Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular device that stores huge amounts of personal information, from important work documents to family photos. Losing data when a gadget breaks down, theft or accidental reset can be a real disaster.
Modern backup methods allow you to save not only contacts and SMS, but also full copies of installed applications with all their settings. The MIUI operating system, which runs a smartphone, has several built-in data protection mechanisms. Understanding the principles of their work will help you avoid losing valuable information at the most inopportune time.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available backups, the benefits of Mi Cloud cloud storage, local storage and computer sync, and the nuances of working with a Google account and the specifics of recovering information.
Preparation for backup
Before you start copying, you need to make sure that the device is ready to go. The first step should always be to check the free space. Local backup takes up a significant amount of memory, especially if you plan to save photos and videos in high resolution.
Make sure your Redmi 9 is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to sync with the cloud. Mobile internet can be unstable, and charging traffic when transferring large amounts of data can be unpleasantly surprising. Battery charge should be at least 50% so that the process does not interrupt due to discharge.
Also worth checking is the operating system version. Update MIUI to the latest version available through the settings menu, which ensures that all bugs in the backup utilities are fixed, and the stability of the smartphone has a direct impact on the integrity of the archives you create.
- 📱 Check the free space in the internal memory of the device.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery is over 50%.
- 📶 Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network for cloud synchronization.
- 🔄 Update the system to the current version MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Do not start the process of creating a full copy of the system if the phone is in power saving mode. This can lead to an interruption error and damage to the archive.
It is important to decide on the storage method beforehand. If you plan to use the cloud, make sure you have a Mi Account or Google account. For local storage, prepare a microSD card or make sure that there is enough space on the internal drive.
Local backup via MIUI settings
The fastest and most reliable way to save data without using the Internet is through the built-in local backup feature, which allows you to create a full cast of the system that is stored directly on the device or external memory card. To start, go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone.
In the list that opens, look for Backup and Restore, and here you can select the type of data to copy, you can save system settings, calls, messages, browser history, and application data, and note that some secure applications may not be supported for security reasons.
Once you select categories, click the Reservation button. It can take anywhere from minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data you have, encrypting the archive will increase security, but it will require remembering the password, and without a password, it will be impossible even for the owner to recover the data.
Once you have completed the archive, it is strongly recommended that you copy the backup file to your computer or cloud storage.The file is usually located in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup path.If the phone is lost or physically damaged, a local copy on the device itself will not help.
- 🗂️ The archive is stored in a format that is understandable only by the shell. MIUI.
- 🔒 Using a password protects data from third-party access.
- 💾 Backup file can weigh several gigabytes.
⚠️ Note: If you change region in your phone settings, access to previously created local copies may be limited.
The local method is ideal for fast data migration between two Xiaomi phones, so you can flip a backup file over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct and restore all settings to the new device in minutes.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account
Cloud technology makes it easy to forget about manual copy creation. Mi Cloud service is deeply integrated into Xiaomi system. To activate it, log into your Mi Account through the settings menu. After authorization, go to Mi Cloud and select Sync.
You can set up automatic saves for contacts, notes, voice recordings and photos. The gallery can sync photos and videos, freeing up space on the phone. Free 5GB of space is available to the user, which is enough for documents, but not enough for multimedia.
In parallel, you need to set up sync via Google. This ecosystem stores the contacts, calendar, email and data of most applications. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure all the switches you need are active.
What to do if the synchronization is suspended?
