How to make a Xiaomi backup on your computer: full instructions with pictures

Losing data on a smartphone is one of the most frustrating situations for a user. Photos, instant messaging, notes, and contacts can disappear at a time due to a system failure, a device theft, or a failed firmware update. Xiaomi smartphones offer several ways to back up, but the most reliable option is to keep a backup on your computer, which ensures that your data remains safe even if your phone is lost or completely fails.

In this article, we will analyze three proven methods of backup Xiaomi on PC: through official Mi software. PC Suite, with the help of developer tools ADB, And you can use a cloud backup in Mi Cloud, and then you can download it to your computer, and each one has its pros and cons, from the speed of copy creation to the amount of data you store. SMS, But also installed applications with their settings, and why some files may not get into the backup and how to fix it.

We pay special attention to hidden settings MIUI, which allow you to turn on system data backup (for example, Wi-Fi settings or desktop wallpaper), as well as analyze typical errors that can interrupt the backup or create an incomplete copy. If you plan to reflash the phone, reset it to factory settings or just want to be safe – this guide will help you do everything right the first time.

1. Preparing Xiaomi phone for backup

Before you start creating a backup, you need to follow several mandatory steps on the smartphone itself, which will avoid errors in the copying process and ensure the preservation of the maximum amount of data.

First, check the version. MIUI Open the settings on your device. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Up-to-date versions (14 and newer) support all of the methods described below, whereas older firmware supports all of the methods described below (MIUI 12 and below may have problems with ADB-If your version is outdated, we recommend updating through Settings. → Updating the system.

Second, turn on the debugging of USB — This is a prerequisite for working with Mi. PC Suite and ADB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Activate the debugging switch over USB and confirm the action.

Also make sure there is enough free space on the phone – at least 1-2 GB (even if the backup is saved on the PC, temporary files take up volume) and remember to connect the phone to charge or make sure that the battery level is higher. 50% — interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to data loss.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, standard backup methods may not work properly. TWRP Specialized tools like OrangeFox Recovery.

2. Method 1: Backup through Mi PC Suite (official software)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi’s official software for managing your smartphone from your computer, allowing you to create backups, update firmware, transfer files, and even recover data after a reset. The main advantage of this method is the simplicity and support of most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO.

To make a backup through Mi PC Suite, follow the following steps:

1. Download and install the program from the official website pcsuite.mi.com (choose the version for your OS: Windows or macOS).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-In the window that appears on the phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. Launch Mi. PC Suite and wait for the program to identify your device. If the connection does not occur, try reinstalling drivers or using another one. USB-port.
4. Go to the “Backup” section (the hard disk icon in the top menu).
5. Select data to copy: contacts, messages, photos, apps, etc. Please note that some system settings (such as wallpaper or sound diagrams) may not be saved.
6. Click on "Backup" and wait until the process is complete. The time depends on the amount of data — usually 5 to 30 minutes.

The finished backup will be saved in the MiPhoneBackup folder on your PC’s system drive (usually C:\Users\Your username \MiPhoneBackup. The file will have the.mbk extension, which can be used to recover data through the same program.

Original connected USB-cable (not a cheap replacement)

Debugging on USB on the phone is enabled

File Transfer Mode (MTP) selected

There is enough free space on the PC (minimum 5 GB).

Phone charge above 50%-->

Pros and cons of Mi PC Suite

⚠️ Note: If you have connected your phone to Mi PC Suite asks you to update your firmware, don't agree unless you planned it in advance. The update can reset settings or delete unsaved data.

Method 2: Full backup via ADB (for power users)

Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to create a full phone backup, including system files that are not saved through Mi PC Suite: This is a method that's suitable for power users because it requires command line work, but it gives you maximum control over the process and allows you to restore the phone even after a serious crash.

Before you start, make sure that drivers are installed on your PC. ADB You can download them from the official Android Developers website (Platform Tools section). Unpack the archive in any folder (for example, unpack the archive in any folder, C:\adb) Add it to the environment variables or run commands directly from that directory.

Instructions for creating a backup through ADB:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB (a window should appear on the smartphone screen).


2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and go to the folder with ADB:




cd C:\adb




3. Check the connection of the device:




adb devices




(Your phone serial number should be displayed)




4. Start the backup creation:




adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_xiaomi.ab




Where:




-apk - saves installed applications




-obb - includes additional application files (cache, data)




-shared – reserves files on the SD- card (if any)




-all - copies all data, including system settings




-f - indicates a path for saving the backup file




5. A window will appear on the phone with a request for a password (you can leave it empty) and a selection of data. Confirm the beginning of copying.

The process may take 10 It's a matter of minutes to hours, depending on the amount of data you have, and the backup you're going to have is saved as a file. backup_xiaomi.ab To recover data, use the command to:

adb restore C:\backup_xiaomi.ab

Please note that ADB-The backup is not encrypted by default. If you store sensitive information, we recommend that you encrypt the file using third-party utilities, for example, 7-Zip or VeraCrypt.

What data is stored ADB-backup?

• 📱 Installed applications (.apk files) and their data
• 💬 Communications SMS/MMS logs of calls
• 📁 files on internal memory and SD-card (if the option is specified) -shared)
• ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wallpaper, sound profiles)
• 🔑 Account information (but not passwords!)
• 📇 Contacts and calendars

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Data of some secure applications (for example, banking or encrypted messengers) is not stored)
• 🚫 Some games may not be able to make progress because of DRM-defense
• 🚫 Files protected by corporate policies (e.g. Microsoft Outlook or VMware Boxer)

Mi PC Suite

ADB (command line)

Mi Cloud

Other ways (TWRP, Titanium Backup, etc.)

I don't do backups.-->

4. Method 3: Cloud backup in Mi Cloud with PC download

If you don't want to connect your phone to your computer, you can use the Mi Cloud service, which is convenient because the backup is created automatically and accessible from any device, but it has two significant disadvantages: limited free storage (only 5 GB) and the risk of data leakage (if your account is hacked).

To set up a cloud backup:

1. Open your phone Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Sign in to your account (if not registered, create it).
3. Go to the Device Backup section.
4. Turn on the Automatic Backup switch and select the data to save (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
5. Click Start Backup and wait until it is completed.

To download the backup to your computer:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Open the Backups section.
3. Select the copy you want and click Download. The data will be archived in a.zip file.

Cloud backups are convenient for storing small amounts of data on a regular basis, but they are not suitable for fully backing up a smartphone, for example, they don't store:

• 🎵 Music and video (unless synced via Mi Music or Mi Video)
• 📁 Files from Download, Documents, etc.
• 🎮 Game data (unless the developer has provided cloud storage)
• ⚙️ Some system settings (e.g. Google Pay or Face Unlock settings)

1. Remove old backups in Settings → Mi Cloud → Backup copies.

2. Clear the cart in Mi Cloud (files are stored there for 30 days).

3. disable synchronization of unnecessary data (for example, notes or calendar entries if you do not use them).-->

5. Method comparison: which backup method to choose?

Each of these methods has its own strengths and weaknesses, and to make it easier for you to define, we have compiled a comparative table:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 If you want a simple and reliable way, choose Mi. PC Suite.
• 🛠️ If you are a full user and want a full backup, use it. ADB.
• ☁️ If you need to automatically back up a small amount of data, set up Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 For maximum reliability, combine methods: for example, create a backup using Mi. PC Suite and additionally save important files manually on PC.

💡

For complete security, we recommend storing backups in two places: on a PC and on an external drive (a flash drive or hard drive).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often have problems creating backups, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Mi PC Suite doesn't see the phone

Reasons:

• 🔌 Not original. USB-cable (use a cable from the set).
• 🖥️ There are no drivers (install Mi). USB Driver).
• 📱 Not included debugging USB or the wrong connection mode is selected (must be MTP).
• 🔄 Conflict with other programs (e.g. iTunes or Samsung Smart Switch).

Solution: Try connecting your phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), restart your PC and phone, and temporarily disable the antivirus.

Mistake 2: ADB The error is "device unauthorized"

This error means that the computer is not authorized to debug USB. What do you do:

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. On your phone, go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to withdraw debugging permissions USB And press it.
4. Connect the phone again and confirm the debugging request.

Error 3: Backup in Mi Cloud is interrupted

Possible causes:

• 📶 Unstable Internet connection (switch to Wi-Fi or use mobile internet with a good signal).
• 🔋 Low battery charge (plug your phone to charge).
• 📱 Not enough space in the cloud (clean up old backups or buy extra space).
• ⏳ Xiaomi servers are overloaded (retry again later).

Mistake 4: Recovery from the backup doesn't work

If after recovery, data does not appear or applications do not start:

• 🔄 Make sure the version MIUI The phone is the same or newer than the backup that was created on it.
• 📱 Check if the date and time settings have been reset (they should be up to date).
• 🔑 If you restore data to a new phone, log in under the same Xiaomi account as when creating a backup.

7. Additional backup tips

To make your backups as reliable and useful as possible, follow these recommendations:

• 📅 Regularity: Create backups at least once a month. If you use your phone actively (take a lot of pictures, install new apps), do it once a week.
• 🔐 Encryption: If confidential data (passwords, banking information) is stored in the backup, encrypt the file using 7-Zip Or VeraCrypt. ADB-Backup can be used to use the encryption key when creating:

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

• 📂 Storage Structure: Create a separate backup folder on your PC (for example, D:\Xiaomi_Backups) And sort the files by date, so it's not going to get confused.
• 🔄 Backup check: Periodically test the recovery of data from the backup (for example, on a second phone or through an emulator.
• 📱 Application data: Some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) have their own backup mechanisms. Set them up separately in the settings of these apps.

If you frequently reflash your phone or experiment with settings, consider using custom recovery (e.g., custom recovery, TWRP). It allows you to create full nandroid backup images that can be restored even after a major failure, but it requires you to unlock the bootloader, which will void the warranty.

💡

For owners. POCO Redmi with global firmware: if in Mi PC Suite does not display some data (such as notes or calendar), try temporarily switching to Chinese firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi backup