How to Back Up Android on Xiaomi Redmi via Google: A Complete Guide to Hidden Settings MIUI

Why backup on Xiaomi Redmi is not a luxury, but a necessity

Imagine: you drop Redmi Note 12 in a puddle, the screen goes out, and with it disappear 3 years of correspondence in WhatsApp, photos of the first birthday of the child and saved passwords from banking applications. According to Xiaomi statistics, 68% of users lose data due to sudden breakdowns, not viruses or theft, while only 12% of smartphone owners lose their data due to a sudden breakdown. MIUI Google backups regularly – though it takes less than 5 minutes and saves years of digital life.

Google offers free cloud storage (15 GB) for backups, but Xiaomi Redmi has nuances: standard backup feature in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backups often work incorrectly due to shelling MIUI. For example, it may ignore the data of some system applications (like the Theme Store) or not save the settings of Double Applications. 9/10/11/12/13, including avoiding typical errors MIUI.

What is stored in Google backup (and what is not there)

Google doesn't reserve all the data from your Xiaomi Redmi, but here's a full list of what's going to go to the cloud:

  • πŸ“± Contacts (from the Google Contacts app, not Google Contacts app) MIUI)
  • πŸ“… Calendars and Events (only if synced with Google Account)
  • πŸ“Έ Photos and videos (if backup is enabled in Google Photos)
  • 🎡 Music and documents (only if downloaded manually to Google Drive)
  • βš™οΈ Device settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, brightness – but not all!
  • πŸ“± List of apps (but not their data, except for some games via Google Play)
  • πŸ”‘ Passwords (if saved in Google Smart Lock)

What is not automatically saved (this is critical to the MIUI):

  • 🚫 SMS and call log (a separate application is required, such as a phone log) SMS Backup & Restore)
  • 🚫 Settings MIUI (Themes, gestures, Second Space)
  • 🚫 Application data (for example, saves in games or chats in Telegram)
  • 🚫 Files in a folder MIUI (screenshots, screen recordings)
  • 🚫 Dual application data (if you use cloning through the MIUI)

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, backup through Google may not work smoothly, in which case it is recommended to additionally create local backups through Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backups.

Xiaomi Redmi Preparation for Backup: 5 Mandatory Steps

Before you click "Create a copy," make sure your Redmi is ready for the procedure.Missing these steps can lead to incomplete backup or sync errors.

Add/check your Google Account in the settings MIUI

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile internet can interrupt copying)

Charge your phone at least 50% (or connect to charge)

Update Google Play Services and Google Drive to the latest version

Clear the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Drive β†’ Warehouse-->

Pay special attention to Google Account. Xiaomi Redmi often has a problem when the device β€œforgets” the associated account after the update. MIUI. To avoid this:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Sync β†’ Google.
  2. Make sure your account is marked as β€œMain”.
  3. Enable synchronization for all categories (contacts, calendar, disk, etc.).
  4. Check what's in the Settings β†’ Google β†’ The backup is specified in this account.

If you have it installed MIUI 14+, Additional permission may be required for Google Drive:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Special permits β†’ Managing all files.
  2. Find Google Drive and turn on the switch.

Once a week.

Once a month

Just before the MIUI update

Never did.

I don't know how to do that.-->

Step-by-step: how to make a backup Xiaomi Redmi in Google

Now, to the process itself, there are two ways to back up Google on Xiaomi Redmi: through settings. MIUI And through Google Drive, the first one is easier, but the second one gives you more control over your data.

Method 1: Through settings MIUI (backup)

This method is suitable for most Redmi users, as it does not require additional actions, but it has limitations, such as not storing data from some applications.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.
  2. Make sure the β€œGoogle Drive Backup” switch is on.
  3. Click on β€œCreate a copy now.”
  4. Wait for the process to be completed (it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data).

If the β€œCreate a copy now” button is inactive, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferred).
  • πŸ”„ Synchronization of Google account (in Settings) β†’ Accounts and synchronization).
  • πŸ“± Is there enough space in Google Drive (check in Google Drive) β†’ Warehouse).

Method 2: Through the Google Drive app (manual backup)

This method allows you to selectively save files and folders, which is useful if you want to reserve only photos or documents, for example.

  1. Open the Google Drive app.
  2. Press the badge Β«+Β» in the lower right corner and select "DownloadΒ».
  3. Select the files or folders you want to save (for example, a folder). DCIM/Camera photo).
  4. Wait until the download is complete.

To automate this process:

  1. In Google Drive, go to Settings β†’ Backup.
  2. Enable Automatic Backup for Photos and Videos.
  3. Choose the quality of the download (original or high).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 13/14 There may be a β€œfailed to back up” error due to a battery optimization conflict.To fix this, add Google Drive and Google Play Services to the exception list: Settings β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Select applications.

What to do if the backup freezes at 0%?
If the backup process is 0% hanging, try the following steps: 1. Reboot your phone. 2. Clear the cache and data of the Google Play Services app (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Play Services β†’ Storage. 3. Delete and re-add Google Account in Settings MIUI. 4. Check if it's blocking. MIUI Optimizer Background Activity of Google (in Settings) β†’ Permits β†’ AutoRun AutoRun for Google Drive and Google Play Services).

How to recover data from Google backup on Xiaomi Redmi

Backup is half the battle, and it's equally important to be able to recover data properly, especially if you're upgrading to a new Redmi or after resetting.

Recovery at the first turn on of the phone

If you configure Xiaomi Redmi from scratch (for example, after a purchase or reset), the system itself will offer to restore data from the backup:

  1. At the setup stage, select β€œCopy Apps and Data”.
  2. Select β€œCan’t use” (if offered), then β€œRestore from Google Drive Backup.”
  3. Log in to your Google Account.
  4. Select the last backup and wait for the recovery to be completed.

Importantly, this method will only restore applications and basic settings, and it will take additional steps to restore photos, contacts and other data.

Recovery of individual data (contacts, photos, passwords)

If the phone is already configured, you can restore individual data as follows:

Type of dataHow to repairNotes for MIUI
ContactsOpen Google Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Re-establish contactsDo not restore contacts through MIUI Contacts will create duplicates.
Photos and videosOpen Google Photos β†’ tap on the avatar β†’ RestoreNana MIUI 14 may require permission to access the storage facility
Passwords.Go to Settings. β†’ Google β†’ Managing a Google Account β†’ Security β†’ Passwords.If you use MIUI Password Manager, data will not be restored
AnnexesOpen Google Play β†’ Library β†’ Previously establishedApp settings (such as WhatsApp) will only be restored when you first launch.

⚠️ Note: If you are recovering data on Xiaomi Redmi from another model (e.g. Samsung), some settings MIUI (For example, dual applications or Read Mode may not work properly, in which case it is recommended to reset the settings after recovery: β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings.

Typical Backup Mistakes of Xiaomi Redmi and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow instructions correctly, Redmi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

  • πŸ”΄ Error β€œFailed to back up” Cause: Battery optimization conflict MIUI. Solution: Disable optimization for Google Drive and Google Play Services in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery.
  • πŸ”΄ Backup freezes 99% Reason: Big data or slow internet connection Solution: Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi and leave your phone charging for 1-2 hours.
  • πŸ”΄ Not preserved. SMS And the call log reason: Google doesn't reserve this data by default. Solution: Use third-party apps like this. SMS Backup & Restore.
  • πŸ”΄ After recovery no photo Reason: Photos were saved not in Google Photos, but in the folder MIUI/Camera. Solution: Manually upload the folder DCIM Google Drive.
  • πŸ”΄ Wi-Fi settings are not restored Reason: MIUI 14 is a well-known bug.Solution: Save passwords in Google Password Manager or take a photo QR-access-point code.

If none of the solutions worked, try an alternative backup method:

πŸ’‘

For reliability, create a local backup through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backup: This file can be copied to a PC or other media, but the main disadvantage is that the copy takes up a lot of space (up to 10-15 GB) and does not automatically update.

How to check that the backup was created successfully

Many Xiaomi Redmi users think the backup is built, but it's either incomplete or not preserved at all.

  1. Open Google Drive on your phone or computer.
  2. In the menu on the left, select β€œBackups”.
  3. Find your Redmi device on the list, next to which you will find the size of the copy and the date of the last update.
  4. Click on the copy to see the details (what data is saved).

If the copy is not available or is outdated:

  • Check if backup is included in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.
  • Make sure there is enough space on Google Drive (15GB is free, but photos in their original quality take up a lot of space).
  • Try manually running the copy by clicking β€œCreate a copy now”.

For a more detailed check:

  1. Go to the Google Drive website from your computer.
  2. In the search box, type the app: "com.google.android.backup."
  3. Check if there are files with your Redmi name.

πŸ’‘

If the backup is smaller than 100MB, it is likely that only the settings and application list are saved, not user data (photos, contacts, etc.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi backup

Can I make a backup on Xiaomi Redmi without a Google Account?
Yes, but with limitations. You can: Create a local copy through Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup and reset (the file will be saved to your phone or memory card). Use Mi Cloud (cloud from Xiaomi), but there is only 5 GB for free. Copy important files manually to your PC via the computer. USB-However, without a Google Account, you will lose sync of your contacts, calendar and other Google services.
How much space does Xiaomi Redmi backup take up in Google Drive?
Copy size depends on the amount of data: Settings and applications only: 50–200 MB. + High quality photo: 1-5 GB (depending on the quantity). + Original Photo: 5–50 GB (can quickly run out of free 15 GB) To save space, Google Photos select High Quality instead of OriginalΒ».
How to transfer a backup from one Google Account to another?
There is no direct way, but you can: Restore Redmi data from your old account. Create a new copy in your new account (pre-deleting the old one). For photo/contacts: manually copy data between accounts via Google Drive or Google Contacts. Importantly, when you change your account, some data (such as app settings) may not be transferred.
Can I restore a backup from Xiaomi Redmi to another brand (Samsung, iPhone)?
Partially. You can restore it: πŸ“± Contacts (via Google Account). πŸ“… Calendar and mail Gmail. πŸ“Έ Photo (via Google Photo). 🎡 Apps (list from Google Play) but will not recover: Settings MIUI (They're tied to Xiaomi firmware. System application data (e.g. Topics or Security) Local files (e.g. voice recorder records) MIUI).
How to remove an old Xiaomi Redmi backup from Google Drive?
To make room: Open Google Drive on your PC. From the menu on the left, select "Backups." Find a copy from your Redmi, right-click and select "Delete." Confirm Deletion. Note: once deleted, the copy will not be restored! If you just want to vacate space, you'd better archive old photos in Google Photos (they won't take up space in the main storage).