Xiaomi Cloud on Android: a detailed guide to the cloud service Xiaomi

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably heard of Xiaomi Cloud, the company's proprietary cloud service, which is integrated into MIUI firmware and offers users synchronization, backup and remote file access. But how exactly does it work? Is it safe to store personal information in the Xiaomi cloud? And can it be completely disposed of if you don't need it?

In this article, we’ll take a look at all aspects of Xiaomi Cloud, from basic features to hidden settings that are rarely mentioned in official instructions. You’ll learn what data is synced by default, how to set up a backup for your needs, and why some users prefer to turn off the cloud immediately after buying a device. And we’ll answer the most popular question: can you trust the Chinese cloud in terms of privacy?

What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi, similar to Google Drive or iCloud, but optimized specifically for MIUI-based devices (including Redmi and POCO), its main task is to automatically synchronize data between your gadgets and back up important information.

This is your personal “digital safe” that allows you to:

• 🔄 Sync Contacts, Messages, Notes and Photos Between Xiaomi Smartphones.
• 📱 Recover data when changing the device or after resetting the settings.
• 🔒 Remotely control the phone (locking, searching, erasing data).
• 📁 Store files in the cloud, freeing up device memory.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Cloud is not just a cloud storage, but an ecosystem of services, such as Find Device (the equivalent of Google’s Find Phone) and synchronize MIUI settings between devices. Without a Xiaomi account and a connected cloud, you won’t be able to use some branded chips, such as Second Space (second desktop) or Mi Share (fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices).

What data is synchronized by Xiaomi Cloud by default

Many users do not even realize that their Xiaomi smartphone has long been sending some data to the cloud — even at the stage of the first configuration of the device.

Message synchronization is especially insidious – it turns on automatically when you first sign in to your Xiaomi account, and many users only find out about it when they try to find old SMS on a new phone, while Xiaomi does not store media files from MMS, only text and metadata (number, date, delivery status).

⚠️ Note: If you use a dual account (function) MIUI To separate personal and work data, Xiaomi Cloud only synchronizes the main profile.

To check what data is synced on your device, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud. Here you will see the full list of categories with switches on / off. Note that some items (for example, MIUI Settings) can not be turned off completely – they are tied to the account and synced in the background.

How to set up backup in Xiaomi Cloud

One of the most useful features of Xiaomi Cloud is automatic data backup, which saves you when your phone breaks, gets lost, or you decide to reset it to factory settings. Unlike Google Drive, where the backup takes up a lot of space and works unstable, Xiaomi's cloud offers more flexible settings.

To create a backup copy:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Click Create a backup and select the data to save (applications, settings, multimedia).
3. Confirm the action – the process can take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data.

By default, Xiaomi offers 5 GB of free backup space, enough for 2-3 full copies of the system (without photos and videos).

• 🗑️ Delete old copies manually in the Backup Management section.
• 💳 Buy an additional seat (from 50 GB per ~$2 a month).
• ☁️ Use third-party services (e.g. Google Drive for photos).

Wi-Fi connection (backup does not work via mobile internet)

Battery charge > 50%

Free space in the cloud (minimum 1 GB)

Shutdown VPN (It can block the connection to Xiaomi servers)-->

An important nuance: backups in Xiaomi Cloud are not encrypted (unlike Google Drive, where backups are protected by an account password), which means that if data is leaked, an attacker will be able to recover your SMS, contacts, and even some passwords from applications. If you are sensitive to privacy, you better use local backup on your PC via the Mi PC Suite.

Security and privacy: can you trust Xiaomi Cloud?

The question that users are concerned about is how secure is data stored in the Chinese cloud?

1. Jurisdiction and laws: Xiaomi servers are subject to Chinese law, which theoretically allows the authorities to request access to user data.However, the company says that the personal information of European and Russian users is stored on servers in Singapore and India, where stricter data protection rules apply.

2. Encryption: Data in Xiaomi Cloud is transmitted over secure HTTPS protocol, and on servers is stored in encrypted form. But, as mentioned earlier, backups do not have additional encryption (unlike iCloud or Google One).

In 2020, Xiaomi became involved in a scandal for collecting user data without their consent (including browser history and information about the use of applications).

If you are concerned about privacy, here is what you can do:

• 🔐 Disable the synchronization of sensitive data (SMS, notebook, call log).
• 🌍 Use it. VPN When working with the cloud (for example, ProtonVPN).
• 📱 Create local backups through Mi PC suite TWRP.
• 🚫 Do not store passwords and financial information in the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi Cloud to store photos, remember that Xiaomi can analyze them to improve AI algorithms (for example, for facial recognition in the Gallery).To prevent this, turn off the option to Improve Photos using the Gallery. AI gallery-setting.

How to completely disable Xiaomi Cloud

If you decide that you don’t need Xiaomi Cloud, you can turn it off completely or partially.

Option 1: Disable the synchronization of individual data

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off switches next to unnecessary categories (contacts, messages, notes, etc.).
3. For photos, turn off the option in Gallery → Settings → Xiaomi Cloud.

Option 2: Delete your Xiaomi account (completely disable)

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Click on the profile icon → Account management.
3. Select Delete Account and confirm the action.

💡

If you delete a Xiaomi account, pre-save a backup of your data to your PC or other cloud. Once you delete your account, all synchronized data (contacts, notes, settings) will be permanently lost!

Important: After deleting your account, you will lose access to:

• 📱 Branded services (Find Device, Mi Share, themes) MIUI).
• 🔄 Synchronization between Xiaomi devices.
• 📦 Software updates (some firmware requires authorization).

If you don’t want to delete your account completely, but want to minimize your interaction with the cloud, you just need to disable automatic sync and backup.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization settings.
2. Turn off the autosynchronization option.
3. In the Backup section, disable Automatic Backup.

Xiaomi Cloud features that few people know about

Most users use Xiaomi Cloud only for backups and synchronization of contacts, but the service has a few hidden features:

1. Remote control of the device

If you lose your phone, you can:

• 📍 Find My Device via i.mi.com (similar to Google’s Find My Device).
• 🔊 Enable the beep (useful if the phone is lost at home).
• 🔒 Lock the device or erase data remotely.

2. Synchronization of smart devices

If you have Xiaomi smart home gadgets (such as Mi Band, Mi Home or robot vacuum cleaner), then Xiaomi Cloud synchronizes their settings between devices. For example, you can control the vacuum cleaner from your smartphone and Xiaomi tablet without re-configuring.

3. File sharing

In the Mi Cloud → Files section, you can create shared folders and share files via a link (similar to Google Drive), which is convenient for transferring large files (up to 10 GB) without using instant messengers.

4. Location history

If the location option is enabled in the cloud settings, Xiaomi keeps a log of your movements (similar to Google Timeline), which can be exported or manually deleted.

💡

Hidden features of Xiaomi Cloud often require additional configuration in the web version of the service (i.mi.com). For example, remote locking of the phone only works if the option "Find device" is enabled in the security settings.

To access all of these features, log in to i.mi.com with the same account as your phone, and here you will find advanced settings that are not available in the mobile app.

Xiaomi Cloud Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite its convenience, Xiaomi Cloud sometimes doesn't work as well, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If none of the solutions worked, try:

1. Sign out of your Xiaomi account and log in again.
2. Update the Mi Cloud app via Google Play.
3. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone asks you to enter a password from your old Xiaomi account (even if you deleted it), this means that the device is tied to Mi Account at the hardware level. In this case, only official unlocking through the Xiaomi website will help (proof of ownership may be required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Cloud