How to Back Up Xiaomi Redmi 4X on Your Computer: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but owners often face the problem of data loss when resetting settings, updating firmware or breaking a device. Backing up to a computer is the only way to guarantee that photos, contacts, messages and applications are saved. Unlike cloud services, local copying on a PC is not dependent on Internet speed and volume restrictions.

In this article, we’ll look at three proven methods for backing up Redmi 4X on Windows or macOS, including official Xiaomi software, manual file transfer and an advanced way through ADB. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each option, and give you tips for choosing depending on your tasks, and pay special attention to hidden folders with user data applications (such as Android/data), which standard tools often ignore.

Why PC Backup is More Reliable than the Cloud

Cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Drive are convenient, but have critical limitations for Redmi 4X.

• 📉 Free account Mi Cloud gives only 5 GB, and photos in original quality take much more.
• 🐢 Download speed: On a weak internet, synchronizing 10GB of data can stretch for hours.
• 🔒 Account binding: When you change your Xiaomi profile or reset your phone, access to your backup is blocked.
• 📱 Incomplete copying: The cloud does not save settings for some applications, SMS older 30 days and files from the folder Android/obb.

Local copy on your PC is free of these flaws, you control the process, you choose what to save, and you restore data even without access to the Internet, and backups through ADB or Mi PC Suite include system settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, audio profiles) that the cloud ignores.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X If you have custom firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS), standard copying methods may not work. TWRP + memory-card.

Method 1: Official Mi PC Suite (for beginners)

Mi PC Suite is a program from Xiaomi for controlling a smartphone from a computer. It supports Redmi 4X and allows you to create a backup in one click, but with limitations:

• ✅ Keeps in touch, SMS, call log, photos, videos and some settings.
• ❌ Does not copy application data (for example, save in games), files from Android/data systemic APK.
• ⚠️ Requires original firmware MIUI (The scalp may not be running on the scalp).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website (Windows version: http://pcsuite.mi.com/). There is no official version for macOS.
2. Get Redmi on board. 4X PC-only USB-On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. Click on "Create backup" and wait until it's finished. The file will be saved to the MiPhoneManager\Backup folder on the system drive.

The battery is charged more than 50 times%|USB-Original cable (not damaged)|Developer mode is enabled on the phone (if there are connection problems)|Disabled. VPN and PC firewalls-->

The finished backup takes about 2–5 GB depending on the amount of data. To recover, connect your phone to your PC, open Mi PC Suite, and select Restore from backup.

💡

If the Mi PC Suite doesn’t see the phone, try switching USB mode to PTP (Camera) or installing drivers manually through Xiaomi Developer Tools.

Method 2: Manual file copying (for full control)

This is a good way to save specific files (photos, music, documents) or folder data that ignores standard tools, such as saving games in /Android/data/ and settings for some applications in /Android/obb/.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open "This Computer" (Windows) or Finder (macOS), the phone will appear as a removable disk.

For hidden files

The advantage of this method is that you can selectively copy only the data you want, and the disadvantage is that you can't save your system settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, SMS) and you need an ADB or a Mi PC Suite.

Method 3: Complete backup via ADB (for advanced)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a low-level Android device management tool that allows you to create a full system snapshot, including:

• All applications and their data.
• System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wallpaper).
• SMS, call log, contacts.

Cons: Requires customization and command line knowledge.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Turn on USB debugging on Redmi 4X: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Download ADB Tools from the Android Developers website and unpack it to the C:\adb folder.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt in the ADB folder (press Shift + PCM → Open the command window).
4. Follow the command to create a backup: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup_redmi4x.ab -apk — retain APK-file. -obb — includes additional game files. -shared — copy SD-map. -all — all applications and settings.

On the phone confirm the creation of a backup

File. backup_redmi4x.ab It will be saved to disk C:. Use the command to restore:

adb restore C:\backup_redmi4x.ab

⚠️ Attention: Backup through ADB If it contains passwords (such as Wi-Fi), do not transfer the file over unsecured channels.

Comparison of methods: which to choose

Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your goals:

For most Redmi 4X users, a combined approach is optimal:

1. Create a backup via Mi PC Suite (for contacts and SMS).
2. Manually copy important folders (DCIM, Downloads).
3. Use ADB only for critical data (e.g., before firmware).

💡

To recover data after a Redmi 4X reset, first install the same MIUI version as when you created the backup.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When backing up Redmi 4X, users face typical problems:

• 🔌 Phone doesn't connect to PC: Try another USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi) Enable Debugging by USB and select mode MTP. Install drivers via Mi PC Suite or Xiaomi Developer Tools.
• 📁 Hidden folders are not copied: Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer (View) → Hidden elements. Android/data use FX File Explorer with root access.
• 🔄 ADB It gives you a "device unauthorized" error: You'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone, confirm it. If the request doesn't appear, reconnect. USB and check if debugging is included.
• 💾 Backup takes up too much space: Eliminate cache folders (Android/data/com.*/cache). Squeeze the archive with a backup through 7-Zip WinRAR.

If the Mi PC Suite is stuck in the copying phase, try:

1. Close all background programs on PC (especially antiviruses).
2. Put the phone in the back. USB-port (on laptops, the front ports may not provide enough power).
3. Use another computer (sometimes the problem is in Windows drivers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions