If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone, you’ve probably come across the Xiaomi Cloud app (formerly Mi Cloud), a standard service from the company that automatically installs on all of the brand’s devices, but not everyone understands why it’s needed, what data it synchronizes, and how to use it correctly.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what Xiaomi Cloud is, what functions it performs, how to turn on or off synchronization, and answer key questions about security and data storage.
What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?
Xiaomi Cloud (formerly Mi Cloud) is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that allows you to synchronize data between devices, create backups and restore information when you change your smartphone. The service is integrated into MIUI firmware and is available on all devices of the brand, from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14.
The main tasks that the application solves:
- 📱 Synchronization of contacts, notes, calendar between smartphones and tablets Xiaomi.
- 📷 Automatic backup of photos and videos to the cloud (similar to Google Photos).
- 🔄 Data recovery when resetting settings or buying a new phone.
- 📍 Remote device management (search, lock, erasure of data).
- 🔐 Storage of passwords and application data (such as call history or SMS).
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi Cloud is not just a “cloud for photos”, but a full-fledged ecosystem that connects all Xiaomi devices (including smartwatches, TVs and routers) into a single network. For example, you can start watching a movie on a smartphone and continue on Mi TV – and all settings will remain.
What data synchronizes Xiaomi Cloud
By default, the service can store virtually all data from your smartphone in the cloud, but not all of it syncs automatically — some features need to be enabled manually.
| Type of data | Description | Synchronized by default? |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Telephone book, including groups and selected numbers | ❌ No. |
| Photographs and videos | Media files from the gallery (you can select folders) | ❌ No. |
| Notes | Text notes from the Notes app | ✅ Yes. |
| Calendar | Events and reminders | ❌ No. |
| Call history | List of incoming/outgoing calls | ❌ No. |
| SMS and MMS | Messages (text only, no attachments) | ❌ No. |
| System settings | Themes, wallpaper, network parameters, etc. | ✅ Yes. |
Special attention should be paid to app backup. Xiaomi Cloud can save:
- 📱 List of installed applications (for quick recovery on a new device).
- 🔄 Data from some applications (e.g., game progress if they support cloud sync).
- ⚙️ Application settings (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Fit settings).
Important: Xiaomi Cloud does not save Wi-Fi passwords, banking application data, and some system files for security reasons.
How to Enable and Configure Xiaomi Cloud
To start using the service, you need to follow a few simple steps, the instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 (2026):
- Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account (or Mi Account on older versions).
- If you are not already logged in, click Login and enter your Xiaomi account details (or register a new one).
- Go to the Xiaomi Cloud section (may be called Mi Cloud).
- Activate Sync slider and choose which data to save.
For a more subtle setup:
- 📁 To choose which folders with photos to sync, go to the Gallery → Settings → Cloud synchronization.
- 🔄 To enable automatic backup, go to Xiaomi Cloud → Backup and set up a schedule.
- 📱 To link another device (like a tablet), sign in under the same Xiaomi account and enable sync.
Sign in to your Xiaomi account|Enable contact synchronization|Set up a photo backup|Check the available location in the cloud|Install PIN-safety-code-->
If you want to turn off sync for individual data (for example, to save space), just go back to Xiaomi Cloud and deactivate unnecessary items. Note: some data (for example, notes) can only be synced when you are actively connected to Wi-Fi.
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If you have slow internet, turn on the Wi-Fi Only option in the cloud settings to prevent mobile traffic from being consumed when syncing photos.
How much space Xiaomi Cloud gives and how to increase it
By default, each Xiaomi user gets 5GB of free cloud storage. This is enough to back up contacts, notes and some photos, but may not be enough for a full smartphone backup.
To find out how much space is occupied:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Xiaomi Cloud.
- At the top of the screen you will see a diagram with the memory distribution.
- Click Storage Management to see details for each data type.
If 5GB is not enough, you have a few options:
- 💳 Buy extra space: 50 GB — ~150 rubles / month 200 GB — ~300 rubles / month 2 TB — ~1000 RUB/month You can pay via Xiaomi Cloud → Increase the vault.
- 🧹 Clear unnecessary data: Delete old backups (in Storage Management) → Backups. Clear the photo basket (they are stored there for 30 days) Turn off synchronizing unnecessary data (for example, call history).
- 🔄 Use alternative services: For photos - Google Photos (15 GB free). For files - Yandex Drive or Mail.ru Cloud.
Important: When you buy an extra space, you will be charged automatically every month. To avoid unexpected expenses, turn off autorenewal in your subscription settings.
What happens if you run out of space in Xiaomi Cloud?
Security and privacy: whether to trust Xiaomi Cloud
One of the most common questions users ask is: How secure is personal data stored in Xiaomi Cloud? the service uses standard protection measures, but there are a few nuances worth knowing about:
Safety benefits:
- 🔒 Encryption: All information is transmitted via a secure protocol HTTPS, a) on servers stored in encrypted form.
- 🛡️ Two-factor authentication (2FA): You can include a confirmation of SMS or through the Google Authenticator.
- 🌍 Servers in different countries: data of users from Russia is stored on servers in Singapore and Hong Kong (not in China).
Potential risks:
- 🕵️ Third-party access: In theory, Xiaomi could provide access to data (like any other cloud service) at law enforcement request).
- 📵 Data breaches: In 2021, there were reports of hacking of some Mi Accounts, but no major leaks were recorded.
- 📍 Geolocation data: if photo synchronization is enabled, the image coordinates can be stored in the metadata.
To improve the security of your account:
- Enable two-factor authentication in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
- Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
- Check your active sessions regularly in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Management.
- Do not store confidential documents (passports, bank cards) in the cloud.
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Xiaomi Cloud complies with the GDPR security standards for European users, but is not certified under Russian data localization laws (152-FZ).
If you are concerned about privacy, consider alternatives:
- 📱 For backup: local save on PC via Mi PC Suite.
- 📷 For photos: Google Photos or Yandex Drive with encryption enabled.
- 🔐 For passwords: Specialized managers like Bitwarden or KeePass.
How to Recover Data from Xiaomi Cloud to a New Smartphone
One of the main functions of Xiaomi Cloud is to transfer data when buying a new phone.
Method 1: Recovery at first inclusion
- Turn on the new Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco smartphone and follow the setup instructions.
- In the Data Recovery phase, select Restore from Xiaomi Cloud.
- Enter your Xiaomi account details.
- Select the last backup and wait for the process to be completed.
Method 2: Restore through settings (if the phone is already configured)
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
- Select Restore from backup.
- Log in to your Xiaomi account and select the copy you want.
What can be restored:
- 📱 Applications and their data (if they support cloud synchronization).
- 📞 Contacts, SMS, call-up.
- 🖼️ Photos and videos (if uploaded to the cloud).
- ⚙️ System settings (wallpaper, themes, network parameters).
What's NOT being regenerated:
- 🔐 Wi-Fi passwords.
- 💳 Data of banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.).
- 🎮 Preserve some games (depends on the developer).
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If some apps don’t work properly after recovery, try reinstalling them manually from Google Play, which is because not all developers support cloud sync via Xiaomi Cloud.
Xiaomi Cloud Problems and How to Solve Them
Sometimes users encounter errors when working with Xiaomi Cloud. Let’s consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Photos are not synchronized | No Wi-Fi connection or little space in the cloud | Check the Internet and make room in the Storage Management |
| Error "I was unable to connect to the server" | Problems on the side of Xiaomi or blocking VPN | Turn off the VPN or try it later |
| Data is not restored on the new phone | Outdated backup or other version of MIUI | Create a new copy on your old phone |
| Constantly debiting money for storage | Auto-renewal of subscription included | Disable in Xiaomi Cloud → Subscription Management |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- Sign out of your Xiaomi account and log in again.
- Clear the cache of the Xiaomi Cloud application in Settings → Apps.
- Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
- Contact Xiaomi through the official website.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone to factory settings and don’t remember the password from your Xiaomi account, it will be difficult to restore access to the cloud.