Xiaomi Cloud Storage (Mi Cloud) is a free service for backing up photos, contacts, notes and other data from Redmi, POCO and Mi devices. Many users do not even suspect that their files are automatically synced to the cloud until they are faced with the need to restore deleted images or transfer data to a new phone. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to view the content of the Mi Cloud β from the standard application on a smartphone to the hidden features of the web version.
Itβs important to understand that Xiaomi only offers 5GB of free space, and further expansion requires payment, and even a basic tariff is enough to store several thousand photos or backups of system settings. If you have never gone to the cloud, chances are that your data is already there β check it out right now!
1. Access to Mi Cloud via smartphone app
The easiest way is to use the built-in Mi Cloud app on your phone, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and doesn't require any additional installation.
- Open the app menu and look for the Cloud icon** (white icon with blue clouds).
- Sign in with your Mi Account (unless you are automatically logged in).
- On the home screen you will see sections: Photos, Videos, Contacts, Notes and Backups.
- Slip on the right category to view the files.
If the app is not available (e.g. on custom firmware), it can be downloaded from Google Play at the request of Mi Cloud.Please note: on some POCO models, the icon may be called βMi Cloudβ** without localization.
β οΈ Note: At the first login, the system may request confirmation by SMS Or email is Xiaomi's standard security procedure. If you don't remember the password from your Mi Account, restore it to the official website before you try to log in.
Basic functions are available in the appendix:
- π· Viewing and downloading photos in original resolution.
- π₯ Upload new files (up to 2 GB at a time).
- ποΈ Delete unnecessary data with the possibility of recovery within 30 days.
- βοΈ Set up automatic synchronization (for example, uploading a photo when connecting to Wi-Fi).
2. Viewing the cloud through the web version on your computer
If you want to download large files or manage storage from a PC, use the Mi Cloud web version, which works in any browser and does not require installation of programs.
- Go to i.mi.com.
- Enter the username and password from the Mi Account (the same data as on the phone).
- If necessary, confirm the entrance via SMS or email.
- In the left menu, select the section (Photos, Videos, Files, etc.).
The web version is convenient for mass operations:
- π₯οΈ View photos in gallery mode with the possibility of sorting by date or albums.
- π Downloading entire folders in the form of ZIP-archive (maximum 1000 files per operation).
- π Search by file names or tags (e.g. #vacation).
In the web version, an extended viewing mode is available EXIF-Photo data (camera model, shutter speed, GPS-This is useful for photographers who want to analyze metadata images.
β οΈ Warning: If you log in from a public computer, always use incognito mode and log out after work. Xiaomi does not block multiple sessions, but it increases the risk of data leakage.
Log in to the Mi Account|Check for free space|Shut down. VPN (may block access)|Update your browser to the latest version-->
3. Alternative ways to access the cloud
Besides the standard methods, there are less obvious options for working with the Mi Cloud:
3.1. Through the phone's file manager
Some files from the cloud (such as backups) can be seen through the built-in Explorer:
- Open the Files** (Folder Icon).
- Go to the Cloud or Mi Cloud section.
- Synchronized data (not all categories!) will be displayed here.
3.2. Third-party applications
There are third-party clients for Mi Cloud, such as Mi Cloud Explorer** (available on GitHub).
- π Automatic synchronization on schedule.
- π Detailed statistics on the use of space.
- π οΈ Tools for Recovering Deleted Files (limited to 30 days).
However, use such programs with caution β they require data transfer for authorization.
How to check which data is automatically synchronized?
4. Solving Mi Cloud Access Issues
Users sometimes encounter errors when logging into the cloud, and consider typical situations and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Incorrect login or password" | Data error or password reset | Restor access via account.xiaomi.com |
| "Service temporarily unavailable" | Technical work on the side of Xiaomi | Check the status of services at status.mi.com |
| "Not enough space." | The 5GB limit is exceeded | Clean up unnecessary files or buy extra space |
| "The device is not supported" | An outdated version of the app | Update Mi Cloud to Google Play or App Store |
If you canβt log in after resetting your password, try:
- Clear the Cloud cache** (Settings β Applications β Mi Cloud β Memory β Clear the cache).
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If you travel frequently, add your Mi Account to the VPN exclusion list. Some countries (such as India) block access to Xiaomi services through proxy services.
5. How to make room for Mi Cloud
The free 5GB runs out quickly, especially if you enable automatic uploading of photos in original quality.
- Open the Cloud app** or the web version.
Alternative methods:
- πΈ Turn off video upload to the cloud (Settings) β Autoboot β Video β Off.).
- ποΈ Archive rarely used files in ZIP And download them to the PC.
- π³ Buy an extra seat (from 50 GB per seat) ~$1 a month).
Deleted files are stored in the recycle bin for 30 days, after which their recovery is impossible even through Xiaomi support.
6 Data security in Mi Cloud
Xiaomi claims that all files in the Mi Cloud are encrypted during transfer and storage, but for additional protection, it is recommended that:
- π Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
- π± Enable two-factor authentication (Account settings) β Security β Two-step verification).
- π« Do not store scans of documents (passports, bank cards) in the cloud).
- π Regularly check active sessions (Account settings) β Devices).
If you suspect a data breach, immediately:
- Change the password from your Mi Account.
- Revoke access to all unknown devices.
- Contact Xiaomi support via the official website.
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Even when files are removed from the cloud, copies of them can stay on Xiaomi servers for up to 60 days, which is standard practice for backup recovery.