Xiaomi Cloud Storage (or Mi Cloud) is not just a backup location, but a full-fledged tool to sync data between Redmi devices, POCO and other gadgets of the ecosystem. It stores contacts, photos, notes, call records and even system settings. But what if you are trying to access the cloud for the first time or forgot your password? This article will help you understand all the nuances of login, from basic authorization to solving typical errors.
It's important to understand that Mi Cloud is closely integrated with your Xiaomi account (account.xiaomi.com). Without it, you can't access the cloud -- that's a key difference from services like Google Drive, where you can use different accounts. We'll look at all the current ways to sign in: through the mobile app, the web version, and even from your computer. And if you encounter an error, "I couldn't log in to Mi Cloud," there's a solution section at the end of this article.
Note: The instructions are valid for all modern Redmi models (including Note 12, Redmi 13C, POCO X5, etc.) and for devices on MIUI 14/15 and later. If you have old firmware (for example, MIUI 12), some menu items may differ - we will mention this too.
1. Enter Mi Cloud via Redmi Smartphone
The most obvious way is to use the device itself, and you don't have to download any additional applications, because it's built into the system. Here's how to do this:
- Open โSettingsโ (the gear icon on the desktop or in the application menu).
- Scroll down and select Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account on newer versions of MIUI).
- If you are already logged in, click on the avatar at the top of the screen. If not, enter your login (this could be an email or phone number) and password.
- After successful login, tap on the Mi Cloud section (cloud with an up arrow).
Inside, you'll see a full list of synchronized data: contacts, gallery, notes, call records, etc. You can turn backups on or off for each file type. Note: Xiaomi's default is 5GB of free space. If you don't have enough, you'll have to buy extra space or clear out unnecessary data.
Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Check if the timing is enabled (Settings โ Additional โ Date and time)
Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings โ About Phone โ System Update)
Remember or save your password from your Xiaomi account-->
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are logging into the cloud for the first time, the system may request confirmation by SMS It's standard security procedure -- don't ignore it, also on some firmware (e.g., some firmware, MIUI Global) may require linking a phone number to an account, without which some of the cloud's functions will be unavailable.
2. Authorization through the web version of Mi Cloud
It's not always convenient to use a small screen on a smartphone. Fortunately, Xiaomi provides a full web interface for working with the cloud.
- Open any browser on your computer or phone and go to https://i.mi.com/.
- In the upper right corner, click Login (or Sign In if the site is in English).
- Enter your Xiaomi account details (login and password). If you forget your password, click Forgot your password? and follow the recovery instructions.
- After you log in, you will be taken to the main menu. Here, select the Mi Cloud section (or the Cloud in Russian).
The web version is convenient because it allows you to download files en masse (for example, all photos per month), as well as view backups of other devices. However, there are limitations: for example, some notes or call records may not be displayed due to the peculiarities of synchronization.
What data can I NOT download from the Mi Cloud web version?
๐ก If you use the cloud a lot, bookmark i.mi.com, and don't type in your password every time, turn on the "Remember Me" option when you log in. But remember, it's less secure if other people have access to your computer.
3. Sign in to the Xiaomi cloud from your computer (via Mi PC Suite)
For users who prefer to manage files via PC, Xiaomi offers the official utility Mi PC Suite, which allows you not only to view data in the cloud, but also to back up your phone, install firmware and sync media files.
- Download Mi PC Suite from the official website: https://pcsuite.mi.com/ (select the version for your OS: Windows or macOS).
- Install the program and run it. Connect the Redmi phone to your computer via USB-cable (it is recommended to use the original cable for stable communication).
- The phone will be asked for permission to debug via USB โ confirm it (Allow).
- In the main window of the program, select the Cloud tab (or Mi Cloud) and log in under your account.
The advantage of this method is that the Mi PC Suite can automatically detect phone backups and suggest that they be restored, which is useful if you are switching to a new Redmi and want to migrate all the data. However, there are disadvantages to the program: it sometimes slows down when working with large files (for example, 4K video) and does not always correctly display Cyrillic folder names.
Through the mobile app on the phone
Through the web version in the browser
Using Mi PC Suite on your computer
I don't use the Xiaomi cloud.-->
| Way of entering | Pluses | Cons | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile app | Quick access, real-time synchronization | Inconvenient for mass operations | Daily use, verification of backup copies |
| Web version | Convenient on the big screen, you can download folders | Not all data is available, sometimes slow loading | Backup on PC, viewing photos |
| Mi PC Suite | Full control of the phone, recovery of backups | It requires software installation, sometimes it glitches | Transferring data to a new phone, firmware |
4. Solve problems when logging into Mi Cloud
Even if you did everything right, sometimes the system will give you errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
- ๐ "Failed to log in to Mi Cloud. Try later" - usually associated with an unstable Internet connection. Restart the router or try to connect via mobile data. Also check if the access is blocked by antivirus or VPN.
- ๐ "Wrong password" - if you are sure you are entering the correct password, try resetting it through the recovery page. Make sure the keyboard is not switched to another language (for example, English layout with Russian password).
- โ ๏ธ "Account blocked" - this can happen after several failed login attempts. Wait 30 minutes and try again.If the lock is not removed, contact Xiaomi support via the form on the site.
- ๐ต "No server connection โ check if Xiaomi services are disabled in your region (relevant for some sanctioned countries). DNS-server at 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
If you see an error โThis account is linked to another device,โ it means that your Xiaomi account is already being used on another phone with the same device. MIUI-To unlock access, you either need to unplug the old device (via Settings). โ Mi Account. โ Security โ Devices) or wait for automatic locking (usually 72 hours).
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If you forget the email linked to your Xiaomi account, try using the phone number recovery function. To do this, click on the Mi Cloud login page, "Forgot email?" and follow the instructions. The system will send an SMS with a prompt.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you bought a Redmi phone with your hands, the previous owner might not have logged out of your Xiaomi account.In this case, you will have to make a factory reset (but this will delete all data from the device!) or contact the seller to untie the device remotely. Read more about unlocking in our article โHow to reset Xiaomi account on Redmiยป.
5. How to restore access to Mi Cloud if you forget your password
Forgotten passwords are one of the most common problems. Fortunately, Xiaomi provides several ways to recover. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the password recovery page: https://account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with your account. Click Next.
- Choose a Recovery Method: ๐ง By email - a letter will come to the mail with a link to reset the password. ๐ฑ Po Po Po SMS โ The confirmation code will come to the phone (relevant if the number is linked to the account). ๐ By backup email โ if you specified it when registering.
Follow the instructions on the screen. After resetting the password, the system will prompt you to create a new one (we recommend using a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
If none of these methods work (for example, you lost access to both email and phone), you can only contact Xiaomi for support.
- Go to the support page.
- Select the Mi Account section and describe your problem. Attach error screenshots and enter the phone's IMEI (you can find it in Settings โ About Phone โ General information).
- Expect a response โ support usually responds within 1-3 days.
To buy an extra seat:
- Open Mi Cloud on your phone or in the web version.
- Click on the icon. โ๏ธ Settings (or Account Management).
- Choose to Increase Storage and follow the payment instructions.
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Before you buy extra space, check which data is taking up the most space, and it often turns out that the lion's share is taken up by old backups or high-resolution videos that can be deleted or transferred to a physical medium.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you opt out of a paid subscription, your data will remain in the cloud, but you will not be able to add new files until you vacate space or renew the tariff. Deleted files are stored in the basket for 30 days - after that, their recovery is impossible.
7. Mi Cloud Alternatives: When to Consider Other Services
While Mi Cloud is conveniently integrated into Xiaomiโs ecosystem, itโs not for everyone, and here are some cases where alternatives are worth looking at:
- ๐ You live in a region with limited access to Xiaomi services (such as some countries in Europe or Asia), in which case it is better to use Google Drive or Dropbox.
- ๐ You need more than 2 TB of space โ the maximum rate of Mi Cloud is limited to this volume.
- ๐ You value privacy โ data in Mi Cloud is stored on Xiaomi servers and its security depends on the companyโs policies).
- ๐ค You need collaborative document editing โ thereโs no built-in office suite in the Mi Cloud, unlike Google Drive or OneDrive.
If you decide to switch to another service, donโt forget to export your data from Mi Cloud:
- Go to the web version of i.mi.com.
- Select the section with the data you want (e.g. Gallery or Contacts).
- Click on the icon. โฎ (three points) and select Export or Download.
- Save the files to your computer and then upload them to a new cloud service.
๐ก Useful tip: If you use multiple cloud services, set up automatic synchronization between them. For example, using the FolderSync (Android) application, you can configure copying photos from Mi Cloud to Google Photos or Yandex Drive.