How to save a copy of Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Owning a modern smartphone involves storing a huge array of personal information, from working documents to thousands of photos. Losing a device or breaking it can come as a real shock if a backup was not created in advance. Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers several built-in and third-party ways to protect data, each with its own characteristics.

You need to understand the difference between simple contact synchronization and complete system cloning. In this article, we will look at all the archiving methods available so that you can choose the best option for your situation. The safety of your data depends only on your actions right now.

Preparation of the device for backup

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the smartphone is ready to work. Charge the battery to at least 50-60%, as the process of creating a backup can take considerable time and consume energy.

Check if there is free space in your chosen storage. If you plan to use the cloud, make sure that the data plan allows you to download the desired amount of data. Local storage will require free space on a microSD card or a connection to a computer.

⚠️ Warning: Do not start the archiving process if the smartphone is too hot.The high temperature of the processor can cause trottling and slow down the transfer of files, which will increase the risk of error.

It is recommended to close the background applications that can actively use the network or memory, which will speed up the system and provide a more stable connection when transferring data to the cloud services.

Using the built-in Xiaomi tool

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a powerful built-in tool for creating local copies. To get to the menu, go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Restore. Here you can choose the type of data you store: system settings, calls, SMS and applications.

After selecting categories, click Backup. The system will request the creation of a password that is critical to recovering data on another device or after a reset. Without this code, access to the archive will be impossible.

• 📂 You can choose specific applications whose data you need to save.
• ⏱ The process takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of information.
• 💾 Backup file is saved in internal memory in folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.

If the phone stops turning on, it will be difficult to get the data, so after you create a local copy, it is recommended to transfer the archive file to the computer or to the cloud.

Sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account

Cloud technology allows you to store data remotely, protecting it from physical loss of the gadget. Mi Cloud service is deeply integrated into the system and allows you to synchronize contacts, notes, voice recorder and gallery. To activate, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.

In parallel, you need to configure sync via Google Drive, which is a standard mechanism for Android that stores passwords, app lists and contacts, and combining both services ensures maximum reliability.

When you first turn on a new smartphone, you just need to log in to your accounts and the data will start loading automatically, which is the most convenient way for most users to migrate.

Copying data to a computer via USB

To create a full physical copy of files, the easiest way to use a USB cable is to connect your smartphone to your PC and select the file transfer (MTP) mode from the notification menu. The computer will open a disk device that is available for management.

Copy important folders like DCIM (photo and video), Download and Documents onto your computer’s hard drive, a method that doesn’t require internet and allows you to quickly move large amounts of data, such as videos to 4K.

For more advanced users, USB debugging mode is available, activated in the Developer Menu, and allows you to use adb console commands to create accurate partition images.

adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab

This command will create a complete archive of all applications and data in the backup.ab file on your computer, but it is worth noting that modern versions of Android restrict access to data from some applications even through ADB for security reasons.

⚠️ Note: When connecting to public computers (in copiers or hotels), use Charge Only mode. File transfer mode can make your personal data available to attackers.

Third-party reservation applications

If standard features are not enough, you can use specialized software. Mi PC Suite (official, but rarely updated) or its counterparts allow you to manage files and make backups through a PC.

For wireless transfer of large files, file sharing applications such as Send Files to PC or the built-in FTP-access Explorer feature are great. This allows you to manage your phone files directly from Windows Explorer without cables.

• 🚀 Swift Backup is a modern Titanium replacement with cloud support.
• 📱 GMS Backup – specializes in saving data services Google.
• 💻 AirDroid – full remote control and backup over Wi-Fi.

Using third-party software requires permissions attentiveness. Install apps only from a trusted Google Play store to avoid introducing malicious code.

💡

Use the second space feature in MIUI to create an isolated environment, back up the main space, then switch to the second and create a copy separately, which will double the security of the data.

Restore the system from a created copy

The process of data return depends on the method you chose before. If you used the built-in tool, go to the recovery menu, enter the password and click Restore. The phone can restart to complete the operation.

When using the cloud, you just need to log in to your account when you first set up your device, and the system will prompt you to recover data from the last save point, and make sure that the device is connected to Wi-Fi, as mobile traffic can quickly run out.

Recovery from a file on a computer requires the reverse action: plug the cable, copy the folders back to the appropriate internal memory directories, and applications may need to be re-installed from the store.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the recovery process even if the screen goes out. Interrupting the recording of system settings can lead to a "bootloop" (cyclic reboot) of the smartphone.

💡

Regular backups are the only guaranteed way to avoid losing important data when a system breaks down, is stolen or crashes.