You copied important text or a link to Xiaomi, but you can't find where it went? The clipboard on smartphones of this brand works differently than on iPhones or old Android devices. Unlike Windows, where copy history is available through special programs, on Redmi, POCO or Mi it is hidden deeper - and it is not always obvious how to open it.
In this article, we will examine all the ways to access the clipboard on Xiaomi phones (including models from 2023-2026), explain why sometimes history does not persist, and show how to recover deleted data without root rights. MIUI, Even the official instructions are silent.
What is the Exchange Buffer on Xiaomi and How Does It Work?
The clipboard on Xiaomi is a temporary storage for text, links, images and even files you copy (Ctrl+C on PC or long press + Copy on your phone). Unlike iOS, where history is erased after a reboot, MIUI saves the last elements up to 24 hours (on some models - up to 7 days).
- 📱 Standard buffer: works out of the box on all Xiaomi smartphones, but only stores the last copied item (unless you activate the history).
- 🔄 Extended History: Available in MIUI 12+ It allows you to save up to the last 20 copies (configurable in parameters).
- 🚫 Restrictions: Some applications (e.g. banking) block copying data to a shared buffer for security reasons.
Important: If you use third-party keyboards (like Gboard or SwiftKey), they may have their own clipboard, not related to the system, and this is discussed in one of the following sections.
Where the exchange buffer is physically stored on Xiaomi
Technically, the clipboard is not a file, but a virtual memory storage (RAM), but MIUI reserves some of the data in a protected area of internal memory along the way:
/data/clipboard/But! This folder is locked without root permissions, and even through Explorer or ADB, you won't see the buffer files, because the system hides them for security.
There are two ways to “see” the contents of the buffer:
- Through the system menu (more on it below).
- Using third-party applications (such as Clipboard Manager), but they require additional permissions.
Can the buffer be restored after the reboot?
How to open the clipboard on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
The easiest way is to use the built-in Clipboard History feature in MIUI. It is available on all smartphones starting with MIUI 11 (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and the latest models from 2026).
Open any field to enter text (e.g. Notes or Messages)|Long click on the empty space in the input field |In the menu that appears, select Clipboard (or Clipboard) |If the story is empty, check the settings (see next section)
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If you don't have a clipboard, it's disabled to activate it.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Clipboard (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → System and device → Clipboard).
- Turn on the "Share buffer history" switch.
- Set up the parameters: 🔄 Auto Cleaning: After 1 hour / 24 hours / never. 🔒 Privacy protection: hide data from some applications (enabled).
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On the POCO F5 and Redmi K60, the clipboard may be called "Clip Tray." If you can't find a menu, try typing "buffer" into your settings search.
Why Xiaomi’s Exchange Buffer Doesn’t Keep History
A common problem is that the user copies the text, but when you try to paste it in an hour, the buffer is empty.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| History clears itself | In the buffer settings is automatic cleaning after 1 hour | Go to Settings → Clipboard and select “Never” or “24 Hours” |
| Buffer is empty after copying | The application blocks copying (banks, messengers with encryption) | Try copying data manually or using the Share feature |
| No "Buffer of Exchange" item on the menu | The function is disabled in firmware or removed (MIUI castom assemblies) | Update the software or install a third-party buffer manager (e.g. Clip Stack) |
| Buffer resets after rebooting | This is normal MIUI behavior without the story included. | Activate the history saving in the settings (see section above) |
Critical information: On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI Global firmware (European version), the default clipboard history is disabled due to the GDPR privacy policy. To enable it, you need to confirm the agreement in the settings.
How to Clear Xiaomi’s Clipboard (Including Hidden Data)
If you copy sensitive information (passwords, card numbers), you need to manually remove it from the buffer.
- 🧹 Through the buffer menu: Open the buffer history (long tap in the input field) → «Clipboard. Click "Delete everything" or swipe left on an unnecessary item.
- ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → Clipboard. Select "Clear history».
Auto-cleaning
⚠️ Note: Some apps (like Google Keep or Telegram) create their own clipboards that are not cleared through the system menu. To delete data from there, go to the settings of a particular application.
Third-party applications for managing the clipboard
If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install alternative buffer managers.
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Clip Stack | Keeps Unlimited History, Supports Tags and Search | Plugins for some paid functions |
| Clipboard Manager | Synchronization between devices, backup | Requires access to notifications |
| Gboard (Google keyboard) | Built-in buffer with history and predictions | Limitation on the number of saved items |
To install a third-party manager:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- When you first start, grant permissions to access the clipboard (required!).
- In MIUI settings, disable the system buffer (if it conflicts with the new application).
⚠️ Note: Clipboard management apps can read anything you copy, including passwords. Install only high-rated vetted programs and read the privacy policy.
How to Recover Deleted Data from the Clipboard
If you accidentally cleared the buffer or rebooted your phone, the chances of recovery depend on two factors:
- Was buffer history included in MIUI settings?
- Have you used third-party apps to manage the buffer?
Recovery methods:
- 🔍 Check the keyboard cache: Open the keyboard settings (like Gboard). Go to the clipboard or the input history section. Sometimes there are copies of text, even if the system buffer is cleared.
Use a backup copy.
If you have automatic backup enabled in Mi Cloud, try recovering data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Clipboard is included in the backup only on MIUI 13+.
ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
With Android Debug Bridge, you can try to extract data from the cache, but it requires root rights and technical knowledge.
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If the clipboard has been cleared and the history has not been maintained, it is impossible to recover the data. MIUI does not store copies of text in long-term memory without the explicit permission of the user.