Recovery of data from Xiaomi Cloud: the full guide 2026

Losing important data from a Xiaomi smartphone is a situation that one in five users face. Photos, contacts, notes or app settings can disappear due to factory reset, device breakdown or accidental deletion. Fortunately, the Xiaomi cloud (Mi Cloud) offers a reliable backup and recovery mechanism, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to recover data from the Xiaomi cloud, from standard methods through a mobile app to little-known tricks for the PC. You’ll learn how to return deleted files even if your smartphone broke, how to transfer backup to a new device and what to do if the cloud is not synced, and we’ll focus on the hidden settings of the Mi Cloud, which allow you to recover data from the last 30 days even after it is deleted from the basket.

Important: Recovery procedure depends on the type of data (photos, contacts, SMS, Apps and device models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 et al. We will look at universal methods that work on all devices with a wide range of different devices. MIUI 12–14, and point out the key differences for older firmware versions.

1.Recovery Preparation: Checking Backup in Xiaomi Cloud

Before you start restoring, you need to make sure your data is actually stored in the cloud. Many users face the problem when, after a smartphone reset, it turns out that the backup was not created automatically.

On Xiaomi’s working device, go to: Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device

Here you'll see:

• 📅 Date of last backup – if the date is fresh (less than 30 days), the data can be restored in full.
• 📊 The volume of occupied space - if the indicator is 0 MB, then a backup copy was not created.
• 🔄 List of included items (contacts, SMS, Photos, system settings, etc.).

If you don’t have a backup, try recovering data through the Mi Cloud Recycle Bin (available 30 days after deletion) or use the alternative methods described below.

⚠️ Note: If you are signed in to your Mi Account on a new device, the sync process will automatically start.Do not interrupt it - this can lead to a data conflict between old and new backups.

2. Standard recovery via Mi Cloud on a smartphone

The easiest way to return data is to use the built-in recovery function when you first turn on your smartphone or through the settings menu.

• 📱 Recovery after reset to factory settings
• 🔄 Transferring data to a new device Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO
• 📂 Partial recovery of individual data types (contacts, SMS, note-book)

Step-by-step:

1. At the initial setup stage of the smartphone, select Restore from backup (if the device is already configured, go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Restore from backup copy).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (make sure you use the same account as your old device!).
3. Select the latest backup from the list. Pay attention to the date of creation and the model of the device from which it was made.
4. Check the data types for recovery: 📞 Contacts and call log 💬 SMS and MMS 📷 Photos and videos (if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled) ⚙️ System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)

Restore

If the recovery is interrupted or ended with an error, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection stability (Wi-Fi recommended)
• 🔋 Battery level (must be at least 50%)
• 📱 Free space on the device (should be at least 1 GB)

Check the stability of the Internet (Wi-Fi is preferred)

Charge your smartphone to at least 50%

Free 1-2 GB of memory on the device

Ensure the correctness of the Mi Account

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

3. Recovery of separate data types (photos, contacts, SMS)

It doesn't always require a full backup, for example, if you accidentally delete only photos or contacts, you can only return them, and let's look at how to recover individual categories of data without completely resetting them.

Photo and video recovery

Photos and videos in Xiaomi are synced with Mi Cloud Photos separately from the main backup.

1. Open the Gallery app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Albums section. → Mi Cloud.
3. Click on the Recycle Bin (available within 30 days of removal).
4. Select the files you need and select Restore.

If there are no files in the cart, check:

• 🔍 Is photo synchronization enabled in Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → gallery.
• 📁 Mi Cloud folder in the gallery – sometimes files are saved there automatically.

Reconciliation of contacts

Contacts in Xiaomi sync with Google Account and Mi Account to return them:

1. Go to Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import / Export.
2. Select Import from Mi Cloud.
3. Log in to Mi Account and select backup.

If contacts are not restored:

• Check if synchronization is included in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. → Synchronization of contacts.
• Make sure that contacts are not saved only in your Google Account (check Settings). → Accounts. → Google).

Recovery SMS call history

SMS And the call log is only restored through a full Mi Cloud backup, and there's no separate section for them:

• 📲 Use third-party applications like SMS Backup & Restore (if you have previously made a backup through them).
• 💻 Recover data through the web version of Mi Cloud on PC.

4.Recover data through the web version of Mi Cloud on PC

If your Xiaomi smartphone is broken or not turning on, you can recover data via the web version of the Mi Cloud on your computer, which is also useful if you want to download a backup for storage on your hard drive.

Instructions for PC:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the menu on the left, select Mi Cloud. → Backup of the device.
3. Find the necessary backup by date and model of the device.
4. Click Restore (for full recovery) or View (for selecting individual files).
5. To download data to PC: Select the desired files (photos, videos, documents). Click Export and select the format (ZIP Wait for the archive to be formed and download it.

Limitations of the web version:

• ❌ Impossible to repair SMS, Call log and system settings – media files and documents only.
• ❌ Not all models support viewing backups via the web (for example, for the POCO F1 The list of files may not be displayed).
• ❌ Download speed is limited (maximum 2 MB/s for free accounts).

💡

If the web version of Mi Cloud does not download files, try using Google Chrome in incognito mode or disable extensions that block scripts (such as AdBlock).

5. Alternative recovery methods (if Mi Cloud is not working)

If the standard methods didn't work, don't despair. There are several alternative methods that can save your data:

5.1. Local backup on the smartphone

Xiaomi creates local backups on the device itself, if the appropriate setting is enabled, to find them:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode).
2. Go to MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
3. Copy files with the.bak extension to your computer.
4. Use the official Mi software to restore PC Suite (you can download it on the official website).

5.2 Restoration via Google Account

Many of the data (contacts, calendar, certain settings) are synced not only with Mi Cloud, but also with Google Account to return it:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and enable sync for the right categories.
3. Wait until the synchronization is complete (may take a few minutes).

Third-party recovery programs

If the data is not synced with either Mi Cloud or Google, you can try specialized programs:

• 🔧 Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android) – Recovers deleted files directly from the device’s memory.
• 🔧 EaseUS MobiSaver – Supports Photo, Video and Document Recovery.
• 🔧 Tenorshare UltData – works even on locked or broken smartphones.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party software can result in a loss of warranty on the device if you want to unlock the bootloader.In addition, free versions of such programs often have limitations on the amount of data recovered (usually no more than 500 MB).

5.4. Contact Xiaomi Support

If all methods are exhausted, but the data is critical (for example, these are the only photos from an important event), you can contact official support Xiaomi:

1. Gather information: IMEI Devices (can be found on the box or via the command *#06#) Date of last successful synchronization with Mi Cloud Type of lost data (photos, contacts, etc.)

• 🌍 Official website
• 📧 E-mail: support@mi.com
• 📱 Telegram chats or VK (Links are available on the support website)

In some cases, support can recover data from server copies even if they are not displayed in your account, but this process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.

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If Mi Cloud doesn’t show backups, check the local folder first. MIUI/backup/AllBackup on a smartphone – sometimes data is saved there automatically, even if cloud sync is disabled.

6. Frequent errors in recovery and their solutions

When working with Xiaomi Cloud, users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Error "Cannot connect to the server"

Causes and solutions:

• 🌐 Internet problems: Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
• 🔒 Lockdown VPN/firewall: Turn it off VPN and antivirus programs.
• 🕒 Server failures: Check the status of Xiaomi servers on the Downdetector website.
• ⏳ An outdated version MIUI: Update the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Error "No backup copies"

If the system says there are no backups, although you are sure they were:

• 🔄 Change your account region: Sometimes copies don't show up because of mismatch between your Mi Account region and your device.
• 📱 Check out another device: Sign in to the same Mi Account on another Xiaomi smartphone – maybe copies will show up there.
• 📧 Write in support: Specify IMEI device and date of last synchronization.

Error "Insufficient space on the device"

If a memory deficit is reported during recovery:

• 🗑️ Free up space by removing unnecessary files or apps.
• 📁 Move some of the data to SD-card (if the device supports the device).
• 💻 Recover data via PC and then transfer it to your smartphone selectively.

Authentication error ("Incorrect password")

If the system does not accept the password from the Mi Account:

• 🔑 Try resetting your password through the recovery page.
• 📱 Make sure you enter a password from your Mi Account, not from Google.
• 🛡️ If the account is blocked, contact support with proof of ownership (check purchase or purchase). IMEI).

If none of the methods worked, try the entrance through the QR-code:

1. On another Xiaomi device, open Settings → Mi Account. → Scan. QR-code.
2. On the problem device, select Entry through QR-code and scan the code.

7. How to avoid future data loss

To never again experience data loss, follow these guidelines:

Set up automatic backup

Turn on automatic backup in Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
2. Enable the option of Automatic backup.
3. Choose the frequency (daily or weekly).
4. Check boxes for data types for reservation.

7.2 Additional copying to Google Drive

Mi Cloud only stores backups for 30 days. For reliability, set up additional copying in Google Drive:

1. Install the Google One app from the Play Market.
2. Enable backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
3. Select your Google account and data types (contacts, photos, videos).

Local backups on PCs

Regularly copy important data to your computer:

• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy folders DCIM (Photos), Downloads (downloads), MIUI/backup (localization).
• 🔄 Use the Mi. PC Suite to create full backup copies.

Pre-reset synchronization check

Before resetting the device to factory settings:

• 🔄 Make sure your latest sync with Mi Cloud is successful.
• 📋 Save the list of installed applications (you can take a picture of the screen from the application menu).
• 📧 Export important SMS through apps SMS Backup & Restore.

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The most reliable strategy is a combination of Mi Cloud (for system data), Google Drive (for photos and contacts), and local copies on PC (for mission-critical files).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)