Recover Mi Account Photos with 3 Easy Methods

Photo recovery is typically the most requested data type when restoring from a backup. And, if you used a Xiaomi e.g. Mi account to store the photos, we’ve got your back. We already discussed the process of recovering Mi account data, which includes photos. However, we obviously had to be vague about it. To correct that, we’ll go in-depth with the options and configurations of restoring images to your device. You shouldn’t hesitate for too long. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of data overwriting or your backup expiring. Let’s get straight into it, here’s how to recover Mi account photos.

Do you have access to your Mi account?

To access the backup and download it, you obviously need to log in to the Mi account that holds the data. Here’s a quick reminder:

1. Tap on the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Mi Account. It’s usually under the Accounts or Apps section).
3. Sign in if you aren’t already.
4. If you are having trouble doing so, read our guides on how to recover a Mi account ID and Mi account password.

Steps to recover Mi account photos

Now that you’ve logged in, here are the steps required to recover Mi account photos.

1. Use the Xiaomi Cloud backup on your smartphone

You must have enabled Xiaomi Cloud in the past to re-download files. This can also help you reverse the act of erasing photos (within 30 days of sending them to Trash).

1. Make sure you’re connected to a hotspot, Wi-Fi, or enable your mobile data.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Mi Account.
   You should see a Mi account ID next to it if you’re logged in.
4. Tap on Sync.
5. Enable Auto-sync data by toggling the switch to on.
6. Give it some time. If you want, you can change some settings by tapping on Xiaomi Cloud. Here’s what you can do.

1st Option.

If you deleted photos and want them back, do this.

1. Select Deleted items from the list.
2. In the Trash window, tap on View items in Xiaomi Cloud.
3. Select Gallery.
4. Long-press on the photos you want to restore, and tap on Recover.

2nd Option.

To configure parameters for auto-sync photo recovery, follow these instructions.

1. Scroll down until you find the headline that says Sync app data.
2. Make sure the switch next to the Gallery is toggled on.
3. Tap on Gallery and configure the following:
   • Ensure that the switch in front of Download photos from Xiaomi Cloud automatically and Sync automatically is toggled on.
   • Make sure Download quality is set to High quality.
   • Optional. Enable:
     • Only use Wi-Fi to sync photos and videos if you are on a limited bandwidth connection and low on data.
     • Sort by people. This uses facial recognition to narrow down the download process by people in them.
     • Manage synced albums. Use this to browse and mark only certain photo albums.
4. All that’s left is to wait for the photos to appear in your Gallery app.

2. Visit Xiaomi Cloud in your browser

Although this is possible from a mobile device too, it’s primarily designed for computers and syncing files between multiple devices. Here’s how to do it.

1. Visit Xiaomi Cloud in your browser and sign in with your Mi account.
2. Click on Gallery to preview items inside.
3. You can select some of them or all of the photos.
4. Find and select the Send to device option in the bottom right corner.
5. Optional. Select the correct Xiaomi phone from the list if you use multiple.

3. Recover Mi Account Photos Using Google Photos Backup

If you have previously enabled Google Photos backup on your Xiaomi device and synchronized your Mi account with Google, you can recover your Mi account photos using Google Photos. By using this technique, you can have immediate access to your backed-up photographs via the Google Photographs app or website. Here’s how you can recover Mi account photos using Google Photos backup:

Step 1. Install Google Photos App (if not already installed)

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Xiaomi device.
2. Search for “Google Photos” and install the app developed by Google.

Step 2. Sign in to Google Photos

1. Launch the Google Photos app on your Xiaomi device.
2. Sign in to the app using the Google account associated with your Xiaomi device.

Step 3. Access and Restore Mi Account Photos

1. Once signed in, navigate to the “Photos” tab within the Google Photos app.
2. You should see your backed-up photos organized by date and album.
3. Scroll through the photos or use the search function to locate specific images.

Step 4. Select and Restore Photos

1. Tap on the photos you want to recover to select them.
2. After making your choice, click the “Restore” or “Download” button, as appropriate for the app’s settings.
3. The selected photos will be downloaded and restored to your Xiaomi device’s Gallery or a designated folder.

Step 5. Check Restored Photos

1. Open your Gallery app or file manager on your Xiaomi device.
2. Navigate to the location where the restored photos were saved.
3. You should now see the recovered Mi account photos in your device’s Gallery.

By utilizing the Google Photos backup feature, you can easily recover your Mi account photos without relying on Mi Cloud or third-party software. Ensure that you have previously enabled the Google Photos backup option on your Xiaomi device to access your photos through this method.

4. Desperate attempt. Download a third-party software

If you forgot to backup your images, you’re out of options. For that reason, you have nothing to lose trying this. This method hinges on the fact that you acted quickly, and that the old photos weren’t overwritten by new ones. You also need to get your USB cable and connect your computer and your Xiaomi phone. Finally, you must enable USB debugging and choose software, paid or free.

Our suggestion? Either Gihosoft Android Data Recovery or FonePaw Android Data Recovery. We tested them both and were pleased with their capabilities. In those guides, we demonstrated recovering files after the Android phone factory reset. Since you don’t need all filetypes, instead of checking all of the boxes, only check Photos/Images before you start the scan.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When recovering Mi account photos, you may encounter some common issues that can hinder the process. It’s critical to be knowledgeable about these issues and skilled in their repair. Here are some typical problems you could have and their solutions:

Mi Photos Syncing Error

If you’re unable to sync your Mi account and access the backup, you may encounter syncing errors. Take the following actions to resolve this problem:

• Make sure your internet connection is steady. Make sure your Wi-Fi or mobile data settings are configured correctly.
• Go to Settings > Mi Account > Sync, and toggle off the sync option. Wait for a few seconds and toggle it on again.
• Restart your device and try syncing again.
• If the issue persists, try logging out of your Mi account and then log back in.

Missing Photos in Xiaomi Cloud:

In some cases, you may not see all your photos in Xiaomi Cloud. This can occur for various reasons, such as accidental deletion or improper backup settings. Here’s what you can do:

• Check the “Deleted Items” section in Xiaomi Cloud. Sometimes, photos may be mistakenly moved to the trash, and you can recover them from there.
• Verify that the auto-sync settings are correctly configured. Go to Settings > Mi Account > Sync > Gallery and ensure that the “Download photos from Xiaomi Cloud automatically” option is enabled.
• If you recently deleted the photos, they might not have synced to the cloud yet. Wait some time and check again.

USB Debugging Connection Issue

When attempting to recover photos using third-party software and a USB connection, you may face difficulties establishing a connection between your Xiaomi phone and computer. To address this problem, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have enabled USB debugging on your Xiaomi phone. To do this, go to Settings > About Phone > Tap on “MIUI version” several times to enable developer options. Then, go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging and toggle it on.
• Use a high-quality USB cable to connect your phone to the computer. Faulty or low-quality cables can cause connection issues.
• Install the necessary USB drivers on your computer. Most third-party recovery software provides instructions on how to install the required drivers for successful connectivity.

By troubleshooting these common issues, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering your Mi account photos. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and seek further assistance from Xiaomi support or relevant forums if needed.