Smartphone owners often wonder where to find the cloud in a Xiaomi phone to save their precious photos and contacts. In the MiUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS, this service is integrated quite deeply, but its icon is not always striking on the desktop. Understanding how to get to storage is critical to the security of your personal data.
Mi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) not only backs up your device, but also tracks your location if you lose it. Many users search for a separate application, unaware that the basic features are accessed through system settings, and we'll look at all the possible ways to access your personal storage.
Different versions of firmware may have different interfaces, but the logic remains the same: If you just bought a new gadget or upgraded to the latest version of the system, the layout of the elements may have shifted. Let's take a step-by-step look at where you click to get into the cloud management menu.
The main way through system settings
The most reliable and versatile way to get into cloud storage settings is to use the smartphone's main settings menu, and that's where all the key switches for synchronization and backup are located, and you don't have to look for any third-party software, because the functionality is built into the core of the system.
To start, unlock the screen and find the Settings icon (usually a gear) and scroll to the top of the list that opens. Where your Mi Account (avatar and name) is displayed, the cloud management login is located, and clicking on this area, you will go to the menu where you can see the storage status.
Inside this section, you can see the amount of memory you're using and the space you're free of, and you can also see the buttons to enable synchronization of contacts, messages, notes and galleries, and it's important that you have an active Internet connection and authorization in your Mi Account, and without these conditions, you can't access your data.
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If you don't see the line with Mi Account at the top of the settings, you're not logged in. Sign in to your profile so that the features are available.
Some users prefer to search by settings. There's a search bar at the top of the Settings screen, and if you type in the word "Cloud" or "Mi Cloud," it will prompt you to go to the desired section, which is the fastest way if you're confused in the menu items.
Finding a separate Mi Cloud app
Often users ask where to find a separate Cloud application to manage files like a Explorer. In fact, in modern versions of MiUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, a separate application icon may not be on the desktop by default, this is done to save space and simplify the interface.
However, the Mi Cloud app itself is installed on the system, and to find it, open the menu of all apps (swipe up the desktop) and search the top line. Type the name of the service. If the application is hidden, it will still be found by system search.
Why did the app icon go missing?
If you want to return the icon to your desktop for quick access, try finding the app in the list of all programs, pinch it with your finger and drag it to your home screen. In some regions and firmware versions, it is called "Mi Cloud" or "Xiaomi Cloud."
It’s also worth checking the Tools or Services folder if you have folder sorting enabled. Often system utilities are automatically grouped there, and users simply don’t notice the right icon among the calculator and voice recorder.
Access to files through Explorer and Gallery
The most convenient way to manage files uploaded to the cloud is through standard directory applications. Explorer (Files) has a dedicated section dedicated to cloud storage, which allows you to work with documents as if they are on a phone memory card.
Open the Explorer app and look at the top of the screen or the side menu, and there should be a Cloud tab or a Mi Cloud logo, and when you go there, you'll see a folder structure that syncs with the server, and you can delete files, free up space on the server, or download them back to the device's memory.
- 📂 In the Gallery, go to the Albums tab and scroll down to the Cloud Albums section».
- 📁 In Explorer, select the Cloud category to access documents and archives.
- 📝 In the Notes app, click on the folder menu to see synchronized entries.
The same thing happens with Gallery, where if you have photo sync enabled, you'll have a separate section in the landscape feed that allows you to view photos that are only in the cloud and deleted from your phone to save memory, and this Memory Cleanup feature only works when you're online.
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File management is most conveniently conducted through standard Explorer, where the cloud is integrated as a separate disk.
When deleting files from these partitions, be careful: if sync is active, the file can also be deleted from the cloud. Always check whether the storage you are currently working with is local or network.
Registration and login to Mi Account
Without an account, you can't access the company's services. If you've just unpacked your phone or dropped it to factory settings, the first step is to log in. This is the key to your digital profile, which stores not only files, but also your app purchase settings.
The process of creating an account is simple: in the settings menu, click "Login to Mi Account." You can use your phone number or email address. Once you enter the data on the specified contact, the confirmation code will come in. Enter it in the appropriate field to complete the registration.
☑️ Checking before entering
Pay special attention to security. It is recommended to set up two-factor authentication immediately, this will protect your data even in the event of a password leak. Mi Account is your digital passport, so its protection must be taken seriously.
⚠️ Warning: Never give SMS codes to outsiders, even if the caller is a support worker.
If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login screen, and the system will suggest that you restore access via your linked email or phone number, which can take some time, so it's best to store your passwords in a safe place.
Table: Comparison of Mi Cloud plans
The basic storage volume, free of charge, is 5GB. For most users, this is enough for contacts, notes and a small number of low-resolution photos. However, for 4K video storage and full system backups, this is not enough, and you have to think about expanding.
Xiaomi offers multiple subscription tiers that allow for more available space.The cost and volume may vary by region and current stocks, but the tariff structure remains uniform for all users.
| Tariff. | Memory capacity | Who's right for? | Approximate price (mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5GB | For contacts and documents | Free of charge. |
| Standard | 50GB | For photo and music | ~100 rubles. |
| Plus. | 200GB | For video and backups | ~200 rubles. |
| Premium | 2 TB | For professionals and families | ~600 rubles. |
You can pay directly from your mobile phone or credit card balance via the account management menu, and often the first month of the extended rate is available at a discount or free, allowing you to test the service's capabilities.
It’s worth noting that rates can be updated, and current information is always better checked directly in the subscription menu on your device, sometimes with family plans that allow you to share the volume between multiple devices.
Solving synchronization problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the cloud is found, the input is made, but the files do not load.This can be due to energy saving settings or limitations of the background activity of applications.
First, check if the sync is on for the right data types. Go to the Mi Cloud settings and make sure the switches opposite Gallery, Contacts and other items are green. If the slider is off, the data will not load.
- 🔄 Check for updates for system components in the Security app».
- 📡 Make sure that the sync settings do not include the “Wi-Fi Only” restriction if you use mobile internet.
- 🔋 Turn off power saving mode, which can block background data transmission.
A common problem is overflowing storage, and if your 5GB is out, sync will stop until you vacate space or purchase a subscription, in which case the notifications will be marked with a warning about the shortage of space.
⚠️ Note: When the cloud overflows, new photos will not be saved in backup even if you take a picture.
If nothing works, try logging out and logging in again, which will restart sync processes and update access tokens, and in rare cases, you need to clear the cache of the Mi Cloud Services application through the application management menu.