Data loss on a smartphone is one of the most frustrating situations a Xiaomi user can face: vacation photos, important contacts, messages or app settings can disappear at once due to a factory reset, a device breakdown or accidental deletion. Fortunately, backup on Redmi Android devices, POCO Mi takes only a few minutes, but saves years of accumulated information.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of backup - from built-in functions. MIUI You'll learn how to save not only multimedia, but also third-party utilities. SMS, Call logs, application data, even system settings, and we'll focus on the nuances of different versions. MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Importantly, the redundancy procedure is different for devices with an unlocked bootloader and those running on standard firmware, and we will note these differences in the respective sections.
1. Built-in backup function in MIUI
The easiest way to create a backup is to use a standard tool. MIUI. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and firmware version (except for devices on the device). MIUI for POCO, where the interface may be slightly different. This is a method that is suitable for preservation:
- 📞 Contacts and call logs
- 📱 Communications (SMS/MMS)
- ⚙️ System and application settings
- 🎵 Music, video and photos (optional)
- 📁 Documents and downloads
To start the process:
- Open the Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset (on MIUI 14 Ways Can Be Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset).
- Press Local Backup.
- Select data to save (contacts, messages and settings are marked by default).
- The storage location: internal memory or SD-card (if supported).
- Click Create Backup and wait until it is completed (can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).
The finished archive will have the.mbk extension and will be stored in a folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup. It can be copied to a PC or cloud for additional security.
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If the backup is interrupted during the application saving phase, try disabling battery optimization for the com.miui.backup process in the battery settings.
⚠️ Attention: Built-in backup MIUI does not store data of some applications (such as WhatsApp or bank customers) if they do not support the export function.
2. Cloud backup via Mi Account
For users who want to automate the process and not depend on physical media, Xiaomi offers Mi Cloud storage, which is integrated into firmware and allows data synchronization between devices.
- ☁️ Automatic synchronization (can be set to schedule).
- 🔄 Access from any device via i.mi.com web version.
- 📱 Recovery support for new Xiaomi smartphone when first turned on.
How to set up a cloud backup:
- Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Sign in or create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Turn on the switches opposite the desired categories: Contacts, Messages, Gallery, etc.
- To manually start, press Sync.
| Type of data | Volume in Mi Cloud | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Unlimitedly | Only those linked to the Mi Account |
| Photo/video | 5GB (free) | Compression of originals when exceeding the limit |
| Communications | Unlimitedly | No investments are saved (photo/video from the SMS) |
| Notes | Unlimitedly | Only notes from the standard Notes app |
Important: the free tariff Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB, which is enough except for contacts and some photos. ~300 rubles/year).
3. Backup through Google Account
If you prefer the Google ecosystem, you can use the built-in Android backup tools, which are universal and work on all devices, including Xiaomi.
- 🌍 Access data from any Android device.
- 🔧 Recovery to a new smartphone at the first turn on.
- 📊 15GB of free space (common to Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos).
To enable reservations:
- Open Settings → Google → Backup.
- Activate the Backup Switch in Google Drive.
- Click Create a copy now for manual start.
The following will be stored in the cloud:
- 📱 Contacts (synchronized with Google Contacts).
- 🗓️ Calendars and events.
- ⚙️ Settings of Wi-Fi, wallpaper and system languages.
- 🎮 Data from some games and applications (if developers support Google Play Games).
⚠️ Note: Google does not retain SMS, Call log and photos (you need to use Google Photos separately) and backup may not work on custom firmware or devices with unlocked bootloader.
What if Google’s backup is not restored?
4.Use of third-party backup applications
Built-in tools MIUI And Google doesn't always cover all the needs:
- 🎮 Save games (except for Google Play Games).
- 📱 Data of some messengers (Telegram, Viber).
- ⚙️ Settings for individual applications (for example, Nova Launcher).
We've tested a few of these and we've selected the best ones.
| Annex | Free version | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Backup | Yes (with limitations) | Stores application data, SMS, It works without root. | Demands. ADB to unlock certain functions. |
| Titanium Backup | No (paid) | Maximum backup depth (including system settings). | It requires root access. |
| SMS Backup & Restore | Yes. | Specializes in SMS/MMS, xml. | Does not save attachments (photos / videos in messages). |
For most Xiaomi users, Swift Backup is the best choice.
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command to unlock the backup: adb shell pm grant org.swiftapps.swiftbackup android.permission.BACKUP
- In the app, select Backup, tick the desired apps and press Run.
- The finished backup will be saved in the folder /sdcard/SwiftBackups.
Install ADB-PC drivers
Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings
Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging
Execute the command ADB backup
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5. Backup through TWRP (for advanced users)
If your Xiaomi smartphone has an unlocked bootloader and installed custom recovery TWRP, You can create a complete system image, including all partitions (boot, system, data, etc.) This is the most reliable way, but requires technical skills.
Advantages of the method:
- 🛠️ Recovery even after the “bricking” of the device.
- 📦 Keeping all data, including hidden files.
- 🔄 The ability to transfer firmware to another smartphone of the same model.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to log into TWRP.
- Go to the Backup section.
- Check the sections for saving (at least Boot, System, Data).
- Select a storage location (recommended) SD-card OTG-accumulator).
- Swipe to start the process (may take a while) 15-40 minute).
⚠️ Attention: Backup through TWRP Incompatible with standard recovery methods MIUI. Data return requires re-entry into custom recovery, and it is not recommended to store the backup in internal memory - it will be lost when reset.
The finished archive will be.tar and can weigh tens of gigabytes, and can be compressed on a PC to save space.
6 Manual copying of important files on PC
If you don’t need a full backup, but only individual files (photos, documents, music), the easiest way to copy them to your computer is to manually copy them, a method that requires no special knowledge and works even on locked devices.
What can be saved:
- 📸 Photos and videos from folders DCIM, Pictures, Movies.
- 🎵 Music and podcasts from Music or Podcasts.
- 📄 Documents from Documents and Downloads.
- 📱 Exported contacts (.vcf file from Contacts) → Imports/exports).
How to copy files:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
- On a PC, open the Explorer (This computer) and find the Xiaomi device.
- Go to the Internal storage folder and copy the necessary data to the hard drive.
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Manual copying is the only method that works on devices with damaged firmware (if the phone is at least turned on and determined by the PC).
For convenience, you can use programs like Xiaomi PC Suite (official utility) or AirDroid (wireless transfer), the latter allows you to manage files through the browser without any problems. USB-cable.
7. Features of the backup for different Xiaomi models
Despite the common platform MIUI, Some Xiaomi models have nuances when backing up. We've collected key differences:
| Model/Series | Features of the backup | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9/10 | Supports SD-cards up to 512GB. Built-in backup MIUI It can slow down with a lot of data. | Use it. SD-backup card. |
| POCO F1/F2/F3 | Nana POCO Launcher does not have a shortcut for the built-in backup. You need to search through the search in the settings. | Path: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Backup. |
| Xiaomi 11/12/13 | Support MIUI 13/14 With improved synchronization of Mi Cloud, cloud backup is more stable. | Set up automatic sync for contacts and photos. |
| Black Shark | The gaming smartphones have modified MIUI backup. | Use Swift Backup or TWRP. |
For devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3/X4) Pre-activation of the backup function through Settings may be required → Special facilities → Developer functions → Allow backups.
8.How to recover data from backup
Backup is half the battle, and it's just as important to be able to recover data properly, and it depends on the way you make the copy.
- 📱 Built-in backup MIUI: Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup, select the.mbk file and click Restore.
- 🌍 Google Account: During the initial device setup, select Copy Data and log in to your Google account.
If recovery fails:
- Make sure the version MIUI The device matches the version on which the backup was made.
- For Mi Cloud, make sure there is enough space on your account.
- When restoring via Google, turn off VPN — It can block synchronization.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery of data from backup TWRP On a device with a different firmware, it can lead to bootloop download. Always check version compatibility. MIUI.