How to make a full copy of Xiaomi on your computer: all working ways

Backing up Xiaomi smartphone data on your computer is a critical procedure before you run a firmware, reset or replace your device. Without a backup, you risk losing contacts, SMS, photos, notes, and even settings to applications that don’t sync automatically to the cloud. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to copy data from Redmi, POCO, Mi, and other lines on your PC, from official utilities to advanced tools like ADB and TWRP.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, standard file copying through Windows Explorer does not store system settings, application data, or SMS. And cloud services (like Mi Cloud) may not support some models or limit the amount of free storage, so we'll focus on reliable on-premises solutions that work even without the Internet.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for backup

Before you start creating a backup, you need to follow a few mandatory steps, which will prevent errors like “Device not detected” or “No access rights”, which often occur when you connect Xiaomi to a PC.

First, unlock the bootloader (if you plan to use TWRP or fastboot). For most official methods (for example, Mi PC Suite), this is not required, but advanced tools will not work without unlocking.

fastboot oem device-info

Second, turn on the USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate the USB Debugging and Installation switches via USB.

💡

If after connecting to the PC there is a request for debugging permission, be sure to tick the box “Always allow from this computer” – this will save you from repeated confirmations.

Also check that the PC has drivers for Xiaomi, which can be downloaded from the official website or through the Mi PC Suite. If Windows does not recognize the device, try connecting it in file transfer (MTP) or PTP (for photos).

Method 2: Backup via Mi PC Suite (official method)

Mi PC Suite is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi that allows you to create backups, update firmware and manage files. The advantage of the method is simple: you do not need to unlock the bootloader or use the command line. However, there are also disadvantages: the program does not copy some system data and may not support older models (for example, Redmi Note 3 or Mi 5).

To make a backup through Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install the latest version of the utility from the official website.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original USB- cable (using uncertified cables can lead to errors).
3. In the program, select the Backup tab.
4. Tick the data that you need to save (contacts, SMS, applications, multimedia).
5. Click Create a backup and wait for the process to complete.

The backup file will be saved in the MiPhoneBackup folder on the C: drive. It can be restored by Later via the same utility. Please note: Mi PC Suite does not copy data from some third-party applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).

Original USB- cable connected | USB enabled debugging Xiaomi | Installed drivers | Enough space on the C:| drive unlocked (if required)

-->

3 Method 2: Local copy via ADB (for power users)

If you need to save all your application data, system settings, and even some system files, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is one of the most reliable tools, a method that requires command line knowledge, but allows you to create a full snapshot of the smartphone’s state, including data that is not copied through the Mi PC Suite.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Installed platform ADB on PC.
• 📱 Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone (see section 1).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).

Instructions for creating a backup through ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Check the connection command: adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
3. Create a backup of all applications and their data: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\XiaomiBackup.ab -apk includes APK- application files. -obb copies additional data (e.g., game cache). -shared stores files on the SD- card. -all backups all applications.

On the smartphone screen, confirm the creation of a backup (think up a password if you need to encrypt data).

The process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data. The finished file XiaomiBackup.ab will be saved to the C: disk.

adb restore C:\XiaomiBackup.ab

Important: ADB backup does not include some system application data (e.g. MIUI settings or Xiaomi account data) and will require root access or TWRP to save it.

4 Method 3: Complete backup via TWRP (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery installed, you can create a complete system image, including a bootloader, a partition /data, and even an EFS (where IMEI and other critical data are stored), a method that is suitable for users who often experiment with firmware or want a 100% recovery guarantee.

Warning: TWRP requires unlocked bootloader and root rights. Wrong actions can lead to brick.If you're unsure of your skills, use other methods.

How to make a backup through TWRP:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery mode.
2. In the main TWRP menu, select Backup.
3. Check the copying sections: Boot - boot partition. System - system files. Data - user data and applications. EFS - critical data (IMEI, MAC- addresses).

Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-map).

Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.

The finished backup will be stored in the TWRP/BACKUPS folder on internal memory or the SD- card, and can be copied to a PC via Explorer or ADB pull:

adb pull /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS C:\Xiaomi_TWRP_Backup

Mi PC Suite|ADB|TWRP|Mi Cloud/Google Drive |I don't backup

-->

Advantages of TWRP:

• ✅ Full system image including hidden partitions.
• ✅ The ability to restore the smartphone even after a reset or failed firmware.
• ✅ Supports backup encryption.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights.
• ❌ Does not work on some new models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 with dynamic partitioning).
• ❌ Risk of damaging data when doing wrong.

