How to Use the Disk App on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to 2026

Xiaomi’s Disk app is a cloud storage integrated into the MIUI ecosystem that allows you to sync files between devices, back up data and share documents without using third-party services. Despite its apparent simplicity, many users are asking questions about how to properly set up autoload photos, restore deleted files or increase available space. This article will help you understand all the nuances of working with the application, from basic settings to solving common problems.

The feature of the Xiaomi Disk is that it is closely linked to the Mi Account, which means it requires authorization. Without it, only limited features are available, such as viewing local files. We will explain in detail how to link an account, optimize traffic flow during synchronization, and even use hidden features that are not written in the official documentation.

Important: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone based on MIUI 14/15 or later, some menu items may differ from those described - the manufacturer regularly updates the interface.

What is the Disk app on Xiaomi and why you need it

The Disk app (or Mi Cloud Drive in international firmware) is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that performs three key functions:

• 📁 File Storage: Photos, videos, documents and archives are available from any device after you log in to Mi Account.
• 🔄 Synchronization: automatic backup of contacts, notes, SMS and even system settings (depending on version) MIUI).
• 📤 Data sharing: the ability to send files to other Xiaomi users without size restrictions (unlike instant messengers).

Compared to its peers (Google Drive, iCloud), Xiaomi’s drive has several unique features:

• 🔐 Encryption: files are stored in encrypted form, and access to them is possible only from an associated account.
• 📱 Integration with MIUI: For example, gallery photos can be uploaded to the cloud without manual selection.
• 🌍 Regional bonuses: In some countries (e.g. India) users are given free 100GB instead of the standard 5GB.

But there are limitations, too. For example, if you delete a file from the cloud, it will disappear from synced devices (unlike Google Photos, which has a shopping cart), and it's worth considering that free space is limited, and expansion rates are not always competitive.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with international firmware (Global) ROM), Some Disk features may be blocked due to regional restrictions, such as in Europe, where automatic uploading of photos to the cloud over the mobile network is disabled by default.

How to log in to the Disk app and link Mi Account

To start using cloud storage, you need to log in to Mi Account, and if you don't already have an account, you can create it directly on your smartphone:

1. Open the Disk app** (cloud icon on a blue background).
2. Press Enter. → Create an account.
3. Fill in the data: phone number or email, come up with a password.
4. Confirm registration via SMS or mail.

If you already have an account, but the app does not recognize it:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account and verify that you are authorized.
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone has the latest version of the Disk app installed (update via Play Market or App Gallery).
• 🌐 If you use VPN, Disable it – Xiaomi servers can block access from some regions.

Once you have successfully logged in, you will have access to all the storage features, including backup and file sharing, and note that if you have previously used another cloud (like Google Drive), the data will not be automatically transferred, but you will have to download it manually.

Automatic synchronization of photos and videos

One of the most useful features of the Disk is that it automatically downloads media files, so you don't have to manually transfer photos from your phone to the cloud to enable it:

1. Open the Disk app**.
2. Go to the Photo → Settings section (the pinch icon in the upper right corner).
3. Activate the Autoboot switch.
4. Select which files to sync: 📸 Wi-Fi only (recommended to avoid wasting mobile traffic). 📶 Wi-Fi and mobile (risk of fast consumption of gigabytes). 🔋 Only when charging (saves battery power).

By default, Drive uploads photos in their original quality, but you can compress them to save space. To do this, select Quality: Economical in the autoload settings. However, note that compressed files lose in detail, and you can not restore the original quality later.

⚠️ Note: If you delete a photo from the smartphone gallery, it will automatically disappear from the cloud (if sync is enabled.

Make sure there is enough free space on your account.

Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid mobile traffic

Battery charge greater than 20% (for long-term synchronization)

Disable VPN if it interferes with the connection to Xiaomi servers

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How to upload and download files to the Xiaomi cloud

Uploading files to Drive can be done either through the application itself or from other programs (e.g., File Manager).

Method 1: Through the Disk app

1. Open the application and select the section (Documents, Photos, Videos, etc.).
2. Click on the + (add) icon in the lower right corner.
3. Select Download Files and specify the required documents.
4. Wait for the download to complete (the progress is displayed at the top of the screen).

Method 2: From the File Manager

If you need to download a file you just downloaded or received by mail:

1. Open the File Manager (Files or Mi File Explorer).
2. Find the desired file and click on it with a long tap.
3. In the menu that appears, select Share → Disc.
4. Specify the folder in the cloud where you want to upload the file.
5. Set up access rights: 👁️ View only (the recipient will not be able to edit or download). ⬇️ Viewing and downloading (standard version).

If you choose to send via Mi Account, the recipient will see a notification in the Disk app on their smartphone, and if you use the link, they will be able to download the file even without a Xiaomi account, but only for 7 days.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi’s Disk links are not password protected by default. If you share sensitive data, make sure the recipient is a trusted person, or use password archiving before downloading.

How to Free up Space in the Cloud and Manage Storage

Xiaomi's free Disk tariff offers just 5GB (up to 100GB in some regions). When the space runs out, the system starts giving notifications and blocks synchronization. Here's how to free up space:

Method 1: Delete unnecessary files

1. Open the Disk app and go to the Warehouse section.
2. Press Control. → Large files or Unused files.
3. Check the unneeded documents and click Delete.

Method 2: Cleaning the basket

The deleted files go into the bin and take up space for 30 days to clear it early:

1. Go to the basket section (the urn icon in the bottom menu).
2. Click Clean the cart → Confirm the action.

Method 3: Disabling Autoloading of Unnecessary Data

If the cloud is full of backups of SMS or notes you don’t need:

1. Open the Settings. → Synchronization.
2. Turn off switches near unnecessary categories (such as Notes or Calls).

Problem 3: Files deleted from the phone after syncing

This happens if the settings enable the option to Free up space on the device to return files:

1. Open the Disk app and find the deleted data in the Recycle Bin section.
2. Restore them by pressing three points → Restore.
3. Turn off the automatic deletion function in the synchronization settings.

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If the problem is not solved, try to remove and reinstall the Disk app. Make sure you have backups of important files first!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions