How to back up on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the brand’s most popular smartphones due to its reliability and functionality, but even such a device is not immune to crashes, accidental deletion of data or the need to reset to factory settings. Without a backup, you risk losing contacts, messages, photos, notes and app settings — all the things that make your phone personal.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven backup methods for the Redmi Note 4 (including models with a Snapdragon 625 and Helio X20 processor), taking into account the features of MIUI versions. You will learn how to save data to the cloud, to a computer or even to another flash drive - with detailed instructions and warnings about typical errors.

Why backing up on Redmi Note 4 is not a luxury, it’s a necessity

According to statistics of service centers, 37% of calls with Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 are associated with data loss after:

• 🔄 Failed update MIUI (especially when moving from MIUI 8/9 New versions via Fastboot).
• 🔧 Reset to factory settings without prior backup (a common mistake when selling a phone).
• 💥 Hardware failures: wear of flash memory (typical for devices of 2017 release).
• 📱 Phone theft or loss – without a backup, it’s almost impossible to recover data.

On the Redmi Note. 4 This is complicated by the lack of a slot for SD-Some versions of the map (e.g., mido with 3/32 This means that the backup has to be stored either in the cloud or on an external drive, MIUI It has a feature: the built-in backup does not save some system settings (for example, Developer Options settings or game data with cheating protection).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 4 with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard backup methods are available through the MIUI Backups may not work, and in this case, the priority is methods. TWRP or ADB.

Method 1: Built-in MIUI backup (the easiest method)

Local Backup in MIUI allows you to save most user data without connecting to a PC, and is available on all firmware versions starting with MIUI 7, but has limitations:

• 📱 Save: Contacts, SMS/MMS, call log, notes, Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, data from some system applications (e.g. Calendar or Records).
• ❌ Not to be retained: established APK-files, game data (e.g. progress in the PUBG Mobile), files in Download folders or DCIM.

How to make a backup:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select data categories (we recommend ticking all boxes).
3. Specify the storage location: internal memory (MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder) or external storage (if connected via OTG).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data).

Turn off the energy saving mode

Connect your phone to charge (the process consumes a lot of battery)

Free at least 1 GB of memory on the device

Shut down. VPN (Can block access to system files)-->

The ready-made backup will have a.backup format and weigh from 50 MB to 1-2 GB. To restore, you just need to go to the same section and select a file.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, don’t delete the folder MIUI/backup manually, this can lead to a recovery error. Use only the standard Remove backup in the menu.

Method 2: Cloud backup via Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s official cloud storage that is integrated into MIUI and allows you to synchronize data between devices. For the Redmi Note 4, it’s a convenient way to auto-backup, but with nuances:

• 🌐 Advantages: data is available from any device, automatic synchronization (for example, contacts or notes are updated in real time).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Free only 5GB is provided (this is the only one). ~1000 photos in compressed format or ~500 contacts with message history). For more volume you need to buy a subscription (from 100 rubles / month for 50 GB).
• 🔒 Security: Data is encrypted but stored on Xiaomi servers in China – this could be critical for sensitive information.

How to set up Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in or create an account (be sure to link a phone number to restore access!).
3. Enable synchronization for the desired categories: Contacts → Incl. Messages → Incl. Gallery → Incl. (optionally, eats a lot of space) Notes → Incl. Settings → Incl.
4. For a manual backup, click Backup and select Start Backup.

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If you use two Mi accounts (e.g., personal and work), data from them will not be duplicated in the cloud.To combine backups, export contacts to a VCF file via Contacts → Management → Export and import them to another account.

Method 3: Backup via TWRP (for advanced users)

If your Redmi Note 4 has an unlocked bootloader and a custom TWRP recap is installed, you can create a complete system image (including /data, /system and /boot).

• 📦 All user data (including game files and application settings).
• 🔧 System modifications (e.g., modified files to /system root-access).
• 🛡️ Brick Protection: If the firmware goes wrong, you can recover your phone from the backup.

Instructions for creating a backup through TWRP:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. In the main menu, select Backup.
3. Check boxes for Boot System Data Cache (optional) EFS (important for IMEI!)
4. Select a save location (external microSD is recommended if there is a slot, or OTG-flash-drive).
5. Swipe for confirmation and wait until it is completed (may take 20–40 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Section backup EFS critically important for conservation IMEI If this partition gets damaged, the phone will lose communication with the network! EFS separate from other backups.

Method 4: Backup to a computer via ADB (without root rights)

If you don't want to unlock the bootloader or install the TWRP, but you need a reliable backup, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the best solution.

• 📂 All user files (folders) DCIM, Download, Documents, etc.).
• 📱 Application data (only for those that allow backup via adb backup).
• ⚙️ Wi-Fi settings and APN (persist XML-file).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect the Redmi Note 4 to the PC and execute the commands: adb devices (should display your device). adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_redmi_note4.ab
4. On the phone will appear a request for confirmation – enter the password (if any) and click Create a backup.

File. backup_redmi_note4.ab will be saved to disk C:. to restore use the command:

adb restore C:\backup_redmi_note4.ab

Method 5: Manually copying important files (for those who don’t trust automation)

If you only want photos, videos, documents or music, it's easy to copy them manually, and this method doesn't require any special knowledge and works even if:

• 🔋 The phone is discharged and does not turn on (you can connect to the PC in charging mode and access files).
• 🔧 MIUI It is sluggish and the built-in backup is not working.
• 📱 You do not have root rights or unlocked bootloader.

How to copy files:

1. Connect Redmi Note 4 to PC via USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability!).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On PC, open your phone folder and copy important data: DCIM → Download photos and videos → Download Documents → WhatsApp documents → Media and chat backups (Databases folder)
4. For contacts, export them to.vcf via Contacts → Management → Export.

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Manual copying is the only method that works on 100% of devices, regardless of MIUI version or firmware status, but it does not save application data or system settings!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems with the Redmi Note 4 backup. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If you encounter an error not listed in the table, check:

• 🔌 Battery charge: at levels below 20%, some backup methods may fail.
• 📶 Memory status: Use the application AIDA64 to check the health of the flash drive.
• 🔄 Application conflicts: Close all programs before the backup, especially antiviruses or optimizers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions