Xiaomi Cloud: Everything you need to know about the cloud service from Xiaomi

Cloud technology has long been an integral part of the smartphone ecosystem, and Xiaomi is no exception. Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) is a proprietary cloud storage that offers users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices a convenient way to back up, synchronize data and even remotely manage a gadget. But many still do not understand how this service works, what benefits it provides and how securely personal information is stored in it.

In this article, we will take a look at what Xiaomi Cloud is, what features are available to users, how to set up syncs correctly and avoid common errors. You will learn how much free space Mi Cloud provides, how to expand storage, what data can be reserved and how to restore it on a new device. And we will answer the most common questions: is it safe to store passwords in the cloud, can you use the service without a Chinese account and what to do if access to the cloud suddenly is blocked.

What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that allows users to sync and store data from devices on remote servers, essentially analogous to Google Drive or iCloud, but optimized specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem. The service is integrated into MIUI firmware and is available on all smartphones of the brand, including Redmi and POCO.

The main tasks of the Mi Cloud:

• 📱 Backup – Automatically save contacts, messages, photos, notes, and other data.
• 🔄 Sync – Data is available on all devices linked to a single Xiaomi account.
• 🔓 Remote control – the ability to find a lost phone, lock it or erase data.
• 📂 File storage as an alternative to physical memory.

The main advantage of Mi Cloud over third-party clouds is deep integration with MIUI. For example, the service can automatically back up SMS, call log, Wi-Fi settings and even data from some system applications (for example, Mi Fit or Mi Home). This is especially convenient when switching to a new smartphone: just log in to your account, and most of the settings will be restored automatically.

However, the service has limitations, such as the free tariff provides only 5 GB of storage, while Google Drive provides 15 GB. In addition, some functions (for example, app backup) can work unstable on custom firmware or devices with an unlocked bootloader.

What data can be stored in Xiaomi Cloud

Mi Cloud supports backup and sync of a wide variety of data types, and here is a complete list of what you can save to the cloud:

It is important to understand that not all data is automatically synchronized, for example, photos and videos must be downloaded manually through the Gallery app (the option is “Backup to Mi Cloud”), the same applies to recordings from an on-screen recorder or data from third-party applications – they will have to be exported separately.

Another nuance: Mi Cloud does not support backup of installed applications (APK-Only some system utilities (e.g. Calendar or Weather) sync data, and if you need to keep a list of installed programs, you'll have to use third-party solutions like Titanium Backup (require root rights).

How to Connect and Configure Xiaomi Cloud

To start using Mi Cloud, you will need a Xiaomi account. If you do not already have one, sign up through Settings → Xiaomi Account or on the official account.xiaomi.com website.

Instructions for connection:

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to Akkaunt Xiaomi → Mi Cloud (on some versions of MIUI the path may be different: Settings → Additional → Mi Cloud).
3. Enter your account details (if not already authorized).
4. Activate the switches next to the types of data you want to sync (e.g. Contacts, Messages, Notes).
5. To back up photos, open the Gallery, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings → Backup in Mi Cloud.

If you want to backup automatically, turn on Automatic Backup in the Mi Cloud settings. By default, copies are created once a day when you connect to Wi-Fi. You can set a schedule or start a reservation manually if you want.

Sign in to your Xiaomi account

Enable synchronization of contacts and messages

Set up a photo backup

Check the available location in the cloud

Install PIN-Cloud access code (optional)-->

Note: If you use a Google account to sync contacts, Mi Cloud may duplicate them. To avoid confusion, disable contact sync via Google or prioritize Settings → Accounts → Sync.

How much does Xiaomi Cloud cost: tariffs and free space

By default, each Xiaomi Cloud user gets 5GB of free storage, enough to back up contacts, messages and a small number of photos, but for full use (for example, storing video files) you will have to buy space.

Current tariffs for the expansion of storage (for 2026):

• 📦 50GB — ~150 ₽/month ~1 200 ₽/year
• 📦 200GB — ~300 ₽/month ~2 400 ₽/year
• 📦 2 TB — ~1 000 ₽/Monthly (annual subscription not available)

For comparison: Google One offers 100 GB per ~200 ₽/month, and iCloud+ — 50GB for a buck. ~100 ₽/So Mi Cloud is not the best price option, but it has one advantage: when you buy a Xiaomi smartphone, you sometimes get a free trial period (for example, 3 months 200 GB.

To buy an extra seat:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Cloud.
2. Click on the Warehouse icon (or Storage Management)
3. Choose the right rate and pay it through a linked card or Qiwi/Yandex.Money.

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If you need to make room in the cloud, delete old backups in the backup management section. The system saves up to the last 3 copies, the rest can be manually deleted.

Xiaomi Cloud Security: Can You Trust the Storage?

One of the most common questions users ask is how secure is personal data stored in Mi Cloud? the service uses standard encryption protocols (AES-256 for data transfer and SSL/TLS for connection protection), but there are a few nuances worth knowing about.

Safety benefits:

• 🔒 Two-factor authentication – you can include confirmation by SMS or through the Google Authenticator.
• 📱 Local encryption – some data (such as Mi Browser passwords) is encrypted directly on the device.

However, there are risks:

• 🕵️ Chinese government access – In theory, local laws allow Chinese authorities to request access to data (although Xiaomi claims that this is not the case).
• 🔓 Vulnerabilities in MIUI — In the past, firmware has found gaps that allow you to intercept data (for example, through Analytics).
• 🚫 Account blocking – if fraud is suspected, Xiaomi can block access to the cloud without explaining the reasons.

If you store sensitive information in the cloud (such as scans of documents or passwords), we recommend:

• Use additional encryption (e.g., archive files with a password before downloading).
• Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings.
• Do not store bank card or passport data in Mi Cloud – it is better to use specialized services like 1Password.

How to Recover Data from Xiaomi Cloud to a New Phone

One of the main advantages of the Mi Cloud is the ability to quickly transfer all data to a new smartphone.

1. Turn on the new phone and go through the initial setup to the account login screen.
2. Log in to the same Xiaomi account that was used on the old device.
3. On the Data Recovery screen, select the latest backup from the Mi Cloud.
4. Check boxes for the types of data you want to recover (contacts, messages, applications, etc.).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data).

If you missed the recovery step on the first setup, don't worry. Data can be recovered later:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Cloud.
2. Click Restore from backup.
3. Select the desired copy and confirm the restoration.

Important: when you restore the data on the phone will be overwritten, if the new device already has contacts or messages, they may be duplicated or lost, we recommend that you make a local copy of important data before you restore it.

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If you restore data to a phone with a different version of MIUI (for example, from the old firmware to the new one), some settings may not work properly, in which case you will have to manually configure them.

Frequent problems with Xiaomi Cloud and how to solve them

Despite its convenience, Mi Cloud sometimes crashes, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Rebooting your phone – sometimes it solves sync problems.
• 📱 Update MIUI — In new versions of firmware often fix bugs with the cloud.
• 📧 Write in support – through the official website or chat in the Mi Community app.

If the problem is with the account lock, try to restore access through the feedback form. note that support Xiaomi can respond for several days, so it is better to make a local copy of important data in advance.

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If Mi Cloud is constantly giving out errors, try using alternative clouds (like Google Drive or Yandex Disk) to back up. To do this, download the Mi Mover app from the Mi App Store and transfer the data to another storage.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Cloud