How to view Xiaomi cloud storage: 5 ways to access the Mi Cloud

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 – from the standard application on a smartphone to the hidden features of the web version.

It’s 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 – 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.

  1. Open the app menu and look for the Cloud icon** (white icon with blue clouds).
  2. Sign in with your Mi Account (unless you are automatically logged in).
  3. On the home screen you will see sections: Photos, Videos, Contacts, Notes and Backups.
  4. 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 β€œMi Cloud”** without localization.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ“· Viewing and downloading photos in original resolution.
  • πŸ“₯ Upload new files (up to 2 GB at a time).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Delete unnecessary data with the possibility of recovery within 30 days.
  • βš™οΈ Set up automatic synchronization (for example, uploading a photo when connecting to Wi-Fi).
πŸ“Š How often do you use Xiaomi cloud storage?
Every day.
Once a week.
Backup only.
Never.

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.

  1. Go to i.mi.com.
  2. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account (the same data as on the phone).
  3. If necessary, confirm the entrance via SMS or email.
  4. In the left menu, select the section (Photos, Videos, Files, etc.).

The web version is convenient for mass operations:

  • πŸ–₯️ View photos in gallery mode with the possibility of sorting by date or albums.
  • πŸ“‚ Downloading entire folders in the form of ZIP-archive (maximum 1000 files per operation).
  • πŸ” 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.

⚠️ 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:

  1. Open the Files** (Folder Icon).
  2. Go to the Cloud or Mi Cloud section.
  3. 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).

  • πŸ”„ Automatic synchronization on schedule.
  • πŸ“Š Detailed statistics on the use of space.
  • πŸ› οΈ Tools for Recovering Deleted Files (limited to 30 days).

However, use such programs with caution – they require data transfer for authorization.

How to check which data is automatically synchronized?
Open Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Data Synchronization. Here you can turn backup on / off for each file type (contacts, SMS, notes, etc.).

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 causeDecision
"Incorrect login or password"Data error or password resetRestor access via account.xiaomi.com
"Service temporarily unavailable"Technical work on the side of XiaomiCheck the status of services at status.mi.com
"Not enough space."The 5GB limit is exceededClean up unnecessary files or buy extra space
"The device is not supported"An outdated version of the appUpdate Mi Cloud to Google Play or App Store

If you can’t log in after resetting your password, try:

  1. Clear the Cloud cache** (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Memory β†’ Clear the cache).

πŸ’‘

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.

  1. Open the Cloud app** or the web version.

Alternative methods:

  • πŸ“Έ Turn off video upload to the cloud (Settings) β†’ Autoboot β†’ Video β†’ Off.).
  • πŸ—ƒοΈ Archive rarely used files in ZIP And download them to the PC.
  • πŸ’³ 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:

  • πŸ” Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
  • πŸ“± Enable two-factor authentication (Account settings) β†’ Security β†’ Two-step verification).
  • 🚫 Do not store scans of documents (passports, bank cards) in the cloud).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly check active sessions (Account settings) β†’ Devices).

If you suspect a data breach, immediately:

  1. Change the password from your Mi Account.
  2. Revoke access to all unknown devices.
  3. Contact Xiaomi support via the official website.

πŸ’‘

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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Cloud

Can I increase my free space in the Mi Cloud?
Xiaomi has been offering promotions (for example, inviting friends) but there is no constant increase in the free fare, with the alternative being buying extra space or using other cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
How to transfer files from Mi Cloud to Google Photos?
Download the photos to your computer via i.mi.com, then upload them to Google Photos via photos.google.com. Use the Google Photos app** on your phone to automatically sync and turn off autoload to Mi Cloud.
Why are cloud photos displayed in low quality?
In the autoload settings (Settings β†’ Cloud β†’ Autoupload photos), you can turn on the Save Space mode**, which reduces the resolution of the images. To download the originals, select the option β€œOriginal Quality” (more space will be required).
Can I recover deleted files after cleaning the Recycle Bin?
No. After cleaning the cart or 30 days, files are permanently deleted. Xiaomi does not provide recovery services for physically erased data. Regularly check the cart for important files before cleaning it.
How to turn off sync with Mi Cloud completely?
Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud and disable all switches (contacts, photos, notes, etc.) To delete all data from the cloud, use the β€œDelete all data” feature** in the web version (i.mi.com).