Did you notice that photos, notes or backups suddenly disappeared from Xiaomi Cloud?This problem is more common than it seems: Redmi, POCO and Mi users regularly experience data loss in cloud storage. Unlike Google Drive or iCloud, where storage rules are transparent, Xiaomi Cloud often operates on non-obvious algorithms - and this raises questions.
In this article, we will discuss 7 Key reasons why files can be deleted automatically or manually, and give step-by-step instructions on how to recover lost data or prevent it from disappearing in the future. MIUI 14/15, If you use Xiaomi Cloud for backup, this material will help to avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. Xiaomi Cloud Storage Policy: What is automatically deleted
Xiaomi Cloud is not a “perpetual” storage service — it has strict restrictions, which the company does not mention in advertising materials, the main rule: free storage (5 GB) is automatically cleared if you do not use your Mi Account for more than 90 days.
However, even active users face file deletion, and here are the key triggers:
- 📅 Expirement of Backups: Copies of Settings, Applications and Messages are only stored for 30 days from the date of creation of the new version.
- 🗑️ Cleaning up junk files: The service removes duplicate photos (e.g. screenshots with the same content) and temporary application files.
- 🔄 Device Sync: If you delete a file on your phone, it will disappear in the cloud (if you have the option to Delete Everywhere enabled).
Important: Xiaomi does not not notify users of the upcoming deletion. For example, if you have not opened Mi Cloud for 80 days, on the 85th day the data may be irretrievably erased. Check your account activity in the Mi Account → Security → Activity history.
Synchronization errors: why files disappear “by themselves”
One of the most common causes of data loss is a synchronization failure between the device and the cloud.
- 🌐 Unstable Internet connection: If a file is interrupted, Xiaomi Cloud may perceive it as “damaged” and delete it.
- 📱 Conflicts MIUI: In the firmware MIUI 13-15 There is a bug in which the cloud "forgets" the binding of files to the account after the system update.
- ⚡ Battery savings: If in the Battery settings → Charge savings disabled background Mi Cloud activity, synchronization stops.
How to check the synchronization status:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Look at the icon next to each type of data (✅ — synchronized, ⚠️ — mistake).
- Click on the problematic section (such as Gallery) and select Update now.
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If files aren’t synced, try logging out of Mi Account and re-entering, which will reset the cloud cache and often solve the problem.
3. Manual removal: where to look for "hidden" settings
Many users accidentally delete files from Xiaomi Cloud without even knowing it, due to the unintuitive MIUI interface, where the deletion options are hidden in the depths of the menu.
Where to look for dangerous settings:
| Section | Dangerous option | What's going on? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud → Gallery | Remove from the device and cloud | Remove photos from all attached devices |
| Mi Cloud → Notes | Clean the basket. | Deletes notes irrevocably (the cart only stores files for 30 days) |
| Settings → Memory | Cleaning up cloud data | Deletes all backup copies except the last one |
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ Auto Cleanup feature appeared in Mi Cloud → Settings: If it is enabled, the service will automatically delete files older than 6 months, even if you have free space.
4. How to recover deleted files: step-by-step instructions
If files are missing from Xiaomi Cloud, act fast — you have 30 days to recover (for most data types).
Check the Recycle Bin in Mi Cloud (Recently Deleted)
Open the web version of cloud.mi.com on PC – there may be more options
Write in support of Xiaomi via chat in Mi Community (attach screenshots)
Try to restore it through a backup (if any)
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To recover via the web version:
- Go to cloud.mi.com and log in.
- Select a section (such as Photos or Notes).
- Click on the basket icon in the upper right corner.
- Mark the files you want and select Restore.
⚠️ Note: If you have used the Clean Everything feature in the mobile application, recovery via the web version may not be available, in which case only a support call with an indication of the ID Account and approximate date of deletion.
What to Write for Xiaomi to Recover Files
5. Alternative cloud services: where to move data
If Xiaomi Cloud is permanently deleting your files, consider alternatives, including storage reliability, transparent rules, and MIUI integration.
Comparison of services:
| Service | Free seat | Storage period | Integration with Xiaomi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | 15GB | No restrictions. | Through Google Files (manual setting) |
| Yandex Disk | 10GB | No restrictions. | There is an official application for MIUI |
| OneDrive | 5GB | No restrictions. | Through Microsoft Launcher |
How to transfer data:
- 📁 Photos: Use Google Photos with Backup.
- 📝 Notes: Export via Mi Notes → Settings → Exports in.zip format.
- 📱 Backups: Set up automatic copying in Settings → Additionally. → Backup to Google Drive.
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If you use Xiaomi Cloud only for backups, disable synchronizing unnecessary data (like Call Records or Calendar) – this will reduce the risk of losing important files.
6. MIUI settings that will save your files
To minimize the risk of data loss, check these hidden settings in your Xiaomi smartphone:
1. Turn off automatic cleaning:
Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Settings → Auto Cleanup → Turn off2. Set up the backup manually:
Settings → About Phone → Backup → Local Copy (select a folder on the memory card)3. disallow deleting files from the cloud when cleaning memory:
Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Settings → Eliminate Mi Cloud⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 15 Cloud Optimization comes in, which compresses photos when you upload them. To download the originals, turn it off in Mi Cloud. → gallery → Settings → Quality of loading → Original.