If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and use iCloud to store backups, photos or documents, you may run into a shortage of space. Despite the fact that Xiaomi runs on Android, not iOS, some users sync data with Apple ID through applications like Apple Music, iCloud Drive or even set up backups through third-party services. In this article, we will discuss how to effectively clean iCloud directly from a Xiaomi phone without resorting to an iPhone or Mac.
The main problem is that iCloud is not optimized for Android devices. For example, on iPhones you can go to Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and delete unnecessary data in a couple of clicks, and on Xiaomi this process requires workarounds. We will look at both official methods through the web version of iCloud.com, and alternative solutions for users who do not have access to Apple devices.
It is important to understand that deleting files from iCloud from an Android device can lead to data loss if they are not synced with another cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or local storage. Therefore, before any manipulation, we recommend backing up important data to Xiaomi through Settings → Memory → Backup.
Why iCloud is Filled with Xiaomi and How to Check It
Many Xiaomi users are unaware that their device can interact with iCloud, but this happens in several cases:
- 📱 Using Apple Services: Installing Apple Music, iCloud Drive, Notes or Photos from Google Play automatically links your Apple ID device-wise.
- 🔄 Backups through third-party programs: Some backup applications (such as Titanium Backup or Swift Backup) may save data to iCloud if you have specified this option.
- 📧 Mail and Contact Sync: If you add an iCloud Mail account to the Xiaomi Mail app, all emails and attachments take up space in the cloud.
- 🎵 Apple Music: Downloaded tracks are stored in cache, but some data may be duplicated in iCloud.
To check how much space is occupied in your iCloud, follow the following steps:
- Open a browser on Xiaomi (like Google Chrome or Mi Browser).
- Go to iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.
- At the bottom of the screen, click on the Settings (cog) icon → Storage Management.
- The system will show a diagram of occupied space broken down by categories: Backups, Photos, Documents, etc.
If you see backups of unknown devices taking up space, it could be old backups from your iPhone, iPad, or even Mac that you haven't used in a long time. They can be safely removed -- they're not related to your Xiaomi.
Method 1: Cleaning iCloud through the web (the most reliable method)
This is the only official way to manage iCloud with Xiaomi, as Apple does not provide a full-fledged Android app.The instruction is suitable for any Xiaomi models - from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Algorithm of action:
Log in to iCloud.com via browser | Go to "Storage Management" | Select a category to clean (e.g. "Backups") | Delete unnecessary files or backups | Confirm deletion via SMS/mail-->
- Authorization: Open your browser and go to iCloud.com. Enter your Apple ID. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm login via a trusted device or SMS.
- Storage check: After you enter, click on your name in the upper right corner → Storage management. Here you will see the total amount of space occupied and its distribution.
- Delete backups: Click on Backups. Select the device you want to delete (such as an old iPhone 6s). Click Delete Backup → Disable and Delete.
- Clean up photos and videos: Go back to the main iCloud menu and select Photos. Mark unnecessary files (you can sort by date or albums). Click on the cart icon → Delete.
⚠️ Note: Deleted photos will disappear from all devices synchronized with this Apple ID, including iPhone, iPad and Mac. If you want to save copies, pre-download them to Xiaomi through the browser (click on the photo) → Download).
Deletion of documents and annex data
- In the Storage Management section, select Documents and Data.
- Sort by size and delete unnecessary files (like old Keynote presentations or Numbers tables).
| Annex | What's taking place | How to clean up |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Offline tracks, album covers, streaming cache | Clear the cache in the application settings or remove downloads to the Library → Downloaded |
| iCloud Drive | Local copies of files, temporary data | Clear cache in Settings → Storage or delete files via the web version |
| Notes (Apple Notes) | Investments (photos, documents), synchronization cache | Delete unnecessary notes via iCloud web version or clear app data |
If apps start to work unstable after cleaning the cache (for example, Apple Music is constantly reconnecting), reinstall them via Google Play.
💡
Before clearing the data in iCloud Drive, check if files are being used in other apps, such as Pages or Numbers documents that may be linked to Apple Music to store song lyrics.
Method 3: Disable iCloud sync on Xiaomi
If you don’t plan to actively use iCloud on Xiaomi, the best way to avoid filling up storage is to completely disable sync.This won’t delete existing data, but prevent new ones from appearing.
How to turn it off:
- For Apple Music: Open the app → click on the avatar in the upper right corner → Settings. Turn off the options for Sync Media Library and Automatic Downloads.
- For iCloud Drive: Go to the app → Settings (three dots on the menu). Turn off Automatic File Download.
For iCloud mail
- Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
- Find an iCloud account and turn off synchronization of Contacts, Calendars, and Notes.
- 🎵 Music: In Apple Music, go to the Library → Playlists: Export playlists via the web (e.g., TuneMyMusic) and import them to YouTube Music or Spotify.