How to get photos from the Xiaomi cloud: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) cloud storage automatically backs up photos from the brand’s smartphones, but it’s not always clear how to get those pictures back — especially if the phone is broken, the account is locked or files are accidentally deleted. Unlike Google Photos, where downloading is intuitive, Mi Cloud has nuances: free tariff limits, regional locks and non-obvious sync settings.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to extract photos from the Xiaomi cloud, from standard (via the application and the web version) to alternative (using ADB or third-party tools). Separately, we will focus on the hidden restrictions of Mi Cloud for users from Russia and CIS countries, which can block access to files even with the correct login. If you encounter an error “No rights to view” or photos are displayed as thumbnails, but not downloaded, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard method: through the application “Cloud” on the smartphone

The easiest method is to use the official Mi Cloud app, pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones. However, there are pitfalls: if you haven’t logged in to your account for a long time or changed your password, the system may require two-factor authentication (code to the linked number or email).

To download the photo:

• 📱 Open the Cloud app (an icon with a white cloud on a blue background).
• 🔑 Sign in to the same Mi Account that was used for backup.
• 📁 Go to the Gallery section → Choose an album or individual photos.
• ⬇️ Click Download (down arrow icon) Files will be saved to the Download or MiCloud folder on the internal drive.

⚠️ Note: If the photos in the cloud are displayed as gray thumbnails, this means that the files have been deleted from the device and not synced back. №3 (web version) or №4 (ADB).

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Before downloading, check if there is enough space on the phone.Mi Cloud does not warn you about a memory shortage, but simply interrupts the boot at half.

2. Download via the web version of Mi Cloud (from PC or phone)

The i.mi.com web interface allows you to access the cloud from any device, including your computer, which is convenient if your phone is lost or not turned on.

• 🌍 Regional lockdown: c IP Russia, Belarus or Kazakhstan may need to VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp).
• 📦 Download limit: Free account allows you to download no more than 500 files at a time.
• 🔒 Two-factor: if you have not previously configured, the system will request the number binding.

Step-by-step:

1. Open your browser and go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (login – email or phone number).
3. Select the Gallery section → tick the necessary photos with ticks.
4. Click Download → wait for archiving (can take up to 10 minutes for a large number of files).
5. Unclose the downloaded.zip file (password is not required).

⚠️ Note: If you download an error "Exceeded limit", break the files into batches of 200-300 pieces. Also check if the backups have expired (by default - 30 days for deleted files).

3. Alternative method: through file manager (for experienced)

If the photos were synced to the cloud but not displayed in the gallery, they can be found through the system folders.

• 📲 The phone has the option to show hidden files.
• 🔄 Mi Cloud sync was active when backup was created.
• 🛠️ You have root access or unlocked bootloader (to access system folders).

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/media/0/MIUI/CloudBackup/ or (for older versions of MIUI): /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/CloudBackup/
3. Find the folder with your account name (e.g. 123456789@xiaomi) → inside will be the.db or.zip archives.
4. Copy files on your PC and extract them using 7-Zip or WinRAR.

⚠️ Warning: Do not delete or rename files in the CloudBackup folder, this may disrupt the backup. If you only need photos, you better use the method. №1 №2.

4. Retrieval of photos via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone is locked and the two-factor is not configured), you can try extracting data via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (setting for developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Check the connection command: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Download photos from the cloud to the local folder: adb pull /sdcard/MIUI/CloudBackup/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (Replace the path with one that is relevant to your system).
4. If the CloudBackup folder is not available, try root access: adb shell su ls /data/media/0/MIUI/CloudBackup/

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB If you don't have the right commands, you can lose data or reset your phone.If you're not sure about your actions, contact Xiaomi's service center.

5. Recover deleted photos from Mi Cloud Recycle Bin

If the photos were deleted less than 30 days ago, you can recover them from the Mi Cloud Recycle Bin.

1. Open the web version of Mi Cloud or the app on your phone.
2. Go to the Gallery → Recycle Bin (Dumpster Badge) section.
3. Select the files you need and click Restore.
4. The photos will be returned to the main gallery and will be available for download.

Please note:

• ⏳ Recycle bin storage period – 30 days (after that, files are deleted irrevocably).
• 🗑️ Recovered photos take up space in the cloud, so you may need to clean up or buy more.
• 🔄 If the photos were deleted from the phone before syncing with the cloud, they can not be restored.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Russia), the basket function may be disabled due to sanctions restrictions. VPN servers in Europe or Asia.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best method, evaluate your situation in the table below:

If neither of these methods worked, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi support with confirmation of ownership of the account (passport, check for phone).
2. Use third-party tools like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey (paid, security risk).

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The most reliable way is to regularly download backups to a PC or external drive. Mi Cloud is not designed to store a single copy of files for long periods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Cloud