How to open and configure Xiaomi cloud on Android: full instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi Cloud is Necessary and How It Works

Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud cloud storage is not just a backup space, but a full-fledged device-to-device data sync tool that automatically stores contacts, photos, notes, call history, and even system settings, and the main advantage is the ability to recover all data on a new Xiaomi smartphone in just a few minutes.

Many users mistakenly think that the cloud is only for backup, but it actually does a much broader range of things, from remotely controlling a device to locking a phone when lost, like finding a lost smartphone on a map through Mi Cloud, even if it's turned off, thanks to Find Device, a low-energy feature.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi provides 5GB of free space for each account, enough for a backup (without media files) or about 2,000 photos in compressed format, and you’ll have to sign up for a paid subscription to expand the memory, starting at 120 rubles a month for 50GB.

Preparing your smartphone before entering the Mi Cloud

Before you open the cloud, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. Xiaomi regularly updates services, so devices older than 2018 release may have problems with synchronization. MIUI 10 and below – they may need to manually update the firmware.

Check the following parameters before starting work:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: should be no lower MIUI 11 (for stable cloud operation). You can find the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 🔄 Date and time: must be configured automatically. Incorrect settings lead to authentication errors
• 📶 Internet connection: Wi-Fi only or 4G/5G (The cloud does not work through a proxy or VPN some)
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% First synchronization process can take up to 20 minutes

If you have previously used smartphones from other brands (Samsung, Huawei), import contacts to Google Account in advance. Xiaomi does not support direct imports from Samsung Cloud or Huawei Mobile Services - you will have to use intermediate VCF-file.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO Redmi with global firmware (Global) ROM) Mi Cloud may be called Xiaomi Cloud. It's the same functionality, but the interface is a little different. Don't worry, it's not a system bug.

Registration of Xiaomi account for cloud access

Without a Xiaomi account, you can't log in to the cloud. If you don't already have one, sign up directly on your smartphone:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account
2. Click Create an account and select the registration method: 📧 Email (recommended for reliability) 📞 Phone number (fast but less secure)

Fill in the data and confirm the registration via SMS or letter

Password not shorter than 8 characters

Once you register, the system will suggest linking your account to your device. Don't skip this step - without binding, the cloud will only be accessible through the browser, without automatic synchronization. We also recommend setting up two-factor authentication immediately (Account Settings → Security → Two-step verification).

Is your account linked to your device | Is two-factor authentication enabled | Is the password saved in the password manager | Is the email/SMS functionality checked to restore-->

If you bought a used smartphone, first perform a factory reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).The previous owner could leave his account in the system, which blocks access to the cloud.

Step-by-step: how to open Mi Cloud on Xiaomi

Now, the main thing is to connect to cloud storage, and the instructions are suitable for all modern models: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and others on MIUI 12-14.

1. Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop)
2. Scroll down and select Xiaomi Akcount (or Xiaomi Cloud on global firmware)
3. At the top of the screen, click on Mi Cloud (cloud with arrow)
4. Enter your Xiaomi account password if required.
5. Wait until the first synchronization is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

💡

If the cloud doesn't sync after logging in, check the traffic saving settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Save traffic: Add Mi Cloud to the exclusion list.

Some firmware (China ROM) require a Chinese phone number to function properly in the cloud, and if you see an “Account not verified” notification, use virtual number services or reflash the device on Global ROM.

Setup of automatic data synchronization

By default, the cloud only syncs contacts and notes to expand the possibilities:

1. In the Mi Cloud menu, click on Sync
2. Activate the switches opposite: 📇 Contacts (required for backup) 📅 Calendar (events and reminders) 📝 Notes (from the Mi Notes app) 🔖 Browser bookmarks (only for Mi Browser) 🎵 Call recordings (if recording function is enabled)

Backup

Automatic backup

Every day.

When connecting to Wi-Fi

To save traffic, turn off the Gallery's sync on the mobile network. Photos weigh a lot, and downloading them over 4G will quickly exhaust the tariff limit. Also, look at the Storage Management section - there you can manually delete old backups to make room.

Solving common problems with Mi Cloud

Even with the right setup, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• ❌ Error "failed to connect to the server" Reasons: unstable Internet, blocking VPN, Xiaomi server failures. Solution: switch to another network, disconnect VPN, Check the status of the servers at status.mi.com.
• ❌ Cloud does not save photos Check the settings of Gallery: Gallery → Settings → Cloud sync. Make sure that the Autoboot option is enabled and the correct resolution is selected (Original quality is recommended only for Wi-Fi).
• ❌ They don't come. SMS Use an alternative method of verification via email. If the email does not come, check the Spam folder or try another inbox (Gmail works most stable).
• ❌ Backup is not restored on a new phone Make sure the version is MIUI It's not lower than the old one. MIUI 14 won't recover on MIUI 12.Also check if there is enough space in the cloud to recover.

⚠️ Note: If you see a “Device Not Certified” notification when you log in to the cloud, it means that your smartphone has custom firmware installed (Custom). ROM). In this case, some Mi Cloud features will be blocked, such as Find Device and system backup.

To diagnose complex problems, use the Sync Log (Mi Cloud → Settings → Journal) that displays all sync attempts with errors. Error codes like 403 or 502 usually mean problems on the server side of Xiaomi — you just have to wait for them to fix.

How to use the Xiaomi cloud at maximum speed

To speed up your work with Mi Cloud, follow these tips:

• 🚀 Use the Wi-Fi. 5 GHz – File download goes to 2-3 times faster than the 2.4 GHz
• 📶 Turn off background restriction for cloud: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Cloud → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🗃️ Archive old backups – in Storage Management you can create ZIP-Backup archives over 6 months old
• 🔄 Enable “Fast Sync” in the cloud settings (available on the MIUI 13+)

To speed up the first synchronization of a large amount of data (for example, 10 GB of photos), connect your smartphone to charging. Xiaomi automatically limits background activity when battery power is low. Also temporarily turn off other cloud services (Google Photos, Dropbox) so that they do not compete for network bandwidth.

💡

The most common reason for slow synchronization is to limit traffic in settings. SIM-Even if Wi-Fi is on, some firmware uses mobile Internet for business operations.

On smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO X5 Pro), the cloud is faster due to hardware acceleration of encryption. On devices with MediaTek (Redmi Note 11, POCO M5), there may be a delay when you first download large files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's cloud