Where Xiaomi Stores Notes: File Path, Backup, and Recovery

Notes on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most popular tools for fast recording of information, but many users are faced with the problem: where did the saved records disappear after a phone reset, or how to transfer them to a new device? Unlike photos or contacts, note files are not always obvious in the file manager, and backing them up requires knowing the specific ways and nuances of working. MIUI.

In this article, we’ll look at where the notes are physically stored on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi models and the likes of the two). POCO), How to access them through a file manager or ADB, We will also look at official and alternative backups, and we will focus on the differences between local storage and sync via Mi Cloud, as well as the problems that may arise when you upgrade to a new version. MIUI snuff.

Where Xiaomi Notes Are Stored: The Main Paths to Files

Note files in Xiaomi are stored in two main locations – depending on whether you are using the standard Notes app (com.miui.notes) or cloud sync. Local notes (those that are not synchronized) are in the system’s secure folder, and their backups can be created automatically when updated. MIUI.

The main paths to files:

  • πŸ“ Local notes: /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db β€” SQLite database, which contains all records, is only available with root rights or through the ADB.
  • πŸ“ Backup copies MIUI: /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/notes/ β€” Automatic backups that the system creates before updating. Files have the.bak extension.
  • ☁️ Cloud Notes: Stored on Mi Cloud servers and have no direct path in the file system, and can only be exported via a web interface or application.

It is important to understand that the path /data/data/... If you need to copy notes without root, use the built-in export function in the app or ADB-For example, to copy a database through ADB execute:

adb pull /data/data/com.miui.notes/databases/notes.db ~/Download/

⚠️ Note: Direct editing of the notes.db file can lead to data loss.If you are not sure about your actions, use official export methods through the application.

πŸ“Š How do you usually save notes on Xiaomi?
Only locally.
Synchronize with Mi Cloud
Manually exporting
I use third-party apps.

How to find Xiaomi notes through file manager

If you want to view or copy notes without using ADB, You can try to find them through the standard file manager "Conductor" (com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer). However, there are nuances here: by default, the folder with notes is hidden, and access to it is limited.

To see the hidden files:

  1. Open Explorer and go to settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
  2. Activate the option "Show hidden files".
  3. Go on the path of internal memory β†’ MIUI β†’ backup β†’ AllBackup β†’ notes.

If the notes folder is missing, then no automatic backups have been created.

  • πŸ”„ Manually create a backup: Go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup and select β€œNotes” to create a copy.
  • πŸ“€ Export notes: In the "Notes" app, click on three dots β†’ "Exports" β†’ Select the format (.txt or.zip).

β˜‘οΈ What to do before transferring notes to the new Xiaomi

Done: 0 / 4

If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (MIUI Global, the path to backups may be different. POCO backup copies are stored in /MIUI/backup/notes/ No AllBackup folder.

Export and import of notes: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi’s standard Notes app supports exporting.txt (one note) or.zip (an archive with all records), but this method has limitations:

  • πŸ“Œ Text data only is exported – formatting, images and attachments are lost.
  • πŸ”„ Imports are only possible through the same.zip file, but are not guaranteed on devices with a different version. MIUI.

For export:

  1. Open the Notes app.
  2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ "Exports".
  3. Select notes (or click "Select All") β†’ "Export".
  4. Specify the format (.txt or.zip) and the folder to save.

For import:

  1. In the same menu, select "Import".
  2. Specify a.zip file with notes (no other format is supported).

⚠️ Note: When importing notes to a device with a different version MIUI (for example, MIUI 12 on MIUI 14) display errors or loss of data may occur. Check version compatibility before importing.

Alternative ways to transfer notes:

  • ☁️ Mi Cloud: Sync notes with the cloud, then log in to the same account on the new device. This is the most reliable method, but requires a stable Internet connection.
  • πŸ“± Third-party apps: For example, Google Keep or Evernote allow you to export notes to universal formats (.json,.xml).
  • πŸ–₯️ ADB-For experienced users, copy the notes.db database and restore it to a new device.

πŸ’‘

If you need to transfer notes from the old Xiaomi to the new one, but sync through the Mi Cloud doesn’t work, export them to.zip, send the file to your email or messenger, and then import on the new phone.

Backup of Notes through Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud is the most reliable way to back up notes, as data is stored on Xiaomi servers and automatically synchronized between devices.

How to turn on synchronization:

  1. Open "Settings" β†’ "Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account").
  2. Go to "Mi Cloud" β†’ "Synchronization".
  3. Activate the switch opposite "Notes".
  4. Click on Sync to start the process manually.

Advantages and disadvantages of Mi Cloud:

AdvantagesDeficiencies
Automatic synchronization between devicesLimitation on volume (5 GB for free account)
Recovery of Notes After Resetting the PhoneDependence on Internet connection
Support for multimedia investments (images, audio)Possible synchronization delays with weak signal
Access via the web version of i.mi.comNo possibility of selectively restoring individual notes

If the synchronization is not working:

  • πŸ”„ Check your internet connection and re-sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  • πŸ“± Update the Notes app to the latest version in Google Play or App Gallery.
  • πŸ”§ Clear the app's cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Notes β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
What if Mi Cloud doesn’t sync notes?
If the notes are not synced despite the option being turned on, try: 1. Delete your Xiaomi account and re-add it to the settings. 2. Reinstall the Notes app (after exporting the data beforehand). 3. Check if the firewall is blocking or not. VPN Access to Xiaomi servers.