If you see a Wi-Fi Waiting status or the process is stalled, try clearing the cache of Google Play and Mi Cloud, and re-signing in after you delete it from the system helps.> The advantage of the cloud is that data is stored in real time, so you can lose your phone today, buy a new phone tomorrow, and when you log in, all the data will return to its place, and that's the safest way to protect against physical loss of the device. Mi Cloud Google Drive Free 5GB 15GB Photo Sync Yes (Gallery) Yes (Google Photo) Full system backup Partially Complete (Settings) Integration with MIUI Deep Basic Use of both services simultaneously creates a double layer of protection: Contacts can be stored on Google, notes and voice recorders can be stored on Mi Cloud. Backup to the computer through USB For those who prefer to keep data under personal control, a PC copying method is suitable. connect Redmi 9 to the computer with the help of high-quality USB-On the smartphone screen, select the mode of operation. USB: File transfer (MTP). On your computer, open a removable disk that appears. You need to find folders with important data: DCIM (photo and video), MIUI/backup (You can copy these folders to your computer's hard drive, and this method doesn't create a "smart" copy of applications that you can restore. It only saves files. But for photo archives and documents, it's the most reliable option, independent of the servers of companies and the availability of the Internet. PC Suite or third-party utilities like Android File Transfer. They allow you to structure data and make backup contacts in vCard format for easy import to other devices. 💻 The computer acts as a reliable external storage device. 📁 Only files are copied, application settings are not saved. ⚡ The speed of copying depends on the version USB port-and-cable. ⚠️ Warning: When copying large amounts of data, don't turn off the cable abruptly. Use the Safe Device Removal feature in your computer's operating system to avoid damaging the file system. Regularly copying to your PC once a month will become a good habit. This ensures that even if your cloud services or accounts are completely out of order, you will still have a fresh copy of your important files. Google Play offers a variety of apps, such as Super Backup, Titanium Backup (requires root rights) or Helium. They allow you to customize your copy schedule. Third-party utilities often know how to send backups straight to Dropbox, OneDrive or FTP-It's convenient for automating the process. You can set the application up so that it makes a copy every night. SMS It called and sent the archive to the cloud, but it's important to keep in mind security, because when you give a third-party application access to all your data, you have to be sure of the developer, and you have to read carefully the permissions that the software requests when you install them. Some applications allow you to create copies of only specific programs along with their cache and save games. This can be a salvation for those who go through long games and do not want to start over after reinstalling the system. It is important to check the integrity of the archives you have created. Periodically try to restore the data from the created copy on the test device or emulator to make sure that the file is not corrupted. The recovery process depends on the method you have chosen before, if you have used Mi Cloud or Google, just log in to your account on a new phone or after a reset, and the system will suggest that you recover the data from the last recovery point. When using a local backup, go to Settings → The phone. → Reservation and rehabilitation → Restore. Select the file you want to file in your archive and enter the password if it's been set. It takes time, the phone can reboot several times. For files copied to your PC, just return them to the original directories on your smartphone. Photos are automatically identified by the gallery, and documents will be available in the file manager. Contacts can be imported through the phone book menu. If you change your phone to a model from another manufacturer, use the Google Account. It's versatile for Android, and it'll move contacts, emails and most apps regardless of your smartphone brand. Once restored, check key apps. Sometimes you need to re-authorize your banking apps or messengers for security reasons. This is a normal practice requiring the input of code from SMS. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) How much space does the full Redmi backup take? 9? The volume of local copy depends on the number of applications installed and their data. On average, a clean system takes about three times a year. 2-4 GB: If you add photos and videos, the size can grow to 16-32 GB or more. Always leave a 20% larger copy space. Do you keep your Wi-Fi passwords when you backup? Yes, when you create a local copy through the standard menu? MIUI If you check the box, the Wi-Fi passwords are saved. When you restore them to a new device, the phone automatically connects to known networks. In Google cloud backups, the Wi-Fi passwords are also synchronized. Can you restore the backup from Xiaomi to Samsung? Full system backup MIUI It is impossible to restore on Samsung due to differences in shells, but data (contacts, photos, documents) can be easily transferred through Google Account or manually. MIUI It's not readable on other brands. SIM-- The card before the backup? SIM-No card is required, but the contacts saved are SIM-The card is not automatically copied to the cloud backup. Before resetting your phone, make sure to copy the contacts with SIM-Maps in memory of your phone or Google account through the phone book menu.