Xiaomi clipboard: where to find copy history on Android and how to use it

Have you copied important text, link or password on your Xiaomi, but you can’t paste it — and the data disappears? Or want to return previously copied information, but do not know where to look? The problem is that the standard Android clipboard doesn’t save history longer than one new copy. However, Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) have hidden features and built-in tools that expand the capabilities of working with the buffer.

In this article, you will learn not only where the clipboard is physically stored in MIUI firmware, but also how to access copy history from recent days (or even weeks), how to enable synchronization between devices and why data sometimes disappear. We will take a look at the unique MIUI 14/13/12 chips that are missing in pure Android, and show you how to get around system limitations using third-party apps.

1. Where is the clipboard on Xiaomi: standard methods

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the clipboard is integrated into the MIUI keyboard (by default, Gboard or Xiaomi’s proprietary keyboard).

1. Open any field to enter text (for example, in Messages or Notes).
2. Tap the input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Click on the clipboard icon (usually the icon of two sheets of paper or a paper clip in the top panel of the keyboard).

If the icon is not there, then the story is disabled. You can turn it on in the keyboard settings:

Settings → Additional → Language and input → [Your keyboard] → Clipboard

💡

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the clipboard history is only available after the first copy of the text. Try copying any fragment to activate the function.

A standard MIUI buffer stores up to 20 last items (text, links, images) but only if:

• 📱 You are using a Xiaomi branded keyboard (not Gboard!).
• ⏳ It has been no more than 1 hour since the copying (otherwise the data is deleted).
• 🔄 Synchronization is not disabled in the Mi Account settings.

2. How to Include Extended Exchange Buffer History (up to 7 days)

MIUI 13/14 has a hidden feature called an extended clipboard with 7 days of saving to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System settings.
2. Find the "Buffer" item (can be called Clipboard in English firmware).
3. Activate the "Save History" switch and select the storage period (maximum 7 days).

After that, all the copied data will be available in a separate menu to open it:

Settings → Applications → Exchange buffer → History

Make sure you have sync with your Mi Account enabled.|Check that the keyboard settings allow access to the buffer|Restart your phone after changing your settings|Copy the test text and check its history in 10 minutes-->

Important! This feature doesn't work on all models, like the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro, which may not be available due to the limitations of the iron, and only a third-party app (see section 5 for more on this).

3. Where the clipboard is stored physically: the path to files

Technically, the clipboard in MIUI is stored in two places:

1. RAM is temporary data that is erased after a new item is rebooted or copied.
2. Internal Storage – If history is enabled, files are saved along the path: /data/data/com.miui.clipboard/files/clipboard.db

You can access this file only with root rights, without which you will only see encrypted data, and if you try to open a file through Explorer or Total Commander, you will get a "No access" error.

* When the extended history function is enabled.

4 Why Xiaomi’s clipboard doesn’t work: 5 reasons

If the copy history suddenly disappears or the clipboard stops saving data, check these points:

• 🔋 Lack of RAM: With low RAM (less than 500MB free), Android automatically clears the buffer. → The phone. → Status of memory.
• 🔄 Reset the keyboard settings. MIUI or reset to factory settings, the history of the buffer is zeroed.
• 🚫 Application restrictions: Some programs (e.g. banking) block access to the clipboard for security reasons.
• 📱 Optimizer conflict. The Memory Cleanup feature in the Security App can delete buffer data. Turn it off in Settings. → Battery → Cleaning up memory.
• 🔒 Lack of permissions on the keyboard. Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Keyboard and check access to clipboard.

Every day |Several times a week |Rarely |Never used |I didn't know it was-->

⚠️ Attention, on devices with MIUI Global Stable (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) clipboard history may not be saved due to regional restrictions. MIUI China or use of third-party applications.

5.The Best Exchange Buffer Management Apps for Xiaomi

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, install one of these apps (all tested for compatibility with Xiaomi):

For installation:

1. Download APK or install from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and grant permission to “Map on top of other windows” (in Settings → Applications → Special Access).
3. Enable auto-run to keep the story alive after the reboot.

💡

Applications from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. Before installing, check the reviews and reputation of the developer.

6.How to synchronize the clipboard between Xiaomi devices

If you have several Xiaomi gadgets (for example, a smartphone and a tablet), you can configure clipboard synchronization via Mi Account:

1. Make sure that both devices have one Mi Account.
2. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Activate the clipboard switch.
4. On the second device, perform the same actions.

The copied text on one device will then be available on another for 30 days.

• 📌 It only works between devices on MIUI 12+.
• 🔒 Does not support images and files (text and links only).
• 🌍 Requires an Internet connection for synchronization.

⚠️ Attention, if you're using POCO Launcher or custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), sync via Mi Account may not work. In this case, use Google Account (in Gboard settings).

7.How to clear the clipboard on Xiaomi (including hidden data)

To delete the copy history:

1. Through keyboard: Open the clipboard (the icon in the top panel of the keyboard). Click "Clear all" or remove individual items by swipe to the left.
2. Through MIUI Settings: Settings → Apps → Cashboard → Clear History
3. Through file manager (with root): Open Superuser Explorer. Go to /data/data/com.miui.clipboard/files/. Delete clipboard.db.

If you use a third-party clipboard app, the cleanup is done in its settings. For example, in Clip Stack, you need to go to Settings → Clear data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the exchange buffer on Xiaomi