Recovery of deleted Xiaomi notes

If you accidentally delete a note, it can be restored within 30 days through the Recycle Bin in the Notes app, after which time the data is deleted irrevocably (if there was no backup).

How to recover a note from the basket:

  1. Open the Notes app.
  2. Press three points. β†’ "Basket".
  3. Select the correct note β†’ Press it and hold it. β†’ "Restore".

If the cart is empty or more than 30 days have passed, try the following methods:

  • ☁️ Check out Mi Cloud: Go to i.mi.com β†’ "Notes" β†’ "The basket. There may be a note in the cloud.
  • πŸ“ Search in backups: Check the folder /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/notes/ The files have a date in the title (for example, notes_20260515.bak).
  • πŸ” Use data recovery software: For example, DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root for deep scanning).

⚠️ Note: When recovering notes from backup MIUI All current records will be replaced with backup data.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard Notes app may not work.

  • Install an alternative note-taking app (like Google Keep or Simplenote).
  • Copy the notes.db file from the backup MIUI Try to open it with SQLite Browser.

Transfer of Xiaomi Notes to a Different Phone (including no Notes)-Xiaomi)

If you are switching from Xiaomi to a smartphone of another brand (such as Samsung or iPhone), standard export via.zip will not help – you need universal formats.

Method 1: Export to.txt and import to another application

  1. Export notes from Xiaomi Notes to.txt (one or all at once).
  2. Send files to a new phone (e.g., via Google Drive or Telegram).
  3. Import them to the app on a new device (like Google Keep or Apple Notes).

Method 2: Sync through Google Account

  • πŸ“Œ Install the Google Keep app on Xiaomi.
  • πŸ“€ Manually transfer the text of notes to Keep (copying or exporting to.txt).
  • ☁️ On your new phone, log in to the same Google Account – notes are automatically synced.

Method 3: Using Mi Mover for Xiaomi only β†’ Xiaomi)

  • πŸ“± Install the Mi Mover app on both phones.
  • πŸ”— Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct or cable OTG.
  • πŸ“‹ Select "Notes" in the data list for transfer.

For porting to iPhone:

  • 🍎 Export notes to.txt and send them to iCloud Mail.
  • πŸ“± On iPhone, open the letter and copy the text to the app "Notes".
  • πŸ”„ For multimedia notes, use Google Photos to transfer images.

πŸ’‘

When translating notes to-Xiaomi Avoid.zip formats – they are only supported in the ecosystem MIUI. Use universal formats (.txt,.json) or cloud services (Google Keep, Evernote).

Xiaomi Note Problems and Their Solutions

Xiaomi users often face typical problems when working with notes, and consider the most common ways to solve them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Notes are not synchronized with Mi CloudNo Internet, account errorCheck the connection, re-enter your Xiaomi account
The Notes app is out.Damaged cache or firmware conflictClear the cache or reinstall the app
You cannot import.zip on the new version. MIUIIncompatibility of formatsExport notes one at a time to.txt
Disappeared notes after the update MIUIData reset or migration errorCheck the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/notes/

After the update MIUI missing notes:

  1. Check the backup folder: /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/notes/.
  2. If you have files, restore them through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Recovery and discharge β†’ Local recovery.
  3. If there are no backups, try to return the old version of the Notes app via APK-file (for example, with APKMirror).

If the notes are displayed in hieroglyphics or Krakozabra:

  • πŸ“Œ This is an export/import encoding problem. Try opening a.txt file in Notepad.++ and keep it encoded. UTF-8.
  • πŸ”§ When importing.zip, use an archiver (e.g, 7-Zip), Check the integrity of the files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi notes

Can I transfer Xiaomi notes to my computer?
Yes, there are several ways: Export notes to.txt or.zip through the app, then copy files to your PC. Use ADB to copy the notes.db database (requires enabled debugging by USB). Sync notes with Mi Cloud, then upload them via the web version of i.mi.com. To view notes.db on PC, use the SQLite Browser program.
Why Xiaomi Notes Don’t Work After Resetting Your Phone
This is due to: No backup in Mi Cloud or locally; Incompatibility of Notes with new firmware; errors in recovering data from backup; Solution: Check if sync with Mi Cloud is enabled in your account settings. Try to recover data from the local backup (/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/notes/). Install the old version of the Notes app (for example, with APKMirror).
How to save Xiaomi notes in Google Drive?
There is no direct export to Google Drive, but you can do it manually: Export notes to.zip or.txt. Open Google Drive on your phone and download files manually. Use the Google Keep app and transfer notes there for automatic synchronization. You can also set up automatic backup of the export folder via FolderSync or Automate.
Where are Xiaomi notes with firmware from third-party developers (like LineageOS) stored?
On custom firmware, Xiaomi's standard Notes app may not work. Alternatives: Use third-party apps (Google Keep, Evernote). Copy the notes.db file from the backup MIUI And open it up through SQLite Browser. Install the Magisk module to support Xiaomi applications (if the firmware supports Magisk). TWRP, Note files may be in the folder /data/data/com.miui.notes/ backup.
Can Xiaomi Notes Be Restored After Resetting to Factory Settings?
This depends on whether synchronization or backup was enabled: ☁️ If your notes are synced with Mi Cloud, they will recover after you log in. πŸ“ If a local backup was created (/MIUI/backup/...), Restore it through your phone settings. ❌ If none of this has been done, recovery is unlikely (you can try programs like DiskDigger but without warranties).In the future, enable automatic synchronization in Mi Cloud or regularly export notes manually.