Xiaomi Cloud: Where to find on your smartphone, how to use and configure synchronization

Xiaomi Cloud Storage is not just a backup of data, but a full-fledged tool for synchronizing photos, contacts, notes and even SMS But many Redmi users are, POCO Or Mi faces a problem: where exactly is this cloud on the phone? There is no obvious cloud button in the settings menu, and files from Mi Cloud do not appear in standard Explorer. Learn how to access the cloud, where your data is stored, and how to manage it – from basic setup to solving common bugs.

In this article you will find relevant information for MIUI 14/15 (2026 For example, did you know that Mi Cloud can store not only photos, but also records from the recorder, data from the Mi Fit application or even Xiaomi Home settings for a smart home? We will show you where to look for these options and how to use them without risking data loss.

Let me warn you right away, if you're looking for a cloud to back up on your computer, that's another story -- Mi Cloud doesn't have a desktop client (unlike Google Drive), and it's either done via your smartphone or through the web, but there's a nuance: the web interface doesn't show all the data that's stored in your phone's cloud.

Another important point is that Xiaomi's cloud automatically syncs contacts and notes only if you're logged in to your Mi Account before you first set up your phone, and if you add an account later, you'll have to manually enable sync, which is covered in the relevant section of the article.

Where is the cloud physically located on Xiaomi: search in the settings menu

Control of Mi Cloud is hidden in the depths MIUI, The path to it depends on the firmware version. MIUI 13) developers have made access easier, but older versions have to dig into the submenu:

1. Through the main settings:

Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. Here you'll see total storage, occupied space, and synchronized data list (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 may look like Settings → Memory. → Cloud storage.

2. Through the notification panel:

Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) In the upper right corner, you can quickly access settings. Next, select Account and Sync. → Mi Cloud.

3. Through the Files app:

Open Xiaomi’s standard Explorer (Files), go to the Cloud tab, and you’ll see folders with photos, documents, and other files uploaded to Mi Cloud. Note: If you’re not signed into your Mi Account, this tab will be empty.

• 🔍 If you don't have "Mi Cloud" in your settings, upgrade to the latest version. MIUI 12 and below the cloud could be called "Xiaomi Cloud" or hidden in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📱 On POCO phones, the path may be different due to the customized shell. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud.
• 🌐 Web version: If you can't find the cloud on your phone, go to i.mi.com from your browser, and you can see photos, notes and contacts, but not all types of data.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Google account as your primary account, Mi Cloud can be disabled by default. Xiaomi prioritizes synchronization with Google services on global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Global).

What is stored in Mi Cloud: a complete list of data and where to look for it

Mi Cloud is not just a Google Drive, it's integrated into Xiaomi's ecosystem and automatically backs up data from branded apps, and here's what you can find in the cloud and where you can search for it on your phone:

Not all data is visible in the web version of the cloud, like backups. SMS and system settings are only available when you restore to a new device:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Click Backup Management – all saved copies will be displayed here, with the date and model of the phone.
3. To view the contents of the copy, click on it and select View the details.

⚠️ Note: Backups in Mi Cloud are only stored for 6 months from creation, and then they are automatically deleted. To save an important copy, download it manually through Settings. → Mi Cloud → Backup → Exports.

Another hidden point: if you use Xiaomi Home to control your smart home, device settings (lamps, sockets, sensors) are also reserved in the cloud. → Smart home, but only if you have at least one Mi Ecosystem device connected.

How to enable synchronization with Mi Cloud: step-by-step instructions

If the cloud doesn’t sync automatically, you have to manually configure it. Here’s a universal guide for all Xiaomi models (including the one that’s available for the first time). POCO X5, Redmi 12, Mi 13):

Log in to Mi-account (Settings) → Xiaomi account)

Go to Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud)

Insert the "Synchronization" switch

Select data types for synchronization (photos, contacts, etc.)

Connect to Wi-Fi for first synchronization-->

Let's take each step in more detail:

1. Entrance to the Mi Account:

Without a Xiaomi account, the cloud will not work. If you are not registered, create an account through Settings → Xiaomi account → Create an account. Use a valid email, and it will receive a confirmation email.

Activation of synchronization:

In Mi Cloud, turn on the main switchboard Synchronization. After that, separate switches for photos, contacts, notes, etc. We recommend you to enable synchronization for:

Contacts (so as not to lose numbers when resetting your phone)

- Galleries (automatic photo backup)

Notes (if you use a standard application)

3. setting up automatic photo uploading:

To automatically upload photos to the cloud:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Gallery → Autoboot

Here you can choose:

- Load quality (Original or Compressed)

- Wi-Fi only download (recommended to avoid wasting mobile traffic)

Excluding folders (such as screenshots or memes)

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos for backup, disable autoload to Mi Cloud to avoid duplication.Simultaneous sync with two clouds can lead to file version conflicts.

Verification of synchronization:

To make sure that the data is actually synchronized:

- For contacts: Open the Contacts app, click on three dots (⋮) → Accounts. This should show a tick next to the Mi Account.

- For photos: go to the Gallery → Albums. → Cloud. If the folder is empty, wait 5-10 minutes or click Update.

1. Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

2. Availability of Xiaomi servers (sometimes there are technical works).

3. Free space in the cloud (if the 5GB limit is exhausted, the download will stop).-->

How to Free Up Space in Mi Cloud: Deleting Unnecessary Data

The free Mi Cloud tariff is limited to 5GB, and that space is quickly running out, especially if you sync photos in original quality.

1. Deletion of old backup copies:

Backups take up the most space to delete them:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Copy Management

Select unnecessary copies (such as from your previous phone) and click Delete.

2. Cleaning the gallery in the cloud:

- Come to the gallery. → Albums. → Cloud.

- Select unnecessary photos/video (long press) → discharge).

- Click on the basket icon (🗑️).

Important: deleted files go into the bin and are stored there for 30 days, so to make room right away, clean the basket manually.

3. disable synchronization of unnecessary data:

If you are not using Mi Fit or Notes, turn them off:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → [Data Type] → Tumbler in the “Off” position.

Purchase of additional space:

If 5GB is not enough, you can expand the storage:

- 50GB — ~100 rubles/month

- 200GB — ~300 rubles/month

- 2 TB — ~1000 rubles/month

You can pay through Mi Account (cards, PayPal, Mi Credit are supported).

• 📸 How to compress photos before download: In the settings of the autoload gallery (Mi Cloud) → gallery → Select Compressed. This will reduce the weight of the photo by 2-3 times without severe loss of quality.
• 🔄 What to do if the space is not vacated: Sometimes Xiaomi servers update data with a delay. Wait 1-2 hours or restart the phone.
• 🚫 What data can not be deleted: Contacts and notes are deleted only from the cloud, but remain on the phone. To erase them completely, delete them manually in the appropriate applications.

💡

The most effective way to free up space is to remove old backups. One full copy of the system can weigh 1-3 GB, and users often forget to clean them.

Mi Cloud problems: synchronization errors and their solution

Even after you set up the Mi Cloud correctly, it can crash, and here are the typical bugs and how to fix them:

If the cloud doesn’t show up in the settings at all, try the following steps:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
2. Clear the app's cache Settings: Settings → Apps → App management → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache
3. Reset network settings: Settings → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth
4. If nothing helps, reset your phone settings (pre-reserve!).

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Mi Cloud may not work due to lack of Xiaomi services.

Another common problem is that the cloud doesn't show photos, even though they're in the gallery, because Xiaomi separates local and cloud files to see all the photos:

1. Open the gallery.
2. Tap on three lines (☰) top-left.
3. Select Device – all photos will be displayed here, including those not uploaded to the cloud.
4. To view cloud photos, select the Cloud.

How to transfer data from Mi Cloud to another phone

If you switched Xiaomi to a new one (like the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 14), it takes only a few steps to migrate data from the cloud, and the main thing is to use the same Mi Account as the old device.

Method 1: Recovery at the first setup

1. Turn on your new phone and select your language.
2. At the Data Transfer stage, select Restore from backup.
3. Log in to your Mi Account.
4. Select the last backup from the list.
5. Check the data types for recovery (contacts, SMS, annexes, etc.).
6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Method 2: Selective recovery

If the phone is already configured, transfer the data as follows:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select Backup → Restore.
3. Enter backup and click Restore.

⚠️ Warning: When you restore a backup, all current data on your phone will be overwritten. If the new device already has important files, manually back them up first.

Method 3: Transfer individual files (photos, videos)

If you only need to transfer photos:

1. On the old phone, open the gallery. → Albums. → Cloud.
2. Select the files you need and click Download (they will be saved to the Download folder).
3. Transfer files to your new phone via Bluetooth, Xiaomi Share or the cloud (Google Drive, Telegram).

• 🔄 What to do if the backup is not restored: - Check that there is enough free space on the phone. - Make sure the version is not restored. MIUI on a new phone no older than the old one. - Try to restore a copy through the web version of the Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Transfer to a different brand phone: If the new phone is not Xiaomi (like Samsung or iPhone), download data from Mi Cloud manually via the web version and transfer it to the new device.

Mi Cloud Security: How to Protect Your Data

Storing personal data in the cloud is always risky, and Xiaomi claims that the Mi Cloud is encrypted, but there are some nuances to be aware of:

1. Two-factor authentication (2FA):

To prevent anyone from accessing your cloud, turn on 2FA:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Two-step verification

Here you can link a phone number or an authenticator application (Google Authenticator, Authy).

Verification of active sessions:

Check regularly which devices are logged in to your account:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Device Management

If you see unfamiliar devices, delete them immediately and change your password.

3. Encryption of backup copies:

By default, backups in Mi Cloud are not encrypted. To add protection:

When creating a backup, set the tick to Encrypt the copy.

- Come up with a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and special signs).

4.What NOT to store in Mi Cloud:

- Document scans (passport, license, TIN)

- Passwords and bank card details

- Personal correspondence (SMS confirmation-coded)

For this data, it is better to use specialized password managers (KeePass, 1Password).

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi to another person, be sure to log out of your Mi Account and reset your settings. Otherwise, the new owner will have access to your data in the cloud:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out

Another important point: Xiaomi can block accounts for suspicious activity (for example, if you change devices often or if you are not a user of the same type of device). IP-If your account is blocked, you can restore access through the support page, but the process can take up to 72 hours.

💡

Never use the same password for your Mi Account and other services, and if your data is leaked, attackers will be able to access all of your cloud backups.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Cloud on Xiaomi