How to Open Xiaomi Cloud: A Complete Guide to Signup, Sign-in, and Setup

Xiaomi Cloud Cloud storage is not just a backup location, but a full-fledged tool for synchronizing data between devices in the Mi ecosystem. Photos, contacts, notes, call history and even smartphone settings can all be saved in the cloud and restored to a new gadget in a few minutes. However, many users face problems when they first log in: the password does not fit, the SMS code does not come, the device is not recognized by the system.

In this article, we’ll look at not only the basic steps to opening up Xiaomi Cloud, but also the nuances that the official instructions keep silent about, such as why linking a Mi Account to a phone number is mandatory for some features, how to bypass locks by region, and what to do if the cloud requires “identification” without explaining why, and how to access the cloud from a computer even if you don’t have a Xiaomi smartphone at hand.

What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi, integrated into MIUI firmware and the brand’s ecosystem of smart devices.

• 📱 Backup of smartphone data (contacts, SMS, applications, system settings).
• 📷 Sync photos between devices in original quality (up to 10 GB free).
• 🔄 Recover data on a new Xiaomi phone after a reset or purchase.
• 📍 Remote device control (locking, searching, erasing data).
• 🏠 Integration with the Mi Home smart home (save scenarios, sensor history).

Unlike Google Drive or iCloud, it is deeply tied to MIUI firmware. Without a Mi Account, for example, you won’t be able to use branded themes, sync notes in Mi Notes, or control Yeelight smart lights through the app, even on devices without Google Services (like Chinese versions of smartphones).

Important: from 2023, Xiaomi Cloud requires the mandatory binding of a phone number for new accounts, due to the tightening of security policies after a wave of fraudulent registrations. Old accounts without a number continue to work, but with restrictions (for example, it is impossible to restore access without SMS).

Registration of Mi Account to access Xiaomi Cloud

Without a Mi Account, you can’t log in to Xiaomi Cloud. Registration takes 2-3 minutes, but there are pitfalls:

1. When registering, the system automatically identifies your country by IP or SIM- card. Do not change the region manually, this may lead to account blocking due to suspicions of fraud.
2. Phone number: Required for all new accounts from 2023, supported in more than 200 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and virtual numbers (e.g. from Telegram or Google Voice) are not suitable.
3. Email. You can use Gmail, Yandex or corporate address, but @mi.com is reserved for service accounts.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Mi Account on Xiaomi smartphone.
2. Click Create an account and select a country (should match your location).
3. Enter the phone number, wait for SMS with the code (comes within 1-2 minutes).
4. Create a password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
5. Confirm registration by email (the letter comes to the specified mail).

⚠️ Warning: If you are using the Chinese version of MIUI (e.g., on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G for the domestic market), you may need a Chinese phone number when registering. Solution: install global firmware or use VPN with access to Hong Kong/Singapore.

Make sure that the SIM- card is active and accepts the SMS.

Turn off the VPN (if it is enabled)

Use a real phone number (virtual will not work)

Remember the invented password or save it in the password manager-->

Entering Xiaomi Cloud from a smartphone

Once you have registered for a Mi Account, you can access the cloud automatically, but sometimes you need to set up more, and let's look at two scenarios:

Scenario 1: New smartphone (first entry)

When you first turn on the phone, the system will prompt you to log in to your Mi Account. If you missed this step:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the account.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or password.
4. Activate data synchronization in the Mi Cloud section.

Scenario 2: Restoring access to an old phone

If you haven’t used the cloud in a long time or dropped your phone to factory settings:

• 🔑 Enter your Mi Account password (if you forgot, use email recovery or SMS).
• 📱 Confirm login on a trusted device (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
• 🔄 Wait for the data to synchronize (can take up to 10 minutes depending on the volume).

Some models (such as the POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60) require additional permission to access Contacts, Photos and Notes in the Xiaomi Cloud app settings after login.

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If you enter an error "Device not supported", check the version of MIUI. Update the firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → About Phone → System Update

Access to Xiaomi Cloud from a computer (web version)

The web version of the cloud allows you to manage data without a smartphone.

1. Go to the official website: i.mi.com.
2. Select the region (should match the region of your account registration!).
3. Enter your email or phone number, then your password.
4. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

The web interface is available:

• 📁 File management (photos, videos, documents).
• 📱 Device backups (can be downloaded or removed).
• 🔍 Device search (geolocation, lock, signal).
• 📊 Cloud storage usage statistics.

⚠️ Warning: When you sign in from a new device or browser, Xiaomi Cloud may request “identity proof” — a photo of the document (passport) — when you suspect an account hack. If you are not willing to provide documents, use only trusted login devices.

Common errors when logging into Xiaomi Cloud and their solutions

Even after registration, users are faced with errors.

Error: “Incorrect password” or “Account does not exist”

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Typographical error in email/ number. Check the register of letters (e.g., User@mi.com ≠ user@mi.com).
• 📱 The account is linked to another region. Try logging in via VPN (e.g., connect to a server in the country of registration).
• 🔒 Account is blocked. If you have entered your password repeatedly, wait 24 hours or restore access via account.xiaomi.com.

Error: "SMS code does not come"

What to do:

• 📶 Check the network coverage (switch to 4G/LTE).
• 🚫 Make sure that the number is not blacklisted (e.g., if it has been previously used for spam).
• 🔄 Try requesting the code through the call (the "Didn't SMS come?" option on the login screen).
• 🌍 If you use VPN, disable it — SMS may be blocked due to region mismatch.

Error: "The device is not certified"

This problem occurs on custom firmware or after root access.

• 🔧 Install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Reset your phone to factory settings (the data will be stored in the cloud).
• 🔑 Contact Xiaomi support and provide IMEI unlock devices.

Set up data synchronization in Xiaomi Cloud

By default, the cloud only syncs contacts and notes, to add other data:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select sync categories: 📇 Contacts (including call history). 📝 Notes (from the Mi Notes app). 📷 Gallery (photos and videos, including screenshots). 🔄 Backup (full system shot). 📍 Smart home (Mi Home settings).

Synchronize

To save traffic and battery:

• 📶 Turn off Autosynchronization over mobile (leave only Wi-Fi).
• ⏳ Set a backup schedule (e.g., once a week at night).
• 🗑️ Clear unnecessary data in the Storage Management section.

On devices with MIUI 14+, the Intelligent Synchronization function appeared – the system itself determines what data should be uploaded to the cloud (for example, only new photos, not duplicates).

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Backup in Xiaomi Cloud saves not only user data, but also system settings (wallpaper, sounds, network settings) and this will speed up the setup of the new phone by 3-5 times.

Mi Account Security: How to Protect Your Data in the Cloud

Xiaomi Cloud uses encryption, but the security of the account depends on the user.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

How to turn on:

1. Go to the Mi Account Settings → Security.
2. Choose a two-step check.
3. Link a phone number or install an authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator).

2. Trusted devices

Check the list of devices with access to the account:

• 📱 Remove unknown gadgets in the Device Management section.
• 🔄 Update your list regularly (especially if you sell an old phone).

3. Reserve recovery codes

Generate and save backup codes in case of loss of access to SMS or authenticator:

1. In the Security → Two-step verification section, click the Backup Codes.
2. Copy or print the codes (keep them in a safe place!).

⚠️ Warning: If you lose access to the phone number and email associated with your Mi Account, it will be extremely difficult to restore it. Xiaomi does not provide phone support for private users - only through online identity forms.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Cloud