How to find an archive SMS Xiaomi phone: all ways to restore messages

Loss of important SMS-Messages on Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that many users face. Whether you accidentally deleted correspondence, dropped your phone to factory settings or simply can not find old messages, there is a solution. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to search for an archive. SMS on Redmi devices, POCO Other Xiaomi products – from standard features MIUI before the hidden techniques.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not store SMS It's a traditional archive, like emails, but it backs up, caches data, and allows you to export messages manually (MIUI 12, 13, 14), including when the phone is not turned on or the messages were deleted long ago, if you are looking for specific correspondence - for example, confirmation codes from the SMS or important notifications from banks, this guide will help them recover them.

Before you start searching, check the obvious: maybe the messages are simply hidden in the Spam folder or archived by the Messages app, and let's start with simple methods and gradually move on to more complex ones.

1. Standard archive SMS annex “Communications"

In the firmware MIUI There's a built-in message archiving feature, but it works in a non-obvious way, and many users don't even know it exists:

1. Open the Messages app (an envelope icon).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Archives.
3. If there is no "Archive", try the path: Settings → Additionally. → Message archive.

The archive stores messages that you manually transferred there (long click on the text). SMS → "Archive. If the folder is empty, it means:

• 📱 You never archived your messages manually.
• 🔄 Archive was cleared after resetting settings.
• 📲 On your version. MIUI This feature is disabled (relevant to older Redmi models) 4X/5A).

If there's nothing in the archive, don't despair. In the following sections, we'll look at deeper ways to search, including hidden folders and backups.

2. Search. SMS backup MIUI

Xiaomi automatically backs up data, including SMS, If you have Cloud Backup or Local Backup enabled, here's how to check:

2.1. Cloud backup (Mi Cloud)

If you are logged in to your Mi Account and have enabled sync:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the backup of the device.
3. Check if your device and date of creation are on the backup list.
4. If you have a copy, tap it. → Restore → select Messages.

Important: when recovering from the cloud, current SMS If there are important messages in the phone, export them first (see section 4).

Local backups

Local copies are stored in the phone’s memory along the way:

/MIUI/Backup/AllBackup/

The files are.mbk format to recover:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backups → find the right copy.
3. Click Restore and select only Messages.

Check the available space on your phone (need ≥1 GB)

Connect the charger (the process can take 10-30 minutes)

Keep important currents SMS manually

Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (for cloud recovery)-->

If there are no backups or they are too old, go to the next method – search for hidden files. SMS.

Manual recovery SMS database files

All right. SMS Android (including Xiaomi) is stored in the database mmssms.db. This file can be found in a hidden system folder, but access will require root rights or special utilities.

The path to the database SMS

The file is located at:

/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

To open it up:

• 🔧 Use Root Explorer (root rights required).
• 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB (rootless, but you need skills).
• 🖥️ Use Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData (paid but no root).

View mmsms.db without root

If root rights are not available, try this method:

1. Install. SMS Backup & Restore (Free).
2. Launch the application → Restore → Select the Local Folder.
3. The program scans system files and shows available SMS.

Warning: editing system files without experience can lead to data loss or phone failure. If you are not sure, you should use specialized programs (section 5).

4.Exports SMS file (for future archives)

To avoid losing messages in the future, learn how to export them to a file, which can be done by standard tools or third-party applications.

Exports through “Communications" (MIUI 14)

In the new versions MIUI Export function:

1. Open Messages → Three Points → Settings.
2. Select Message Export.
3. Specify date range and contacts → Export.
4. The file is saved in.txt or.xml format in the Download folder.

4.2 Exports through SMS Backup & Restore

This application allows:

• 📤 Save. SMS into XML or CSV.
• 🔄 Automatically upload backups to Google Drive.
• 📥 Restore Messages to a New Phone.

Instructions:

1. Install the app.
2. Click Create a backup copy → select Messages.
3. Specify the location of the storage (internal memory or cloud).
4. For recovery: Restore → select the file → confirm.

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If you export SMS For litigation or banking disputes, save the file in the format.PDF You can use an app to do that. SMS to PDF.

Exported files can be opened on PC using Excel or Notepad++, and print out if necessary.

5. Recovery of remote SMS software

If the messages have been deleted and no backups are available, then you have to use professional tools to scan the phone's memory and recover deleted data.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Dr.Fone:

1. Install the program on the PC and connect the phone to USB (Turn on the debugging. USB in Developer Settings).
2. Select Android Data Recovery → SMS.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the program will offer to install drivers).
4. After scanning, select the desired messages and click Restore.

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The faster you start recovery after removal SMS, The system can overwrite deleted data with new files.

If the program is not found SMS, Try connecting your phone to your PC and scanning the memory manually using DiskDigger or Recuva (deep scanning mode).

6. Search. SMS via telecom operator

If none of these methods worked, you can contact your mobile operator. SMS on servers for 3-6 months.

How to request an archive SMS operator

The procedure depends on the operator:

• 📞 MTS: Call 0890 and request a statement SMS (fee, ~300 ₽).
• 🌐 Beeline: Order through personal account → "History of services".
• 📱 MegaFon: contact the salon with a passport.
• 📡 Tele2: Extract is only available at the request of law enforcement agencies.

Operators usually provide data in a format PDF Excel with the date, time and text of the message, the service is paid and can take up to 5 working days.

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If you need it. SMS For the court, ask the operator for a notarized statement.

Limitations of the method

Please note that:

• ⏳ Operators keep it. SMS limited time (usually up to 6 months).
• 💰 Service paid (from 200 to 1000) ₽ depending on the operator).
• 🔒 Not all messages can be restored (for example, SMS Banks are often not archived).

This is a good way to do this if you need critical messages (e.g., with confirmation codes or legal notices).

7 How to avoid loss SMS future

Not to look for the archive anymore. SMS, Set up automatic backups:

Automatic reservation settings

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on Message Sync.
3. Set the frequency of backup (daily/weekly).

7.2. Alternative archiving methods

• 📧 Set up the transfer of important SMS via email IFTTT Tasker.
• ☁️ Use Google Messages with sync enabled (messages will be in Google Drive).
• 💾 Export regularly SMS (a) once a month in the file with the SMS Backup & Restore.

If the phone has banking applications installed or two-factor authentication is tied to SMS, Include notifications of new messages in Settings → Notifications → Messages, this will help you not miss important codes.

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The most reliable way to preserve SMS — Cloud Backup Combination (Mi Cloud) + local export to file (SMS Backup & Restore).

Frequently asked questions