Where and how to find Xiaomi Cloud: Xiaomi’s complete cloud guide

Xiaomi Cloud Cloud storage is an invisible but critical element of Xiaomi’s ecosystem that automatically backs up your contacts, photos, notes, and even device settings. However, many users are faced with the problem of where to look for this cloud at all? Unlike Google Drive or iCloud, the entrance to Xiaomi Cloud is not always obvious – it is hidden in the smartphone settings, and the web version works only with the correct authorization.

This article will not only show you how to find Xiaomi Cloud on your phone, tablet or computer, but also explain why you may not see it (spoiler: often to blame for regional restrictions or the lack of a tied Mi Account).We will analyze all the ways of access from the standard Settings β†’ Mi Account menu to workarounds for devices without a branded MIUI shell. And you will learn how to restore access to the cloud if you forget your password or lose access to your phone number.

What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that automatically syncs data between the brand’s devices: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and even TVs. Unlike its competitors, it is deeply integrated into MIUI firmware and runs in the background without requiring manual start-up.

The main functions of the service:

  • πŸ“± Backup: Contacts, SMS, call log, system settings, applications and their data.
  • πŸ“· Photos and videos: automatic upload of images in original quality (up to 10 GB free of charge).
  • πŸ“ Notes and documents: synchronize records from the Mi Notes app.
  • πŸ”„ Cross-platform access: data is accessed from any device via a web version or application.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Cloud is not just storage, it’s part of an ecosystem, for example, if you lose your phone, you can not only restore contacts through the cloud, but also find the device (Find Device feature), lock it or delete data remotely.

πŸ“Š You have already used Xiaomi Cloud?
Yeah, regularly.
I tried it, but it didn't come in handy.
I don't know what it is.
No, I haven't.

How to find Xiaomi Cloud on Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI)

The most obvious way is through phone settings, but the path to the cloud may vary depending on the version of MIUI (global, china, eu) and the device model, and we'll look at a universal method that works on 90% of devices.

Step instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Scroll up and find the Mi Account section (or Xiaomi Account on Russian firmware).
  3. Inside, tap on Xiaomi Cloud (may be called Cloud or Mi Cloud).
  4. If the system requests a password, enter it. If the account is not tied, you will need to register.

If the Mi Account section is not in the settings, it could mean:

  • 🚫 You have custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where Xiaomi services are removed.
  • 🌍 Phone on Chinese firmware without global services (requires a change of region).
  • πŸ”„ Cloud disabled in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Special Opportunities (rarely, but sometimes).

β˜‘οΈ Check before entering Xiaomi Cloud

Done: 0 / 4

Log in to Xiaomi Cloud via web version (from computer)

Not everyone knows, but Xiaomi Cloud has a full-fledged web version available from any browser, which is convenient if you need to download a backup to your PC or manage data from a large screen. However, there are pitfalls: the web interface works unstable in some regions (for example, in Russia, you may require a VPN).

How to get in:

  1. Go to the official link: https://i.mi.com/.
  2. Enter your username (email or phone) and password from Mi Account.
  3. Pass two-factor authentication if it is enabled (code will come to email or SMS).
  4. In the main menu, select the Cloud or Cloud section.

If the page does not open or if it is an error:

  • πŸ”’ Check if the antivirus or firewall is blocking access.
  • 🌐 Try changing. DNS-server at 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN servers in Hong Kong, Singapore or Europe (e.g. ProtonVPN).

πŸ’‘

If you have forgotten your Mi Account password, restore it through the official account.xiaomi.com website. This will require access to the email or phone number associated with the account.

Why Xiaomi Cloud may not be displayed or work

A common problem: the user follows the instructions, but the Xiaomi Cloud section is simply not in the settings. The reasons can be both software and hardware. Let's look at the basic scenarios and their solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
There is no Mi Account section in the settingsInstalled custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience)Install an official MIUI or use the web version of the cloud
The cloud is not synchronizing dataNo Internet or Firewall BlockingCheck the connection, disable VPN/antivirus
Error: "Service is not available in your area"Geoblocking (relevant for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine)Use VPNs with servers in Europe or Asia
I can't log into the account.Outdated version of MIUI or reset settingsUpdate your firmware or restore access via account.xiaomi.com

The issue of regional restrictions is particularly noteworthy: Since 2022, Xiaomi has suspended some services in some countries due to sanctions.

  1. Connect a VPN (we recommend Warp or ProtonVPN).
  2. Select a server in Finland, the Netherlands or Japan (where the cloud is most stable).
  3. Clear the browser cache or Mi Account app.
  4. Try to come in again.
What to do if the VPN does not work?
Even if you have a VPN blocked entry to Xiaomi Cloud, try: 1. Use your browser in incognito mode. 2. Change your user agent (browser extension). 3. Log in from another device (e.g. tablet or PC). 4. Contact Xiaomi via Twitter (@XiaomiSupport) with the device model and error.

How to Restore Access to Xiaomi Cloud if You Forgot Your Password

Losing access to Mi Account is one of the most frustrating situations, because without it you can’t use the cloud, find a lost phone or sync data. Fortunately, Xiaomi provides several ways to restore, but they depend on what you have left of the attached data.

Recovery methods:

  • πŸ“§ Through email: if the account is linked to the mailbox, it will come with a link to reset the password.
  • πŸ“ž Through the phone: SMS with the code is sent to the number specified during registration.
  • πŸ” Backup email: If the main email is not available, you can use a spare email (if it was specified).
  • πŸ†” Through ID Account: If you know your Mi ID (For example, 123456789), you can use it to recover from account.xiaomi.com.

If none of the methods worked:

⚠️ Note: If you can’t restore access and critical data is stored in the cloud (such as single photos), contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (checks, IMEI). In some cases, they can help, but the process takes up to 30 days.

To avoid such situations in the future:

  • Link several emails and phone numbers to your account.
  • Enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account settings.
  • Export important data (contacts, photos) to your local storage regularly.

Alternative ways to access Xiaomi Cloud data

If standard methods don't work, you can try workarounds, which are less convenient, but sometimes they save you in critical situations.

Method 1: Using the Mi Cloud app on another device

If you have a second Xiaomi smartphone (or tablet), you can:

  1. You can set up the same Mi Account.
  2. Download the Mi Cloud app from Google Play (if it’s not in firmware).
  3. Log in and access the data.

Method 2: Through the Xiaomi API (for advanced users)

Technically savvy users can use informal APIs to access the cloud, such as the mihome-binary-protocol project, which allows them to interact with Xiaomi servers via Python scripts, but this requires programming knowledge and may violate user agreement.

Method 3: Local backup

If the cloud is not available, but there is a backup on the phone, it can be extracted:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
  2. Enable File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  3. Go to MIUI/backup/AllBackup, where local backups are stored.

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods worked, the last hope is to contact Xiaomi’s service center with proof of purchase, which can help restore access to your account through IMEI, but it’s not guaranteed.

Data Security in Xiaomi Cloud: What You Need to Know

Storing personal data in the cloud is always risky. Xiaomi Cloud is no exception: in 2020, there were cases of user data leakage due to vulnerabilities in the API.

Safety benefits:

  • πŸ” Encryption of data during transmission (TLS 1.2+).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • πŸ“ Ability to remotely erase data from lost device.

Cons and risks:

  • πŸ•΅οΈ Xiaomi collects metadata (e.g. device, location) even if you don’t use the cloud.
  • 🌍 The servers are located in China, Singapore and the United States, which may violate local data retention laws (e.g. in the EU).
  • πŸ”“ When you lose access to the account, it is almost impossible to restore data.

Protection recommendations:

  • Do not store scans of documents or passwords in the cloud.
  • Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
  • Enable notifications about new logins in your account settings.
  • Check your active sessions regularly in Mi Account β†’ Security.

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

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Cloud

Can I increase the storage capacity in Xiaomi Cloud for free?
Officially, no. Xiaomi only provides 5-10GB for free (depending on the region), but there are occasional promotions where you can get extra gigabytes (for example, for inviting friends), and you can buy an extension: 50GB costs ~$2 per month, 200GB - ~$5.
Why are photos in Xiaomi Cloud loaded in low quality?
By default, the cloud optimizes images to save space. To upload photos in the original resolution: Go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Xiaomi Cloud β†’ Gallery. Enable the option to Download in original quality. Make sure that there is enough free space on your account.
How to turn off automatic sync with Xiaomi Cloud?
If you don’t want your data to automatically upload to the cloud: Open Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Xiaomi Cloud. Select a category (like Contacts or Gallery). Turn off the Sync switch. To turn off the cloud completely, delete your Mi Account account in your phone’s settings (but this will also disable access to other services like Mi Fit).
Can you use Xiaomi Cloud without a Xiaomi smartphone?
Yes, but with limitations. You can: Go to the i.mi.com web version from any device, install the Mi Cloud app on Android (but not on iOS, it doesn't work there), but some features (like settings backup) won't be available without the device on MIUI.
What to do if Xiaomi Cloud shows a server unavailable error?
This error is usually related to problems on the Xiaomi side or lockdown in your region. Try: Check the status of Xiaomi services on the Downdetector site. Use a VPN (recommended servers in Hong Kong). Clear the cache of the Mi Account application in your phone settings. Update MIUI to the latest version. If the error persists for more than a day, write in support via Twitter.