Losing data on a smartphone is one of the most unpleasant situations that a user can encounter. Xiaomi. Vacation photos, important contacts, instant messenger conversations, or saved passwords—all of this can disappear in a moment due to a system failure, device theft, or accidental reset. Fortunately, modern smartphones based on Android offer several reliable backup methods, and the proprietary shell MIUI from Xiaomi adds unique functions to them.

In this article we will examine all current backup methods for devices Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO —from built-in tools to cloud services. You will learn how to save not only multimedia and documents, but also system settings, call history, and application data. We will pay special attention to nuances that are often missed in standard instructions: for example, how to avoid errors during recovery or why some files may not be saved in the cloud.

Regardless of whether you are planning reset to factory settingsupdating the firmware or just want to be on the safe side, this The instructions will help you choose the optimal reservation method. And if you have already encountered data loss, at the end of the article there is FAQ with answers to the most painful questions.

1. Built-in backup in MIUI: pros and cons

The proprietary shell MIUI offers its own tool for creating backups - Local backup. Its main advantage is its simplicity and integration with the system: you can save almost all settings and data without installing third-party applications. However, this method also has limitations that are important to know in advance.

To use the function, go to Settings → About phone → Backup and reset → Local backup. Here you will see a list of categories of data that can be included in the archive:

  • 📱 System settings (wallpapers, sounds, network settings)
  • 📞 Contacts and call log (if not synchronized with Google)
  • 💬 Messages (SMS and MMS, but not instant messengers)
  • 📷 Gallery (only if photos are not stored in the cloud)
  • 🎵 Media (music, video, downloads)
  • 📁 Applications and their data (not all apps are supported)

Please note: MIUI local backup does not include data from some applications (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram), as well as files protected by DRM (for example, music from streaming services). Also, the archive will not save Wi-Fi passwords if they were imported from another device.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, the built-in backup may not work correctly. In this case, it is recommended to use alternative methods (see section 3).

The process of creating a backup copy takes from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the volume of data. The finished archive is saved in a folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup on the internal memory or SD card. It can be copied to a computer or other storage device for reliability.

📊 How often do you back up your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only before updating
Never
I don’t remember

2. Cloud backup via Mi Account

For users who want to automate the backup process, Xiaomi offers cloud storage Mi Cloud. It synchronizes data with your account Mi Account and allows you to restore it on any device Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO after authorization. The free plan provides 5 GB space, which is enough for contacts, notes and some photos.

To enable cloud backup:

  1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
  2. Log in or create an account if you don’t already have one.
  3. Turn on the switches next to the categories you want to synchronize (for example, Contact, Notes, Gallery).
  4. Click Synchronize and wait for the process to complete.

Important nuance: Mi Cloud does not save installed applications and their data (except for some system ones, for example, Notes or Calendar). Also, the free plan has a limit on the size of downloaded files - for example, high-resolution videos may not be synchronized.

Type data Syncs to Mi Cloud Limitations
Contact ✅ Yes Only if not synchronized with Google
Photos ✅ Yes ("Gallery" option) File size limit (~50 MB)
Applications ❌ No Only a list of installed ones (without data)
Messages (SMS) ✅ Yes Without attachments (MMS not always)
Wi-Fi passwords ❌ No Only with local backup

If 5 GB is not enough, you can expand the storage to 50 GB (paid) or use additional cloud services (more on this in the next section). Also remember that to restore data from Mi Cloud you will need access to the Internet and the same account. Mi Accountas when creating a backup.

💡

Before selling or resetting your smartphone, be sure to unlink your account Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account → Logout. Otherwise, the new owner may gain access to yours. data!

3. Google Drive: universal backup for all Android devices

If you do not want to depend on the ecosystem Xiaomi, the best option is Google Drive. This service is included in the standard set Google Mobile Services (GMS) and is available on all Android devices. Unlike Mi Cloud, it saves:

  • 📱 List of installed applications (with the possibility of automatic reinstallation)
  • 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings
  • 📝 Data of some applications (if they support Google backup)
  • 📅 Calendar and contacts (synchronized separately)
  • 📱 Settings for screen, language and other system settings

To set up backup to Google Drive:

  1. Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
  2. Enable the option Backup to Google Drive.
  3. Click Create a backup now to start manually.
  4. Make sure that in the section Backup account the correct one is specified Google account.

Default Google allocates 15 GB for free to all services (Disk, Gmail, Photos). If this is not enough, you can buy additional space or optimize storage:

  • 📸 Turn on Google Photos data-i="165">(photo compression up to 16 MP). Save space (photo compression up to 16 MP).
  • 🗑️ Delete old backups of other devices in drive.google.com.
  • 🔍 Check which applications are saving data to in the cloud (some games can take up gigabytes).
⚠️ Attention: On devices Xiaomi without Google services (for example, on firmware for the Chinese market), this method is not available. In this case, use Mi Cloud or a local backup.

The main advantage of Google Drive is cross-platform. You can recover data not only on Xiaomi, but also on smartphones of other brands (Samsung, Pixel, etc.). However not all applications support Google backup —for example, data WhatsApp or Viber will have to be saved separately.

Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile traffic may not cope with large volume)

Check the free space in Google Drive

Disable battery optimization for the "Backup" application

Charge the phone at least 50%-->

4. Backup via TWRP: for advanced users

If you use custom recovery TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), you have access to the most reliable backup method - full system image (nandroid backup). This method allows you to save entire firmware with all sections, including application data, settings and even the system kernel. Such a backup will be useful before flashing the firmware, unlocking the bootloader or experimenting with modding.

Warning: the method requires unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. Incorrect actions can lead to "briku" the device (complete inoperability). If you are a beginner, it is better to use the standard methods from the previous sections.

Instructions for creating a backup via TWRP:

  1. Turn off the smartphone and hold down Power button + Volume upto enter TWRP.
  2. In the main menu, select Backup.
  3. Tick the partitions to save (recommended: Boot, System, Data, EFS).
  4. Select a storage location (internal memory or SD card).
  5. Swipe to confirm and wait for completion (may take 10-40 minutes).

The finished backup will be saved in the folder TWRP/BACKUPS as several files with the extension .imgIt can be copied to a PC or another. media. To restore, just repeat the steps and select Restore V TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Backup via TWRP is incompatible with standard recovery methods (MIUI or Google). method:

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔧 Complete snapshot of the system, including hidden partitions.
  • 🛡️ Possibility of recovery even after a firmware failure.
  • 🔄 Compatible with most custom firmware.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Difficult for beginners.
  • 📱 Requires bootloader unlocking (data reset).
  • 🔋 Takes up a lot of space (up to 10-20 GB for full backup).
What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?

If, when you try to create a backup, TWRP does not display the internal memory, this may be due to data encryption in MIUISolutions:

1. Use an SD card (if supported).

2. In settings TWRP enter the password for decryption (if encryption is enabled).

3. Format the partition Data (will lead to loss data!).

5. Manual copying of important data: photos, contacts, messages

Even if you have set up automatic backup, it is better to duplicate some data manually. This applies to:

  • 📸 Photos and video (especially if they are stored only on the phone).
  • 📞 Contacts (if they are not synchronized with Google or Mi Cloud).
  • 💬 Messages in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
  • 📄 Documents and files from a folder Download or root directory.

The easiest way is to connect your smartphone to your computer via USB and copy the necessary folders. To do this:

  1. Connect Xiaomi to the PC via a cable (preferably the original one).
  2. On your phone, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  3. On your computer, open the folder This computer → [Name of your device].
  4. Copy important data (for example, DCIM for photos, Download for downloads).

For backup contacts without cloud:

  1. Open the application Contact.
  2. Click ⋮ → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
  3. Select Export to file and save .vcfthe file to a memory card or internal memory.

For WhatsApp and other instant messengers, use the built-in backup functions:

  • 📱 WhatsApp: ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup (saves to Google Drive).
  • 📱 Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Export history (without cloud).
  • 📱 Viber: More → Settings → Account → Backup.

Manual copying takes more time, but ensures that you will not lose critical data even if the automatic backup fails. We recommend repeating this procedure once every 1-2 months or before important events (travels, system updates, etc.).

💡

Do not rely on one backup method (Google or Mi Cloud) with a manual one! copying to a PC - this will provide double protection against data loss.

6. How to restore data from a backup

Creating a backup is half the battle. It is equally important to be able to restore data correctly, especially if you are faced with a loss of information or are buying a new device. The recovery process depends on what backup method you used.

Restoring from a local MIUI backup

If you created a backup via Settings → Local backup, then to restore:

  1. Copy the backup file (from extension .bak) to the folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup on the new device.
  2. Go to Settings → About phone → Backup and reset → Local backup.
  3. Select the required backup from the list and click Restore.
  4. Confirm the restoration and wait for completion (the phone will reboot).

Recovery from Mi Cloud

To restore data from cloud Mi Cloud:

  1. Log in to your account Mi Account on your new device.
  2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
  3. Enable synchronization for the desired categories (contacts, gallery, etc.).
  4. Wait until the data is downloaded (it may take time if the volume is large).

Recovery from Google Drive

If you set up a backup in Google, then the first time you turn on your new smartphone, the system will offer to restore the data. If you missed this one. step:

  1. Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
  2. Click Devices with backup copies and select the desired backup.
  3. Select data to restore (applications, settings, SMS, etc.).
  4. Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

To restore via TWRP:

  1. Boot into TWRP (button power + volume up).
  2. Select Restore and specify the backup folder.
  3. Mark partitions for recovery (usually Data and System).
  4. Swipe to confirm and wait completion.
⚠️ Attention: When restoring a backup via TWRP on a device with a different version MIUI it is recommended to use a backup created on the same firmware as the target one.

If after. recovery, some data did not appear:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device.
  • 📥 Check if synchronization is enabled in your account settings.
  • 📂 Make sure that the backup files are not damaged (try restoring them on another device).

7. Common errors and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems when backing up. Here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Backup in Mi Cloud does not complete Not enough space or slow Internet Clear the cloud or use Wi-Fi
Google Drive does not save application data The application does not support Google backup Use local backup or manual export
TWRP does not see internal memory Data encryption in MIUI Use an SD card or enter a password in TWRP
Restoring from a backup leads to errors Different versions of MIUI or a damaged archive Check firmware compatibility or create a new one backup
Photos in Google Photos are of low quality The "Save Space" option is enabled Change the quality settings in Google Photos

A few more tips to avoid problems:

  • 🔋 Always charge your phone for at least 50% before creating a backup.
  • 📶 Use stable Wi-Fi connection for cloud copies.
  • 🔄 Check the backup on another device (for example, restore some of the data on a second smartphone).
  • 📅 Update backups regularly (at least once a month).

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try looking for a solution on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers), indicating your model Xiaomi and version MIUI. Problems are often solved by resetting the application settings Backup or reinstalling the firmware.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

🔹 Is it possible to make a backup on Xiaomi without a Mi account?

Yes, you can use Google Drive or local backup in MIUI without being tied to Mi Account. Also suitable is manual copying of files to a PC or backup via TWRP (if installed).

🔹 Why is WhatsApp not saved in the MIUI backup?

WhatsApp uses its own backup system, which is not integrated with MIUI or Google Drive. To save the correspondence, open WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup and create a backup in Google Drive (Google account required).

🔹 How much space does a full backup via TWRP take?

The size depends on the smartphone model and the number of installed applications. On average:

  • Boot — 30-100 MB,
  • System — 1-3 GB,
  • Data — 5-15 GB (depending on user data).

Total: a full backup may be required 10-20 GB free space.

🔹 Is it possible to restore a backup from Xiaomi to another brand (for example, Samsung)?

Partially. Data from Google Drive (contacts, applications, Wi-Fi settings) will be restored on any Android device. However, local MIUI backup and Mi Cloud work only on Xiaomidevices. To transfer photos, videos and documents, use manual copying or cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk).

🔹 What to do if the backup is damaged and cannot be restored?

Try the following steps:

  1. Check the integrity of the backup file (for example, with an archiver 7-Zip on a PC).
  2. Create a new backup on a working device.
  3. If used TWRP, try to restore individual partitions (for example, just Data).
  4. Refer to the forum 4PDA in the section of your model Xiaomi - there may be specialized tools for recovery.