How to view files in Xiaomi Cloud: all ways to access cloud storage

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage is not just a backup for your photos and contacts, but a full-fledged tool for syncing data between devices. However, many users face difficulties in trying to access their files: you can not log in to your account, you do not know where to look for the data you need, synchronization is intermittent, and this problem is especially relevant for those who have switched to a new device or lost access to the main smartphone.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can view files in Xiaomi Cloud, from standard methods through a mobile app to little-known tricks using the web version and third-party tools. You’ll learn how to download backups, restore deleted files, and even circumvent the restrictions if you forget your password. And we’ll also tell you what data is stored in the Mi Cloud and how to protect it from loss.

If you’re looking for a way to quickly find old photos, restore notes, or transfer contacts to a new phone, this guide will save hours of time. But remember: working with cloud services requires caution. Xiaomi Cloud does not provide an official way to download a complete archive of data in one file – all operations are performed selectively through the service interface.

What is stored in Xiaomi Cloud and how it works

Before you search for files, it's important to understand what kind of data is synced to the cloud. Mi Cloud automatically reserves not all of your smartphone content, only the categories you explicitly allowed to save.

• 📱 Contacts – including groups and linked accounts
• 📝 Notes from the standard Mi Notes app
• 📷 Photos and videos from the gallery (if you have the option to sync with Mi Cloud enabled)
• 🔄 Call logs and SMS-communications (optional)
• 🎵 Recordings from the recorder and voice notes
• 📍 Location data (if geolocation is enabled)
• 🔧 System settings (wallpaper, network parameters, shortcuts)

Important: files from Download, Documents or third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) do not automatically enter the cloud. They can only be downloaded manually through the Files application. → Mi Cloud. It's also not stored in the cloud:

• 🎮 Installed applications (only a list of them for quick installation)
• 💳 Bank card details from Mi Pay
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (synced only on devices with one account)

The free storage capacity in Xiaomi Cloud is 5GB (previously 10GB, but the limit has been reduced since 2023).

Note that if you haven’t logged in to your Mi Account for more than 6 months, Xiaomi can delete your data from the cloud without warning, which is spelled out in the user agreement, but many will find out too late.

Method 1: View files through the Mi Cloud mobile application

The most obvious and reliable way is to use the official Mi Cloud app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO. If it’s not on your device (for example, after resetting your settings), download it from Google Play or AppGallery.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (white cloud icon on a blue background).
2. Enter your Mi Account login and password, and if you don't remember the data, use the recovery via email or phone.
3. After authorization, you will see the main page with sections: Review, Devices, Gallery, Notes, etc.
4. Select the category you want to see, for example, go to the Gallery to view the photos. → Cloud.
5. To download the file, click on it and select Save to the device.

If a partition is missing (such as Notes or Contacts), the sync is disabled for it.

Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Cloud → Select Categories for Sync

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔄 Files are not displayed → Check your internet connection or restart the application.
• 🔒 Demands. SMS-confirmation → If you haven’t logged in in a while, Xiaomi may request verification.
• ⚠️ There's not enough space. → Remove unnecessary backups in the Storage Management section.

Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your device

Update the Mi Cloud app to the latest version

Clear the app cache (if files are not loaded)-->

Method 2: Access to Xiaomi Cloud via web version (from computer)

If you need to download files to a PC or laptop, it is more convenient to use the web version of Mi Cloud. It works in any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and does not require installing additional programs. The main advantage of this method is the ability to massively upload photos and documents, which is not available in the mobile application.

How to access Xiaomi Cloud from your computer:

1. Go to the official website: https://i.mi.com/ (If the site does not open, check it out. VPN — Access to some regions is limited).
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 the SMS or by email).
4. In the left menu, select a section: 📁 Files - for documents and downloads 📷 Gallery - for photos and videos 📝 Notes - for text notes 📱 Devices for backup copies

Download

The web version has several hidden features:

• 🔍 File search – Keywords can be typed in the top row (e.g., “passport” or “2023").
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin - Deleted files are stored here for 30 days, after which they are deleted forever.
• 🔄 File versions – some documents have a history of changes (up to 5 latest versions).

Limitations of the web version:

• 🚫 It is not possible to download the entire gallery in one archive (only one file or folder).
• 🚫 Backups of devices (.mbk files) can not be viewed - only download and restore to your smartphone.
• 🚫 Video files larger than 2 GB may not be downloaded – they will have to be downloaded through the mobile application.

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If the web version of Xiaomi Cloud opens in Chinese, add at the end URL locale=ru_RU. For example: https://i.mi.com/?locale=ru_RU

Method 3: Recover files from Mi Cloud backup

If you lost data on your phone (for example, after resetting), it can be restored from a backup saved in the Mi Cloud. This method works even if you changed your device - the main thing is that the new model supports Mi Account (all smartphones). Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO fit).

How to recover data from backup:

1. On the new device, sign in to the same Mi Account as on the old phone.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Data Recovery.
3. Select the latest backup from the list (creation dates are indicated).
4. Check the categories for recovery (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
5. Click Restore and wait until the process is complete (can take anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours).

What's important to know:

• ⏳ Recovery replaces the current data on the device, for example, if you restore contacts, they will overwrite existing ones.
• 📱 Backups are tied to a phone model.A copy with a Redmi Note 10 may not be suitable for POCO X3.
• 🔄 If the copy is damaged, try to restore it to another device or via Mi. PC Suite.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling or transferring your phone to another person, be sure to remove backups from Mi Cloud. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Manage backups and click Delete. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to recover your personal data.

Method 4: Alternative Access Methods (for Power Users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, forgetting your password or your account is blocked), you can try alternative methods, which require technical skills and are not always secure, but in some cases help to return access to files.

Method 1: Use of Mi PC Suite

• 🖥️ Download and install Mi. PC Suite (official software for managing Xiaomi devices with PC).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (turn on debugging by USB developer-setting).
• 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account in the program.
• 📂 Go to Backup and select Restore or View Files.

Method 2: Access through API (developer)

• 🛠️ This is a good idea for anyone who can work with Python or Postman.
• 🔗 Xiaomi provides a API to work with Mi Cloud, but you need an authorization token to access.
• 📜 Example of request to obtain a list of files: GET https://api.account.xiaomi.com/v1/clientDiscovery Headers: { "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN", "User-Agent": "MiCloud/1.0" }
• ⚠️ Without experience with API This method is better not to use, there is a risk of blocking the account.

Method 3: Recovery through the Engineering Menu (older models only)

• 📱 It works on devices until 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 5, Mi 8).
• 🔢 Enter the code ##4636### in the dialer.
• 🔧 Go to Phone Information → Backup.
• 📥 You can manually initiate data recovery from the cloud.

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial access methods (for example, through third-party programs like Mi Cloud Unlocker) can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account. Xiaomi actively fights against such tools, and their use violates the user agreement. If your account is blocked, it will be extremely difficult to restore access.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with Xiaomi Cloud, users experience common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try the following steps:

1. 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi through the feedback form. Specify the phone model, version MIUI description of the problem.
2. 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Cloud app or clear its cache (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Cloud → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
3. 🕒 Wait 24 hours – sometimes syncs are delayed due to problems on Xiaomi servers.

💡

If you lost access to Mi Account but remember the attached email or phone, restore the password as quickly as possible. Xiaomi can delete inactive accounts along with all data in 6-12 months.

Xiaomi Cloud Data Security: How to Protect Your Files

While Xiaomi claims to have encrypted data, there are still cases of leaks or unauthorized access, to minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

Basic security measures:

• 🔐 Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs) and avoid simple combinations like 123456 or date of birth.
• 📱 Enable two-factor authentication in the Mi Account settings (Security) → Two-step verification).
• 🔄 Check active sessions regularly in the Security section → Devices and complete suspicious ones.
• 📂 Do not store confidential documents (passports, bank cards) in the cloud without additional encryption.
• 🗑️ Remove old backups if they are no longer needed – this will free up space and reduce the risk of leakage.

Additional advice:

• 🔗 Link backup email (not from Xiaomi) to your account to restore access if the primary address is hacked.
• 📡 Avoid signing into your Mi Account via public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports) – use mobile internet or other services. VPN.
• 🔍 Check the permissions of apps that request access to Mi Cloud (such as third-party galleries or file managers).

What to do if your account is hacked?

1. Change your password immediately through the recovery page.
2. Revoke access of all devices in the security settings.
3. Check your activity history for suspicious activity (unusual) IP-addresses, unfamiliar devices).
4. If the data leaked, inform in support of Xiaomi and consider filing a complaint with Roskomnadzor (for users from Russia).

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi smartphone to another person, it is not enough to simply reset your settings. → Mi Account → Delete your account. Untie your device in Mi Cloud (Devices) → Delete this device.Delete all backups associated with this phone.Otherwise, the new owner will be able to recover your data through the cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions