Cloud storage on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a convenient way to free up memory, but also a reliable tool for backing up photos, contacts and documents. However, many users face the problem of where to find these storages in the phone menu, how to set them up and how they differ from each other? Especially if we are talking about Redmi models, POCO or flagships of the Mi series, where the MIUI interface can be nuanced depending on the version.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access cloud services on Xiaomi, from standard Mi Cloud to Google Drive and third-party apps, how to find those storages in your settings, how to use them, and what pitfalls you can encounter when you sync, and why sometimes the cloud disappears from the menu and how to fix it.
What is Xiaomi Cloud Storage and Why You Need It
Cloud storage is a virtual space on remote servers where you can upload files from your smartphone. Xiaomi has two main services available by default:
- 🔵 Mi Cloud – Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud integrated into firmware MIUI. Offers 5GB for free, syncs contacts, notes, photos and even SMS.
- 🟡 Google Drive is a Google cloud that automatically connects when you add a Google account to your phone, and it gives you 15GB for free (with Gmail and Photos).
You can also install third-party services like Yandex Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and others, but Mi Cloud and Google Drive are the ones that most often raise questions because their settings are hidden in different MIUI sections.
Why do you need it? First, for backup: if the phone breaks or is stolen, all data will remain in the cloud; second, to save memory: photos and videos can be automatically uploaded to the cloud and deleted from the device; and third, for synchronization between devices — for example, contacts from Mi Cloud will immediately appear on a new Xiaomi smartphone after you sign in.
Where is Mi Cloud in Xiaomi Settings?
The branded Mi Cloud is the native service for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. To find it, follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Scroll up and find the Accounts and Sync section (older versions of MIUI may call it Mi Account).
- Slip on Mi Cloud (or Xiaomi Cloud in new firmware).
If you haven't signed in to Xiaomi, it will prompt you to sign in or sign in, without which, you'll be restricted to the cloud, and after you log in, you'll see the basic settings:
- 📊 Usage statistics – how much space is occupied and how much is left.
- 🔄 Synchronization – what data is automatically uploaded to the cloud (contacts, notes, photos, etc.).
- 📁 File management – here you can manually download or download files.
- ⚙️ Settings – autoload photo, backup and other options.
Important: If you don't see the Mi Cloud section in the settings, it may be disabled in the app menu.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
- Find Mi Cloud in the list, open it and click Enable.
☑️ Checking access to Mi Cloud
How to find Google Drive on Xiaomi
Google Drive is an alternative to Mi Cloud, which is often used to back up photos (via Google Photos) and documents, and unlike Mi Cloud, it is accessed not through MIUI settings, but through a separate app or menu of Google account.
How to find Google Drive:
- 📱 Through the app: open the app menu and find the Disk icon (color triangle). If it is not available, install it from Google Play.
- ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google. Select your account (if there are more than one) tap on account sync and enable options for Drive and Google Photos.
Through the browser
drive.google.com
Chrome
If you don’t see the Google section in the settings, it could mean that:
- 🚫 There is no Google account on your phone (add it to Settings). → Accounts and synchronization → Add an account).
- 🔄 Google services disabled (relevant to Chinese firmware) MIUI without GMS).
- 📵 Installed stripped-down version MIUI (For example, in some models for China).