Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users extensive cloud storage functionality known as Mi Cloud, which automatically stores contacts, photos, notes and call logs, ensuring that they are safe in the event of a device loss. However, not all users require constant data synchronization with the manufacturer’s servers, especially if information is critical or space in the cloud is limited.
Many gadget owners face the need to completely deactivate this service before selling a phone or simply to free up system resources. The process of disconnecting can vary depending on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS, as well as on the regional settings of the account. Understanding the intricacies of the cloud service will allow you to manage your data competently without the risk of losing it.
In this guide, we will go into detail all possible ways to exit the cloud storage, we will look at standard methods through system settings, the procedure for cleaning data before reset, and solutions for complex cases where access to an account is limited. Complete deletion of a Mi Cloud account is a must before transferring the device to a new owner to avoid blocking activation.
Why you might need to shut down your cloud service
The main reason users are looking to disable Mi Cloud is to control their personal data. Storing information on third-party servers always carries potential leakage risks, even when the company is highly protected. Furthermore, free space is often limited and the system can obsessively offer paid subscriptions, which annoys many owners of budget models.
Another common scenario is that the smartphone is being prepared to be sold or transferred to another person, and if the exit procedure is not followed, the new owner will encounter an activation screen that requires the previous owner's password, a Find Device security mechanism that turns the phone into a brick for outsiders, but creates problems for the sale if you forget your data.
Disabling is also necessary when software conflicts arise, sometimes synchronization service can cause increased battery consumption or errors in the operation of system applications, in which case complete deactivation of the service helps to stabilize the operation of the operating system.
⚠️ Warning: Before any action with cloud data, make sure you have a backup of important information on another medium. Deleting your account can lead to irretrievable loss of contacts and photos if they are not locally copied.
It’s worth noting the difference between simply logging out and completely deleting your account. Signing out on your device only breaks the connection of a particular gadget to the server, whereas deleting your account erases all data forever. Choose a method that fits your ultimate goal.
Preparation of the device before synchronization is disabled
Before you start changing your security settings, you need to do a series of preparatory steps to ensure that you don’t lose important contacts or photos while you’re shutting down services.
Make sure all your data is successfully uploaded to the server or copied to your phone’s memory if you plan to clear the cloud, go to the cloud settings and check the date of last sync for each data type.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Special attention should be paid to Find Device. While this option is active, you can't just log out without entering a password. This is designed specifically to protect against theft. If you forget your password, you better go through the recovery procedure in advance while you have access to your phone number.
It is also recommended to disable the automatic uploading of photos in the gallery so that new photos do not fly to the cloud during the setup process, which is especially true if you use your phone to shoot confidential documents.
Standard procedure for exiting Mi Account through settings
The easiest and most appropriate way to disable cloud services is to use the built-in settings menu, which is suitable for most users who have full access to the device and know their credentials, and the process is as follows:
- 📱 Open the Settings app on your Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone.
- 👤 At the top of the menu, search and click on Mi Account (or “Mi Account").
- 📜 Scroll down to the bottom of the page before the red button “Get out” or “Delete account” appears".
- 🔒 The system will request a password from your Mi Account to confirm your identity.
Once you have entered your password, the system will tell you what to do with the data stored on your device, you can leave copies of contacts and messages on your phone, or delete them with your account logged out, depending on whether you plan or transfer it.
It is important to understand that after pressing the exit button, sync stops instantly. All new data created after that moment will only be stored locally in the phone's memory. If you decide to log in again, old data will be downloaded from the server, but new data created during the offline period may be lost or require manual merger.
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If you don't remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" button on the input screen, and you can recover it via your linked email or phone number.
Delete cloud data and clean up the device
If your goal is not just to log out, but to clean up the cloud, you need to do more, just logging out on your phone is not enough to delete files already uploaded to Xiaomi servers, and that requires access through a web interface.
Go to i.mi.com from your computer or your phone browser, log in to your login, and you'll see all categories of data: gallery, contacts, voice recorder, notes, you'll need to go to each category in sequence and select the deletion function.
Cleaning up your data through a web interface is an irreversible action, and once you delete your files from the cloud, they disappear from all the devices that you log in to, which is useful if you sold your phone but forgot to log out, and now you want to delete your data remotely.
| Action. | Where it's done | Impact on the phone | Impact on the server |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit from account | Phone settings | Termination of synchronization | Data is retained |
| Deletion of photo | Website i.mi.com | Delete from the device (if synchronization is enabled) | Complete removal |
| Resetting settings | Recovery / Settings | Complete memory cleanup | Data is retained |
| Deletion of account | Support Service / Website | Impossibility of entry | Complete removal forever |
Deleting an account is a long process, often requiring support and waiting for a cooldown period (usually a few days) during which you can change your mind.
Disabling the function "Find the device"
Find Device is the main obstacle when trying to reset or log out without a password, and it is tightly tied to activation servers. As long as this feature is active, the phone is protected from unauthorized use.
To turn off this feature, you need a stable Internet connection. When you try to turn off, the system sends a request to the server to check the status of the device, and if the server confirms that the device is not wanted, the function is turned off.
What to do if the function is not turned off?
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or modified versions of MIUI, the standard shutdown may not work, then you need to use special commands through the engineering test menu, but this is a risky method that can violate the warranty.
If you buy a used phone and see a Mi Account password request after a reset, it means that the previous owner hasn't untied the device, and the only legal way to unlock it is to contact the seller and ask them to remotely remove the device from their trusted list in their account settings.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to bypass activation block (FRP/Mi Account Lock) with the help of unofficial software can lead to complete inoperability (motherboard) and loss of warranty.
Solving Access and Blockage Problems
Often users are faced with a situation where you need to turn off the cloud, but the password is lost or the phone number is no longer available, in which case the standard path through the settings is closed, Xiaomi security system will not allow you to log out of your account without confirmation.
The first step is to try to restore access through a form on the site, you'll need access to the backup email you provided when you registered, and if the mail is also unavailable, the process becomes complicated and requires you to submit checks for the purchase of the device to an authorized service center.
There's a method of forced logout through the developer menu, but it doesn't work on all versions of the firmware.
- 🛠 Activate Developer Mode by repeatedly clicking on the version number MIUI.
- 📶 Enable debugging on USB sub-set.
- 💻 Connect your phone to the PC and use it ADB-Google and Mi data cleanup teams (requires skills).
adb shell pm clear com.miui.cloudservice
adb shell pm clear com.xiaomi.finddeviceThese commands reset cloud and search data, which in some cases allows you to skip the activation screen, but after a reboot, the system can again request authorization if the lock files were not deleted from the system partition, which is closed without root permission.
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The most reliable way to avoid locking problems is to always log out of Mi Account and disable Find Device BEFORE resetting your settings to factory settings.