Xiaomi Mi Cloud – What is this service and how to use it in 2026

Mi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that allows users of smartphones, tablets and other brand equipment to synchronize data between devices, create backups and access files from any gadget. MIUI It runs on the company's global servers, protecting personal data, according to the manufacturer. But what exactly can you store in the Mi Cloud, how to set it up, and what are the pitfalls of this solution? In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances - from registration to restoring access when you lose your password.

Many Xiaomi users don’t even realize that their photos, contacts, or notes are automatically synced to the cloud – until they have to move data to a new phone or recover information after a reset. Meanwhile, Mi Cloud offers not only basic backup features, but also unique features like remote device management or locking when stolen. For example, the free tariff provides only 5 GB of memory, and some features work only on devices with a high-end memory. MIUI.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 What is Mi Cloud and how is it different from Google Drive or iCloud?
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions for registration and synchronization setting
• 🔒 How to Protect Data in the Cloud and What to Do When an Account is Hacked
• 💾 Comparing tariffs and ways to increase free space
• ⚠️ Common User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1.Mi Cloud - What it is and why it is needed

Mi Cloud (or Xiaomi Cloud) is a cloud service designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem.

• 📁 Store backups of smartphones, tablets and smart devices (such as Mi Band or Mi Home)
• 🔄 Synchronize contacts, messages, photos and documents between multiple gadgets
• 🔐 Remotely block or delete data from a lost phone
• 📡 Access files via a web version or mobile application

The main difference from Google Drive or iCloud is the deep integration with the Internet. MIUI. For example, the Mi Cloud automatically saves the:

• 📞 Call log and SMS (including MMS)
• 📝 Notes from the Mi Notes app
• 🎵 System settings (wallpaper, themes, network parameters)
• 📷 Photos and videos in original quality (with option enabled)

However, the service has disadvantages:

⚠️ Note: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with global firmware (MIUI Global, your data will be stored on servers in Singapore or India (MIUI China) servers are located in China – this may affect download speeds and applicable privacy laws.

Also, consider that Mi Cloud does not replace full local backup. For example, if you delete a file from your phone, it will disappear from the cloud (if you do not turn on the Recycle Bin feature).

2. How to register in Mi Cloud and log in to your account

To use Mi Cloud, you need a Xiaomi account (or Mi Account). If you already have a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably created it when you first turned on.

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account on the phone.
2. Click "Create an account" and enter: 📧 Email (preferably Gmail or Outlook) 🔑 Password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters) 📱 Phone number (to restore access)

Confirm registration by SMS or email.

Once you create an account, Mi Cloud is activated automatically. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. It's displayed here:

• 📊 Used and available space
• 🔄 Synchronization status (on/off.)
• 📁 List of device backups

If you want to log in to Mi Cloud from your computer:

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Enter your username (email or phone) and password from Mi Account.
3. Confirm your login via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

⚠️ Note: When you first sign in from a new device, the system may request confirmation via email or SMS — If you don't receive the code, check the Spam folder or try to request again after 5 minutes.

If you forget your password, restore it via the "Forgot your password?" option on the login page, you will need access to the linked email or phone, and you can call Xiaomi for support at the very least, but the process can take up to 7 days.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)

Use a valid email (not temporary)

Create a strong password (do not use date of birth)

Remember or write down a login/password (for example, in a password manager)-->

3. What data can be stored in Mi Cloud and how to sync it

Mi Cloud supports synchronization of the following data types:

To enable synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the data category (e.g., “Contacts”).
3. Activate the Sync switch.
4. For photos, click “Outload” and select quality (“Original” or “Compressed”).

Important: If you turn off contact sync, they will disappear from your phone if not stored locally. To avoid loss, export contacts to.vcf via Settings → Contacts → Imports/exports.

To back up the entire phone:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select "Backup in Mi Cloud".
3. Click on “Create backup” and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

4.Mi Cloud tariffs: how much space costs and how to increase it

By default, each Mi Account user is given 5GB of free space, which is enough for:

• 📞 ~2000 contacts
• 💬 ~5000 SMS
• 📷 ~1000 photos in compressed quality

If there is not enough space, you can buy an additional volume:

Prices may vary depending on the region, and can be paid by credit card, PayPal or mobile operator (in some countries).

How to increase the free space:

• 🎁 Participate in Xiaomi promotions (for example, invite friends to give you a chance to participate in the event). +1GB).
• 📱 Use Xiaomi smartphone for longer than 30 days – sometimes give bonus gigabytes.
• 🔄 Remove unnecessary backups of old devices in Settings → Mi Cloud → Storage management.

⚠️ Note: If you do not renew the paid rate, your data will not be deleted immediately, but you will not be able to add new files.After 6 months without payment, Xiaomi may delete some of the data to vacate the space.

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Before you buy a tariff, check how much space your data takes up. For example, 1,000 photos in original quality can weigh in on your data. ~10 GB, and in compressed - all ~1GB.

5.Mi Cloud Security: How to Protect Data from Hacking

Mi Cloud uses data encryption when transmitting (TLS) storage (AES-256), But security is very much user-dependent:

• 🔓 Weak password (for example, “123456” or date of birth)
• 📧 Compromising email linked to an account
• 📱 Loss of phone with synchronization enabled

How to protect your account:

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Select "Two-step verification" and link your phone or email.

Use a complex password:

"X!a0m1_C10ud_2026"

Check out the active sessions:

Settings → Xiaomi account → Device management

If you suspect a break-in:

1. Change your password immediately via account.xiaomi.com.
2. Turn off sync on all devices.
3. Check the login history of Settings → Xiaomi account → Journal of Activity.

You can use additional protection for VPN When you log into Mi Cloud from public networks (such as a cafe or airport), however, remember that Xiaomi may block suspicious ones. IP-Addresses, so choose reliable ones. VPN-service.

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Even with it on. 2FA Attackers can access your account through phishing sites. Always check the address bar before entering your login and password (the official domain is i.mi.com or account.xiaomi.com).

6.Typical Mi Cloud Problems and How to Solve Them

Users often face the following errors:

If the Mi Cloud is not working on the new phone:

1. Make sure you are logged in to the same Mi Account.
2. Check if synchronization is included in Settings → Xiaomi account.
3. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are patched).

If you have lost access to your account and cannot restore it:

• 📧 Try all the attached emails and phones.
• 📄 Contact Xiaomi with a check to buy the device (this will speed up the process).
• ⚠️ If the account was created long ago and was not used, it could be deleted for inaction (after 2 years).

7.Mi Cloud vs Google Drive vs iCloud: Which is Best for Xiaomi Users

If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, the Mi Cloud has several advantages over your competitors:

• ⚡ Deep integration with MIUI: Automatically saves system settings that Google Drive does not backup.
• 📱 Remote management: You can block or erase data from your phone via finddevice.xiaomi.com.
• 💰 Cheaper tariffs: 200 GB in Mi Cloud are worth ~1500 ₽/A year, and on Google Drive — ~2400 ₽.

Google Drive and iCloud have their own advantages:

The choice depends on your needs:

• 📱 If you only have Xiaomi devices, Mi Cloud is the best.
• 🌍 If you use different brands, Google Drive is more versatile.
• 🍎 If you have an iPhone or Mac, iCloud is better integrated.

You can use both services at the same time, for example, store photos in Google Photos (unlimited space for compressed photos), and contacts and settings in Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Cloud