How to migrate apps to Xiaomi Cloud: a complete guide with nuances

Moving apps to Xiaomi Cloud isn’t just a backup, it’s a way to synchronize data between devices, free up smartphone memory, and save important settings. However, many users face challenges ranging from lack of cloud space to recovery errors. In this article, we’ll look at all the steps in the process, from account preparation to the intricacies of working with specific versions of MIUI, including restrictions on porting system applications and data from third-party launchers.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Cloud is not a universal solution: some applications (such as banking or DRM-protected) do not support cloud migration, we will explain how to circumvent these restrictions, what alternatives to use, and why it is sometimes better to use a local backup via adb backup instead of cloud storage.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi account and device

Before you port apps, make sure your Mi Account is connected to your device and has enough space in the cloud. The free plan provides only 5 GB, which is enough for lightweight applications without user data.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Xiaomi Cloud
• 🔄 Update the page by clicking on the sync icon in the upper right corner
• 📊 Check the occupied space in the Warehouse section

If there is not enough space, consider the options:

• 💰 Buy additional space (from 200 GB per ~300 rubles per year)
• 🧹 Clean the cloud of old backups manually through Storage Management
• 🔄 Use alternative services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) for heavy data

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used Mi Cloud on devices with MIUI 12 and below, after updating to MIUI 14+ In some regions (e.g. the EU), access to the cloud is restricted due to the fact that the user is not able to access the cloud. GDPR — use VPN server-side.

2 What data can be transferred through Xiaomi Cloud

Not all applications and their data are supported by the cloud, but here's what you can safely migrate:

Here’s what you can’t move through the cloud:

• 🏦 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) – blocked for security reasons
• 🎮 Game saves (except for the supported Xiaomi Game Center)
• 🔒 Annexes with DRM (Netflix, Disney+, some streaming services)
• 📱 Data from third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex, etc.)

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To transfer game saves, use the built-in Import/Export function in the game settings or specialized services like Google Play Games.

3. Step-by-step backup instruction

Now, let's get to the practice. Follow this instruction to create a backup.

1. 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backups
2. 🔄 Click Backup and select Xiaomi Cloud
3. ⚙️ In the section Backup settings tick the necessary data (applications, contacts, SMS etc.)
4. 📤 Start the process with the button Start backup

The backup time depends on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet.

• 📱 1-2 GB of data: 10-20 minutes
• 📱 5+ GB: 30-60 minutes (Wi-Fi recommended)

Battery charge > 50%|Stable Wi-Fi connection|Enough space for Xiaomi Cloud|Disabled. VPN proxy|Background applications closed-->

⚠️ Warning: If the process is stalled in the Preparation phase, restart the device and try again. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) helps disable the function Migration of data in the developer settings.

4.Restore applications to a new device

To move apps from the cloud to another Xiaomi smartphone:

1. 📱 Turn on the new device and go through the initial setting to the Data Recovery screen
2. 🔄 Choose Restore with Xiaomi Cloud and log in to the same Mi Account
3. 📥 In the backup list, select the desired (sorted by date) and click Restore
4. ⚙️ Check the data for recovery (applications, contacts, etc.)

Important nuances:

• 🔄 Applications will be restored as they were at the time of backup (without subsequent updates)
• 📱 Some system applications (theme, browser) may not recover — they will have to download again from GetApps
• 🔒 If the new device has a newer version MIUI, Some of the settings may not apply

5. Alternative ways to transfer applications

If Xiaomi Cloud is not suitable (for example, due to volume restrictions or regional locks), consider these methods:

• 📱 Local backup through MIUI: Create a backup copy in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup file backup will be saved in the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup Transfer the file to a new device and restore it through the same settings section
• 🖥️ ADB Backup (for experienced users): adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab This team will create a full backup of all applications and their data.
• ☁️ Third-party services: Swift Backup (requires root or ADB) Titanium Backup (root only) Google Drive (through Backup in Google Account Settings)

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Local backup via MIUI is the most reliable way, but requires physical access to both devices. ADB Backup is suitable for power users, but does not work with some secure applications.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

When migrating apps through Xiaomi Cloud, users often face typical problems.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset your network settings) or use Mi PC Suite for transferring data through a computer.

7. Optimizing Cloud Storage

To avoid paying for extra space on Xiaomi Cloud, follow these tips:

• 📸 Photo and video: Enable Storage Optimization in Gallery Settings – this will compress media files Use Google Photos to automatically download in original quality (15 GB free)
• 📱 Apps: Eliminate heavy gaming and social media (hundreds of megabytes) Restore only the list of applications without user data (saves up to 70% of space)
• 🗑️ Cleanup: Remove old backups regularly in Xiaomi Cloud → Storage management Disable automatic backup for unnecessary data (e.g. Call records)

For devices with MIUI 14+, the Smart Backup feature is available, which analyzes frequently used data and optimizes its storage. Included in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → Synchronization settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi Cloud