Backup on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Instructions

Smartphone data loss is one of the most frustrating situations a user can encounter. Photos, correspondence, contacts and app settings often have value that cannot be restored. Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to back up, but not everyone is aware of their features and limitations. In this article, we will discuss all the current backup methods – from embedded tools to third-party solutions – and also explain how to avoid typical recovery errors.

It’s important to understand that a full backup should include not only media files, but also system settings, application data and even call history, while backup methods vary in reliability: for example, cloud storage is convenient but depends on the stability of the Internet connection, and local backup on a PC requires manual control, we will analyze the pros and cons of each approach so that you can choose the best option for your model – whether it is Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 14 flagship series.

Why Xiaomi backup is more important than it seems

Many users neglect backup until they are faced with a critical situation, and here are three scenarios where backup saves data:

• 🔄 Factory reset: When you sell your phone or fix software failures, all the data is erased. Without the backup, it's impossible to recover it.
• 💥 A drop, moisture, or motherboard failure can render the phone inoperable, and a cloud-based backup is the only way to get data back to the new device.
• 📱 Update firmware, even official updates MIUI Sometimes it causes data loss, like when you move from MIUI 13 on MIUI 14 Some users reported resetting settings.

Xiaomi service center statistics show that more than 60% of data loss claims are due to the lack of backups, and 80% of the time users could avoid problems if they had set up an automatic backup in advance in Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, standard backup methods may not work. TWRP or other tools for low-level partition copying /data.

Method 1: Backup via Mi Cloud (official method)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage integrated into MIUI, which allows you to save contacts, notes, photos, call records, and even some system settings, with the main advantage of automatic synchronization that works in the background.

To set up a backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not registered, create one).
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
4. Activate the Automatic Backup Switch.
5. Select data to save: Contacts, Notes, Calls, Messages, etc.
6. Click Start backup.

The free storage in the Mi Cloud is 5 GB. This is enough for basic data, but for photos and videos you will have to buy space (from 100 GB for ~ 300 rubles per year).

• 📁 Installed applications (only a list of them for quick installation).
• 🎮 Game data (e.g. progress in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 🔧 Settings of certain third-party applications (for example, VK Telegram).

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If you have slow internet, set up the backup in Mi Cloud at night. To do this, select only when charging and only over Wi-Fi in your backup settings.

Method 2: Local backup via MIUI

If you don't trust cloud services or you don't have a stable Internet connection, you can create a backup right on your phone or an external drive, and MIUI has a built-in Backup and Reset tool for that.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Click Create a backup copy.
4. Check the data for saving (system settings, applications, SMS, etc.).
5. The location of the storage: internal memory or SD-card (if supported).
6. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 10–30 minutes).

The backup will be saved to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder in.mbk format, and can be copied to a PC or other phone.

1. Go back to Local Backup.
2. Select the backup file from the list.
3. Click Restore and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Local backup MIUI It's not encrypted by default. If you save it to SD-If you send your card or through messengers, the data may be accessed by third parties. For protection, archive the file with a password (for example, through the use of a password). 7-Zip).

Method 3: Backup through Google (alternative to Mi Cloud)

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, you can use Android’s built-in backup tools, a method that is especially handy if you’re planning to switch to another brand (like Samsung or Pixel).

To enable backup in Google Drive:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Activate the Backup Switch in Google Drive.
3. Click Create a backup copy now.

Google Drive saves:

• 📇 Contacts (synchronized with Google Contacts).
• 📅 Calendar data (Google Calendar).
• 📷 Photos and videos (if synced in Google Photos is enabled).
• 📱 Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, language preferences.
• 🎮 Data of some games (if the developer supports Google Play Games).

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ SMS The call log is not saved on all Xiaomi models (depending on version). MIUI).
• ❌ Installed apps are not backed up – only a list of them for quick installation via Google Play.
• ❌ Files in internal memory (such as downloads or documents) are not included in the backup.

Method 4: Full backup via TWRP (for advanced users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to create complete /data partition images, including custom files, settings, and application data.

• 🔓 You have unlocked the bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 You use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 You need to restore your phone after a major crash.

Instructions for creating a backup in TWRP:

1. Install TWRP on your Xiaomi (instructions depend on the model; for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Boot into recovery mode: Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume up.
3. In the TWRP menu, select Backup.
4. Mark the backup sections: Data, System, Boot (optional).
5. Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-map).
6. Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.

Recovery from TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Choose Restore.
3. Specify the backup file and confirm the recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Backup in TWRP It is tied to a specific model and version MIUI. Restoring to another firmware or device can result in a bootloop (locked on).Always check compatibility!

Loader unlocked|Installed TWRP for your model|Battery charge > 50%|Free space on the storage device > 5GB|BitLocker disabled (if encryption is used)-->

Method 5: Backup to PC (via Mi PC Suite or ADB)

If you prefer to store the backup on your computer, you can use official Xiaomi software or Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tools.

Method 1: Mi PC Suite

• 🖥️ Download and install Mi. PC Suite from the official website.
• 📱 Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔄 In Mi PC Select Suite Backup and Restore → Create a backup copy.
• 📁 Specify the folder to save on the PC and wait for completion.

Method 2: ADB Backup (without root)

This method works without superuser rights, but does not store all data:

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

Transcript of commands:

• -apk - saves the installed applications.
• -obb - includes application cache files.
• -shared — reserve SD-map.
• -all is all the data available.
• -f C:\backup.ab is the path to the backup file on the PC.

For recovery:

adb restore C:\backup.ab

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ADB-The backup does not store data from some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Themes). TWRP.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems building or restoring backups, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Another common mistake is ignoring backup checks, and many users backup but don't test for recovery.

1. Backup.
2. Delete 1-2 non-critical files (such as a note or contact).
3. Recover the data from the backup and make sure it's back.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions