How to sync data through Mi Cloud on Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

What is Mi Cloud and Why You Need to Sync

Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud cloud storage is not just a backup space, it’s a full-fledged tool for syncing data between devices. Imagine adding a new contact on a Redmi Note 12 smartphone, and a second later it’s available on a Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet or even on a laptop via the web version, without having to manipulate cables or manually transfer files.

Synchronization via Mi Cloud solves three key problems: security (data is stored encrypted on Xiaomi servers), accessibility (information is available from any device), and automation (no need to be remembered about backing up — the system does it itself). But to work like a clock, you need to configure the service correctly. And here many users face pitfalls from authorization errors to problems with synchronizing specific types of data.

In this article, we’ll not only break down the basic Mi Cloud setup, but also the sync nuances for different types of content, from contacts to call history, and you’ll also learn how to recover data when something goes wrong, and why sometimes syncs hang up 99%.

Preparing for sync: what to do before setting up Mi Cloud

Before you turn on sync, make sure your device is ready for this process. First, check the MIUI version: older builds (below MIUI 12) may lack some cloud features. Update your firmware through Settings → About Phone → Update if needed.

Second, Mi Cloud requires a stable Internet connection: synchronizing large files (such as photos in the original resolution) can eat up to 1-2 GB of traffic. If you use mobile Internet, you better connect to Wi-Fi or set a limit in your data settings:

• 📶 For mobile internet: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Traffic Limit and activate the option.
• 🔄 For Wi-Fi: Make sure the network does not restrict background activity (e.g., at public hotspots).
• 🔋 Battery Charge: If the charge level is below 20%, the system can pause synchronization to save energy.

Finally, make sure that your Xiaomi account is free of restrictions, for example, new accounts (under 30 days) may have time limits for uploading data to the cloud.

Step-by-step: how to enable synchronization in Mi Cloud

Sync settings take no more than 5 minutes if you follow a clear algorithm. Open the settings on your Xiaomi device and follow the following steps:

1. Sign in to Xiaomi Account Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in if you haven’t already. Use the same account as you do on other devices so that data syncs between them.
2. Activate Mi Cloud In the same account section, tap on Mi Cloud. Here you will see Sync slider - move it to the right.
3. Select data types for synchronization Below you will see a list of categories: Contacts, Messages, Gallery, Notes, etc. Activate the ones you need. Please note that some items (such as Call History) may not be available on global firmware devices.
4. Set up automatic backup Return to Mi Cloud and select Device Backup. Here you can enable automatic backup creation on schedule (e.g. once a week) or manually.

Once synchronization is activated, the system will suggest waiting until the first cycle is completed, depending on the amount of data: 500 contacts and 1 GB of photos can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, and do not interrupt the process, even if the indicator is frozen at 99%, which is normal behavior when downloading large files.

Authorization in one Xiaomi account on all devices

A stable Wi-Fi connection (or enough mobile traffic)

Free space in Mi Cloud (minimum 100 MB for the test)

Disabled background activity restrictions for the "Mi Cloud" application

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What data can be synced through Mi Cloud and how it works

Mi Cloud supports synchronization of more than 10 data types, but not all of them are available on all devices. Below is a table describing each type and the nuances of work:

The Mi Cloud, by default, uploads images in the original resolution, which quickly consumes free space (only 5 GB for new accounts).

1. Open the gallery → Settings → Cloud synchronization.
2. Choose the Load Quality and set High (Compression)
3. Activate the option to download only over Wi-Fi to avoid the consumption of mobile traffic.

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If you need to sync files from other folders (such as screenshots or downloads), move them to DCIM/Camera manually or use a file manager to create symbolic links.

Common Synchronization Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the right setup, Mi Cloud can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• ⚠️ Sync is 99% down: This usually happens when you download large files (video) >100MB) or unstable Internet Solution: wait until it is completed (may take up to 24 hours) or restart the device. If the problem persists, turn off and turn on sync for a particular type of data.
• ⚠️ Data is not synced between devices Reason: different Xiaomi accounts or background activity disabled for Mi Cloud Solution: check that both devices use the same account, and allow auto-run for the Mi Cloud app in the battery settings.
• ⚠️ Photos are uploaded in low quality Reason: compression or traffic limit is enabled Solution: go to the Gallery → Settings → Cloud sync and select Original Quality (more space will be required in the cloud).
• ⚠️ The reason: problems with Xiaomi servers or blocking by IP (Solution: check the status of the servers on status.mi.com or use VPN.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your sync settings:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset Sync.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting sync will remove all local changes that were not uploaded to the cloud. For example, if you added a contact after the last sync, it will disappear!

How to Recover Data from Mi Cloud to a New Xiaomi Device

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t mean data loss if you’ve been using the Mi Cloud.

1. Sign in to Xiaomi account When you first turn on a new device, the system will prompt you to log in to your account. Use the same data as on your old smartphone.
2. After authorization, a window will appear with a suggestion to restore data from Mi Cloud. tick the desired categories (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
3. Wait until the process is complete, the recovery time depends on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet. Don't interrupt the process even if the screen is out - the sync will continue to work in the background.
4. Check the results after the reboot, open Contacts, Gallery and other apps to make sure the data is restored correctly.

If you missed the recovery step on the first turn on, don't worry: you can transfer the data later.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select a category (such as Contacts) and tap three points in the upper right corner.
3. Click Restore and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: when you recover data from the cloud, local files with the same name will be overwritten, for example, if the new device already has a photo. IMG_20230501.jpg, And there's a file in the cloud with the same name, and it's going to be replaced by a version from Mi Cloud.

Alternative ways to synchronize data on Xiaomi

While Mi Cloud is the most convenient solution for Xiaomi’s ecosystem, alternative methods are sometimes required, such as if you run out of cloud space or want to sync your data with other brands’ devices.

• 📁 Google Account Suitable for syncing contacts, calendar and email. To enable: → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.Con: does not support backup photos in original quality (only through Google Photos with compression).
• ☁️ Third-party cloud services Dropbox, OneDrive or Yandex Drive can be used to automatically upload photos. For example, Dropbox has a feature Autoload Camera, which works similar to Mi Cloud.
• 🔗 Local Wi-Fi sync Applications like Send Anywhere or LocalSend allow files to be transferred between devices without the cloud. 4K).
• 📱 Swift Backup or Titanium Backup backup apps create full backups of apps and their data. minus: harder to set up and not suitable for beginners.

If you choose between Mi Cloud and Google Account, consider the following nuances:

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For maximum reliability, use both services: sync contacts and calendar through Google, and photos and notes through Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Mi Cloud