How to make a backup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide with 5 working methods

Why backup on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not a luxury, but a necessity

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro owners often face situations where the smartphone suddenly stops working, from an accidental reset to serious firmware failures. According to 2023 statistics, 38% of users lose important data due to lack of backup before updating MIUI or flashing, this model, despite the reliable Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 64 MP camera, is not immune to software errors — especially if you install custom firmware or experiment with root rights.

Backup on the Redmi Note 8 Pro has its nuances, such as the standard backup through MIUI does not store data from some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking services), and backup via TWRP requires an unlocked bootloader. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of backup in 2026, including hidden features of MIUI 14 and circumventing restrictions for models with a locked bootloader.

Whether you’re planning to upgrade to HyperOS, reset to factory settings, or just want to hedge your bets, this guide will help you save:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS and call log (including hidden numbers)
• 📷 Photos and videos in original resolution (up to) 8K for this model)
• 🎵 Music and documents from internal memory
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, sound profiles)
• 📦 Installed applications with data (for root methods)

Method 1: Built-in backup via MIUI (no PC)

The easiest way to do this is to use the standard MIUI Backup feature, which is suitable for most users, but has limitations: not all applications support data storage, and the backup takes up space in internal memory.

To create a backup copy:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select items to save (we recommend ticking all boxes).
3. Specify the location of the storage: internal memory or Mi Cloud (Xiaomi cloud).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the process takes 10–30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Attention: Backup through MIUI does not store application data unless it supports the Android Backup Service function, for example, games with local progress (such as Genshin Impact) or encrypted messengers (such as Telegram Secret Chats) will not be restored.

At least 50% of the battery is loaded

2–3 GB of internal memory is free

Power saving mode is off

Sync with Mi Cloud enabled (if you use the cloud)-->

If you choose to save to Mi Cloud, consider that the free tariff provides only 5 GB. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro with 128 GB of memory, this is only enough for critical data. The alternative is to save the backup to the memory card (the model supports microSD up to 256 GB), but you need to transfer the file manually through the File Manager.

Internal memory of the phone

The cloud (Mi Cloud/Google Drive)

Memory map

Computer

I don't do backups.-->

Method 2: Backup through Google (for apps and contacts)

Sync with a Google account is a semi-automatic backup that works in the background, and it is suitable for saving contacts, calendars and some of the data of the applications, but does not replace a full backup. For example, photos in Google Photos will only be saved if autoload is enabled, and messages to WhatsApp - if a separate backup is set up in the messenger itself.

To set up synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and activate switches for the data you need (contacts, calendar, Chrome, Gmail, etc.).
3. For app backup, enable Settings → System → Backup → Backup to Google Drive.
4. To save photos, open the Google Photos app and enable Autoupload and Sync.

⚠️ Note: Google app backup doesn’t work for system utilities MIUI (Some games and instant messengers (like Viber) block data storage due to privacy policies.

💡

If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) on Google, save the backup codes before resetting your phone. These can be found at myaccount.google.com/security under "Google Account Log In."

The advantage of this method is automation. Once set up, the backup will be updated once a day when connected to Wi-Fi. However, to fully restore the Redmi Note 8 Pro after reset, you will need:

• 🔄 Sign in to the same Google account when you first set up your phone.
• 📲 Confirm the data recovery from the backup (the offer will appear at the setup stage).
• ⏳ Wait for data to load (may take several hours for large volumes).

Method 3: Full backup via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you’re planning to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or have already unlocked a bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, then TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the best tool for a full backup. It saves all the firmware, including system files, application data, and even camera module settings.

This method will require:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi – official website).
• 📱 Established custom recaveri TWRP (The begonia version is codenamed Redmi Note 8 Pro).
• 💾 Memory card or OTG-drive (backup takes 8-12 GB).

Instructions for creating a backup:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP.
2. In the main menu, select Backup.
3. Mark the backup sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor (required!) and EFS (for IMEI).
4. Select the location of the save (external SD is recommended).
5. Swipe for confirmation and wait until the process is completed (the process will take 15-40 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the backup process in TWRP — If the battery runs below 15%, the recavator will automatically shut down. Also, don't save the backup to internal memory, because it will be erased when it is reset.

The main advantage of TWRP is the ability to restore the phone even after “bricking” (for example, if the firmware is damaged during the update).

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data!).
• 🛠️ Not all versions. TWRP work correctly with MIUI 14 (you need to look for current builds).
• 📦 Backup takes up a lot of space (full copy weighs) ~10GB).

💡

TWRP is the only way to save root-righted application data (e.g., modified system files or modified APKs).

Method 4: Backup to your computer via Mi PC Suite or ADB

If you prefer to store backups on a PC, you have two options: the official Mi PC Suite utility or the ADB command line. The first method is simpler but less reliable (sometimes does not store application data), and the second requires command knowledge, but gives full control.

Method 1: Mi PC Suite

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite on your computer.
2. Connect Redmi Note 8 Pro over USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
3. In the program, select Backup and follow the process.

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_redmi_note_8_pro.ab

This team will keep:

• 📱 All applications (-apk) and their data (-obb, -shared).
• 📁 Shared files (photos, videos, documents).
• ⚙️ System settings (except for some) MIUI-specificity).

⚠️ Attention: Backup through ADB It does not include data from some system applications (for example, Mi Account or Security), and the backup file will be encrypted with the lock screen password - do not forget it!

💡

If ADB Issuing a “device unauthorized” error, check the debugging permission in the notification or reconnect the phone USB-cable (sometimes it helps to change the port).

Method 5: Manual backup of important data (photos, contacts, SMS)

If you don't need a full backup system, but only critical data, you can do without complex tools.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and screen recordings).
• 📞 Contact and SMS (including archival reports).
• 🎵 Music and documents (PDF, Excel, Word).

Instructions for photo/video:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the Internal Storage → DCIM (photo) and Movies (video) folder.
3. Copy files to a computer or external disk.

Contact instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press. ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
3. Select the.vcf format and save it to a memory card or send it to your mail.

Instructions for SMS:

Use the SMS Backup & Restore app from Google Play:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Press Backup and select the location of the save (Google Drive, local file).
3. After the backup, export the file to the PC.

⚠️ Note: When manually copying a photo from a folder DCIM Do not delete hidden files (starting with.) – they contain metadata for the gallery MIUI. Also check the folder. Pictures/Screenshots — It contains screenshots that are often forgotten to save.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes face problems when creating a backup on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after recovery through TWRP, which happens if you don't save the EFS partition.

• 🔧 Always turn on EFS backup TWRP.
• 📡 Write it down before the firmware. IMEI (dial *#06#).
• 🛠️ If IMEI Lost, restore it through Maui META or SN Write Tool (requires boxing or credits).

💡

Before any interference with the system (firmware, root, reset), check the integrity of the backup. To do this, try to restore 1-2 files from the archive on the test device or emulator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions