How to completely clean the Mi Cloud on Xiaomi smartphones: 7 working ways

Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud cloud storage is a handy backup tool, but it’s limited. Even 5GB of free space (or 100GB for premium users) quickly run out due to automatic backups, photos and synchronized notes. When memory is overflowing, the smartphone starts giving out sync error notifications, and new backups stop being created.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to clean up Mi Cloud, from manually deleting unnecessary files to disabling autosynchronization for individual applications. Particular attention will be paid to hidden backups that take up space but do not appear in the main interface. The instructions are relevant for smartphones on MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) and the web version of i.mi.com.

1. Checking occupied space in Mi Cloud

Before you clean the vault, you need to know what's taking up space.

1. Open the Settings application → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. At the top of the screen you will see a memory usage chart broken down by categories: Backups, Photos, Notes, etc.
3. Click on any category to see a detailed list of files.

If the chart is not displayed or the data is not loaded, try:

• 🔄 Update the page (pull the screen down).
• 🌐 Go to the web version of i.mi.com from a computer - there the statistics can be more accurate.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone (sometimes helps with the error "Failed to get data").

⚠️ Note: If backups show devices you don't already have, copies still take up space. Delete them manually (instructions in the next section).

2. Delete backup copies of old devices

The easiest way to free up gigabytes is to remove backups from devices you no longer use, for example, if you swapped the Redmi Note 8 for the Xiaomi 13T, a copy of the old phone is still stored in the cloud.

How to delete:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backups.
2. Select the device from the list (e.g. MI 9 SE).
3. Click Delete backup → confirm the action.

If there are no old devices on the list, but the memory is still busy:

• 🖥️ Go to i.mi.com from PC → Cloud. → Backups. More devices may be displayed.
• 📱 Check the Devices section in the Mi Account settings - it may be that unused gadgets are tied there.

3. Clean photos and videos from Mi Cloud

Photos and videos are the main cloud eaters. Xiaomi syncs all images in their original resolution by default, which quickly fills up even 100 GB. Here's how to manage this data:

Method 1: Removal through the Gallery app

1. Open the Gallery → go to the album Mi Cloud.
2. Select unnecessary files (you can use the Select All mode).
3. Click Remove → Select Remove from the Cloud (not just from the device!).

Method 2: Optimization of synchronization

To make the new photos take up less space:

• 📸 In the Gallery. → Settings → Sync with Mi Cloud, enable the option to compress when booting (quality will decrease, but space will be saved).
• 🚫 Turn off auto sync for albums Screenshots and Downloaded (they are rarely needed in the cloud).
• 🗑️ Enable Auto Cleanup – Remove Photos from the Cloud 30/60/90 days.

⚠️ Note: If you delete photos from the cloud via i.mi.com, they will also disappear from the Mi Cloud album on your smartphone.But the originals on the device will remain intact (unless the option to Remove from the device after download is enabled).

4. Disable synchronization of unnecessary data

By default, Mi Cloud syncs contacts, notes, calendar, call records, and even data from some apps (such as Mi Fit or Xiaomi Home), much of which is duplicated in other services (Google Contacts, Evernote) and is in vain.

How to turn off synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down to the Data Sync block.
3. Turn off switches near unnecessary categories (such as Call Records or Messages).

What data can be safely disabled:

• 📞 Call records – take up little space, but are rarely needed in the cloud.
• 📝 Notes – if you use Google Keep or Notion.
• 🎵 Mi music – playlists take up space, and music is better stored locally.
• 🏠 Mi Home – Smart Home Settings rarely need reservations.

Disable call recording synchronization

Remove old backup copies

Compress photos when uploading to the cloud

Check the attached devices in Mi Account

Cleaning the basket in the Gallery

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5. Cleaning the Recycle Bin and Temporary Files

Many users forget that deleted files in Mi Cloud are in the trash and continue to take up space for up to 30 days, the same applies to temporary data (cache sync, failed backups).

Step 1: Cleaning the basket

1. In the Gallery app, go to the Mi Cloud → Recycle Bin.
2. Click Clear the Recycle Bin (or highlight files and delete manually).

Step 2: Delete Temporary Data

This requires:

1. Go to i.mi.com from your computer.
2. Go to the Cloud → Settings → Storage Management.
3. Find the Temporary Files or Unsuccessful Backups section and delete them.

If the Temporary Files section is missing, try:

• 🔍 Use the browser in incognito mode (sometimes the interface is displayed differently).
• 🌍 Change your account region to India or China (in some versions) MIUI There's more options).

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If the cart is not free after cleaning, check the.trash folder in the Mi Cloud web version. Sometimes the files remain there even after "cleaning".

6.Reset Mi Cloud to factory settings

If standard methods didn't work, and the cloud is still filled with unknown data, you can do a complete storage reset, which will delete all backups, photos, notes and other data without the possibility of recovery. Use this method only as a last resort!

Instructions:

1. Sign in to i.mi.com.
2. Go to Profile → Account Settings → Data Management.
3. Find the option to Reset the Cloud or Clear all data (the name may vary).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Synchronization will turn off for all devices – it will need to be configured again.
• 📱 A sync error notification will appear on your smartphone (ignore it or reconfigure the cloud).
• 🔒 It is impossible to recover data after resetting – do local backups in advance.

⚠️ Note: Some accounts may have their reset option blocked, in which case contact Xiaomi support via the feedback form at i.mi.com (Help section).

7. Mi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data

If you’re constantly facing space shortages, consider alternative backup services, which can be cheaper or more convenient:

How to transfer data:

• 📁 For photos: use Google Photos (automatic download) or File Manager → copy in....
• 📇 For contacts: export them to VCF via Contact → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 📝 For notes: sync with Google Keep or export to TXT.

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Before switching to another service, disable autosynchronization in Mi Cloud to avoid data duplication.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Mi Cloud