Xiaomi Cloud: Why you need a cloud service from Xiaomi and how to use it

Cloud services have long been an integral part of the ecosystem of modern gadgets, and Xiaomi is no exception. Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) is a multifunctional platform that offers users of the brand’s devices not only data backup, but also a number of unique features. However, many owners of Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi still don’t understand why this service is needed and how it can simplify everyday use of equipment.

In this article, we will take a look at all the key features of Xiaomi Cloud, explain why it is worth configuring even if you do not plan to change your phone, and reveal a few hidden features that the manufacturer does not mention. And also answer the frequent questions: is it safe to store data in the cloud, how much space is provided for free, and how to restore access if you forgot your password. If you have ignored the offer to sign up for the Mi Cloud the first time you turn on your smartphone, after reading this material you will definitely change your mind.

1. Backup: How Xiaomi Cloud Rescues Data When Phones Are Broken or Stolen

The main feature most users use to activate Xiaomi Cloud is automatic backup. Imagine if your Redmi Note 12 fell into water, your screen crashed, or your phone was stolen.

• 📱 Contacts and call history
• 📸 Photos and videos (unless synced with Google Photos)
• 📝 Notes, SMS and calendar
• 🎮 Save in games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings)
• ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, shortcuts, Wi-Fi settings)

With Mi Cloud, all of this data is restored to the new device in minutes, and the copying takes place in the background without interfering with the phone, and it's important that by default, the service only stores contacts, messages and settings. To enable photo, video and application reservations, you need to manually go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup and select the necessary items.

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If you have slow internet, set up copy only over Wi-Fi. To do this, activate the option “Only through Wi-Fi” in the backup menu.

Xiaomi Cloud stores up to 5 last backups of each data type, allowing you to roll back to an earlier version if the current one is corrupted. MIUI contacts are displayed incorrectly, you can restore a copy of a month ago.

2.Device Search: How to Find a Lost Smartphone or Smartwatch

The second most popular feature is remote device management. 13T Mi Band 8 smartwatches, via Mi Cloud:

• 📍 View the last known location on the map (more precisely than Google’s Find Device»)
• 🔔 Turn on a loud signal (even if the phone is silent)
• 🔒 Lock the device with the message on the screen (for example, “Return for a reward»)
• 🧹 Delete all data remotely (if there is confidential information on the phone)

To use this function, you must first:

Activate “Find the Device” in Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud

Allow access to geodata for the Security application

Connect your phone to mobile internet or Wi-Fi (to transfer coordinates)

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Note: If the attacker turns off the phone or pulls out SIM-However, Xiaomi uses offline finding technology – the device can “wake up” and transmit coordinates when it is in range of any Xiaomi network (for example, next to another smartphone brand).

Yes, I did it with the cloud service.

Yeah, but I couldn't find it.

No, I always watch my gadgets.

I haven't lost it yet, but I'm afraid of it.-->

3. Device-to-device sync: Why Mi Cloud is more convenient than Google

If you have several Xiaomi gadgets (for example, a smartphone) + tablet + Xiaomi Cloud syncs data between them faster than Google services. Here's what's automatically transferred:

Key difference from Google Account: Mi Cloud syncs settings MIUI, including:

• 🎨 Theme and wallpaper
• 🔧 Quick settings in the curtain
• 📶 Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• 🔊 Sound profiles (e.g., “Work”, “Home”, “Street»)

This means that when you upgrade to a new Xiaomi smartphone, you don’t have to reconfigure the interface, everything will be transferred automatically, and if you use the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch, health data (steps, pulse, sleep) will also be available on all devices.

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Xiaomi Cloud syncs even data that Google ignores, such as Xiaomi’s camera settings (filter modes, shooting modes) or Game Turbo settings.

4.Security: encryption, two-factor authentication, and hidden features

Many users are afraid to store personal data in the cloud, and it is in vain. Xiaomi uses:

• 🔐 End-to-end encryption for notes, passwords and call history (data is encrypted on the device, and only the encrypted version is sent to the cloud)
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication (2FA) — In addition to the password, a code from SMS Google Authenticator Apps
• 🕵️ Activity monitoring – you get a notification if someone tries to log in to your account from a new device

In addition, Mi Cloud has little-known security features:

But there are pitfalls:

⚠️ Note: If you forgot the password from the Mi Account and did not tie email/Xiaomi does not provide support for restoring accounts without confirmed contacts - this is a measure against hacking.

For maximum safety:

1. Link your email and phone number to your account.
2. Turn it on. 2FA account settings.
3. Check the list of connected devices regularly (in Settings) → Mi Account. → Security) and remove unknowns.

5 Hidden Opportunities: What Mi Cloud Can Do, What It Doesn't Say In The Instruction

Besides the obvious features, Xiaomi Cloud hides a few “chips” that can be useful:

1. Remote photo management

You can view and download photos from phone to computer via the Mi Cloud web version (i.mi.com), even if the phone is turned off, while the originals remain on the device - only thumbnails are uploaded to the cloud (saving space).

2. Automatic memory cleaning

In the cloud settings, there is an option called “Storage Optimization” that, if enabled, will automatically delete photos and videos from your phone that are already uploaded to the cloud (but only if less than 10% of the available space is left on the device).

3. WhatsApp backup

Unlike Google Drive, Mi Cloud allows you to save WhatsApp backups without a size limit (Google Drive limits 15 GB for free accounts).

1. Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Select "Save to Mi Cloud".
3. Confirm synchronization.

4. Shared access to notes and calendar

You can create a family account and give relatives access to individual folders in Mi Notes or calendar events, which is convenient for sharing shopping lists or planning family affairs.

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If you travel frequently, include the option “International Roaming” in Mi Cloud, which allows you to download backups even when you connect to foreign networks (at no additional cost).

6.Fares and free space: how much is Xiaomi Cloud worth in 2026

By default, each user gets 5GB of free space in the Mi Cloud.

• 📞 Contact and SMS (occupy ~100MB)
• ⚙️ System settings (~500MB)
• 📝 ~2000 Photo Notes
• 🎵 ~1,000 songs in format MP3 (320 kbps)

If 5GB is not enough, you can buy additional space:

Payment can be made via Mi Account by card, Qiwi or mobile payment. Importantly, when buying an annual tariff, Xiaomi often gives bonus gigabytes (for example, when buying a bonus rate, +10GB to 50GB tariff).

⚠️ Note: If you do not renew the paid rate, the data will not disappear immediately, but you will not be able to add new files. 6 months after the subscription expires, unpaid data may be deleted.

Tip: Before you buy additional space, clear the cloud of unnecessary copies.

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Storage management.
2. Sort the files by size.
3. Remove old backups (such as from your previous phone).

7.How to set up Xiaomi Cloud: step-by-step instructions for beginners

If you haven’t used Mi Cloud yet, here’s how to activate it:

Step 1: Creating a Mi Account

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Click “Create an Account” and follow the instructions.
3. Confirm your email or phone (required!).

Step 2. Enter the cloud

1. In the same Mi Account menu, select Mi Cloud.
2. Enter your password (if required).
3. Activate sliders next to the data you want to sync.

Step 3: Set up a backup

1. Go to Backup.
2. Select Automatic Copy and specify the frequency (daily/weekly).
3. Check the data types (photos, videos, applications, etc.).

Step 4: Verification of synchronization

1. Visit i.mi.com from your PC.
2. Make sure the data is displayed correctly.

Successful copying of contacts (open contacts) → Settings → Imports/Exports)

Sync photos (check the folder Mi Cloud in the gallery)

Accessing the device via the web version (i.mi.com)

Backup notifications (must come once a week)

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If something's not working:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check your internet connection (copy only works over Wi-Fi unless the appropriate option is disabled).
• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old firmware has cloud bugs).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Cloud