Apple’s iCloud cloud storage isn’t designed to work on Xiaomi devices, but many users face the need to clear its data after switching from an iPhone or when using cross-platform services. In this article, we’ll discuss how to properly remove files from iCloud from a Xiaomi smartphone, untie an Apple ID account (if it’s tied), and what to do with synchronized data – from contacts to photos.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi runs Android, and iCloud is Apple’s exclusive ecosystem. However, data from iCloud can stay on your device as a cache of apps (like Apple Music or iCloud Mail), backups created on your iPhone, or synced via the web version. We’ll look at all possible scenarios, from manual cleaning to using third-party tools.
If you’re looking for a way to free up memory on Xiaomi by deleting unnecessary files from Mi Cloud (Xiaomi cloud storage), go to the section “How to clean up Mi Cloud on Xiaomi” below. This article focuses specifically on working with iCloud, a service that isn’t originally designed for Android devices.
Why can iCloud data be stored on Xiaomi?
At first glance, the link between iCloud and Xiaomi seems absurd, but in practice there are several reasons why files from the Apple cloud can take up space on your smartphone:
- 📱 Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi: when transferring data (contacts, photos, notes) via Move to iOS or manually, some of the information could remain in the cache.
- 🎵 Apple Services: Apps like Apple Music, iCloud Mail or Notes store data locally.
- ☁️ Web sync: If you logged into iCloud.com via a browser on Xiaomi, files could be saved in cache.
- 🔄 Backups of iTunes: When you connect Xiaomi to a computer with iTunes (for example, to transfer music) you can create temporary files.
Moreover, some users mistakenly confuse iCloud with Mi Cloud, Xiaomi’s own cloud storage. If your goal is to free up memory in Mi Cloud, skip the following sections and go to the special block at the end of the article.
How to check if there is iCloud data on Xiaomi
Before you clean up iCloud, make sure your Xiaomi does have data related to it. Here's how to do it:
- Check installed apps: open Settings → Apps → App management and find programs from Apple (Apple Music, iCloud, Find My iPhone, etc.).
- File Search: Use the built-in File Manager (or Files by Google) and search for iCloud, Apple,.icloud,.mobilebackup.
- Browser cache: If you’ve logged into iCloud.com, clear your history and cache in Chrome or Mi Browser (Settings → Privacy).
- Synchronized Contacts: Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export and check if there are any duplicates marked with iCloud.
Pay special attention to the folders:
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.apple.* — Here is where Apple's application data is stored.
- 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download — Check for files with.ipsw (iOS firmware) or.mobileprovision extensions.
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If you are not sure if the file is associated with iCloud, transfer it to your computer and check through the properties (right click → “Properties” → “Details”).
Step-by-step: how to delete iCloud files from Xiaomi
If you find iCloud data on your Xiaomi, follow this instruction to delete it completely.
1. Removal of Apple apps
Any Apple software (even Apple Music) can store iCloud cache and data to delete:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find an app (like iCloud or Apple ID) and tap it.
- Select Delete → Clear cache and Clear data.
2. Cleaning up the browser cache
If you have accessed iCloud.com via your browser:
- Open Chrome or Mi Browser.
- Move to the ⋮ → History → Clear the data.
- Select Cache Images and Files and Cookies, then click Clear.
3. Deletion of synchronized data (contacts, photos)
If your contacts or photos are duplicated with iCloud:
- 📇 Contact: Export them to the VCF-file (Contacts) → Settings → Exports), then delete duplicates through Contacts Combine.
- 📷 Photos: Check the folder DCIM → iCloud Photos (if any) and delete its contents.
4. Manual folder cleaning
Use the root file manager (if any) or Total Commander to search and delete:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.apple.*
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.apple.*
/data/data/com.apple.* (root rights required)Make a backup copy of important data|Check if files are being used by other applications|Disable iCloud sync on all devices|Make sure there are no important unsaved data on your iPhone-->
How to untie Apple ID from Xiaomi (if it is tied)
In rare cases, an Apple ID may be linked to Xiaomi via third-party services (such as Apple Music or iCloud Mail) to untie an account:
- Remove all Apple apps (see section above).
- Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. Confirm action (this will remove stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices).
- Check your accounts in settings: Open Settings → Accounts and sync. Delete all accounts with the domain @icloud.com or @me.com.
If Apple ID is still displayed on the lock screen or settings after these actions, this may be a consequence of:
- 🔒 Activation lock (if the device was restored from an iPhone backup).
- 📱 Residual data from Apple apps (complete reset required).
What to do if Xiaomi requires an Apple ID when enabled?
How to Free Your Memory After Cleaning iCloud
Delete iCloud files is just the first step. To completely free up memory on Xiaomi, do the following:
| Type of data | Where to find | How to clean up |
|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | Settings → Storage → Cache data | Click Clear cache (does not delete personal data). |
| Residual files | File Manager → Download folder | Delete files with extensions.ipsw,.dmg,.mobileprovision. |
| Duplicate contacts | Contacts → Settings → Combining | Combine duplicates created when synchronized with iCloud. |
| Logs and temporary files | /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/*/cache | Use SD Maid or Files by Google to clean up. |
For deep cleaning, we recommend using SD Maid (requires root permissions for a full scan).
- 🗑️ Orphan files (remaining after deleting applications).
- 📂 Empty folders from Apple services.
- 🔍 Duplicates in gallery or documents.
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If the memory is not free after cleaning, check the "Other" section in Settings → Storage. Often there are backup files or cache of system processes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with iCloud on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.
⚠️ Warning: If you delete iCloud files manually (without Apple undocking) ID), Synchronized data (photos, notes, contacts) may be lost on iPhones or other Apple devices. Always turn off sync in iCloud settings on your iPhone or via iCloud.com first.
Error 1: “You can’t delete the com.apple folder.*”
- 🔧 Solution: Use Total Commander with root rights or connect your device to your PC and delete files via ADB: adb shell su rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.apple.*
Error 2: After Apple has removed the apps, sync notifications remain.
- 🔔 Solution: Go to Settings → Notifications → All apps and disable notifications for all Apple services.
Error 3: The lock screen displays the previous owner’s Apple ID.
- 🔒 Solution: This is a sign of an activation lock (iCloud Lock) without the help of the previous owner, it is legally impossible to unlock the device. IMEI originality.
How to Clean Mi Cloud on Xiaomi (Bonus)
If your goal is to make room in Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud Storage) rather than iCloud, follow this guide:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select a section to clean up: 📸 Gallery: delete unnecessary photos or turn off autoload (Settings) → Autoboot). 📄 Notes: Remove unnecessary notes in Notes → Basket → Clean up. 📇 Contacts: export backup, then delete duplicates. 🔖 Bookmarks: Clean through the Browser → Bookmarks → Management.
Make room for me.
Warehouse
Clean up
Important: Mi Cloud only provides 5GB for free.If you need more space, sign up for the fare (from 10GB for 99) ₽/For a month, or transfer files to another cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).