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

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi that allows you to synchronize data between devices, create backups and store files in a secure online storage. Many users of smartphones, smartwatches and other Xiaomi equipment encounter this service when you first set up the gadget, but not everyone understands how it works and what features it hides.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi Cloud is, what features it provides, how to set up sync and backup, and answer popular questions about security and tariffs. If you’re just starting out with Xiaomi’s tech or want to optimize your cloud experience, this guide is for you.

What is Xiaomi Cloud and Why You Need It?

Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) is a cloud platform developed by Xiaomi to store and synchronize user data. The service is integrated into all devices of the ecosystem: smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), tablets, smartwatches (Mi Band, Watch), TVs (Mi TV) and even routers. The main task of the cloud is to provide access to your data from any device, even if the original gadget is lost or broken.

The service works on the principle of other cloud storage (for example, Google Drive or iCloud), but has its own unique features:

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of contacts, messages, notes and photos between Xiaomi devices.
• 📱 Backup of system settings, applications and user data.
• 🔒 Data protection with encryption and two-factor authentication.
• 🌍 Access from anywhere in the world via web or mobile application.
• 💰 Free rate for 5 GB + Paid options for expanding storage.

Xiaomi Cloud’s main advantage is its deep integration with MIUI firmware, which means that many features (such as finding a lost phone or recovering data after a reset) work out of the box without additional settings.

What data can be stored in Xiaomi Cloud

Xiaomi Cloud supports storage and synchronization of various types of data, and here is a full list of what you can save in the Mi Cloud, as well as restrictions for free rates:

It is important to note that some data (such as Wi-Fi passwords or call history) are only synced when the Backup feature is activated in the phone settings. Xiaomi Cloud does not support document storage (such as.pdf or.docx) – it is better to use Google Drive or Mi Drop for this.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a smartphone based MIUI Global, some cloud functions (e.g. message synchronization) may be limited due to regional features. MIUI China or use alternative services.

How to Enable and Configure Xiaomi Cloud on a Smartphone

Xiaomi Cloud activation takes no more than 5 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide for devices on MIUI 14 (also relevant for MIUI 13 and HyperOS):

1. Open the settings on your Xiaomi smartphone.
2. Go to Accounts and Synchronization → Mi Account.
3. If you are not already logged in, click Login and enter your Mi Account details (or register a new one).
4. After you sign in, select Xiaomi Cloud.
5. Activate the Sync switch and select data types to back up.
6. For manual sync, click Sync Now.

If you want to automatically upload photos to the cloud:

1. In the Xiaomi Cloud section, select the Gallery.
2. Turn on the Autoboot option.
3. Specify which folders should be synced (e.g., only Camera or all media files).
4. Choose the download quality: Original or Compressed (to save space).

After setting up, it is recommended to check what data is already stored in the cloud.

1. Open the web version of Xiaomi Cloud (authentication required).
2. In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
3. View the synchronized data list and delete unnecessary files if necessary.

⚠️ Note: If you use two Xiaomi smartphones with one Mi Account, data (such as contacts or notes) will be automatically combined.This can lead to duplicate records.

How to Back Up Your Phone in Xiaomi Cloud

One of the most useful features of Xiaomi Cloud is the ability to create a full smartphone backup, which comes in handy if you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, update your firmware, or just want to keep your system current.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup (to save to your phone) or Backup in Mi Cloud.
3. If you choose the cloud, log in to Mi Account (if you haven’t already logged in).
4. Click Create a backup and select data to save: 📱 System settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds) 📱 Applications and their data (e.g. progress in games) 📞 Contacts, messages, call log

Wait for the process to be completed (it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data).

The finished backup can be restored to a new phone or after a reset.

1. When you first set up your smartphone, select Restore from backup.
2. Log in to the same Mi Account where the copy is saved.
3. Select the right backup from the list and wait for the recovery to be completed.

To protect your data as much as possible:

1. Enable two-factor authentication in your Mi Account settings.
2. Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
3. Check active sessions in the Xiaomi Cloud web version regularly and complete suspicious sessions.
4. Do not store confidential documents (passports, bank cards) in the cloud.

⚠️ Warning: If you are selling or transferring your Xiaomi smartphone to another person, be sure to log out of Mi Account and reset to factory settings. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to access your data in the cloud! Despite the convenience, users sometimes encounter errors when working with Xiaomi Cloud. Consider the most common problems and ways to solve them: Problem Possible reason Solution Not synchronized contacts Disabled synchronization in settings Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization and switch on contact error "Not enough space" Exceeded the free tariff limit Delete unnecessary files or buy additional space Photos not loaded to the cloud Disabled autoboot or weak Internet Check gallery settings and Wi-Fi connection You can log into an account with an incorrect password or lock on IP Restore your password via email or SMS, try to use VPN Backup is not restored Version incompatibility MIUI Update your firmware to the latest version before restoring If none of the methods worked, try the following steps: Restart your device. Update the Mi Cloud app via Google Play or App Store. Clear the app cache in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Xiaomi Cloud → Warehouse → If the problem persists, please contact Xiaomi with a description of the error. To diagnose synchronization problems, you can use the error log: Open Settings → The phone. → Error log. Find records associated with Mi Cloud or Mi Account. Copy the error code and search for a solution in forums (e.g., for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers). 💡If Xiaomi Cloud is not working after the update MIUI, Try to delete and re-add Mi Account in your phone settings. FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi Cloud 🔹 Can you use Xiaomi Cloud on phones of other brands? Officially, Xiaomi Cloud is only available on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO. However, you can access your data via the web version from any device. To synchronize contacts or notes on phones of other brands (for example, Samsung or iPhone), you can export data to compatible formats (for example,.vcf for contacts). 🔹 How long are backups stored in the cloud? backups in Xiaomi Cloud are stored 6 months from the last update.If you don't create a new copy within that timeframe, the old one will be automatically deleted. To save a copy longer, update it regularly or download the local version to your computer. 🔹 Can you transfer data from Xiaomi Cloud to Google Drive? There is no direct export from Xiaomi Cloud to Google Drive, but you can: Download files (photos, videos, contacts) from Xiaomi Cloud to your computer. Download them to Google Drive manually. For contacts: export them in.vcf format from Xiaomi Cloud and import them to Google Contacts. 🔹 What happens if you delete Mi Account from your phone: 🔄 Synchronization with Xiaomi Cloud will stop. ☁️ Access to cloud data will remain (you can view them through the web version). 📱 Local data (contacts, photos) on your phone will not be deleted. If you want to completely delete your account (along with data in the cloud), you can do this on account.xiaomi.com under Account Management. 🔹 How to disable Xiaomi Cloud if you don’t need it?To disable Xiaomi Cloud completely: Go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud. disable all sync switches. remove unnecessary data from the cloud via web version. If you want to delete your account completely, please note that this will result in loss of access to all Xiaomi services, including Mi Home (for smart devices) and Mi Fit (for fitness bracelets).