Where Xiaomi Stores Notes: File Paths, Backups, and Recovery

You are actively using the app “Notes” on the Xiaomi smartphone, but suddenly they disappeared after resetting settings or updating. MIUI? Or do you just want to know where these files are physically stored to back up? In this article, we'll look at all the possible storage locations for notes on devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO — From standard paths in phone memory to cloud services.

It’s important to understand that file location depends on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), smartphone model, and even firmware region. We’ve gathered up-to-date information for 2026, including hidden folders, file formats, and export methods. If you’re looking for a specific instruction, use the table of contents below or the FAQ at the end of this article.

1. Standard note storage location in Xiaomi memory

By default, the Notes app (com.miui.notes) stores data in a protected area of the phone's internal memory. The path to files depends on the version of MIUI:

• 📁 MIUI 12/13: /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db — The main database in SQLite format.
• 📁 MIUI 14: /data/data/com.miui.notes/files/notes/ — attachments can be stored here (photo, audio).
• 📁 Backup copies: /MIUI/backup/Notes/ — automatic backups (if the function is enabled in the settings).

⚠️ Attention: Folder /data/data/ It's only available with root rights. Without root rights, you won't see files through standard Explorer. ADB (guideline).

If you connect your smartphone to your computer, standard notes won't show up in the file manager (like Windows Explorer), which is due to Android's security policy, which hides application data from the user.

2. Cloud Storage: Mi Cloud and Synchronization

If the Notes settings** enable synchronization with Mi Cloud, all records are duplicated on Xiaomi servers.

1. Open the "Notes" app**.
2. Tap on. ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Synchronization.
3. Make sure that the “Mi Cloud” switch is active and your account is listed.

🔹 Where to look for notes in Mi Cloud?

Go to i.mi.com → Notes, and you’ll see all synchronized records, including deleted ones (they’re stored for 30 days in the shopping cart).

Yes, always | Only for important records |No, I keep it local |I don't know how to turn-->

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings without detaching your Mi Account, your Mi Cloud notes will automatically recover when you first log in, but if your account is deleted or your device is sold, your data may be lost forever.

3.Export and note backup

To avoid losing notes when you reset or break your phone, do backups regularly.

• 📤 Export to file: In the appendix Notes → ⋮ → Exports:.txt or.zip formats are available (with attachments).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Enable autosynchronization (see section above).
• 📱 Local Backup: Through Settings → System system → Backup → Local backup (select Notes** in the data list).
• 🖥️ Computer: Use Xiaomi PC suite ADB (power-user).

📌 Where the exported file is stored?

By default, in a folder. /Download/Notes_Export/. The file will be called notes_export_YYYYMMDD.zip, where YYYYMMDD — export.

Check the free space on the phone (minimum 50 MB)

Connect to Wi-Fi (for Mi Cloud)

Close the "Notes" application before export

Make sure the battery is charged at more than 20 times%-->

4. How to recover deleted notes

If your notes are missing, check first:

1. Recycle Bin in the application: Open Notes → Recycle Bin (stored for 30 days).
2. Mi Cloud: Go to i.mi.com and check the Remote folder.
3. Local backups: /MIUI/backup/Notes/ (if backups were included).

🔧 Recovery through ADB (advanced):

If the notes have been deleted recently, you can try to restore the database:

adb shell


su




cp /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db /sdcard/notes_recovery.db




exit




exit




adb pull /sdcard/notes_recovery.db C:/RecoveredNotes/

⚠️ Note: This method only works if no data has been overwritten after deletion (e.g., installing new apps or shooting videos) otherwise the files may be permanently erased.

💡

If your notes are missing after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot. For instructions, look for the Updates and Firmware section on our website.

5. Alternative Notes Apps on Xiaomi

If the standard Notes app doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives with more flexible storage settings:

• 📝 Google Keep: Sync with Google Drive, easy search by text.
• 📒 Evernote: Tag Support, Document Scanning.
• 📌 OneNote (Microsoft):** Integration with Office 365, handwriting support.

🔹 Where do these applications store data?

📌 Important: When switching to another app, export notes from standard Notes first so you don't lose data. Export format choose.txt or.html for compatibility.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: Notes are not synced with Mi Cloud.

Decision:

• Check your Internet connection.
• Update the Notes app** in the Play Market.
• Go to Mi: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sign out, then log in again.

Problem 2: After resetting the settings, the notes did not recover.

Decision:

• Make sure that when you first turn on your phone, you are logged in to the same Mi Account as before.

Problem 3: I can't find exported notes on my phone.

Decision:

• Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
• Enable the display of hidden files: in Mi File Manager tap ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.
• Check the /Download/ and /MIUI/backup/ folders.

💡

If the notes are missing after the update MIUI, Often helps reset the settings of the app "Notes" (without deleting data). → Annexes → Notes → Warehouse → Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi notes