Xiaomi Cloud sync services replaced by backup in Google Photos – what to do for users

Since 2026, Xiaomi has been abandoning its own cloud storage Mi Cloud for backup photos, offering users to go to Google Photos. This decision is connected with optimization of services and partnership with Google, but for owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and others. POCO It came as a surprise, and many people were confronted with a media file suspension notice and a proposal to move the data to an alternative cloud.

In this article, we will discuss why the changes have occurred, how to save all photos and videos without loss, what settings to check on the phone, and what to do if some files are not transferred automatically, and consider alternative ways to back up for those who do not want to use Google Photos.

Important: The data transfer procedure may vary depending on the device model and version. MIUI. We have compiled relevant instructions for MIUI 14/15 and newer, but if your phone runs on old firmware, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Why Xiaomi has turned off syncing photos in the Mi Cloud

The main reason is the saving of resources and the focus on partnership with Google, since 2023 Xiaomi has been actively integrating Google services into its devices, including:

• 🔹 Google Photos as the primary cloud for media;
• 🔹 Google Drive for Backup of Contacts and Documents;
• 🔹 Google One for Extended Storage (Paid).

The Mi Cloud has always had limitations:

• 📉 5GB free (vs. 15GB in Google Photos);
• 🔒 There is no automatic sorting by person/place (unlike Google);
• ⚠️ Problems with synchronization in some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12).

However, for users who have used Mi Cloud for years, the transition can be difficult – especially if unique photos (such as screenshots from messengers or documents) were stored in the cloud.

How to check what photos are still stored in the Mi Cloud

Before transferring data, make sure all files are available.

1. Open the Gallery app on your Xiaomi.
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right → Mi Cloud.
3. Check the folders: 📁 Camera - basic photos; 📁 Screenshots; 📁 Downloads; 📁 Others (may contain files from messengers).

If some folders are empty or are displayed with an error, try:

• 🔄 Update: Swipe down under the Mi Cloud section;
• 📶 Reconnect to Wi-Fi (sometimes files are not loaded via mobile Internet);
• 🔧 Clear the gallery cache: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Cloud displays a message that says "Sync is stopped", it means that new photos are no longer uploaded. Old files can stay in the cloud for another 30 to 90 days (depending on the region), after which they will be deleted.

Step-by-step: how to transfer photos from Mi Cloud to Google Photos

Xiaomi offers automated data transfer, but it doesn’t always work. If you don’t have automatic import, follow the manual instructions:

Method 1: Automatic transfer (official method)

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Accounts → Mi Cloud
2. Tap on the notification “Transfer data to Google Photos” (if not, update). MIUI last-minute).
3. Sign in to Google and confirm the transfer.
4. Wait until the end (can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours depending on the amount of data).

Method 2: Manual export via computer

If the automatic transfer does not work:

1. Download all photos from Mi Cloud on PC: 🖥️ Go to cloud.mi.com; 📂 Select the right folders. → Download; 📁 Save the archive on the computer.
2. Upload files to Google Photos: 🌐 Open photos.google.com; ☁️ Press "Download" → "Imports from computer"; 📎 Select the downloaded folders and confirm the download.

If you have duplicated or missing files after transferring to Google Photos, use the "Duplicate Search" function in the application settings. Also check the Archive folder - sometimes screenshots and temporary files get there.

What to do if Google Photos is not suitable: alternatives for backup

Not all users are comfortable using Google Photos.

• 🚫 15GB Limit (with Gmail and Google Drive);
• 🔍 Content chanting (some users worry about privacy);
• 📱 No offline access to originals without a paid subscription.

If you are looking for an alternative, consider these options:

To automatically sync with alternative clouds, use the following applications:

• 📱 FolderSync (setting backups on schedule);
• 🖥️ Syncthing (Synchronization between devices without cloud);
• ☁️ Nextcloud (self-deploying cloud).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party services, turn off autoloading in Google Photos to avoid duplication. → Backup and sync and deactivate the option.

💡

If you choose local storage, use the rule. 3-2-1: 3 copy-paper 2 carrier, 1 which are stored outside the home (for example, in a bank deposit box).

How to set up automatic backup on the new cloud

Once you have chosen the Mi Cloud alternative, set up automatic sync to avoid losing new photos. Consider the process using Yandex Drive and Amazon Photos.

Set up autoload in Yandex Disk

1. Install the Yandex Drive app from Google Play.
2. Log in and allow access to the files.
3. Go to Settings. → Autoupload photos and enable the option.
4. Select the download quality: 📸 "Original" (retains full permission); 📱 "Economical” (compression to 2048px).

Setup Amazon Photos

For users with an Amazon Prime subscription:

1. Download the Amazon Photos app.
2. Sign in to Amazon account (if there is no Prime, 5GB free space)
3. Activate "AutoSave" in the settings.
4. Select folders for synchronization (for example, DCIM/Camera).

For Nextcloud or NAS You'll need to be more configured through WebDAV or specialized applications like Synology Photos. If you're not sure about your technical skills, you'd better focus on the cloud-based solutions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you move data from Mi Cloud to Google Photos or other services, users experience common errors.

Problem 1: Photos are not uploaded to Google Photos

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 No internet: check your Wi-Fi or mobile network connection;
• 📵 Background Limitation: In your phone settings, allow Google Photos to work in the background (Settings) → Annexes → Google Photo → Battery → No restrictions);
• 🔒 Not enough space: Clear Google Drive of unnecessary files or buy extra space.

Problem 2: Mi Cloud photos are missing

If the files are gone before the transfer:

• 🗑️ Check the Recycle Bin in Mi Cloud (files are stored there for 30 days);
• 🔍 Use a date search in the Gallery → Mi Cloud → Filter (⚙️);
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi through Settings → Review (indicate the phone model and date of loss of files).

Problem 3: Duplicate photos after transfer

To remove the duplicates:

1. Open Google Photos → Library → Utilities. → Search for duplicates.
2. Select unnecessary copies and click "Delete".
3. For mass cleaning, use the web version: photos.google.com → "Utilities".

⚠️ Note: If you delete duplicates in Google Photos, they will also disappear from the Recycle Bin after 60 days.

How to turn off Mi Cloud and free up space on your phone

Once the data transfer is successful, you can turn off sync with Mi Cloud to make room and avoid conflicts with the new cloud.

Step 1: Disabling Photo Synchronization

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Accounts → Mi Cloud.
2. Slip on the Gallery and turn off the slider.
3. Confirm the action (the system may warn you of termination of backup).

Step 2: Delete cache and unnecessary files

To make room:

• 🧹 Clear the Mi Cloud cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Cloud → Warehouse → Clear the cache;
• 🗑️ Delete local copies of synced files (if they are duplicated with the new cloud);
• 🔄 Restart your phone to apply changes.

If you no longer plan to use Mi Cloud, you can delete your Xiaomi account from your phone (but this will result in loss of access to all Xiaomi services, including Find Device and Themes).

💡

Even after Mi Cloud is turned off, old photos can stay in the cloud for up to 90 days.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions