If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably noticed a standard icon on the app menu with a notebook image — that's Notes. At first glance, it might seem like a regular notebook for short notes, but in fact, the functionality of the program is much broader. In this article, we'll take a look at what Xiaomi Notes are, what features it hides, how to use it effectively and why it can become an indispensable tool in everyday life.
Many users underestimate Xiaomi’s built-in utilities, preferring third-party counterparts from Google Play. However, Notes is closely integrated with the MIUI ecosystem and offers unique features that competitors do not have. For example, automatic synchronization through Mi Cloud, handwriting support, creating checklists and even scanning documents. Next, you will learn how to make the most of this tool, from basic functions to hidden features.
What is Xiaomi Notes and Why You Need It
Notes is a standard application from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all devices running MIUI (including Redmi and POCO), designed to create, edit and organize text notes, to-do lists, reminders and even scan documents. Unlike simple notebooks, Notes offers:
- 📝 Multimedia notes – adding photos, audio, checklists and handwritten text.
- ☁️ Cloud sync via Mi Cloud (access from any device).
- 🔒 Password protection for confidential records.
- 📱 Integration with MIUI — Quick access via notification panel or widget.
- 📎 Scanning documents with automatic alignment and quality improvement.
The app supports Markdown markup (for advanced users), export notes to PDF/TXT, and also has built-in search for all content. It is important to note that Notes works without the Internet — all data is stored locally, and synchronization is enabled only when you connect to the network.
Compared to Google Keep or Evernote, Xiaomi’s built-in solution benefits from:
- 🚀 Minimalist interface without unnecessary elements.
- 🔄 Automatic backup of the Mi Account linked to your account.
- 📲 Optimization for MIUI — No conflicts with system processes.
Where to find and how to open Notes on Xiaomi
There are several ways to find the Notes app, depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone.
- Through the App Menu: Scroll through the list of installed programs for an icon with a notebook image (usually signed as Notes or Notes).
- Search System: Swipe your finger down the home screen to open the search bar and type in “Notes” or “Notes”.
- Through the Notification Panel: Some firmware has quick access - swipe two fingers from top to bottom and find the notepad icon.
- Voice Assistant: Activate Google Assistant or Xiao AI and say “Open Notes.”
If the app is not on the menu, it may have been disabled or deleted to return it:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show Systems."
- Find Notes (com.miui.notes) and click Enable.
💡
If after the MIUI update, the Notes app disappeared, try resetting the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the home screen → Home Screen Settings → Reset.
On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the app may be called Mi Notes or Xiaomi Notes, which are the same. In recent versions of MIUI 14/15, the icon can be hidden in the Tools folder.
The main functions of Notes Xiaomi: disassemble by shelves
At first glance, Notes seem like a simple notebook, but when you study it in detail, you can see useful chips.
| Function | Description | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Text notes | Creating formatted text with support for bold, italics, lists and links. | Click "+" → "Text Note" → Use the formatting toolbar. |
| Checklists | Check-box to-do lists (ideal for shopping or daily tasks). | Select “check-list” → add items → mark completed. |
| Handwritten notes | Drawing or writing by hand (useful for tablets or smartphones with a stylus). | Click "+" → "Manual Note" → Write with your finger or stylus. |
| Scanning of documents | Photographing documents with automatic alignment and quality improvement. | Select “Scan” → take a picture of the document → save as a PDF. |
| Password protection | Encrypting confidential notes (passwords, PIN-codes.). | Open the note → “More” → “Password Protection” → install the code. |
One of the most useful features is synchronization with Mi Cloud, so you can turn it on.
- Open Notes → click on the avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select “Settings” → “Synchronization” → turn on the switch.
- Make sure you are logged in to Mi Account (phone account settings).
Once activated, all notes will be automatically backed up in the cloud and available on other Xiaomi devices under the same account. Importantly, sync only works when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, but notes remain available offline.
How to recover deleted notes?
How to create and edit a note: step-by-step instructions
It takes a few seconds to create a new note in Xiaomi Notes. Here is the detailed instruction:
Press the badge «+» lower-right|Select the type of note (text, checklist, handwritten)|Fill in the contents|Click Save or just close the note (autosave)-->
Let’s look at the process by way of a text note:
- Open the app and tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Text Note (usually already selected by default).
- Enter the title (optional, but recommended for ease of search).
- Write text – you can use the toolbar for formatting: 📌 Bold text: highlight the fragment → press B. 📌 Italic: highlight → press I. 📌 Lists: Click the icon with markers or numbering.
Add the attachments.
- 📷 Photo: Click the clip icon → «Add an image».
- 🎵 Audio: Press the microphone icon for voice recording.
- Keep a note – it will automatically be saved when closed.
What to do if the synchronization does not work:
- 🔄 Check the Internet connection – synchronization requires access to the network.
- 🔒 Update. MIUI — In older versions of the firmware can be bugs.
- ☁️ Log out and log in to Mi Account (settings) → accounts).
- 📱 Clear the Notes cache: Settings → Annexes → Notes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.