How to make a full copy of Xiaomi phone on your computer: all ways to save data

Creating a full Xiaomi smartphone backup to your computer is a critical procedure before you run a firmware, reset or replace your device. Even if you use cloud services, local backup on your PC ensures that everything from contacts and messages to app settings and game progress is kept safe. Unlike partial backups through the Mi Cloud, a full copy on your computer allows you to restore the device to exactly the details — including wallpaper, widgets and even call history.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to create a Xiaomi backup on a PC: from the official Mi PC Suite software to advanced methods through ADB and TWRP. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different models (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs POCO F5), and also tell you how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI when backing up system data. If you plan to sell your phone, update your firmware or just want to be safe, this guide will help you avoid data loss.

1. Preparing Xiaomi phone for backup

Before you start building a backup, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to incomplete copies or even loss of data in the process.

• 🔋 Battery charge - make sure the phone has at least 50% charge. ADB or TWRP Discharge during the process can interrupt the operation and damage the file system.
• 📱 Free space – the phone should have at least 1-2 GB of free space for temporary backup files (especially relevant for methods through the use of the backup file). TWRP).
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader - if you plan to use TWRP, The bootloader must be unlocked (the instructions for Xiaomi are different from other brands!).
• 🛠️ Debugging by USB — Include it in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

Also check the MIUI version on your phone. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), standard backup via the Mi PC Suite may not save data from some applications (e.g. WhatsApp or Viber), in which case alternative methods will be required.

⚠️ Note: If root access is installed on the phone, some applications (such as banking) may block work after the backup is restored.

2. Method 1: Official Mi PC Suite (for beginners)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi's official utility that allows you to back up most of your phone's data to your computer, and the advantage of the method is that it doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or root rights.

• 📁 What is copied: contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, applications (without data), system settings.
• ❌ What is NOT copied: data of some applications (for example, games, Telegram), Wi-Fi passwords, desktop wallpaper.
• 🖥️ Requirements: Windows 7/10/11, USB-cable (preferably original), latest version of the Mi PC Suite.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. In the program, click Backup → select data for copying (we recommend to note all points).
4. Specify the save path on the PC (for example, D:\Xiaomi_Backup\) and press Start.
5. Wait until the end (it can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

The finished backup will be saved in.mbk format. It can only be restored through the Mi PC Suite — other programs do not support this format. If you need to transfer data to another Xiaomi phone, use the Recovery function in the same utility.

Download the latest version of Mi PC Suite|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Select a regime MTP plug-in|Check the free space on the PC (minimum 5-10 GB)|Disable the antivirus (can block the process)-->

Method 2: Backup through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who want to gain full control of the backup process. Unlike the Mi PC Suite, you can choose which data to store, including system settings and application data, but it requires command line knowledge and pre-configuration.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Flexibility – you can backup individual applications or the entire system.
• 📂 File format – Backup is saved in readable form (e.g..ab for applications,.tar for data).
• 🔄 Recovery: You can restore individual items, not the entire copy.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
2. Connect the phone to the PC, allow debugging via USB (the phone will receive a request).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the connection: adb devices must display your device’s serial number.
4. Create a backup of all applications and data: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\Xiaomi_Backup\full_backup.ab Explanation to the team: -apk — retain APK-file. -obb — includes additional game data. -shared — copy files from shared memory (photos, videos). -all — backup all applications. -f — indicates the way of saving the PC.

Create a backup copy

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Banking Apps) may block backups through the app. ADB In this case, you'll have to copy the data manually or use it. TWRP.

To recover data from the backup, use the command:

adb restore C:\Xiaomi_Backup\full_backup.ab

Method 3: Full backup via TWRP (for unlocked phones)

If your Xiaomi has a bootloader unlocked and custom recovery TWRP installed, you can create a complete system image, including all partitions (boot, system, data, vendor), which guarantees 100% data security, but requires preliminary preparation.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 💾 Full system image – all partitions are copied, including hidden parts.
• 🔄 Restore to another phone – you can transfer the backup to the same model.
• 🛡️ Encryption – backup protection with password is supported.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your Xiaomi model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
2. Load the phone into recovery mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up.
3. In TWRP, go to Backup.
4. Check the backup sections (we recommend choosing everything except cache and scalp). android_secure).
5. Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-map) and click Swipe to Backup.
6. Once completed, copy the TWRP folder from your phone to your computer (it is at the root of internal memory).

Recovery from the TWRP backup is done in a similar way: boot into recovery, select Restore, and specify the path to the backup file.

💡

If you create a backup before you run your firmware, save it in a few places: on your PC, on your external drive, and in the cloud, and it protects you from data loss when your hard drive crashes.

5. Method 4: Manual copying of files (for individual data)

If you don’t need a full backup, but only need to save photos, videos, music or documents, you can do without special programs, which is suitable for users who want to quickly copy media files or backup applications (for example, WhatsApp).

What can be copied manually:

• 📸 Photo and video - folders DCIM, Pictures, Movies.
• 🎵 Music and Sounds - Music, Ringtones folders.
• 📄 Documents - Documents folders, Downloads.
• 💬 Backup copies of messengers - for example, WhatsApp/Databases (file-extension.crypt14).

How to copy:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open This Computer → Find your Xiaomi in the Devices and Disks section.
3. Go to the Internal Memory folder and copy the directories to the computer.
4. For WhatsApp backup, copy the entire WhatsApp folder (including Databases and Media).

⚠️ Note: Manual copying does not save app data (e.g. game progress or Instagram settings). ADB or TWRP.

💡

Manual backup is only suitable for media files and documents. Use other methods to fully save the system and applications.

6. Method 5: Cloud Backup (Mi Cloud and Google Drive)

If you don't have access to your computer or want to have a backup online, you can use cloud services. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud, and also supports integration with Google Drive.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – Free 5GB, backups contacts, messages, photos, call records, but not all apps.
• 📁 Google Drive – saves contacts, calendar, some settings, but not system data.
• ⚠️ Restrictions – cloud backups may not be restored to custom firmware or after a region change.

How to set up Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable synchronization for the data you need (contacts, messages, gallery, etc.).
3. Click Backup → Create a backup copy.
4. Wait until the end (time depends on the speed of the Internet).

For Google Drive:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Enable Backup in Google Drive.
3. Click Create a copy now.

Important: Cloud backups don't replace local backups! They don't store some system settings and application data. Use them as an additional method, not a primary method.

7. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of backup method depends on your goals and technical skills, and below is a comparison table that will help you determine:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 For beginners: use the Mi PC Suite + manually.
• 🔧 For experienced users: ADB or TWRP (when the loader is unlocked).
• ☁️ For additional protection: set up Mi Cloud or Google Drive in parallel with local backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi backup