Backup of Xiaomi apps: A complete guide with 5 working methods

Losing data due to a setup reset, phone breakdown or accidental deletion is a headache for any Xiaomi user. It is especially painful to lose app settings, game progress or saved messenger files. Fortunately, Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones offer several ways to back up applications, from built-in tools to advanced technical solutions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven backup methods: from standard Mi Cloud to manual copying through ADB. You will learn how to save not only the lists of installed programs, but also their data (for example, correspondence in Telegram or levels in games), as well as what nuances are important to consider when restoring. MIUI 14/15 and phones with pure Android (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T pro POCO F5).

1. Built-in backup function in MIUI

The easiest way is to use the standard Local Backup tool available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shell. It allows you to save:

• 📱 List of installed annexes (APK-file)
• 📁 Data from some programs (not all!)
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds)
• 📞 Call log and SMS

To create a backup:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Create Backup and select items to save (we recommend noting Applications and Application Data).
3. The location of the storage: internal memory or SD-card (if supported).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all apps support backup data (such as WhatsApp or WhatsApp). VK require separate reservations).
• ❌ Backup file takes up a lot of space (up to several gigabytes).
• ❌ Recovery is possible only on the same device or model with the same version. MIUI.

Battery charge > 50% | Free disk space > 2 GB| Optimizers disabled (e.g. Security → Boost Speed)| Device not connected to VPN

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Important: the MIUI backup is encrypted with a password from the Xiaomi account. Without it, it will be impossible to recover data!

2.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage: Pros and Cons

Mi Cloud is the official cloud from Xiaomi, which automatically syncs some of the data, including some application settings.

• ☁️ Access to backup from any device.
• 🔄 Automatic update (you can set the schedule).
• 🆓 5GB free (most users are enough).

How to turn on synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in to your account (or create a new one).
3. Activate the switches opposite Backup and Synchronization.
4. Click Backup Settings and select Applications.

What exactly is saved in the Mi Cloud:

🚨 Note: Mi Cloud does not store game data (e.g., progress in Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) and requires separate solutions, such as linking to a Google Play Games or Facebook account.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only before the dump.|Never.|I don't know how to do that.

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3. backup via Google Drive (for apps from the Play Market)

If you use Google services, some of the data is automatically backed up in Google Drive, which is suitable for:

• 📲 Applications installed through the Play Market.
• 📝 Settings of some programs (for example, Chrome, Gmail).
• 🎮 Progress in games (if the developer supports Google Play Games).

How to turn backup on Google:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate the Backup Switch in Google Drive.
3. Click Create a backup copy now.

Important nuances:

• ⚠️ Backup is only for apps that support Android Backup Service (many Chinese programs ignore it).
• ⚠️ Data takes up space in your Google Drive (only 15GB is free).
• ⚠️ Recovery is only possible on devices with the same Google account.

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Advanced Method: Backup through ADB (for power users)

If you need to save all application data, including those that don’t support cloud sync, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but gives you maximum control.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Included Debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate Debugging on USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the ADB folder.
4. Follow the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab Where: -apk — retain APK-file. -obb — includes additional game files. -shared — reserve SD-map. -all — all applications. backup.ab - the name of the output file.
5. On the phone will appear a request for confirmation – enter the password (optional) and click Create a backup.

🔴 Note: backup.ab file is not encrypted by default! Use the command to protect:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab -password your password

5. Third-party backup apps: a review of the best utilities

If the standard methods don't work, use specialized programs. We tested 5 popular solutions and made a comparison table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 Swift Backup – the best balance of features and convenience (works without root rights, but with limitations).
• 🔹 Titanium Backup – Maximum features, but requires root (not suitable for most Xiaomi with a locked bootloader).
• 🔹 App Backup & Restore is the easiest option for backup APK-file.

💡 Tip: Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews about compatibility with your Xiaomi model. POCO X3 Pro Swift Backup may not correctly save data due to firmware features.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have brought the key parameters into one table:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔴 Backup is not created: Check the free disk space (need at least 1-2 GB). Disable the optimizers (e.g., Security). → Boost Speed.Reboot your phone and try again.
• 🔴 Recovery interrupted: Use the original cable USB. Do not interrupt the process (even if the screen is out). ADB Check the stability of the connection with the adb device command.
• 🔴 Application data not recovered: Make sure the version of the app is the same as the backup.Some programs (like WhatsApp) require separate recovery from their own backup.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (like LineageOS), standard backup methods (MIUI Or Mi Cloud, you might not be able to work, so you'll prioritize that. ADB Titanium Backup (with root rights).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions