Synchronization SMS Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Problem Solutions

Synchronization SMS On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, it's a challenge that both beginners and experienced users face. Unlike contacts or photos, messages often remain "tied" to a single device, making it uncomfortable to change phones or reset settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transfer and synchronization. SMS β€” standard-function MIUI before third-party solutions, and also consider typical errors and their elimination.

The feature of Redmi devices is close integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, where the Mi Cloud plays the role of the central hub, but not everyone knows that in addition to the brand’s cloud storage, you can use Google Messages, specialized applications like Google Messages. SMS Backup & Restore and Handheld Methods ADB. Each of the methods has its own nuances: somewhere you will need a stable Internet, somewhere root-rights, and in some cases, synchronization may conflict with the operator’s settings.

It is important to understand that starting with MIUI 14 Xiaomi has limited the functionality of backup SMS Mi Cloud for users without a linked Mi Account older than 30 days, which means that the newly purchased Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 10C You may not save messages to the cloud if you don't confirm your account.

1. Synchronization SMS via Mi Cloud: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi's standard way of doing this is to use its Mi Cloud service, which allows you to automatically back up messages, contacts, notes and other data, but there are a number of conditions:

  • πŸ“± The device must be working on MIUI 10 or newer (on Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.5 function is available, on custom firmware - no).
  • πŸ”‘ You need an active Mi Account with a confirmed phone number.
  • 🌐 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • βš™οΈ Security settings should include the item β€œData SynchronizationΒ».

To enable backup SMS:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Mi Account.
  2. Choose Mi Cloud.
  3. Scroll down to the device backup block and click on it.
  4. Activate the switch next to the Message point.
  5. Click Start Backup (if not previously enabled).

Important: Mi Cloud only stores the last 1,000 messages (restriction in effect from 2023). SMS You'll need manual export or third-party utilities, and you'll also need to be aware that when you restore it to a new device, messages may not appear in chronological order, which is a feature of the work. MIUI.

Mi Account tied to phone|The device is connected to Wi-Fi|Version. MIUI less than 10|In the settings enabled synchronization of messages-->

If the functions are not synchronized after activation:

  • Check if the traffic saving mode is turned off in Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Use of data.
  • Update the Messages app via Google Play.
  • Restart the device – sometimes Mi Cloud background processes will β€œhang up”.

⚠️ Note: If you use two Mi Accounts on the same device, sync SMS It will only work for the main profile. To change the main account, go to Settings. β†’ Accounts. β†’ Account management.

2.Alternative: sync through Google Messages

If Mi Cloud is not suitable for some reason (for example, you have Redmi with global firmware and do not want to register Mi Account), you can use Google services. K50 other models.

For this:

  1. Install Google Messages from the Play Market (unless it is installed by default).
  2. Open the app and click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Message Settings β†’ Backup and restoration.
  4. Turn on the Message Backup Switch and select a Google account.

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ”„ Automatic sync when changing your device (just log in to the same Google account).
  • πŸ“€ There is no limit to the number of messages (unlike the Mi Cloud).
  • πŸ”’ Data is encrypted and stored on Google servers.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Not all. SMS can be displayed correctly during recovery (especially if they contain special symbols or Cyrillic alphabet).
  • ⏳ The first backup can take several hours with a large volume of messages.

Mi Cloud|Google Messages|Party of annex (SMS Backup & Restore, et al.)|Manual export/import|I'm not synchronizing.-->

If after setting up the backup does not start:

⚠️ Note: Make sure that in your Google account settings (Settings) β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ Account sync) Enables Messages, and check if it blocks MIUI background activity of Google Messages in the Settings section β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Google Messages β†’ Battery.

Third-party annexes: SMS Backup & Restore and analogues

For users who need advanced features (e.g. export) SMS In.xml or.csv, selective recovery, specialized utilities are suitable:

  • πŸ“² SMS Backup & Restore (from SyncTech) – supports cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and local export.
  • πŸ“² Super Backup & Restore: Not only does it save SMS, But also call logs, apps.
  • πŸ“² SMS Backup+ β€” Syncs messages with Gmail (everyone) SMS It is saved as a letter in a separate folder).

Consider the work with SMS Backup & Restore with Redmi 10 Pro:

  1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Press. SET UP A BACKUP (Set up a backup).
  3. Select Messages and set the settings: Specify the date range (e.g., "All Messages" or "Last 3 Months"). Select the file format (.xml or.csv).

BACK UP NOW

Restore

Advantages of third-party applications:

FunctionMi CloudGoogle MessagesSMS Backup & Restore
Export to file❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes (.xml,.csv)
Selective recovery❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Cloud storageβœ… Mi Cloudβœ… Google Driveβœ… Google Drive, Dropbox
Limitation on quantity SMSβœ… 1,000 messages❌ No.❌ No.

Please note: some applications (for example, SMS Backup+) require permission to access SMS, whichever MIUI You need to manually turn it on:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ [Title of the annex] β†’ Permits.
  2. Activate the switches. SMS and the Warehouse.
What to do if the app does not see SMS?
If SMS Backup & Restore does not display messages, check: 1. Default settings: Make sure the Messages app from Xiaomi is not an app for SMS by default (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Default applications β†’ Annex for SMS). Conflict is right: B MIUI access to the system may be blocked SMS For third-party utilities, try making it temporary. SMS Backup & Restore App for the SMS Default. 3. Cache Clearing: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Communications β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache and try again.

Manual export/import SMS through ADB (power-user)

If you need to migrate messages without cloud services (for example, when you switch from Redmi to a device of another brand), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: misuse ADB It can lead to data loss.We recommend that you back up before starting.

Instructions:

  1. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi: Go to Settings β†’ About the phone. Press 7 times on the version. MIUI, Notice: β€œYou have become a developerΒ».

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

USB debugging

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

adb

adb backup -f sms_backup.ab -apk com.android.providers.telephony


adb restore sms_backup.ab

Explanation:

  • The first team creates a file. sms_backup.ab backup SMS.
  • The second command recovers messages from the file (to be executed on the target device).
  • If you want to export to a readable format, use the utility abe (Android Backup Extractor).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with a MIUI 13) adb backup may not work due to manufacturer limitations, in which case try using an alternative method via a database SQLite dump. SMS (root access required).

5. Synchronization SMS between two Xiaomi devices

If you have two Xiaomi smartphones (like Redmi) A1 redmi K60), You can move messages directly without the cloud:

  1. On the old device, open Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backups.
  2. Select Messages and back up (the file will be saved in the folder) MIUI/backup/AllBackup).
  3. Copy the file to a new device (via Xiaomi File Manager, Google Drive or cable) OTG).
  4. On the new device, go to the same section and select Restore by specifying the copied file.

Important: Local backup in the MIUI It is not encrypted, so do not store the file with the backup in the public domain (for example, on cloud drives without a password).

Alternative way – use the function Mi Mover (available on devices with a mobile device) MIUI 10 and newer):

  • πŸ”— Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • πŸ“± On the new device, open Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Mi Mover.
  • πŸ“² Scan on the old device. QR-code displayed on the new.
  • πŸ“€ Select Messages in the Data List for Transfer.

πŸ’‘

If the Mi Mover doesn't see either device, check if it's on Do Not Disturb or Saving Charge. Also make sure both phones have the latest version installed. MIUI

Typical errors and their solutions

In synchronization SMS Xiaomi Redmi users often face the following problems:

Mistake.Possible causeDecision
Messages are not synced in Mi CloudMi Account not confirmed or data saving enabledConfirm your account by SMS/email Turn off traffic savings for Mi Cloud
Google Messages does not save SMSNo storage access or conflict with Xiaomi Messages appMake Google Messages an app for SMS default
When you recover from the backup, some of them are gone. SMSBackup file corrupted or created in another version of AndroidRepeat backup with encryption enabled
ADB does not see the deviceDrivers not installed or USB debugging enabledInstall Mi PC Suite and check USB connection

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“΅ Operator settings: some mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the transmission SMS Try to temporarily disconnect from third-party services. SIM-map and repeat synchronization.
  • πŸ”„ Application conflict: if you have multiple messengers installed (for example, Truecaller) + Google Messages, they can get in the way of each other. Leave just one app for each other. SMS.
  • πŸ› οΈ Firmware errors: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS for Redmi) backup features SMS In this case, only manual export through the ADB.

πŸ’‘

If you plan to reset Redmi to factory settings, be sure to check sync. SMS After a hard reset, it's impossible to recover messages without a backup!

7.Security: How to protect synchronized SMS

Message synchronization is a convenient feature, but it carries risks of personal data leakage, to minimize threats:

  • πŸ” Use two-factor authentication for Mi Accounts and Google.
  • πŸ“ Encrypt local backups (in the SMS Backup & Restore has a password option for the archive).
  • 🚫 Do not store files with SMS Public cloud folders (e.g. Google Drive with a link to β€œAvailable to everyoneΒ»).
  • πŸ”„ Update your backup applications regularly (outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities).

If you use Mi Cloud, please note the privacy settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Settings.
  2. Enable the option Data Protection (if available).
  3. Install. PIN-backup.

For additional protection, you can use password management apps (such as Bitwarden or KeePassDX) to store access to cloud accounts, and we recommend periodically checking the list of devices connected to your Mi Account or Google, and removing unknown ones:

  • For Mi Account: Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Device management.
  • For Google: myaccount.google.com/devices.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

Can we synchronize? SMS between Xiaomi and iPhone?
Direct synchronization between MIUI iOS is not, but you can use workarounds: Export SMS on Redmi to file.xml via SMS Backup & Restore. Move the file to Mac/PC and convert it to an iTunes-compatible format (e.g., iMazing or Backuptrans). Import messages to your iPhone via iTunes or Finder. Note: Apple does not support import. SMS Android is officially available, so there is no guarantee of full portability.
Why did some of the contacts in Mi Cloud disappear after recovery? SMS?
This problem is due to the fact that Mi Cloud syncs messages and contacts separately.If contacts were not backed up or were changed after backup was created SMS, Solution: Make sure contacts are synced to Mi Cloud or Google. Restore contacts before recovery. SMS. If the problem persists, manually update the names in the Messages app.
How to transfer SMS from Redmi to another Android smartphone (not Xiaomi)?
The most reliable ways: Through Google Messages: Set up a backup on Redmi, then log in to the same Google account on a new device and restore messages. SMS Backup & Restore: Create a backup on Redmi, transfer the file to a new phone and restore. ADB: If both devices support adb backup, use the method in Section 4. Some smartphones (such as Samsung) may need to use a proprietary Smart Switch app to import a.xml file from the device. SMS.
Synchronization SMS It only works via Wi-Fi. Can you use mobile Internet?
Yes, but with reservations: In Mi Cloud, sync over the mobile network is disabled by default. To enable: Go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Settings β†’ Synchronization via mobile network: In Google Messages, backup over the mobile Internet is allowed, but can quickly consume traffic (especially with a large number of messages, SMS Backup & Restore) doesn't usually limit the type of connection, but download/upload speed will depend on the quality of the network.Tip: If you have a limited rate, use Wi-Fi or wait for a connection to the free network.
Can we restore it? SMS after resetting to factory settings, if there is no backup?
Unfortunately, no. SMS The only chance of recovery is stored in the database of mmssms.db on the internal drive, and when reset it is completely cleared.The only chance of recovery: If you previously synced messages with Mi Cloud or Google, try to restore them after you set up the device. If you have root access enabled, you can try using tools like DiskDigger to search for deleted data (the odds are minimal). Contact Xiaomi Service Center β€” but even these don’t guarantee recovery without a backup. In the future, we recommend setting up automatic backups. SMS once a month.