How to copy data from Xiaomi to your computer: from photos to system files

Why standard copying through the "Conductor" does not save

You decided to dump all the data from Xiaomi on your PC, connected your phone over USB, but only saw DCIM, Downloads and Pictures folders? This is a typical situation: by default, Android hides system files, app cache and even some media from direct access. For example, WhatsApp messages or saved passwords from Mi Browser is not so easy to copy.

The problem becomes more complicated if the function is activated on the smartphone MIUI Optimization: It blocks access to some folders through MTP-Protocol - the same protocol used when connecting to USB. As a result, users lose hours searching for how to pull out contacts in a format. VCF, Notes from Mi Notes or logs of calls.

5 working methods, including hidden functions MIUI And tools for developers that allow you to copy to your PC even data that you can't see through the standard Windows Explorer. USB).

Method 1: Full sync via Mi Cloud (for all Xiaomi models)

The Mi Cloud cloud storage is the most reliable way to transfer data if you have access to a Xiaomi account, an advantage of which is that not only files are synchronized, but system settings are also synchronized, including:

• 📱 Contacts (in format) VCF, Compatible with Outlook and Google Contacts)
• 📝 Notes from Mi Notes (including drawings and audio recordings)
• 📷 Photo and video in original quality (unless compression is included)
• 🔄 Call log (with labels "incoming/outgoing/missed»)
• 📍 Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords to them

How it works:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud
2. Activate synchronization for all categories (sliders should be green).
3. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
4. In the Devices section, select your smartphone and click Backup.
5. After the process is complete, download the archive with the data (.zip format).

⚠️ Note: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone, you will need to enter a code from the backup to download the backup. SMS Without that, access to the archive will be blocked.

Mi Cloud provides 5GB of storage for free, and if you have more data, you have to:

• 💰 Buy an additional seat (from 100 GB per ~300 ₽/year).
• 🗑️ Delete old backups (in the Storage Management section).
• 🔄 Break data into parts (for example, first sync photos, then contacts).

Method 2: Direct copying via USB (with unlocking hidden folders)

If Mi Cloud is not suitable (for example, due to slow Internet), you can copy the data directly over the cable. MIUI hides system folders, such as:

• /data/data/ – This is where the settings of the applications (for example, saved games or Telegram cache) are stored.
• /Android/obb/ – files of additional content for games (weighing up to several GB).
• /MIUI/ – Themes, wallpapers and system log files.

To see them on PC:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. On PC, open the Control Panel → Folder settings → View.
4. Uncheck the box from Hide protected system files.
5. Check the box to show hidden files, folders and disks.

Now, in Explorer, you'll see a complete list of folders, but be careful: deleting or changing files to /data/ can cause a system crash. You'd better just copy the data you want to see on your PC.

Disable MIUI optimization in the developer settings

Use a cable that supports data transfer (not just charging)

Charge your phone by at least 50% (for long-term operations)

Check the space available on your PC (data can take up more space than on your phone)-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) when connected USB It automatically starts Mi Share, the company's file transfer service, to turn it off and go into mode. MTP, Pull down the notification panel and press Charge through USB → File transfer.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to get full access to the Xiaomi file system, including those data that are not available through MTP.

• 🔓 We need to copy files from /data/data/ (For example, saved passwords or application databases).
• 📱 Phone is not turned on, but there is access to Fastboot or Recovery.
• 🚫 Synchronization with Mi Cloud is disabled. USB-copying doesn't work.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices If the device is displayed, do: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ (switch the path).

You need root rights to copy the system data, and if you don't have them, you can do it by command:

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

This command will back up all applications and their data in the backup.ab file. To extract data, use the android-backup-extractor utility.

Method 4: Backup via TWRP (for unlocked bootloader)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recavator installed, you can create a full backup system, including:

• 📱 Boot and Recovery (loader sections).
• 🗃️ Data (all user files and settings).
• 🔧 System (firmware and system applications).

How to make a backup:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. Pick Backup.
3. Check the Boot, Data and System sections.
4. Press Select Storage and select Micro SD or USB-OTG (if the drive is connected).
5. Start the Swipe to Back Up process.

Once completed, copy the TWRP/BACKUPS folder from the memory card to the PC. The advantage of the method is that the backup can be restored on any Xiaomi model with the same processor (for example, with the Redmi Note 10 Pro on the POCO X3 Pro).

⚠️ Attention: Backup through TWRP If you copy it to the cloud or someone else's PC, anyone can retrieve your data, including passwords and messages. Keep your archives secure.

Method 5: Backup applications (without root)

If the previous methods seem complicated, you can use third-party applications that copy data in an understandable format (e.g. contacts in CSV, messages in HTML).

• 📲 Swift Backup (requires root or ADB) — Stores applications with data in.ab format.
• 📧 SMS Backup & Restore – Exports SMS and MMS into XML (compatible with WhatsApp).
• 📎 Titanium Backup (Old but Functional) – Works with root only.
• 📱 Mi Mover (official from Xiaomi) – transfers data to another Xiaomi, but you can “cheat” the system by connecting the PC as a second device.

Example of Swift Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Grant ADB Backup rights (if no root).
3. Select backup apps (such as Telegram or Viber).
4. Press Backup and wait until it is completed.
5. Files will be saved to /sdcard/SwiftBackup/ – copy them to your PC.

adb backup -f C:\backup.ab com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with an application package, such as org.telegram.messenger).-->

What to do if your phone is not switched on or locked

If Xiaomi doesn’t respond to the power button or is locked with a graphical key, but USB debugging has been enabled before, you can try extracting data via ADB:

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Open the command prompt and type: adb shell If the device responds, execute: ls /sdcard/ to see the list of files.
3. Copy the data you need: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Xiaomi_Photos\

If USB debugging is not enabled, there are two options:

• 🔧 Fastboot mode: you can sew custom Recovery (TWRP) and backup, but it will erase all data from the userdata section if there was no backup.
• 🛠️ Service center: some workshops offer data retrieval service through ISP (Direct connection to the phone's memory, starting at 3,000 ₽.

💡

If the phone is locked but USB debugging has been activated before, the chances of data recovery are ~80%. Without debugging, only through a service center or TWRP (with the risk of data loss).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability from Xiaomi to PC