How to make a backup on Xiaomi Redmi 4: 5 working ways to save all data

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, Released in 2017, but still in active use. However, the risk of data loss has only increased over time, from accidental deletion to firmware failures or physical damage.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of backup for Redmi 4 (including versions of Redmi). 4A, Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4 Prime, with special features MIUI You'll learn how to save data through embedded tools, cloud services, custom recovery. TWRP We'll focus on some of the things that are often overlooked in standard instructions, like why backups through Mi Cloud might not be able to save. SMS How to get around the backup limit in MIUI.

1.Preparation for the backup: what you need to know

Before you start backing up, it's important to evaluate what kind of data you need to save and what method is suitable. 4 modestly 16–32 GB of memory and an outdated version of Android 6.0/7.1 (Depending on the firmware, not all methods are equally effective.

Here are the key points worth considering:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Redmi 4 can be installed on the same MIUI 8-12 (depending on the updates) The backup functions are different, for example, in the MIUI 12 there is a selective recovery option that is not available in MIUI 8.
• 🔄 Data volume: If you have more than 10 GB of work, backup via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi cloud) will not work - free tariff is limited to 5 GB. You will have to use local saving or third-party services.
• 🔒 Root rights: Full backup (including system applications and settings) may require unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP. This is risky for beginners, but gives maximum flexibility.
• ⚡ Battery charge: The backup creation process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.Make sure the charge is at least 50% to avoid a sudden shutdown.

Also check available space on the device or memory card (if you save locally). MIUI You will need a free space equal to the amount of data you take in. + 20% (on utility files) For example, if you have 8 GB of space occupied, you need at least 10 GB of space.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to reset your smartphone to factory settings after a backup, don’t back up the device’s internal memory – it will be deleted when reset. Use a memory card, cloud or computer.

2. Method 1: Backup through embedded tools MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the standard backup function in the MIUI. It's available on all firmware versions and doesn't require any additional software:

• ❌ Does not save some system settings (for example, energy saving parameters).
• ❌ Does not reserve data from certain third-party applications (such as games or banking programs).
• ✅ But it keeps it safe:

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Click Local Backup (if you want to save to your device) or Backup in Mi Cloud (for the cloud).
3. Select the data to save (we recommend that you mark all items except the "Application" if they take up too much space).
4. Click Create a backup and wait for the process to complete.

The backup file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup memory-card SD. It can be copied to a computer or downloaded to the cloud manually.

All critical data (contacts) are selected, SMS, setting)

Enough space (minimum) +20% to the volume of data)

Memory optimizers are disabled (they can interrupt the process)

Smartphone connected to charging (if backup is more than 5 GB)-->

3. Method 2: Backup through Google Account

If you use Google services, this method will save most of your data in the cloud and easily transfer it to your new device, and the main advantage is automation: once set up, the backup will be created regularly without you.

What is saved through Google Account:

• 📞 Contacts (synchronized with Google Contacts)
• 📅 Calendar (Google Calendar)
• 📷 Photo and video (via Google Photos if Autoupload is enabled)
• 📱 List of installed applications (without data)
• ⚙️ Some system settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, language)
• 💬 SMS and call log (only on Android) 8+; for Redmi 4 Android 6/7 You'll need third-party software)

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and enable sync for the data you need (contacts, calendar, etc.).
3. For backup applications and settings, go back to Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Backup data and enable the option.
4. Click Create Backup Now to start the process manually.

Please note: photos and videos are synced separately through the Google Photos app to enable autoload:

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Click on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Turn on the switch and select quality (Original or High).

⚠️ Attention: Free Google Photos cloud from June 2021 is limited to 15GB per account (along with Gmail and Google Drive).If you have a lot of photos, consider buying extra space or using local save.

Google Drive

Mi Cloud

Yandex Disc.

iCloud (for other devices)

Don't use the clouds.

Other-->

4. Method 3: Complete backup through TWRP (for advanced users)

If you need to save all the firmware with all the settings, system files and application data, the only reliable way is to use custom recovery. TWRP. This is important if you plan to:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🛠️ Experiment with mods or cores.
• 📦 Restore your smartphone after a major failure.

Warning: the method requires unlocking the bootloader and installation TWRP, This can lead to loss of warranty and risk of "bricking" the device. If you're a beginner, you'd better choose one of the previous ways.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (instructions on Xiaomi's website), which will take up to 72 hours due to manufacturer restrictions.
2. Install. TWRP Redmi 4 (download the correct version for your model: markw for Redmi 4 Prime, prada for Redmi) 4A etc.).
3. Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
4. In the main menu, select Backup.
5. Check the backup sections (recommended: Boot, System, Data, EFS).
6. Select the location of the save (preferably on the memory card).
7. Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.

Backup files will be in the folder. TWRP/BACKUPS They can be copied to a PC or restored via a computer. TWRP if necessary.

5. Method 4: Backup to a computer via ADB or Mi PC Suite

If you prefer to store backups on your PC hard drive, there are two reliable options: ADB (for advanced users or the official Mi program PC Suite (for beginners).

Option 1: Mi PC Suite (simple and secure):

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect Redmi 4 to your computer via USB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
3. In the program, select Backup and follow the instructions.

Option 2: ADB Backup (complete control, but more difficult):

This method allows you to create a full backup, including application data, but requires command line skills.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_redmi4.ab

Decoding of flags:

• -apk — retain APK-file.
• -obb — includes additional application data (e.g. game cache).
• -shared — reserve the contents of the memory card.
• -all — All applications (without this flag, you need to manually list packages).
• -f is the path to the backup file on the PC.

After you execute the command, the phone will receive a request for backup confirmation. Enter the password (if installed) and wait until it is completed. backup_redmi4.ab It can be rebuilt by the team:

adb restore C:\backup_redmi4.ab

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If backup is through ADB interrupted with the error "not enough space", try to save the file not to the system disk (C:), and to another partition with a large amount of free space.

Method 5: Third-Party Backup Applications

If embedded tools MIUI Or Google doesn't suit you, you can use specialized software:

1.Swift Backup (for root users):

• 🔹 Stores applications with data (including games).
• 🔹 Supports cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 🔹 Allows you to selectively restore.

2. Titanium Backup (obsolete but reliable):

• 🔹 It only works with root rights.
• 🔹 It even saves system applications.
• 🔹 You can set up an automatic backup on a schedule.

3. SMS Backup & Restore for messages and calls):

• 🔹 Exporting. SMS, MMS and call logs XML or CSV.
• 🔹 You can save it to Google Drive or send it by email.

Example of Swift Backup configuration:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide root access (if required).
3. Select Backup → mark the desired applications.
4. Press Run Backup and select the save location.

⚠️ Note: root-access backup applications may conflict with banking programs (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff).If financial services have stopped working after installing Titanium Backup or Swift Backup, delete them or use a second backup phone.

7 How to recover data from the backup

Backup is half the battle, and it's equally important to be able to properly recover data, especially if you've reset your smartphone to factory settings or installed a new firmware.

Recovery through MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud (depending on where the backup is stored).
3. Click on the desired file and select Restore.
4. Confirm the recovery and wait for completion.

Recovery through TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
2. Choose Restore.
3. Specify the folder with the backup and mark the necessary sections.
4. Swipe for confirmation.

Recovery via Google:

1. When you first set up your phone after reset, select Restore from backup.
2. Log in to your Google Account.
3. Select the last backup and wait until it is completed.

If the recovery has been interrupted or the data has not been fully recovered, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and repeat the process.
• 📁 Check the integrity of the backup file (for example, through 7-Zip PC-only).
• 🔧 Use another method of recovery (for example, if you MIUI I didn't get it, try it. TWRP).

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Before the backup is restored through TWRP Make sure to reset to factory settings (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, Data, System. Recovery on top of dirty firmware can lead to a cyclical reboot.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When creating or restoring a backup on Redmi 4, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, try manually copying critical data:

• 📁 Photo and video: copy the folder DCIM PC-only.
• 📞 Contacts: Export to the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Exports.
• 💬 SMS: use SMS Backup & Restore.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions