How to Use Xiaomi Cloud on Your Phone: A Complete Guide to 2026

Xiaomi cloud storage is not just a place for backups, but a full-fledged tool for synchronizing data between devices, protecting information from loss and remote access to files. If you own a Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi smartphone based on MIUI 14/15, then you already have 5 GB of free cloud space – all you have to do is learn how to use it correctly.

In this article, we'll explore not only the basic features of Mi Cloud, but also the hidden features: how to automatically save photos to the cloud, restore contacts after a phone reset, or share files without messengers. And you'll also learn why sometimes sync "hangs" and how to fix it without going to the service center. Let's start with the most important thing - registration and first sign-in.

1. Registration and login to Mi Cloud: step-by-step instructions

Before you use the cloud, you need to link your Xiaomi account to your phone. If you have already gone through this procedure when you first turn on your smartphone, you can skip this section. For beginners, detailed instructions:

Open Settings → Xiaomi Account. If you are not already logged in, the system will prompt you to create a new account or sign in to an existing one. Select “Create an account” and follow the prompts:

• 📱 Enter a valid email (preferably Gmail or Mail.ru – with them less problems when recovering the password).
• 🔐 Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and capital letters).
• 📲 Confirm your phone number is a must-do step to protect your account.
• 🔄 Enable two-step authentication (optional, but highly recommended).

After registration, the account will automatically be linked to the phone, and you will be able to use all the features of the Mi Cloud. Please note: if you bought a used smartphone, be sure to delete the old account of the previous owner through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out, otherwise the cloud will not be available.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Xiaomi account password, you can only restore it through your email or phone number. Without this information, you will not be able to access the cloud and phone (if the lock is enabled!

2. Mi Cloud features: What can be stored in the cloud

Xiaomi’s cloud supports synchronization of almost all types of data from your phone, and here’s a complete list of things you can save:

The most useful features are automatic photo uploads and contact sync, for example, if you change your phone to a new Xiaomi, all your numbers and photos will be available immediately after you sign in.

• 🔄 Recover data after a phone reset or breakage.
• 📱 Remotely control the device (find, block, erase data).
• 📁 Sharing files via link without messengers.
• 🔒 Encrypt backups for additional security.

But there are limitations: the free price is only 5GB, and for the original quality of video storage, that's not enough. Let's look at how to optimize the space in the cloud.

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If you take a lot of photos, turn on the “Compress Photo” option in the cloud settings, which will save up to 70% of the space without noticeable loss of quality.

3.How to Free Up Space in Xiaomi Cloud

Over time, 5GB of free space runs out, especially if you save videos or back up frequently. Here are a few ways to free up space:

1. Remove unnecessary backups. Go to Mi Cloud → Backups and delete old versions. Usually, just save the latest copy.
2. Clean the cart. Deleted files are stored in the cart for 30 days. To clean it immediately: Mi Cloud → Recycle Bin → Clean everything.
3. Turn off video autoload. In the cloud settings (Mi Cloud → Gallery → Sync settings), select Photos instead of Photos and Videos.
4. Use compression. Enable the option "Compress Photos" - this will reduce the weight of files by 2-3 times.

If that's not enough, you can buy an extra seat.

• 💰 50GB — ~100 ₽/month ~800 ₽/year.
• 💰 200GB — ~200 ₽/month ~1500 ₽/year.

⚠️ Note: When you delete files from the cloud, they will also be deleted from all synced devices! If you want to save photos only on your phone, copy them to your local folder first.

4.How to Back Up Your Phone to the Cloud

Backup is the main feature of Mi Cloud, which will save your data when your phone breaks, is stolen or reset.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
2. Click “Create a backup” and select the data to save (contacts, messages, settings, applications).
3. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the volume).

Importantly, the backup doesn't include the apps themselves, it only includes their data and settings, and the programs themselves will have to be reinstalled from the Play Market or the App Gallery.

To recover data on the new phone:

1. Log in to the same Xiaomi account.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore from backup.
3. Select the latest copy and confirm the recovery.

5. Synchronization of photos and videos: how to set up autoload

One of the most convenient features of the Mi Cloud is that it automatically uploads photos and videos to the cloud, so you don't have to manually copy files and protect them from loss, so you can turn on autoload.

1. Open the gallery. → Settings (⚙️) → Synchronization with Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on the "Autosynchronization" switch.
3. Choose what to sync: only photos, or photos and videos.
4. Customize quality: “Original” (takes up a lot of space) or “Compressed” (saves traffic and cloud volume).

By default, synchronization only works when connected to Wi-Fi, but you can allow mobile internet use (not recommended for limited traffic).

To view the downloaded files:

• 📱 On the phone: Gallery → Albums. → Mi Cloud.
• 💻 On your computer: go to i.mi.com and log in.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete a photo from the phone gallery, it will also disappear from the cloud if sync is enabled! To avoid this, first copy the files to another album or computer.

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Autoloading photos in Mi Cloud only works when the Internet is turned on, and if the phone has been offline for a long time, sync will resume automatically the next time you connect.

6 Remote phone management via Mi Cloud

If you lose your phone or it's been stolen, Mi Cloud can help you find it or at least protect your data.

1. Visit i.mi.com from another device.
2. Sign in with the same account as on your lost phone.
3. Go to the "Find the device" section.

The following functions will be available to you:

• 📍 Location: Shows the last known location of the phone on the map.
• 🔊 Sound signal: the phone will start ringing loudly (works even in silent mode).
• 🔒 Blocking: You can set a new password to unlock.
• 🗑️ Data Cleanup: Completely reset your phone to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).

The Cleanup feature is useful if sensitive information is stored on the phone (bank applications, photos of documents, etc.), but remember: after a reset, it will be impossible to recover data!

If the phone is off or offline, commands (except for the location) will be executed the next time you connect to the Internet.

7.Mi Cloud problem solving: synchronization doesn't work

Sometimes users find that Xiaomi cloud stops syncing, doesn't upload photos or gives out errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If nothing helps, try:

1. Sign out of your Xiaomi account and re-enter (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
2. Clear the cache of the Mi Cloud application (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Cloud → Clear the cache).
3. Update MIUI to the latest version.

In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi through the official website or chat in the Mi Community app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)