Xiaomi’s cloud (Mi Cloud) is not just a backup storage service, but a full-fledged service for synchronizing contacts, photos, notes and even device settings. Without it, it is difficult to imagine a comfortable use of the Xiaomi ecosystem: from Redmi and POCO smartphones to Mi Band smartwatches and Mi Smart Speaker speakers. However, many users face problems when they first sign in — then the account is not tied, the password is forgotten, two-factor authentication blocks access.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to get into the Mi Cloud, from basic registration to restore access when data is lost. We will focus on the nuances of authorization on different devices (Android, iOS, PC) and solving common errors like “I failed to connect to the server” or “Account is blocked.” If you just bought a Xiaomi smartphone or have not gone to the cloud in a long time, here you will find current instructions based on the latest updates of the service in 2026.
What is Mi Cloud and Why is it Necessary?
Mi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that performs three key functions:
- 📱 Backup: Automatically saves photos, videos, contacts, SMS and even system settings (for example, wallpaper or the location of icons on the desktop).
- 🔄 Sync: Data is instantly updated on all devices linked to a single Mi Account (e.g., photos from your phone will appear on your Pad 6 tablet).
- 🔍 Remote management: allows you to find a lost phone, lock it or erase data through the web version of i.mi.com.
Without the Mi Cloud, you risk losing all data when you reset your phone to factory settings or steal it, for example, if you don’t turn on contact sync, you’ll have to manually restore phone numbers after flashing it, and Xiaomi’s cloud is integrated with services like Mi Home (for smart homes) and Mi Fit (for fitness trackers), making it a must-have for brand owners.
Important: Since 2023, Xiaomi has limited free storage in the Mi Cloud to 5 GB (previously 10 GB), and to increase the volume, you will have to register a paid subscription or regularly clean backups.
Signing up for a Mi Account is the first step to the cloud
To get into Mi Cloud, you first need to create a Mi Account. This is a universal profile for all Xiaomi services, including the GetApps app store, forums and, of course, cloud storage. Registration takes 2-3 minutes, but there are nuances:
- From Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign in/Register. The system will prompt you to enter your phone number or email.
When you register, make sure to include a real email, it will receive a confirmation email. If you use temporary mail, you will not be able to restore access if you lose your password. The system can also request a two-factor authentication phone number (2FA) binding. Don't miss this step, because without 2FA, some cloud features will not be available.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi used smartphone, first perform a reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings... the previous owner may not have deleted your Mi Account and you may not be able to link the device to your account.
Enter valid email| Enter phone number | Save password in password manager | Confirm account at link in letter | Enable two-factor authentication-->
Enter Mi Cloud from Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO
If you have already created a Mi Account, you can log in to the cloud directly through your smartphone settings. Instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 14/13/12 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.):
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account.
- Click on your profile (or “Sign in” if not authorized).
- Enter your email/phone and password from your Mi Account.
- Confirm the entrance with the help SMS-code (if included) 2FA).
- Go to Mi Cloud, where all available synchronization options will be displayed.
After successful login, enable synchronization for the desired data:
- 📸 Gallery: photos and videos (you can choose the permission to download - original or compressed).
- 📇 Contacts: phone numbers and email addresses.
- 📝 Notes: Texts from the Mi Notes app.
- 🔄 System settings: wallpaper, application shortcuts, Wi-Fi networks.
Tip: If some options don’t show up after you sign in to Mi Cloud (like Backup), upgrade your phone’s firmware to the latest version. In older versions of MIUI, some of the cloud’s features may be hidden.
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To speed up the first sync, connect your phone to Wi-Fi and charging. Large files (like videos) are only downloaded when you have a stable Internet connection.
Access to Mi Cloud from your computer (web version and application)
Xiaomi Cloud Management is convenient not only from your phone, but also from your PC.
| Method | Reference/annex | Functions | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web version | i.mi.com | View photos, contacts, notes, search device | No uploading of files (only viewing) |
| Mi Cloud app for Windows/macOS | Download | Full file synchronization, backup | Requires installation of Mi PC Suite |
| Mobile app | Google Play/App Store («Mi Cloud») | Backup management, remote locking | No access to certain settings (such as tariffs) |
To enter through the web version:
- Open i.mi.com in your browser.
- Select a region (e.g., “Russia” or “Global”).
- Enter your Mi Account details and go through 2FA check (if enabled).
- In the main menu, select the Cloud section.
If the web version does not open, check:
- 🌍 Account Region: If you have registered in China, access to the global version of Mi Cloud may be restricted.
- 🔒 Ad Blockers: Disable extensions like AdBlock – they can block authorization scripts.
- 🕒 Time on the device: if the date and time are downed, the Xiaomi server will reject the request.
How to change the Mi Account region?
Solving problems with logging into Mi Cloud
Even after logging in correctly, users often encounter errors when logging into the cloud, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
1. “I was unable to connect to the server” error
Reasons:
- 📶 No internet or weak signal (switch to Wi-Fi).
- 🔌 Xiaomi servers are not available (check status on Downdetector).
- 🛡️ Lockdown VPN/firewall (disable NordVPN, Avast, etc.).
2. "Account blocked."
The lock occurs after several failed attempts to enter a password or if you suspect a hack.
- Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- Click on “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions (you will need an email or a copy of the instructions). SMS-code).
- If the lock is temporary, wait 24 hours and try again.
3. "Two-factor authentication doesn't work"
If you don't get an SMS with the code:
- 📱 Check your phone balance (sometimes the operators block it) SMS service-wise).
- 🔄 Try to request the code again in 1-2 minutes.
- 📧 Use a backup email (if linked to your account).
⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Mi Account from a third party (for example, to unlock a bootloader), access to Mi Cloud may be permanently restricted.
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If you have forgotten your password and have not attached your phone number/email, it will be impossible to restore access to Mi Cloud. Xiaomi does not provide support in such cases.
How to recover data from Mi Cloud after resetting your phone
If you reset your phone to factory settings or bought a new Xiaomi device, you can recover data from the cloud in a few steps:
- Sign in to Mi Account on your new device (see “Login to Mi Cloud from your phone”).
- Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Click on Restore next to the desired data type (such as Contacts or Gallery).
- Confirm the recovery – files will start to download to the device.
Important: App backups (such as messages from WhatsApp or games) are only restored if they were enabled in the pre-reset sync settings. If the option was disabled, data is lost.
To restore a full backup of the system:
- When you first set up your phone, select “Restore from backup.”
- Select the latest copy from the list (you can see the date of creation in Mi Cloud → Backup).
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data).
If the backup is not displayed, check:
- 🔗 Is the same Mi Account tied to an old device.
- 🗃️ Have you manually deleted a copy (in Mi Cloud) → Backup copy → Management).
- 📅 Has the storage period expired (free copies are stored for 6 months).
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Before you restore, check the space on your phone. If there is not enough memory, the system will suggest that you delete some of the data or transfer it to the phone. SD-map.
Mi Cloud Security: How to Protect Your Data
Xiaomi’s cloud stores personal information, so it’s important to keep an eye on protecting it.
- 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if the password is stolen, the attacker will not be able to enter without SMS-Activated in Account Settings → Security.
- 🔄 Change your password regularly: at least every 6 months, use combinations of letters, numbers and characters.
- 📱 Untie Old Devices: If you sell a phone or tablet, remove it from the list of trusted devices in your Mi Account.
- 🚫 Don’t use public Wi-Fi to log into the cloud – attackers can intercept data.
To check for active sessions (devices that log in to your account):
- Go to account.xiaomi.com.
- Open the section "Security» → «Device management».
- Remove all unknown devices (click "Exit" next to them).
If you notice suspicious activity (such as logging in from an unfamiliar IP), immediately:
- Change your password.
- Shut down all sessions.
- Check your backups for any extraneous files.
⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often send phishing emails on behalf of Xiaomi asking for "account confirmation." Official notifications come only from the domain @xiaomi.com or @mi.com. Don’t click on links from emails – enter account.xiaomi.com manually.