Backup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete guide with 3 working methods

Why backup on Redmi Note 5 is not a luxury, but a necessity

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still popular due to its balanced features and support for custom firmware. However, even the most reliable hardware is not immune to failure: an accidental drop, a critical MIUI update or a virus attack can wipe all your data overnight. Statistics show that 68% of users lose important files at least once every 2 years - and 80% of the time this happens due to the lack of a current backup.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to back up your Redmi Note 5, adapted to the features of MIUI 9-14. We will understand how to save not only photos and contacts, but also SMS, call histories, application settings and even game data. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI Cloud feature, which allows you to backup system applications without root rights — this is not known, but it works!

Before you go to the instructions, answer one question:

Method 1: Built-in backup via MIUI (without a computer)

The easiest way is to use the MIUI Backup tool, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to save almost all user data, except for media files (they will have to be copied separately), the main advantage is that you do not need to install additional programs or connect to a PC.

To make a backup copy:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Create a Backup and select Data Categories: 📱 System data (wi-fi settings, wallpaper, sounds) 📞 Contacts and call log (including blocked numbers) 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS) 🎮 Application data (only for supported programs)

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Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes).

The finished backup will be in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup in.mbk format. It can be restored through the same menu or manually by copying to another Xiaomi smartphone.

Battery charge > 50%|Free disk space > 1GB|Memory optimizers (such as "Battery and Performance") are disabled")|The latest version has been installed MIUI (Otherwise, some applications may not be stored)-->

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12 and newer app backup only works for programs that support API For example, the data of WhatsApp or Telegram through this method will not be saved – they need separate solutions.

Method 2: Cloud backup via Google Drive and MIUI Cloud

If you prefer to store copies in the cloud, you have two options: the standard Google Backup (for contacts, calendar and part of applications) and Xiaomi’s proprietary MIUI Cloud solution. The latter is more interesting – it allows you to backup even SMS, notes and MIUI settings, which is not available in Google services.

Instructions for MIUI Cloud:

1. Register your Mi Account (if you haven’t already) in Settings → Mi Account.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Backup Mi Cloud.
3. Turn on the slider and select the data for synchronization: 📱 Contacts (including groups and tags) 📝 Notes (from the Mi Notes app) 💬 SMS (up to 5,000 messages) 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds)

Synchronize

An important nuance: MIUI Cloud does not backup photos and videos - for them it is better to use Google Photos or manually copy files to your PC. Also note that when you change your device, recovery from MIUI Cloud works only on Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 10 and later.

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If you have slow internet, before the first backup in MIUI Cloud, connect to Wi-Fi and leave your phone charging for 1-2 hours.

Method 3: Full backup via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you need to save everything, including system files, kernel, and application data (for example, to flash or unlock the bootloader), the only reliable way is to use custom recovery TWRP. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP, but gives 100% control over backup, including the ability to selectively restore individual partitions.

Step-by-step:

1. Install TWRP for Redmi Note 5 (the version should match your model: whyred for global firmware or whyred.cn for Chinese).
2. Load the phone into recovery mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up.
3. In the TWRP menu, select Backup.
4. Check the boxes for backup (recommended): 📁 Boot (Boot section) 📁 System (system files) 📁 Data (all user data) 📁 EFS (IMEI and network settings)

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Swipe for confirmation and wait until it is completed (may take 20–40 minutes).

The backup will be in the TWRP/BACKUPS folder in.win or.img format, and can be restored through the same TWRP menu or using tools like Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: Backup through TWRP Not compatible with standard recovery methods MIUI. If you do a reset to factory settings through Settings → Reset, this backup won't recover automatically - only manually through TWRP!

What to do after creating a backup: verification and storage

Backing up is half the battle, and it's just as important to check the integrity of the backup and keep it properly.

1. Verification MIUI-Backup: Go to Settings → Backup → Local backup. Click on the backup you've created and select View Details. Make sure all categories are marked "Successful" (green tick).
2. Verification TWRP-Backup: On the menu TWRP Choose Restore. Specify the path to the backup and make sure that all partitions are displayed error-free. Don't restore anything - just make sure the files are readable.

Storage:

• 💾 Copy backups on two different media (for example, on PC and in the cloud).
• 🔄 Update your backup every 1 to 3 months (or before important phone changes).
• 📝 Keep a text file with the dates of backups creation and their contents.

If the phone starts to brake or overheat after the backup is restored, reset the cache to TWRP (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache).

Additional backup tools

If you don't like the standard methods, you can use third-party apps. Here are the proven options for the Redmi Note 5:

• 📱 Swift Backup (requires root): Creates.ab backups (compatible with Titanium Backup), supports cloud sync with Google Drive, can restore data to new versions of Android.
• 💬 SMS Backup & Restore (without root): SMS and MMS into XML-It supports automatic backup on schedule, can send copies to email or to the cloud.
• 📂 FolderSync (for media): Syncs selected folders (photos, videos, music) with the clouds. Supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and FTP. Can work in the background over Wi-Fi.

For WhatsApp backup, use the built-in Settings → Chat → Backup feature. It saves history to Google Drive, but remember: video and voice messages older than 3 months are not backup (Whatsapp restriction).

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If you frequently reflash your phone, create a separate folder on your PC with a name Redmi_Note_5_Backups and store all versions of backups there, signing them by date (for example, 2026-05-20_TWRP_Full). This will save you from confusion when restoring.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

TWRP:

• Install TWRP on your new phone (should be the same model or compatible, such as the Redmi Note 5 Pro).
• Copy the backup folder in TWRP/BACKUPS.
• In the TWRP menu, select Restore and specify the desired backup.

⚠️ Important: When you restore to another model (for example, with the Redmi Note 5 on the Redmi Note 8), there may be compatibility issues).

Calling the service:

• Workshops with JTAG or ISP equipment can extract data directly from flash memory.
• The cost of such a service is from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles (depending on the region).

If the phone is not detected even in Fastboot, the chances of data recovery are minimal, in which case you can only carry it to the service with the hope of hardware recovery.