How to Set Up OneDrive or Dropbox Sync on Xiaomi / Redmi Phone

If you prefer Microsoft or Dropbox over Mi Cloud, here's how to configure automatic photo and file sync on your Xiaomi phone.

OneDrive Setup

1. Install Microsoft OneDrive from Google Play Store.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Tap Me → Settings → Camera upload → toggle On.
4. Choose upload quality: Original or Good (smaller size).
5. Set to upload via Wi-Fi only to save mobile data.

Files sync: OneDrive → Files → tap folder → tap three-dot → Make available offline to sync locally.

Dropbox Setup

1. Install Dropbox from Google Play Store.
2. Sign in or create account.
3. Tap Me → Camera Uploads → Turn on Camera Uploads.
4. Options: Wi-Fi only, include videos, start from today or from beginning.

Critical: Fix Background Sync on HyperOS / MIUI

Xiaomi's aggressive battery management often kills background apps — this stops OneDrive/Dropbox from syncing automatically.

Fix for both apps:
1. Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [OneDrive / Dropbox].
2. Tap Battery saver → No restrictions.
3. Enable Autostart: Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [app] → Autostart → On.
4. Lock the app in recents: open the app → recents button → lock icon on the app card.

Storage Tier Comparison

Pro Tips

• OneDrive is ideal if you use Windows PC — photos appear instantly in Windows Photos and File Explorer.
• Dropbox works best for teams and file sharing with non-Xiaomi users.
• For reliable background sync, add both apps to Autostart and set battery mode to No restrictions — this is the most common fix for Xiaomi sync issues.