3. Size limit: If you exceed the limit (5 GB for a free account), new files are not synced, and old files can be deleted automatically.
4. Phone reset without account detachment: If you reset your device to factory settings without disabling Mi Cloud, backups can be overwritten.

💡 Key takeaway: Always check which Mi Account is used for sync, and regularly clean the cart to make room.If files are missing after changing your phone, try logging into Xiaomi Cloud from your old device - sometimes the data remains tied to it.

💡

If you plan to sell or drop your phone, untie it from Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Delete your account. This will prevent you from losing access to cloud data.

How to increase storage (free and paid rates)

Xiaomi Cloud’s baseline tariff provides 5GB for free, enough to back up contacts and a small amount of photos, but not enough for videos or full backups.

• 🎁 Bonus gigabytes: For performing certain actions (for example, linking email or synchronizing contacts) you can get up to +10GB. Check the promotions in the Premium web version section.
• 💳 Paid fares: 50GB — ~1$ 200GB a month — ~3$ per month. 2 TB — ~10$ monthly (relevant to users of Xiaomi Pad or those who store video in the mobile app) 4K).
• 🔄 Storage optimization: Remove unnecessary backups of old devices or duplicate photos (the web version has a Cleanup tool).

⚠️ Note: If you cancel a paid subscription, your files will not be deleted, but you will not be able to add new ones until the volume returns to the free limit. If the excess is more than 10%, sync will be completely blocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Cloud