Data Recovery Pit

The Data Recovery Expert

How to Recover Mi Account Photos

Recover Mi Account Photos

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. While 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. 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.

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