Have you bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone but canโt find where the cloud is stored? or lost important files and want to recover them from backup? In this article, weโll look at all the ways to access Xiaomiโs cloud storage, from the standard app to the hidden MIUI settings. Youโll learn how to find backups, sync contacts, photos and notes, and what to do if the cloud isnโt displayed in the menu.
The manufacturer has integrated the Xiaomi Cloud service deep into MIUI firmware, but it doesnโt always make it available at first glance. For example, on some models (especially budget models), the function can be hidden or disabled by default, we will show you how to turn it on manually, where to look for stored data, and how to avoid typical synchronization errors.
Importantly, if youโre not using a MIUI smartphone (like streaming it on a pure Android), access to the cloud may be limited, and an alternative way to log in would be required, as weโll explain below.
What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?
Xiaomi Cloud is Xiaomiโs proprietary cloud storage that automatically backs up your smartphone data: contacts, messages, photos, notes, system settings and even call history. By default, each Mi Account is given 5GB of free space, which is enough for a basic backup.
The main functions of the service:
- ๐ฑ Backup โ Keeping a copy of the system before updating or resetting.
- ๐ท Synchronization of photos โ automatic upload of images to the cloud (analogue of Google Photos).
- ๐ Recovery of contacts โ transferring the phone book to a new device.
- ๐ Storage of Notes โ Access to records from the Notes app from any device.
- ๐ Cross-platform โ data is available not only on Android, but also through the web version.
Unlike Google Drive or Yandex Drive: Xiaomi Cloud is optimized specifically for MIUI devices, for example, it stores theme settings, wallpapers, and even data from some system applications (such as Security or Calendar) that other services do not reserve.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you manually delete files from the cloud, they will be permanently erased โ there is no shopping cart. Xiaomi can also delete inactive accounts (without logging in for more than 6 months) along with the data.
Where to look for Xiaomi cloud in smartphone settings
The easiest way to find Xiaomi Cloud is through the standard settings menu.The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the overall scheme is the same:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll up and find the Mi Account section (or Xiaomi Account).
- Slap it on and log in if you haven't already.
- Select Xiaomi Cloud (or Cloud) within your account.
If you do not have Xiaomi Cloud,
- ๐ Check if the firmware is updated (in older versions) MIUI The cloud could be called Mi Cloud).
- ๐ฑ Make sure you are logged in to Mi Account โ without authorization, the section will not appear.
- ๐ In some models (for example, POCO F5) Cloud Hidden in Settings โ Additionally. โ Backup.
You can also use the search by settings: swipe down on the main settings screen and enter the request โcloudโ or โcloudโ.
How to enable data synchronization with the cloud
By default, Xiaomi Cloud can be disabled to save traffic or battery power, to activate automatic synchronization:
- Go to Settings โ Mi Account โ Xiaomi Cloud.
- Activate data synchronization (or Autosynchronization) slider.
- Select the types of data to reserve: contacts, messages, photos, etc.
- Click Sync Now to start the process manually.
To save mobile traffic, it is recommended to sync only over Wi-Fi. To configure this:
- In the same section of Xiaomi Cloud tap on three points (โฎ) top-corner.
- Select the Synchronization Settings.
- Activate the option via Wi-Fi only.
Check the Internet connection
Charge your smartphone to 50% or more
Free up space in the cloud (if necessary)
Shut down. VPN (may block access)-->
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use two Mi Accounts (e.g., personal and work), the data will only sync with the one you logged in to the cloud. โ Mi Account โ Account management.
How to find backups in Xiaomi Cloud
Backups in Xiaomi Cloud are divided into two types:
- Automatic โ created when you update the system or once a week (if the option is enabled).
- Manual โ the user initiates the creation of a copy.
To find and restore the backup:
- Open Settings โ Mi Account โ Xiaomi Cloud โ Backup.
- This will show all the copies available with the dates of creation.
- Select data to restore (for example, only contacts or all settings).
- Click Restore and wait until it is completed.
Important: When you restore some data (such as apps) may not be transferred if it is removed from Google Play or is incompatible with the current version of MIUI.
| Type of data | Recovering? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | โ Yes. | Transferred to the App Contacts, including groups |
| Messages (SMS) | โ Yes. | Text SMS and MMS may not be restored. |
| Photos | โ ๏ธ Partially. | Only those that were uploaded to the Gallery โ Cloud. |
| Annexes | โ No. | Only the labels are re-established, themselves. APK-Files need to be installed again |
| System settings | โ Yes. | Including themes, wallpaper, notification sounds |
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If the backup is not restored, try resetting the network settings (Settings) โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Reset your network settings) and try again.
How to find photos and videos in the cloud Xiaomi
Photos and videos uploaded to Xiaomi Cloud can be viewed in two ways:
- Through the Gallery app: Open the Gallery. Slip on three horizontal lines (โฐ) You can select the Cloud, and you can see all the synchronized photos and videos.
Through the web version
- Go to i.mi.com.
- Sign in with your Mi Account.
- In the Gallery section, select the files you need.
If the photos are not displayed:
- ๐ Check if synchronization is included in Settings โ Mi Account โ Xiaomi Cloud โ gallery.
- ๐ถ Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet (only synced online).
- ๐๏ธ If files were deleted from the cloud, it is impossible to restore them โ there is no basket.
In 2026, Xiaomi limited free storage for photos: new photos in their original quality take up space from your 5 GB, whereas previously they were saved in compressed form without restrictions. To save space, upload photos in the โOptimized qualityโ mode (setting is available in Gallery โ Settings โ Cloud).
Why Xiaomi Cloud is Not Showing or Working
If the Xiaomi Cloud partition disappears from settings or sync doesnโt start, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The cloud is hidden in the firmware | Update MIUI to the latest version or use the i.mi.com web version |
| No Internet connection. | Check Wi-Fi/mobile data, disable VPN |
| Xiaomi servers are not available | Check the status of services at status.mi.com |
| Regional restrictions | Change your account region in Settings โ Mi Account โ Personal Data |
| There's not enough space in the cloud. | Clean up unnecessary files or buy extra space |
If the problem persists, try:
- Exit the Mi Account and log in again.
- Clear the Settings app cache (Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ Settings โ Storage โ Clear the cache).
- Reset network settings (Settings) โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Resetting network settings).
What to do if the cloud requires SMS-entries?
Alternative ways to access Xiaomi Cloud
If the standard methods do not work, use alternatives:
- ๐ Web version: access i.mi.com from any browser, and all cloud features, including backups and gallery, are available here.
- ๐ฑ Mi Cloud app: download the official app from Google Play (not available in all regions).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ PC version: install the Mi PC Suite to your computer and log in to your account. The program allows you to manage cloud data from the desktop.
- ๐ง ADB-commands (for advanced users): if the cloud is hidden in the firmware, it can be forced to activate by the command: adb shell am start -n com.miui.cloudservice/.ui.CloudServiceActivity
For POCO and Redmi users with Global ROM, access to the cloud may be restricted.
- Install regional firmware (China ROM) via Mi Flash Tool (risky, requires unlocking the bootloader).
- Use the i.mi.com web version โ it works regardless of the firmware.
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The web version of Xiaomi Cloud (i.mi.com) is a universal access method that works even on non-Xiaomi devices or after a phone reset.