How to make a copy of the application on Android Xiaomi Redmi 9A: the full guide

Backing up applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a challenge that users face when reflashing, resetting or buying a new device. Unlike the flagship models, the budget Redmi 9A has limited options to back up data through standard MIUI tools, but that doesn’t mean that the task is impossible. This article covers all the current ways, from built-in features to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities.

The peculiarity of Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) in the context of the backup is the lack of support for Google Backup applications on some versions of the firmware and limited internal memory (32/64 GB), which requires process optimization. We will discuss how to save not only APK- files, but also user data, settings and cache - taking into account the specifics of MIUI 12/13 and newer versions.

1 Built-in tools MIUI: what can be copied without third-party programs

Xiaomi has integrated several backup tools into the MIUI shell, but their functionality is limited. The main tool is Local Backup (Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup).

• 📱 Contacts, messages and call log
• 📷 Photos and videos (miniatures only in some versions)
• 🔄 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound profiles)
• 📁 List of installed applications (without data!)

Critical disadvantage: the built-in MIUI function does not store application data (for example, progress in games or settings of messengers), and the backup takes up a lot of space - up to 5-7 GB with full redundancy, we recommend using this method only for system settings and contacts.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to reset to factory settings, check first that the backup is saved to the SD- card or to the Mi Cloud. Internal memory will be cleared!

An alternative way is to export through “Mi Cloud” (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup). Here you can choose individual categories of data, but the amount of free storage is limited to 5 GB. For Redmi 9A with 2 GB of RAM, this can be critical when backing up media.

2 Backup of APK- Files: Save installed applications

If you only need to copy application installation files (APKs) and not their data, you just need to use a file manager. On Redmi 9A, you can do this without root rights:

1. Open Files (standard MIUI manager)
2. Go to /data/app/ (you need to enable the display of hidden folders in the manager settings).
3. Find folders with the names of the application packages (for example, com.whatsapp-1 for WhatsApp).
4. Copy files with the.apk extension to a secure location (e.g., on a SD- card).

For convenience, use third-party managers such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer, which support access to system folders without root. Note: this method does not store application data (for example, correspondence in messengers or saving games).

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To quickly find the APK- file of the desired application, use the App Inspector app (available in the Play Market), which shows the full path to the package and the version of APK.

APK Extractor (available in the Play Market) can automate the process, and it creates copies of all APKs installed in the specified folder, with the advantage of retaining original file signatures, which is important for some applications (e.g. banking).

3.Save application data: from manual export to ADB

A full backup, including settings and user data, will require more advanced methods. The Redmi 9A, without root rights, has the following options:

3.1.Using ADB Backup (without root)

The adb backup tool is part of the Android SDK and allows you to create a full copy of the application with data.

1. Install Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging on Redmi 9A: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb backup -f C:\backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system where C:\backup.ab is the path to the backup file.
4. On the phone screen, confirm the creation of a backup copy (a password may be required).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications support backup via ADB (e.g., some games block this feature).
• ❌ The.ab file cannot be viewed without recovery, it is encrypted.
• ❌ On MIUI, you may need to disable Data Protection MIUI (Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Data Protection MIUI).

Party of the backup annex

For users without technical skills, utilities from the Play Market are suitable:

Swift Backup is the best choice for Redmi 9A. The application can create data backups even without root for some applications (for example, Telegram, Viber).

1. Activate debugging over USB (see above).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb -d shell pm grant com.machinarium.swiftbackup android.permission.BACKUP
3. Run Swift Backup and select the applications to backup.

Debugging enabled by USB| Installed Xiaomi drivers on PC| Phone connected in file transfer mode | Downloaded Platform Tools from Android SDK-->

4. Backup through cloud services

Cloud solutions are convenient for automatic backup, but there are nuances to the Redmi 9A.

• ☁️ Google Drive: syncs data from some apps (e.g. Google Photos, Contacts) but does not save APK or settings from third-party programs.Settings: Settings → Google → Backup.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Reserves contacts, messages and notes, but not apps. Free 5GB.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk (Dropbox): Requires manual file export through the file manager.

For automatic backup of applications in the cloud, use the combination Swift Backup + Google Drive:

1. In Swift Backup, select Settings → Cloud Storage → Google Drive.
2. Log in and set up a backup schedule (for example, once a week).
3. Specify which data to store: APK, data, or both.

⚠️ Warning: When recovering from the cloud on a new Xiaomi device, you may need to disable signature verification APK. To do this, execute the command: adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1 before installing.

5. Backup for root users: full control

If your Redmi 9A has root rights, you can use advanced backup options.

• 🛠️ Titanium Backup: creates full copies of applications, data, and even system settings. Supports backup encryption.
• 📦 Nandroid Backup: image the entire system through TWRP. Requires custom recavery installation.
• 🔄 Migration (F-Droid Store): Transfer data between devices.

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. Select Backups → Packet Action → Backup all custom applications.
3. Specify the location of the save (e.g. /sdcard/TitaniumBackup/).
4. Use the Recovery option to restore.

To create Nandroid Backup through TWRP:

1. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9A (the version must match the firmware!).
2. Load into the recavery: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Up.
3. Select Backup → Select System, Data, Boot.
4. Start the process and wait until it is completed (it can take 10-20 minutes).

6.Restore applications from backup

The recovery process depends on the backup method.

• 🔄 For ADB Backup: Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb restore C:\backup.ab On your phone screen, confirm recovery.
• 📱 For Swift Backup: Open the app, select the backup and click Restore.
• 🛠️ For Titanium Backup: Use the Recovery option and select the apps you want.

Important nuances when restoring on Redmi 9A:

• If the app is not restored, check its signature: some APKs (like banking ones) require an original signature.
• For games with data in /Android/obb/, copy the folder with the OBB- file manually.
• After recovering through ADB, restart your phone to avoid errors.

⚠️ Warning: When you restore system applications (MIUI) through Titanium Backup, the shell may crash, and we recommend eliminating system packages from the backup or using Migration to transfer data.

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Before restoring, check for app version compatibility. If the backup is made on Android 10 and you restore it on Android 11, errors may occur.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When creating or restoring a backup on Redmi 9A, users face typical problems:

If you have a Backup failed: Operation not allowed error when using Swift Backup, do:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Special Permits.
2. Find Swift Backup and provide permission to Record System Settings.
3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions