How to save data from Xiaomi phone: The complete guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to transfer or save important information before buying a new device or after a system reset. Losing photos, contacts and correspondence can be a serious problem, but modern technology avoids this. In this article, we will detail all the available ways to back up data so you can feel confident in any situation.

The MIUI shell interface and the newer HyperOS offer many built-in tools for working with files. However, not all users are aware of hidden features or the right course of action to completely save information. We will look at both cloud services and on-premises methods that do not require an Internet connection.

Before you start taking action, you need to assess the amount of information you need to transfer, which will help you choose the best method: cloud storage is great for contacts and notes, and for heavy video files, you better use a computer or an external drive, and proper preparation will save you time and nerves.

Use of the built-in Mi Backup app

The most reliable and quickest way to create a complete copy of a system without using the Internet is the built-in Mi Backup app, which allows you to save not only media files, but also settings, call history, SMS and even the location of icons on your desktop, and you can find this feature in the settings menu or through a search system.

Backup takes time, depending on the amount of data. It's important to keep the device powered as it works. Local backup creates a file archive that's stored in internal memory or on a computer. SD-Once the process is complete, this file can be copied to a computer for greater security.

To access the feature, go to Settings → About Phone → Reservation and Restore. Here you will see a list of categories available for saving. The system will prompt you to choose whether to copy system data, applications or multimedia.

⚠️ Note: Backup files take up a significant amount of memory. Make sure the device has enough free space before starting the process, otherwise the operation may be interrupted.

Once you have created an archive, it is strongly recommended that you immediately transfer it to an external medium. Files are usually on the MIUI/backup/AllBackup path. If you are planning to reset your settings, migrating this file to your PC is a critical step.

Synchronization with Mi Cloud

Xiaomi’s cloud service provides a convenient way to automatically store key data, so with a Mi Account, you can set up synchronization of contacts, messages, notes and voice recordings, ensuring that even if you lose your physical device, information remains accessible.

Free storage is available for 5GB of storage, enough for text and settings, but may not be enough for a large number of high-resolution photos, and paid data plans are available to expand storage, which are integrated directly into the smartphone menu.

To activate sync, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. You need to activate sliders opposite the desired data categories. The system will automatically update information in the cloud when you connect to Wi-Fi.

• 📸 Gallery: Automatic uploading of photos and videos to the cloud to free up space.
• 📞 Contacts: Instant numberbook saving, available from any device.
• 📝 Notes: Synchronization of text records and to-do lists.
• 🔒 Security: Ability to remotely lock or clean data in case of theft.

One of the unique features is that you can find a device on a map, and if you lose your smartphone, you can see its last location through the i.mi.com web interface, which makes using the Mi Cloud not just a backup, but a comprehensive security tool.

Backup through Google Services

Google's ecosystem is the standard for Android devices, and Xiaomi is no exception: Google account binding allows you to save contacts, calendar, passwords and application settings. When you switch to a new smartphone, you just need to enter your username and password so that the system itself tightens all the necessary data.

Google Photos is a great app that lets you store photos and videos in a compressed (but high-quality) format for free and without limiting the size if you have the right option enabled. For Xiaomi owners, it’s a great optional storage channel.

Check sync status from Settings → Accounts & Sync → Google. Make sure the switches opposite the services are active. It’s also a good idea to check Google One’s storage periodically to see how much space is left.

The key difference between Google Backup and Mi Backup is cross-platform: data stored in a Google account is easily transferred to smartphones of other brands such as Samsung or Pixel, whereas proprietary MIUI backups may not be compatible with other shells.

Transferring data to your computer via USB

The classic method of copying files via a USB cable remains one of the fastest to work with heavy media files. By connecting your smartphone to your PC, you can access the file system like a simple flash drive, which is ideal for creating an archive of photos and videos in their original quality.

When you connect the cable on the screen of the smartphone will request the mode of operation of USB. You need to select the file transfer (MTP). After that, a new device will appear in My Computer, opening which, you can copy the folders DCIM, Pictures, Download and others.

For users who prefer command line or advanced tools, debugging mode is available. However, for normal file copying, a standard mode is sufficient. MTP. Transmission speed depends on the quality of the cable and version. USB-port.

Remember that when copying large amounts of data (more than 50 GB), the process can take considerable time.

Mi Mover app for changing your smartphone

If your goal is to transfer data from your old phone to the new Xiaomi, the best solution is the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on all devices of the brand and is available for download to other Android smartphones and iPhones. The program works by creating a local Wi-Fi point, providing high transfer speeds without consuming Internet traffic.

It's as automated as possible: on the new phone, you choose "I'm the recipient," and on the old phone, you choose "I'm the sender." QR-code, devices connect, and you can choose data categories to transfer.

Mi Mover can port not only files, but also installed applications along with their data (in some cases), which eliminates the need to reconfigure each service, but banking applications may require re-authorization for security reasons.

• 🚀 Speed: Transfers over direct Wi-Fi, which is faster than Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Cross-platform: Works with Android and iOS (iPhone).
• 📱 Interface: Simple and understandable design, understandable to beginners.

💡

When transferring data from your iPhone to Xiaomi via Mi Mover, make sure that the iPhone screen is constantly active and the Mi Mover app is open, otherwise the connection may break due to the power saving of iOS.

Save data messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Messengers store their correspondence history in their own databases, which do not always fall into the system’s shared backup. WhatsApp is critical to set up a backup within the app itself. Go to Settings → Chats → Backup Chats and select save to Google Drive.

Telegram and Viber work on a cloud-based basis: their correspondence history is stored on servers, and it is easy to install an app and log into your account by phone number to restore them, but secret chats and local files may not sync automatically.

On Android, Google Drive is used, on iOS, iCloud is used.

⚠️ Note: Two-factor authentication in messengers is mandatory. When you restore data on a new device, the system may request PIN-Forget the code, you'll lose access to the correspondence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Regular backups are not a one-time promotion, but a habit. Set up automatic synchronization so you don't have to worry about data safety.