Cleaning up the Mi Cloud on Redmi Note 8 Pro: The Complete Guide 2026

Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud cloud storage is a handy backup tool, but it’s limited in scope. Redmi Note 8 Pro owners often face a notification that says “Cloud memory is almost full,” especially if the device has been in use for several years, and the problem is compounded by the system automatically synchronizing photos, notes, contacts, and even recordings from the recorder, taking up precious gigabytes.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways to clean the cloud, from manually deleting unnecessary files to disabling autosynchronization, focusing on hidden backups that many users do not notice, but which can take up to 50% of the storage volume, and how to transfer data to third-party services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) and what to do if the cloud is blocked due to suspicious activity.

Before you start cleaning, check the current storage status: open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Storage. This shows a diagram of occupied space by category (photo, video, backups, etc.) This will help determine which data should be deleted first.

1. Manual file deletion via Mi Cloud app

The easiest way to free up space is to delete unnecessary files directly from the official application, which does not require a computer connection or special programs.

Open the Mi Cloud app (if it's not on the home screen, search the system). Go to Files, which shows all uploaded documents, archives and media. Sort files by size to quickly find the heaviest elements. 4K or RAW-Photos from the camera can take up 500 MB-1 GB each.

• 📁 Downloads and Other Files folders: Older ones often accumulate here APK-file, PDF-instructions or duplicates of documents.
• 🎥 Videos and photos in the Gallery: Check Screenshots and Camera folders – they can contain hundreds of unnecessary shots.
• 📄 Backup copies of messages: Archives are stored in the "Messages" section SMS and MMS. If you do not keep important correspondence, they can be safely deleted.

Note that deleted files are placed in the Recycle Bin and stored there for 30 days before final erasure, and if you need to clear space immediately, manually clean the Recycle Bin (Clean the Recycle Bin button at the bottom of the screen).

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If you delete a photo or video, but it still takes up space, check the sync settings in the Gallery app.

2. Cleanup of device backups

Backups take up to 70 percent of the Mi Cloud for Redmi Note 8 Pro users, but most people don't even know they exist. The system automatically creates them when you update your firmware or reset your settings. One copy can weigh 2 to 5 GB, and if you have more, the cloud will fill up in a matter of months.

To delete backup copies:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. Select the device (Redmi Note 8 Pro will be specified by model).
3. Click on the last copy and select "Delete." Repeat for all saved versions for complete cleanup.

If the Remove button is inactive, the copy is used for recovery, in which case you turn off automatic backup in the settings first, then try again.

3. Disable autosynchronization of unnecessary data

By default, Xiaomi syncs almost everything to the cloud: contacts, calendar, notes, call records, and even browser history, and many of this data is duplicated in other services (like contacts on Google Account), so you can turn it off.

Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync. Here you will see the full list of categories.

• 📱 Contacts (if you do not use Google Contacts).
• 📝 Notes (if you keep records in the standard Mi Notes app).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (comfortable when changing your phone).

Turn off sync for:

• 🌐 Browser (history and bookmarks duplicated in Chrome).
• 📞 Call log (takes up space, but is rarely needed).
• 🎵 Music and sounds (unless you keep unique recordings).

Disable browser backup|Check for duplicate contacts|Delete old notes|Disable the synchronization of call logs|Leave only critical data-->

4. Transfer data to other cloud services

If there is not enough space in the Mi Cloud after cleaning up, consider migrating some of the data to other services, for example, photos and videos can be uploaded to Google Photos (up to 15 GB free), and documents can be uploaded to Yandex Disk (up to 10 GB free).

For photo transfer:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.
2. Log in to your Google Account and enable Backup and Sync.
3. Select the quality "High (free)" - this will save space without critical quality loss.
4. After downloading, delete the photo from Mi Cloud (they will remain in Google Photos).

Yandex Disk or Mega is convenient for documents and archives, and the main advantage is that it is not tied to the Xiaomi ecosystem, which makes it easier to access from other devices (for example, from a computer or iPhone).

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Not only does migrating data to third-party clouds free up space in the Mi Cloud, it also creates additional backup, which is especially important if you're storing critical documents or unique photos.

5. Clear cache and temporary Mi Cloud files

The Mi Cloud app accumulates cache over time, which can take up hundreds of megabytes on a device, which does not directly affect the amount of cloud storage, but slows down the phone and can cause synchronization errors.

To clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Cloud in the list and select it.
3. Click on "Storage", then "Clear Cache".
4. For a complete cleanup, also click Clear Data (this will delete temporary files but will not affect your data in the cloud).

If the app is unstable after cleaning the cache (for example, it does not update the file list), restart the phone. This will reset the temporary processes and restore the normal operation of the Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the Mi Cloud app cache with the cloud storage cache. The first is cleared on the phone and does not affect the cloud volume, and the second is temporary files that are stored on Xiaomi servers and occupy your cloud space. next).

6.Using the web version of Mi Cloud for deep cleaning

The Mi Cloud mobile app doesn't show all the files that are stored in the cloud, for example, it may leave:

• 📂 Previous files deleted (they are stored in the basket for 30 days).
• 🔄 Older versions of documents (if history of changes is included).
• 📱 Data from connected devices (e.g. backups from previous phone).

To get full control:

1. Open your browser on your computer or phone and go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in with the same Xiaomi account as the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
3. In the "Storage" section, select "Manage" - all files, including hidden ones, are displayed here.
4. Use filters by type and date to find and delete unnecessary data.

The web version also features a "Duplicate Search" feature that helps you find the same photos or documents, which is especially useful if you've uploaded the same files multiple times.

⚠️ Note: When working with the web version of Mi Cloud, do not use the mass removal functions (for example, "Select all of the features") → Delete.This can result in the loss of important data if you accidentally delete system files or backups.Always check the content before deleting.

7 What to do if the cloud is blocked or inaccessible

Sometimes when cleaning Mi Cloud users encounter errors:

• 🔒 "Account blocked" - appears when suspicious activity (for example, multiple login attempts).
• ⚠️ "Insufficient rights – if you are trying to delete files downloaded from another device.
• 🌐 "Server Unavailable: Xiaomi-side problems (usually solved in a few hours).

If your account is blocked:

1. Try to log in via another browser or device.
2. If verification is requested, follow the instructions in the email from Xiaomi (check the Spam folder).
3. If the block is not removed, contact the support form on account.xiaomi.com.

If the files are not deleted due to lack of rights:

1. Make sure you are logged in to the same account from which the files were downloaded.
2. Try to delete files via the web version of Mi Cloud (sometimes there are more rights).
3. If the files belong to another device (such as an old smartphone), untie it in your account settings first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Mi Cloud