Recovery of backup on Xiaomi: 4 working methods + error solving

Smartphone data loss is one of the most frustrating situations for users. Photos, contacts, messages and app settings can disappear at once due to factory reset, device breakdown or firmware error. Fortunately, restoring backup to Xiaomi allows you to return almost all data if the backup was created in advance. But even here there are nuances: not all methods work equally well, and some require additional tools.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to restore backup on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard MIUI functions to advanced methods through TWRP and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, “Failed to restore backup” or “File damaged”) and how to get around them. If you have never done a backup or do not know which method to choose, at the end of the article there is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each option.

1.Recovery of backup through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way to return data is to use the built-in backup function in MIUI. This method is suitable for most users, as it does not require root rights or additional programs. However, it has limitations: for example, not all system settings are restored (for example, Wi-Fi passwords or data from some applications).

To recover the backup through MIUI:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backups.
• 🔍 Select the right backup file (usually called the backup file). Backup_YYYY-MM-DD).
• 🔄 Click Restore and Confirm Action.
• ⏳ Wait until the process is complete (may take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).

If the backup was created through Mi Cloud, the path will be different: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device → Restore. Here it is important that the device is linked to the same Xiaomi account from which the copy was made.

⚠️ Warning: When you restore through the Mi Cloud, the smartphone will automatically restart. If there is not enough space on the device, the process may be interrupted with the error "Not enough memory." Before starting, free at least 2-3 GB.

Make sure the battery is 50% or more charged.

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for Mi Cloud)

Close all background applications

Check the free space on the device-->

Recovery through Mi Cloud: nuances and limitations

Mi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that automatically backs up contacts, messages, notes and some settings, but not all data is synchronized.

• 📁 Files from internal memory (photos, videos, documents).
• 🎮 Save games (if the game does not support cloud sync).
• 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
• 📱 Launcher settings (location of icons, wallpaper).

To recover data from Mi Cloud:

1. Log in to Xiaomi account on the target device.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Select a section (such as Contacts or Notes) and click Sync.
4. For full recovery, click Device Backup → Restore.

If the data is not restored, check:

• 🔄 Is synchronization enabled in account settings.
• 🌐 Is there internet access (it is better to use Wi-Fi).
• 📅 Has the backup expired (the free account stores data for up to 3 months without activity).

Once a week.

Once a month

Just before the firmware.

Never did.

I remember.-->

Recovery through TWRP: for advanced users

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after changing the firmware or unlocking the bootloader), you can use the custom TWRP recap. This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and requires some technical skills. The main advantage is the ability to restore the full image of the system, including applications and their data, which is not available through MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Download TWRP for your Xiaomi model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Install the recavers via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, select Restore and specify the path to the backup file (usually the TWRP/BACKUPS folder on the memory card).
4. Check the recovery sections (System, Data, Boot) and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery through TWRP This can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot) if the backup was made on another version of the firmware. MIUI!

4. Backup recovery via ADB (for power users)

If TWRP is not available (for example, on new models with a locked bootloader), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to recover data even without a custom recavator, but requires on debugging over USB and access to the computer.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Open the command line on your PC and check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Restore the backup with the command: adb restore /path/to/file/backup.ab

Please note:

• 🔌 The cable must support data transfer (not all) USB-cables fit).
• 🛠️ Some Xiaomi models require additional confirmation on the smartphone screen.
• 📂 The backup file must be in.ab format (standard Android Backup format).

💡

If adb restore gives an error "adb: unable to open file", try to transfer the backup file to the root of the C:\ drive and specify the path without spaces (for example, C:\backup.ab).

5.Typical backup recovery errors and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter errors.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the backup file itself.

• 🔍 For.ab files: try opening with an archiver (e.g, 7-Zip). If the archiver makes an error, the file is corrupted.
• 📦 For backups. TWRP: Check for the date folder and system.win, data.win, etc. files.

6. How to recover individual data (photos, contacts, messages)

Sometimes you don't have to restore the entire backup, just return photos, contacts or messages, and you can use specialized tools to do this.

Photos and videos:

• 🖼️ If the backup was in Google Photos: Open the app and wait for sync.
• 💾 If files were stored on a memory card: connect it to the PC via a card reader.
• 🔍 To recover deleted files: Use DiskDigger or Recuva (only if no new data was written!).

Contact:

• 📇 From Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Contacts → Synchronize.
• 🤖 From Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
• 📄 From.vcf: import through Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports.

Messages (SMS):

• 💬 Through Mi Cloud: Restore Messages in Cloud Settings.
• 📱 Through SMS Backup & Restore: Install the app and restore the backup from the.xml file.

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If you are recovering messages through third-party apps (such as SMS Backup & Restore), disable the standard Messages app from syncing with Mi Cloud to avoid duplicates.

7. Comparison of recovery methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, compare all methods on key parameters:

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔄 For quick recovery after resetting: MIUI Mi Cloud.
• 🛠️ For full recovery after the firmware: TWRP.
• 📱 Selective recovery (contact only or SMS): specialized applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi backup recovery