How to enable gallery sync with Xiaomi Cloud: full guide for all models

Synchronizing a gallery with Xiaomi Cloud is not just a convenient way to back up photos, but also an effective solution to free up the internal memory of a smartphone. POCO Faced with space constraints due to thousands of images that accumulate over the years, Xiaomi’s cloud storage allows you to automatically upload photos and videos to secure space, accessible from any device.

However, not everyone knows how to set up this feature correctly. In some cases, sync may not work due to incorrect account settings, traffic restrictions, or an outdated version of the Gallery app. In this article, we will break down the step-by-step instructions for all current versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS, and how to fix common bugs and optimize the boot process.

We're going to focus on security issues, which data actually gets into the cloud, how to restrict access to personal images, and what to do if the sync suddenly stops, and if you want to not only save memories, but also save space on your phone, read on.

Preparation for synchronization: what to check before turning on

Before you activate gallery sync with Xiaomi Cloud, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. MIUI HyperOS: Cloud Gallery feature is available starting with MIUI 10, but for stable operation, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest firmware. Secondly, make sure that the phone has the official Gallery app installed (not third-party analogues like Google Photos).

Also important:

• 🔋 At least 30% battery charge – long-term photo loading can drain your phone.
• 📶 A stable internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) as mobile traffic is consumed quickly.
• 📁 Free space in the cloud – Xiaomi provides 5GB by default, but it can be expanded.
• 🔒 Authorization in Mi Account – synchronization is impossible without an attached account.

If you have not used Xiaomi Cloud before, register your Mi Account through Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account: Make sure your account settings include data sync, without which the gallery will not be able to connect to the cloud.

Step-by-step: how to enable gallery synchronization

The sync activation process takes no more than 5 minutes if you follow a clear algorithm. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Step 1. Open the Gallery app (a multi-colored square icon). In the upper right corner, click on the ⋮ (three-point) → Settings.

Step 2. In the settings menu, find the Xiaomi Cloud (or Cloud) section and tap it. If there is no such item, update the Gallery app through the Play Store or App Store.

Step 3. Activate the Sync switch with Xiaomi Cloud. The system will request confirmation - press Allow.

Step 4: Select which data to sync:

• 📸 Photos - all images from Camera, Screenshots and others folders.
• 🎥 Videos – Video files (take up more space in the cloud).
• 🔄 Autoboot – enable new files to be downloaded automatically.

Step 5: Configure the download settings:

• 📡 Wi-Fi only – it is recommended not to waste mobile traffic.
• 🔋 Charging – only when connected to the network (saves battery).

Once activated, the system will start scanning media files, and the first synchronization time depends on the number of photos: 500 to 1,000 images can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.

Advanced settings: how to optimize synchronization

Basic sync settings are often not enough for comfortable use.For example, by default Xiaomi Cloud uploads all photos in original quality, which quickly exhausts the free 5 GB. To avoid this, go to Gallery Settings. → Xiaomi Cloud → Download quality and select:

• 📷 Original - maximum quality, but large file size.
• 🖼️ High – compression without loss of visible quality (recommended).
• 📱 Economical – strong compression to save space.

Another useful parameter is to sync only over Wi-Fi. If you have an unlimited tariff, you can turn off this restriction, but remember: uploading 1 GB of photos on a mobile network can cost up to 300-500 rubles depending on the operator.

For users who often take photos on trips, the option Autoload when roaming is useful, but it should only be enabled if there is an international tariff, otherwise the traffic costs can be unpredictable.

💡

If you often take pictures in a format RAW, Turn off their sync in the cloud settings - one RAW-The file can weigh between 20 and 50 MB, which will fill up the storage quickly.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, synchronization may not work, so let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. The synchronization does not begin.

• 🔌 Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Mi Account Status – Sometimes a reauthorization is required.
• 📱 Gallery version of the app - update it in the app store.

2. Photos are uploaded partially or interrupted.

• 📡 Unstable Internet connection (reconnect to Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Low battery charge (connect the charger).
• 📁 Not enough space in the cloud (delete unnecessary files or buy extra space).

3. Not all photos are displayed in the cloud. This may be because:

• 📂 Filter by date (check the synchronization range settings).
• 🔍 Excluded folders (the cloud settings have a list of ignored directories).
• 🕒 Synchronization delays (sometimes it takes up to 24 hours to fully load).

⚠️ Note: If synchronization has not recovered after all the manipulations, try clearing the Gallery app cache through Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It won't delete your photos, but it can solve cloud problems.

How to Free Up Your Phone After Synchronization

One of the main advantages of Xiaomi Cloud is the ability to delete photos from your phone, leaving them in the cloud, but you need to do this carefully, so you don't lose files forever.

Step 1. Make sure all photos are successfully uploaded to the cloud. → Albums. → Xiaomi Cloud and check that the number of files matches the local folder Camera.

Step 2: Turn on the option to Optimize Storage in the Cloud Settings. The system will automatically replace the original photos with thumbnails, freeing up space but retaining access to full-size versions via the cloud.

Step 3: If you want to delete your phone photo completely, do the following:

1. Open the gallery. → Albums. → Camera.
2. Select the photos you need (or click Select All).
3. Tap on. ⋮ → Remove from the device.
4. Confirm the action by selecting Remove from this device (not from the cloud!).

⚠️ Warning: Never use Delete Everywhere unless you're 100% sure, it permanently erases photos from the cloud and your phone. DCIM Manual file manager: This can disrupt the structure of the albums.

If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, pre-check the sync status in Settings → Mi Account. → Xiaomi Cloud → Gallery, after reset, all unsynchronized photos will be lost.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Many users worry about the security of personal photos in the cloud. Xiaomi claims that all data is encrypted during transmission and storage, but there are nuances to keep in mind:

1. Access to the cloud. Only you can view your photos (if you set up correctly), but if your Mi Account is hacked, an attacker will have access to all the synchronized data.

• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication (included in account settings).
• 🔑 Change your password regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 📵 Do not log into your account on other people’s devices.

2. Geodata and meta-information: By default, Xiaomi Cloud stores the metadata of the photo (date, location, camera model). If this is critical for privacy, delete the geotags before downloading:

1. Open the photo at the Gallery.
2. Tap on. ⓘ (information) → Edit → Delete location.
3. Save the changes.

3. Sharing. Xiaomi Cloud has Shared Albums feature that allows you to share photos with other users. Be careful when setting up access rights:

• 👥 Assign a View Only Role to Limit Editing.
• 🕒 Set the term of the link (for example, 7 days).
• 🔗 Do not share links to albums in open chats or social networks.

💡

Even if you delete photos from the cloud, they can stay in Xiaomi Cloud backups for up to 30 days. For complete removal, use the Clean Recycle Bin feature in the cloud web version.

Comparison with alternatives: Google Photos vs Xiaomi Cloud

Many Xiaomi users are hesitant to use their native cloud or go to Google Photos.

When to choose Xiaomi Cloud:

• 📱 You are actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem (smartphone, smartwatch, TV).
• 🔄 Automatic optimization of memory on your phone.
• 💰 You are willing to pay for storage expansion (prices are lower than Google’s).

When to choose Google Photos:

• 🌍 You need more free space (15GB vs 5GB).
• 🔍 Important function of search by objects in the photo (for example, "find all photos with dogs").
• 📤 You sync photos from multiple brands (not just Xiaomi).

The best solution is to use both services in parallel: Xiaomi Cloud for automatic backup, and Google Photos for advanced search and editing features.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions