How to view remote SMS on Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions

Removed an important message by mistake or after resetting? There are several ways to restore SMS on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from built-in MIUI features to third-party utilities. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including those that work without root rights and without a computer.

It's important to understand that recovery success depends on how long it's been since it was deleted, if messages were deleted recently (within 30 days), the chances of returning them are higher, and whether the phone used backups or sync with Mi Cloud also plays a role, and we'll look at options for different scenarios, from simple to advanced.

Let's get to the point. Below you'll find instructions with step-by-step screenshots (for current MIUI 14/15), a method comparison table, and answers to frequent questions. If your phone isn't rooted, don't worry: most of the ways work without superuser rights.

1. SMS recovery via Mi Cloud (official method)

The most reliable method is to use cloud sync from Xiaomi. It works if the phone has enabled the function of backing up messages in Mi Cloud. Check this in the settings: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync → Messages.

If synchronization is active, follow the instructions:

• 📱 Open the Messages app on the main screen.
• 🔄 Tap the three-point menu (⋮) → Settings → Recover messages.
• ☁️ Select the latest backup from Mi Cloud (see the creation date in the file title).
• ✅ Confirm the recovery – messages will appear in the Inbox in 1-2 minutes.

⚠️ Note: When recovering from the cloud, current messages on the phone can be replaced with data from the backup. SMS manually (for example, by copying the text into notes).

2. Local backups: where Xiaomi stores SMS

MIUI automatically creates local message backups when Backup is enabled, and these files are stored in /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ and have the.bak extension to find them:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file explorer (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go on the path: Internal Memory → MIUI → Backup → AllBackup.
3. Look for files with a name sms_*.bak (where * is the date of creation).

To extract messages from the.bak file, you will need third-party software, for example, MIUI Backup Extractor (available on GitHub).The alternative is to use ADB-Teams (more on this below).

3. Third-party applications for SMS recovery

If you don't have backups, try specialized utilities.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 📲 SMS Backup & Restore (from SyncTech) SMS into XML It works without root, but requires permission to access messages.
• 🔍 Droid Explorer scans your phone’s memory for remote devices SMS (effective in the first 24 hours after removal).
• 🛠️ GT Recovery – Supports recovery not only SMS, But also contacts, call logs. Attention: the app may contain ads -- install only from the official website.

Instructions for SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and press Restore.
3. Select a backup file (if any) or start a deep scan.
4. Check the necessary messages and tap Restore.

💡

Before using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them: Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Utility Name] → Battery → Without restrictions. This will prevent the program from suddenly closing during the scan.

4. Recovery through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB debugging, you can try extracting SMS via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works even without root, but requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell su -c "content query --uri content://sms/inbox" > sms_backup.txt (If you don’t have root, use adb shell content query. --uri content://sms/inbox.)
5. The results will be saved in a file. sms_backup.txt PC-only.

⚠️ Attention: This method only retrieves existing messages to recover deleted messages. SMS You will need root rights and database editing mmssms.db.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Tools (platform-tools)| Connect your phone with the original cable-->

5. Root access: recovery from the database

If your Xiaomi is rooted, you can restore SMS directly from the system database. Deleted messages are stored in /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db for 24-48 hours.

Instructions:

1. Install SQLite Editor from Google Play.
2. Open the application and find the file mmssms.db.
3. Go to the sms table and filter the entries by the date column (deleted messages may have the deleted=1 flag).
4. Export the desired lines and restore them via SMS Backup & Restore.

🔹 Important: Don't edit the database manually, which can result in the loss of all messages. Use only proven tools, such as, DB Browser for SQLite on PC.

6. What should I do if nothing has worked?

If none of these methods work, there are extreme measures:

• 📞 Contact the operator (for example, MTS, Beeline) - some provide an extract SMS for a fee (the service is called the "Message Archive").
• 🖥️ Use professional software like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (paid, but with high efficiency).
• 🔄 If the phone was reset to factory settings, try canceling the reset via Fastboot (for power users only!).

💡 Advice for the future: Set up automatic backup SMS It's in Mi Cloud or Google Drive:

1. Open Messages → Settings → Backup.
2. Select Automatic Backup and specify frequency (e.g. once a week).
3. Make sure there is enough space in the Mi Cloud (free 5GB).

💡

The faster you start recovering from SMS removal, the better the chances of success. The optimal time is the first 24 hours.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS recovery on Xiaomi