Backup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a complete guide to data preservation

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a popular smartphone with flexible settings, but even it is not immune to crashes, data loss or the need to reset to factory parameters. Without a backup, you risk losing photos in recent years, correspondence in messengers, saving games and customizing applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of backup for the Redmi Note 8T, from built-in MIUI functions to advanced methods using TWRP and ADB.

The feature of the model is the presence of a microSD slot (up to 256 GB), which makes it easier to create local copies. However, not all data can be stored on a memory card: for example, WhatsApp messages or system settings require a separate approach. We analyzed official and informal methods so that you can choose the best option depending on the goal, whether it is preparing for firmware, selling a phone or simply insurance against accidental losses.

1. Built-in backup via MIUI: an easy way for beginners

The most affordable method is to use the standard MIUI backup tool, which is suitable for saving most user data, including contacts, SMS, call log, Wi-Fi settings, and even some application settings, the main plus: it does not require root rights or a PC connection.

To create a backup:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select the data to save (all items are marked by default).
3. Specify the storage location: internal memory or microSD (recommended).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data).

The backup file will have the.mbk extension and will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder. It can be restored through the same settings section.

• 📷 Photos and videos (they must be copied separately)
• 🎵 Music and uploaded files
• 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords (network names only)
• 🤖 Data from certain third-party applications (such as games or banking programs)

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, check the integrity of the backup before resetting. for this, try restoring it to another Xiaomi device or through MIUI Backup Tool on PC: 15% of.mbk files are corrupted when created due to memory shortage.

2. Google Backup: Cloud Backup

Cloud reservation through Google Account is a universal way that works on any Android device, including Redmi Note 8T.

• 🔄 Automatic backup update when connecting to Wi-Fi
• 📱 Recovery of a new phone of any brand
• 🔒 Encryption of data during transmission

To set up a cloud backup:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate the Backup Switch in Google Drive.
3. Click Set up a backup and select a Google account.
4. In the Application Data section, mark the programs that you need to save (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram, Chrome).

Important: Google Drive only provides 15GB for free. If you have a lot of data, you will have to buy additional space or exclude large files (such as videos) from the backup. Also note that not all applications support cloud redundancy - some developers turn this feature off in their programs.

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Before selling your phone, disable backup to Google Drive and manually delete backups through Google Drive.This will prevent personal data from leaking to the new owner.

3. backup via TWRP: for advanced users

If you plan to install custom firmware or need to fully redundant the system (including the boot partition), the best choice is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery, but gives you maximum control over the process.

The advantages of TWRP-backup:

• 🔧 Save all partitions (boot, system, data, vendor, etc.)
• 🛡️ Recovery capability even after “fixing” the phone
• 🔄 Support for incremental backups (save only modified files)

Instructions for creating a backup through TWRP:

1. Install TWRP on Redmi Note 8T (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Load into the receptacle: turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
3. In the main TWRP menu, select Backup.
4. Check the sections to save (it is recommended to choose everything except cache and android-secure).
5. Select a storage location (internal memory or microSD) and start the process.

⚠️ Attention: Backups through TWRP Incompatible with official firmware MIUI If you backup a custom firmware (like LineageOS), restore it to the stock. MIUI If you don't, you'll get a load cycle. Always check for version compatibility!

Backup files will be either.win or.tar and stored in the TWRP/BACKUPS folder, which can be copied to a PC for security, and you can download to TWRP and select Restore to recover.

4. Data Copying on PC: A Reliable Offline Method

If you don't trust cloud services or want a physical copy of your data, manual copying is the best option, and it's a way to save media files, documents, and even some application settings.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 💾 Enough free space on the hard disk

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8T PC-only USB-cable.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer Mode: File Transfer (MTP) or Photo Transfer (PTP).
3. On your computer, open the Explorer (This computer is on Windows or Finder on macOS).
4. Copy important folders: DCIM — Downloads photos and videos – uploaded files WhatsApp/Media — Media from chat rooms (if necessary) Android/data — Preserve some games (root rights required)

To copy contacts and SMS without root rights, you can use programs like MyPhoneExplorer or Syncios. They allow you to export data to.vcf (contacts) and.xml (messages).

Photos and videos from the folder are copied DCIM|Exported contacts to.vcf file|WhatsApp messages saved (via built-in backup in chats)|Free space on the PC (at least 20% of the data volume)|Phone encryption disabled (if used)-->

5. backup of WhatsApp and other messengers

WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber store critical data — correspondence, media files and documents. Each messenger has its own way of backing up.

For WhatsApp:

1. Open the app, press. ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Choose Create a copy for local backup or connect Google Drive for cloud.
3. If you use a microSD, copy the WhatsApp/Databases folder to your memory card.

For Telegram:

• 🔄 Cloud backup is not required – all chats and media are stored on Telegram servers.
• 💾 For local saving, export chats: Settings → Additionally. → Chat data export.

For Viber:

• 📱 Local backup: More → Settings → Account. → Backup copy.
• ☁️ Cloud Backup is Message Only (No Media Files).

⚠️ Note: When you restore WhatsApp from a backup to a new phone, use the same number and Google account as when you created a copy. Otherwise, you will not be able to restore chats. Also note that media files (photos, videos, voice) are not included in the WhatsApp cloud backup – they must be copied separately from the folder. WhatsApp/Media.

6. Backup automation: applications and scripts

If you need to back up regularly without manual control, use specialized applications or scripts.-3 Solutions for Redmi Note 8T:

To automate through ADB (without root), you can use the script:

@echo off


adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\Backup\redmi_note_8t_%date%.ab




pause

This script creates a complete backup of all applications and their data into a.ab file on the C:\ disk. To recover, use the command:

adb restore C:\Backup\redmi_note_8t_2023-10-15.ab

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For automatic backup without root, the best choice is Swift Backup or OAndBackupX. They allow you to save application data and APK-files, but cannot back up system settings (you need root or TWRP).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you create a backup on the Redmi Note 8T, users face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Lack of space on the device": Clear the cache in Settings → Storage or use a microSD. TWRP-Backup recommended a minimum of 8GB of free space.
• ⏳ "Backup freezes 99%": Turn off phone encryption in Settings → Security → Encryption (resetting of data is required).
• 🔌 "Computer Can't See Phone": Check the cable (use the original one), turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → For developers and reboot both devices.
• 🔒 "Failed to restore the backup MIUI": Make sure the firmware version on your phone matches the version on which the backup was created. If you don't match, restore the stock firmware through Fastboot.

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 8T firmware MIUI 12.5+ The built-in backup via Settings may not save data from some system applications (e.g. Theme or Security). ADB or TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions