Transferring notes from Xiaomi phone to computer may seem like a trivial task, but in practice users face a lot of nuances, from the lack of visibility of files in the explorer to cloud sync errors. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from standard solutions through the Mi Cloud to alternative methods using third-party applications and local backup.
The peculiarity of Xiaomi notes is that they are not stored as normal text files, but in the database of the application com.miui.notes. This means that simply copying the Notes folder through the Explorer will not be enough, and we will show how to circumvent this limitation by preserving the formatting, attachments and structure of notes.
Important: The methods differ for devices with MIUI and HyperOS (the new firmware Xiaomi), and also depend on the version of the app Notes.
1. Transfer over Mi Cloud (official method)
The most reliable way is to sync with Xiaomi cloud storage, which works on all models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and does not require cable connection, but there are limitations: free tariff provides only 5 GB of space, and notes with attachments (photos, audio) can take up a significant amount of space.
To move the notes:
- 🔄 Open the Notes app on your phone and go to Profile → Settings → Synchronization
- ☁️ Turn on the Mi Cloud Sync switch and wait until the process is complete (can take up to 10 minutes with a lot of notes)
- 💻 On PC, go to i.mi.com and log in to the same Mi Account.
- 📝 In the "Notes" section, select the desired entries and click "Export" (the formats.txt or.zip are available)
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If notes are not displayed in the cloud, check if Hide Notes is enabled in the app settings on your phone, which blocks the synchronization of selected records.
⚠️ Note: When exporting via the web version of Mi Cloud, text formatting (bold, lists, color highlights) is lost. Use the backup method to save the design (section 3).
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| No cable or additional programs required | Volume limit (5 GB at free rate) |
| Automatic synchronization of new notes | Loss of formatting on export |
| Access from any device | It doesn't work without the Internet. |
Transfer through USB-cable (for advanced users)
If you prefer local porting without cloud services, you can copy the note database directly through the cable, which requires you to enable USB debugging and work with the Android file system.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (use the original Xiaomi cable for a stable connection)
- On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP)
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on "Version" MIUI" In Settings → The phone)
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”
- On PC, open Command Prompt and run: adb pull /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db (if adb isn't installed, download Google's Platform Tools)
The resulting note.db file is a SQLite database. Use programs like DB Browser for SQLite or online converters in.txt/.csv to view your notes.
How to open notes.db without programming?
⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the path to the database may be different:
adb pull /data/user/0/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.dbIf access is denied, root rights are required.
3. backup via Mi PC Suite
The official Mi PC Suite allows you to create complete phone backups, including notes, which is suitable for users who want to transfer all data at once (contacts, messages, notes) without manual export.
Step-by-step:
- 📥 Download Mi. PC Suite from the official website (version 3.2.1 or later)
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC through USB and allow access to the data
- 💾 In the program, select "Reserve copying" → "Create a backup copy"
- ✅ Check “Notes” (and other data if necessary) and click “Start"
- 📂 After completion, the copy will be saved in the folder. C:\Users\Your name \MiPhoneBackup
To extract notes from the backup:
- Rename the copy file with the.mbk extension to.zip
- Unclose it with WinRAR or 7-Zip
- Notes will be in the backup\apps\com.miui.notes\db\notes.db folder
⚠️ Note: Backup copies created in Mi PC Suite, encrypted. To unpack them on another PC, you will need authorization under the same Mi Account from which the copy was made.
4. Export via e-mail or messengers
If you only need to transfer a few notes, the quickest way is to send them to yourself by mail or messenger, which requires no additional programs and works even without the Internet (if you use Bluetooth or a local network).
How to do this:
- 📧 In the app "Notes" open the required entry → press "Share" → Select "Gmail" or another email client
- 📎 Attach the note as a file (usually offered in the.txt or.note format)
- 💌 Send the letter to your address and open it on PC
- 📥 Alternative: Send a note to yourself on Telegram (bot) @SaveAsBot Can convert it to.pdf)
Turn off the attachment limit in the mail client
Check that the note does not exceed 25 MB (Gmail limit)
Make sure that the note does not contain confidential data (they will be in the open form in the letter)
Save the letter in the folder "Important" so as not to lose-->
✅ The advantage of the method: notes retain formatting (unlike Mi Cloud) Disadvantage: only suitable for a small number of records.
5. Use of third-party applications (alternative solutions)
If standard methods don't work (for example, on custom firmware or after a phone drop), you can use third-party applications. We tested 3 reliable options:
| Annex | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| NoteSync | Syncs notes with Google Drive, supports MIUI and HyperOS | Play Market |
| Simplenote | Export to.txt,.md, integration with Dropbox | Official website |
| ColorNote | Backup in.xml, support for password | Play Market |
To transfer via NoteSync:
- Install the app and grant access to notes
- In the settings, select "Export" → "Google Drive"
- On PC, open Google Drive and download the archive with notes
Important: Apps like ColorNote create their own notebase, separate from the standard Xiaomi program, and to transfer existing records, you will need to manually copy text or use the import function from notes.db (available in the pro version).
6.Transfer notes from a blocked or broken Xiaomi
If the phone doesn't turn on, is locked with a pattern lock, or has a damaged screen, standard methods won't work, and if you do, you can use:
- 🔧 Recovery Mode: Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and retrieve notes.db via ADB (Requires skills to work with the command line)
- 🛠️ Service Center: Xiaomi Official Centers Can Retrieve Data When Proving Device Ownership
- 📱 Replacement memory module: If notes are stored on SD-card, it can be removed and connected to the PC through the card reader
For extraction via Fastboot:
fastboot devices
fastboot pull /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db⚠️ Note: On phones with HyperOS and File-Based Encryption enabled, you can't retrieve notes.db without unlocking the bootloader.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks:
- 🔄 For regular backups → Mi Cloud or NoteSync
- 💻 For a one-time transfer of large volume → Mi PC suite ADB
- ⚡ For urgent exports 1-2 note-book → mail-mail
- 🔧 Recovery from a non-working phone → Fastboot or service center
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If notes contain sensitive information (passwords, document scans), avoid cloud services. Use local copying via ADB or encrypted archives in Mi PC Suite.