5. Method 4: Manual file copying (for beginners)

If you don’t need to set up apps or SMS, and only need to save photos, videos, music and documents, you can do without special programs. This method is the simplest, but not complete – it does not copy application data or contacts (unless they are saved on the SIM- card).

How to copy files manually:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. In the notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open Windows Explorer (Win + E) and go to the folder of the smartphone.
4. Copy the necessary data from folders: DCIM - photos and videos. Downloads - uploaded files. Pictures, Music, Movies - multimedia. WhatsApp/Media - media files from the messenger.

For convenience, you can use programs like Total Commander or ES Explorer, which support dual-panel mode and speed up copying.

💡

Manual copying does not save application data (for example, save in games or configure messengers), they need specialized tools like Swift Backup (requires root).

If you need to save contacts and SMS, export them manually:

• 📇 Contacts: Contacts → Settings → Export/Import → Export to.vcf.
• 💬 SMS: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).

6. Method 5: Cloud Backup via Mi Cloud and Google Drive

If you don't want to connect your smartphone to your PC, you can use cloud services, Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud service, and Google offers Google Drive, both of which allow you to save basic data, but have limitations in scope and do not copy some system settings.

How to make a backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in or create a Xiaomi account.
3. Select Backup and activate switches for the data you need (contacts, notes, SMS, photos).
4. Click Start copying.

For Google Drive:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable Data Backup and select a Google account.
3. Click Create a copy now.

The advantages of cloud backup:

• ✅ Automatic synchronization (can be configured on schedule).
• ✅ Access to data from any device.
• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Limited free storage (5GB in Mi Cloud, 15GB in Google Drive).
• ❌ Some data (e.g., Wi-Fi settings or game data) is not copied.
• ❌ Dependence on Internet speed.

💡

If you are using Mi Cloud, check regularly to see if the backup has expired, and older backups can be automatically deleted if space is scarce.

7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals and level of training. Below is a comparative table that will help you determine:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 For beginners: Mi PC Suite or manual copy.
• 🔹 For full backup: ADB or TWRP (if root is available).
• 🔹 For automatic backup: Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 🔹 Before the firmware: TWRP (if the bootloader is unlocked) or ADB.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you back up, you often have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: The device is not detected in the Mi PC Suite or ADB

⚠️ Warning: If the PC can't see Xiaomi, check: Is the original USB- cable used (poor cables can block data transmission). Is debugging enabled on USB and is allowed to connect from that computer. Are drivers installed (try reinstalling them via Mi PC Suite or manually). Does antivirus or Windows firewall access block. If the problem persists, try connecting the smartphone to another USB- port (preferably [PH5000] 2.06000, as it sometimes causes conflicts).

Error 2: ADB is giving away a "device unauthorized" error.

That means that the smartphone doesn't have a debugging authorization.

1. Disconnect and reconnect the device to the PC.
2. On the screen of the smartphone should appear window with a request for permission – click Allow and tick Always.
3. If the window doesn’t appear, check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer’s settings.

Error 3: TWRP cannot mount /data partition

⚠️ Warning: This error often occurs on new Xiaomi models with encrypted partition /data. To fix it: When you log in to TWRP, enter the screen lock password (if it is installed). If the password does not help, format /data into TWRP (this will delete all data!). Some devices (e.g., Xiaomi 12) require special versions TWRP with support for FBE (File-Based Encryption).

Mistake 4: There is not enough disk space for backup

If the Mi PC Suite or ADB is interrupted due to space shortage:

• 📁 Remove unnecessary files from disk C: or save the backup to another disk (as indicated in the adb backup command -f D:\XiaomiBackup.ab).
• 🗑️ Break the backup into parts (e.g., copy apps and media separately).
• 🔍 Use an external SSD or HDD to store large backups.

Mistake 5: Recovery from the backup leads to errors

If the smartphone is unstable after recovery:

• 🔄 Try to restore the backup to clean firmware (after fastboot erase userdata).
• 📱 Check the compatibility of the backup version and the current firmware (e.g., a backup with MIUI 13 may not recover correctly on MIUI 14).
• 🛠️ If you use TWRP, try to restore only the data partition, leaving the system unchanged.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions