Where in the Xiaomi phone is Xiaomi Cloud: a complete guide to setting up cloud storage

Xiaomi Cloud storage is an integral part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, which allows you to synchronize contacts, photos, notes and even backups of the system between devices. However, many users face difficulties in finding this service in the menu of a smartphone. Where exactly is Mi Cloud hidden in the MIUI firmware? Why is it not in the list of applications? And how to properly configure sync so as not to lose data?

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access Xiaomi Cloud, from the standard path through settings to alternative methods for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS), and how to check cloud space, disable unnecessary syncs, and resolve authorization issues, and if you’ve ever lost access to an account or couldn’t find backups, this guide is for you.

Where to search for Xiaomi Cloud in the phone menu: the standard way

Most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have cloud storage access via system settings, but the location may vary depending on the firmware version.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
  2. Scroll down and find the Accounts and Sync section (in the MIUI 14+ It could be called a Mi Account).
  3. Tap on the Mi Account line (or Xiaomi Account in new versions).
  4. In the menu that opens, select Xiaomi Cloud – this is the main storage.

If you have HyperOS firmware installed (for example, on Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the path may be a little different:

  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Cloud.
  • πŸ”„ In some regional versions MIUI This is called synchronization and backup.
  • 🌐 On devices for the global market (with firmware Global) ROM) Cloud icon can be displayed on the main screen of account settings.

If you are not logged in to Mi Account, the system will prompt you to log in or create a new profile, and without authorization, access to the cloud will be restricted.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 14
HyperOS
I don't know.
other

Alternative ways to open Xiaomi Cloud

Sometimes the standard path is not available due to firmware or regional constraints, and alternative methods are available:

1. Through the notification panel

On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60) there is a quick switch for Xiaomi Cloud in the notification bar:

  • πŸ“² Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  • πŸ” Find the cloud icon (may be hidden under the Edit button).
  • πŸ–±οΈ Slip on it – the cloud menu with the main options will open.

2. Through a search by settings

If you can’t find the section manually, use the built-in search:

  1. Open the Settings.
  2. In the top row, type in the query: Xiaomi Cloud or Mi Cloud.
  3. The system will show a direct path to the desired section.

3. Through the "Security" app

On older versions of MIUI (up to 12th), cloud access was sometimes duplicated in the Security app.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Launch the Security app (shield icon).
  • πŸ”— Go to the Cloud or Backup tab.

πŸ’‘

If you use Xiaomi Cloud frequently, add a shortcut to your desktop: go to the cloud settings, tap the three dots in the top corner, and select Add to the home screen.

What to store in Xiaomi Cloud: a complete list of data

Xiaomi Cloud supports synchronization of almost all system and user data, but not everyone knows what you can save in the cloud.

Type of dataWhat exactly is synchronizing?Limitations
πŸ“± ContactsAll numbers, email, addresses from the phone bookUp to 10,000 contacts
πŸ“… CalendarEvents, reminders, challengesβ€”
πŸ“Έ galleryPhotos and videos (original or compressed)5GB for a free account
πŸ“ NotesText notes from the annex NotesUp to 10,000 notes
πŸ”„ Backup copyFull system backup (applications, settings, SMS)The size depends on the phone model

Important: Application backups in Xiaomi Cloud do not include data from some services (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) – they need to be saved separately.

To enable or disable synchronization of specific data:

  1. Go to Xiaomi Cloud (as described above).
  2. Select the Synchronization section.
  3. Activate or deactivate the switches next to the desired categories.

Check your Internet connection |Authorize in Mi Account |Select data to sync |Configure automatic backup |Check free space in the cloud-->

How to check the occupied space in Xiaomi Cloud

Xiaomi’s free account provides only 5GB of cloud storage, so you don’t have to check the fullness of the account regularly:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Xiaomi Cloud
  2. At the top of the screen you will see a diagram of the use of space.
  3. Slip on the line Storage management for detailed analysis.

The system will show the allocation of space by category (photo, video, backups, etc.) If the memory is running out, you can:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove unnecessary backups (under Backup).
  • πŸ“€ Turn off automatic download of photos/video in original quality.
  • πŸ’³ Buy an additional seat (from 50 GB per ~$1 a month).

Tip: If you are actively using the cloud, set up storage fill notifications. Go to Cloud Settings β†’ Notifications and turn on the option to Warn of Space Shortage.

What happens if you exceed the limit of Xiaomi Cloud?
If you exceed the 5GB limit, new data will no longer sync, but the old data will remain available. However, backups and photos will not be updated until you vacate space or buy additional volume. In some cases, the system can automatically delete the oldest backups (if the Auto Clean option is enabled).

Common problems with Xiaomi Cloud and their solutions

Users often experience errors when working with Xiaomi Cloud, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Can't log into Mi Account

If the system requests a password but does not accept it:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and try again.
  • πŸ“§ Check if it's blocking. VPN Firewall access to Xiaomi servers.
  • πŸ”‘ Use the function Forgot your password? on the login screen.
  • πŸ“± If the phone number is linked, request a confirmation code by SMS.

2. Data is not synchronized

If your contacts, photos or notes are not updated in the cloud:

  • πŸ“Ά Make sure that mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled.
  • βš™οΈ Check if sync is active for the right category in the cloud settings.
  • πŸ”„ Manually run synchronization by tapping the button Sync Now.
  • πŸ“± Reboot the device – sometimes it solves problems with background processes.

3. "Not enough space" error

If you see this notice:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove old backups (under Backup) β†’ Management).
  • πŸ“€ Turn off automatic video uploads to the cloud (they take up the most space).
  • πŸ’³ Consider buying additional space (under Storage Management).

⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings without a backup in Xiaomi Cloud, all unsynchronized data will be lost irretrievably.Always check the status of the last sync before resetting!

How to Disable Xiaomi Cloud (If You Don’t Need It)

If you don’t use cloud storage or prefer other services (like Google Drive), you can turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Xiaomi Cloud.
  2. Turn off the Xiaomi Cloud master switch at the top of the screen.
  3. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To also stop background synchronization:

  • 🚫 Back to Settings β†’ Accounts and synchronization.
  • πŸ”„ Turn off automatic sync for Mi Account.
  • πŸ“΅ In the Battery section β†’ Autostart: Ban background activity for Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: after the Xiaomi Cloud is disabled, all data that was stored only in the cloud (for example, backups) will become unavailable on other devices!

πŸ’‘

Disabling Xiaomi Cloud doesn’t delete already synchronized data β€” it stays in the cloud until you manually delete it or exceed the storage limit.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Cloud

Can I use Xiaomi Cloud without a Mi Account?
No, Xiaomi Cloud only works when you log in to your Mi Account, without it, you will be blocked from accessing the cloud, and if you don’t have an account, you can create it right in your phone settings (Mi Account β†’ Registration).
How to transfer data from Xiaomi Cloud to a new phone?
When you first turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, the system will offer to restore data from the backup. Select the Restore option from Xiaomi Cloud and log in to the same Mi Account as the old device. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup and Reset β†’ Restore from backup.
How much does it cost to have an extra space in Xiaomi Cloud?
Prices for additional storage (as of 2026): 50 GB – ~$0.99/month or ~$9.99/year 200 GB – ~$2.99/month or ~$29.99/year 2 TB – ~$9.99/month or ~$99.99/year Pay by bank card, via Google Pay or Mi Pay.
Can I download all the data from Xiaomi Cloud to my computer?
Yes, but not directly. For this: Log in to i.mi.com. Go to Cloud. Select files (photos, notes) and download them one by one or archive. There is no backup option for system data, it can only be restored to Xiaomi devices.
Why Xiaomi Cloud is not working in some countries
Xiaomi services, including Xiaomi Cloud, may be restricted in certain regions (e.g. India or some EU countries) due to local data retention laws. In such cases: Use a VPN with servers in China or Hong Kong. Check if the provider blocks access to mi.com domains. Update the firmware to the latest version - sometimes restrictions are removed in new builds.