How to Clean Google Store on Xiaomi Phone Completely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Google Storage is Filling with Xiaomi and What to Do About It

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a notification that says, “Google storage is almost full,” even if there is enough space on the device, because Google Drive, Google Photos and other services sync data in the cloud, occupying your account quota. On Redmi, POCO or Mi, this is especially acute due to the active use of MIUI backups.

The main “eaters” of space in Google Storage: 1) Automatic MIUI backups (including SMS, contacts, settings). 2) Photos and videos in original quality in Google Photos. 3) Cache applications such as YouTube, Gmail or Google Maps. 4 Deleted files that are still stored in the “Recycle Bin” of Google Drive.

If you don’t clean the storage in time, you risk losing access to sync contacts, photos and other important data. Fortunately, there are several ways to free up space on Xiaomi, from manual cleaning to disabling unnecessary features.

Method 1: Remove MIUI backups in Google Drive

Xiaomi smartphones back up system data in Google Drive by default, which can weigh anywhere from 500 MB to several gigabytes, many of which users don’t even know exist, to delete:

1. Open the Google Drive app on your phone.
2. Slap the icon. ☰ (three-line) → select Warehouse.
3. Scroll down to Backup, where you will see copies from your Xiaomi marked with the model name (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
4. Select an unnecessary copy → press ⋮ (three-point) → Delete backup copy.

If you're afraid of losing data, first check which files are stored in the copy.

• 📁 Open a backup copy in Google Drive → Check Apps, Call History, Device Settings.
• 🔄 Make sure that important contacts and SMS Dubbed in other services (e.g. Mi Cloud).
• 🗑️ Remove copies older than 6 months – they are rarely up to date.

Outdated copies (over 3-6 months)

App cache (Apps folder)

Unnecessary settings (Device Settings)

Duplicate contacts (Contacts)

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⚠️ Note: If you delete the backup copy MIUI, It will not be possible to restore the phone settings after resetting. First, save important data manually (for example, export contacts to a.vcf file).

Method 2: Clean Google Photos from Unnecessary Media Files

Google Photos is the main culprit behind Xiaomi’s overcrowded storage. By default, the app uploads all photos and videos in original quality, quickly eating up the free 15GB. Here’s how to free up space:

1. Open Google Photos → tap on the avatar in the upper right corner → Storage management.
2. Select Clear Place – the system will automatically find: 📸 Blurred or repetitive photos. 🎥 Large videos (for example, recorded in the 4K). 📁 Screenshots over 30 days.

Confirm the removal of unnecessary files.

For deeper cleaning:

• 🔍 Use the filter by size: in Google Photos click Search → Files. > 10MB.
• 🗑️ Remove videos from the WhatsApp or Telegram folder – they are often duplicated.
• 📥 Turn off autoboot: Settings → Backup and synchronization → Choose High Quality over Original Quality.

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Before mass deletion, download your photos to your computer or external drive. Use the Export function in Google Photos or Google Takeout for archiving.

Method 3: Disable autosynchronization of unnecessary data

Many Xiaomi apps automatically sync data to Google Storage, which is convenient but often redundant, such as Google Contacts can duplicate Mi Account entries, and Google Keep can store unnecessary notes.

To disable unnecessary synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account → Synchronization of the account.
3. Turn off switches near unnecessary services: 📇 Contacts (if you use Mi Cloud). 📅 Calendar (if you do not keep records). 📝 Google Keep (if you don't use the notes). 🎵 Google Play Music (if you don’t store tracks in the cloud).

Also check the settings of individual applications:

• 📧 In Gmail: Turn off attachment caching (Settings) → Data data → Cash).
• 🗺️ In Google Maps: Delete offline maps (Settings) → Offline maps → Delete).
• 🎮 In Google Play Games: Turn off saving game progress (Settings) → Gambling services).

⚠️ Note: Disabling Contact Sync will cause communication between the phone book and Google to be lost. Before doing so, export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports.

Method 4: Cleaning up the cache of Google applications

Google’s app cache (like YouTube, Chrome or Play Store) can take up to 1-2 GB on Xiaomi, which is not synced to the cloud, but affects the performance of the phone.

To clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type the name of the app (such as Google or YouTube).
3. Select the application → Storage → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning:

• 🧹 Use a built-in cleaner MIUI: Settings → Cleanup → Select Garbage Files and App Cash.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after cleaning it will reset temporary data.
• 📊 Check the free space in the Settings → Warehouse.

Method 5: Delete files from the Google Drive Recycle Bin

Many Xiaomi users forget that deleted files in Google Drive don’t disappear immediately, but instead end up in the Recycle Bin, where they are stored for 30 days, during which time they continue to occupy a place in your quota.

To clear the basket:

1. Open Google Drive. → slip ☰ → Basket.
2. Press. ⋮ → Clean the basket.
3. Confirm the action.

If you want to recover something from the Recycle Bin:

• 🔍 Find the file. → press ⋮ → Restore.
• ⏳ You have 30 days to return deleted data.
• 📥 For important files, use the Save to your device function.

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Files in the Google Drive Recycle Bin rank in your quota even if you deleted them. Clean the Recycle Bin regularly or set up automatic deletion after 7 days in Settings → Storage Management.

Additional tips for Xiaomi owners

If after all the manipulations, the place in Google Storage is still running out, try these methods:

• 📤 Transfer files to another cloud: Use Mi Cloud (5GB for free) or Yandex Drive (10GB) for backups.
• 💾 Buying extra space: Google One can increase storage to 100 GB per ~139 ₽/month.
• 🔧 Disabling backup MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Turn off backup (Google Drive).
• 📱 Use local storage: Save photos and videos to microSD (if there is a slot) instead of the cloud.

For users of POCO and Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU):

• 🛠️ Check the synchronization settings in Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📦 Remove unnecessary Magisk modules if they back up Google Drive.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K50 Pro) disabling the backup in MIUI This can cause system updates to crash. Create a local copy before you do it through Settings. → Additionally. → Local backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Google Storage on Xiaomi