How to Move Data to Xiaomi Cloud: A Complete Guide to Error Solutions

Why do you need to sync with Xiaomi Cloud?

Cloud storage Xiaomi Cloud is not just a backup, and a full-fledged tool for synchronizing data between the devices ecosystem Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Transfer photos, contacts, notes or even SMS to the cloud solves several tasks: frees up the memory of the smartphone, protects against data loss when reset or breakage, and also simplifies the transition to a new device. For example, when buying Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+, you can restore all settings and files in a few minutes – if you set up synchronization in advance.

However, many users face challenges ranging from authorization errors to lack of cloud space, and in this article we will discuss all the current ways to transfer data from both Android/iOS and computer, as well as how to circumvent typical restrictions (for example, the limit of 5 GB for a free account), especially focusing on hidden settings that Xiaomi does not advertise, but which can speed up the process by 2-3 times.

If you are using a device older than 2020 (such as the Xiaomi Mi 9 or Redmi Note 8 Pro), please note that some cloud features may work differently due to the outdated version of MIUI.

Preparation for data transfer: what to do before the start

Before you upload files to Xiaomi Cloud, check out three key points:

• 🔋 At least 50% battery charge – synchronize large files (e.g. video in the computer) 4K) Can discharge the smartphone in 1-2 hours.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) Mobile traffic is only suitable for small files - Xiaomi cloud is not optimized for saving megabytes.
• 📱 Updated version MIUI. On older firmware devices MIUI 12 may not have some synchronization options (e.g., application backups).

Also make sure you have enough space on your Xiaomi account.The free rate provides 5GB, but it will only last for ~1,500 high-resolution photos or ~500 minutes of Full HD video.

1. Open the Settings app → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Slip on the cloud icon in the upper right corner.
3. In the Warehouse section you will see a diagram of occupied space.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used Google Photos or iCloud, before the data perenos in Xiaomi Cloud, turn off autosynchronization in these services. Simultaneous uploading to several clouds can lead to duplicate files and overspending traffic.

2. Method 1: Automatic synchronization with Android devices

The easiest method is to enable autosynchronization right in your smartphone settings, which is suitable for transferring contacts, SMS, notes, photos and videos, but does not support backup of installed applications (this requires a separate method, which will be discussed below).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enter your Xiaomi account password if required.
3. Activate the switches opposite the types of data you want to sync (e.g. Gallery, Contacts, Notes).
4. For photos and videos, click on the Gallery → Synchronization settings and select: 📸 Download quality: Original (retains original resolution) or Compressed (saves space in the cloud). 🔄 Synchronization mode: Wi-Fi only (recommended) or Wi-Fi and mobile network.

Wait until the process is complete. Time depends on the amount of data: for example, 2 GB of photos can be downloaded from 10 minutes to an hour.

Once activated, sync will occur automatically when you connect to the Internet, but there is a caveat: Xiaomi Cloud does not always immediately display fresh files in the web version.

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After downloading files, update the i.mi.com page in your browser by clicking Ctrl + F5 (or Cmd + R on a Mac).This will clear the cache and force the cloud to show up to date data.

Method 2: Manually upload files via the web version of Mi Cloud

If automatic synchronization fails (e.g., because of an error that failed to connect to the server), you can download files manually through the browser, a method that is suitable for documents, archives, and other files that are not supported by standard synchronization.

Step-by-step:

1. Open i.mi.com and log in to your Xiaomi account.
2. In the left menu, select the Files section (or Drive in the new version of the interface).
3. Press the Download button (cloud icon with an up arrow).
4. Select files or folders on your computer. The maximum size of one file is 2 GB.
5. Wait until the download is complete. Progress is displayed in the bottom panel.
6. Upload files to your computer: connect your iPhone to your Mac/PC and copy the exported data to a separate folder.
7. Transfer data to Xiaomi Cloud: 🖥️ Upload files via i.mi.com web version (see Method 2). 📱 Or connect a Xiaomi smartphone to your computer and move files to a folder. MIUI → Backup → AllBackup and then backup manually.

⚠️ Note: When you move your iPhone contacts to Xiaomi Cloud, you may lose Notes and Additional Phones. To avoid this, edit your contacts to iCloud before exporting, combining duplicates and filling in all fields.

If you have a MacBook, you can use the Android File Transfer program to directly copy files to a Xiaomi device, but this method doesn’t work well on newer versions of macOS (like Sonoma).

5. Method 4: Backup the entire smartphone (including apps)

Xiaomi Cloud allows you to create a full backup of your smartphone, including installed apps, system settings and game data, which is useful when switching to a new device (for example, from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14) or before resetting to factory settings.

How to make a backup:

Close all apps (especially instant messengers and games)

Connect to charging (the process can take 30+ minutes)

Make sure that there is enough space on your Xiaomi account (backup takes 1-3 GB)

Turn it off. VPN (It can block the connection to Xiaomi servers)-->

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
2. Click Create a backup and select data to save: 📱 System data: Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, sounds. 🎮 Applications: List of installed programs (but not their data!). 📁 Other data: call log, SMS, calendar.

Confirm the start of the process. Don't interrupt the Internet connection!

Management of backup copies

A critical nuance: backup applications in Xiaomi Cloud does not include their data (for example, save in games or chats in Telegram), you need to use separate tools such as Swift Backup (requires root) or built-in backup functions in the applications themselves.

To recover data from a backup on a new device:

1. When you first turn on your smartphone, select Restore from a backup.
2. Sign in to the same Xiaomi account.
3. Select the right backup from the list and confirm the recovery.

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Backup in Xiaomi Cloud is stored 30 days from the moment of creation. If you do not update it, the data will be deleted automatically. To avoid this, set up automatic backup once a week in the Mi Cloud settings.

6. Solving Typical Errors in Data Transfer

Even with the right settings, users often experience crashes, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the Mi Cloud settings:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset Sync.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Payments can be made through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Increase storage. Discounts are often valid during sales (for example, at 11.11 or Black Friday).