Cleaning up Xiaomi Cloud on MIUI 12: How to Free up Cloud Space Without Risk to Data

Cloud storage Xiaomi Cloud on firmware MIUI 12 is a handy tool for backing up and syncing data between devices, but over time, even free 5GB can be filled with unnecessary backups, duplicate photos or outdated notes. If your smartphone constantly gives notifications about the lack of space in the cloud or synchronization suddenly stopped – it’s time to conduct a general cleaning.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to clean up Xiaomi Cloud on the MIUI 12, including hidden settings that are not obvious to most users, you will learn how to delete unnecessary backups, disable automatic synchronization of "sniffing" applications and even restore accidentally erased files. MIUI 12 – Smart Cloud Cleanup, which analyzes unused data and suggests removing it in one click.

Why is Xiaomi Cloud filling up so fast?

The main problem MIUI 12 - Aggressive default backup policy. The system automatically saves to the cloud:

• 📱 Complete backups of the device (including settings, SMS and call logs - take up to 2-3 GB
• 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery (even if you use Google Photos in parallel)
• 📝 Notes and Records from Standard Mi Notes Apps and Records
• 🎵 Music and sounds if Mi Music sync is enabled
• 📊 Application data (for example, Mi Browser browser history or Topics settings)

Besides, MIUI 12 has a feature: when updating the firmware, the system can create duplicate backups that are not deleted automatically. MIUI 11 on MIUI 12 in the cloud may remain both versions of the backup.

Another place eater is synchronizing contacts and calendars, if you use multiple accounts (e.g. Mi Account). + Google, data can be duplicated, and as a result, simple text files of contacts take up hundreds of megabytes.

Preparing for Cleanup: What to Do Before Deleting Files

Before you start deleting data, follow a few critical steps:

Check the current amount of occupied space in the cloud

Create a local copy of important files on a PC or flash drive

Turn off automatic synchronization during cleaning

Write down a list of applications whose data is synchronized

Make sure the device has enough battery power (minimum 50%)

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The most common mistake is to delete files directly from the cloud without a backup, such as when you erase the backup. 2023-05-15_full_backup, It's not going to be possible to restore it:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and copy folders DCIM, Downloads and Miui (which stores system settings).
2. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud and take a screenshot of the current storage status (Memory section").
3. If you use Mi, PC Suite, export contacts and SMS in.vcf and.xml formats, respectively.

Pay attention to the hidden synchronization files. MIUI 12 some data (e.g., Mi Home settings for smart devices) is stored in encrypted form and is not displayed in the standard cloud interface".

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If you plan to delete backups older than 6 months, first check if smart device data (such as Mi Band settings or vacuum cleaner robots) are tied to them.

Method 1: Cleaning through smartphone settings (for beginners)

The easiest way is to use built-in tools. MIUI 12. It is suitable if you do not want to go into technical details and need a quick release. 1-2 GB space.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
2. Slip on Xiaomi Cloud (cloud icon).
3. Select the Memory section – here you can see the diagram of occupied space by category.
4. Click on the category (e.g. Backups or Gallery).
5. Tick the unnecessary files and click Delete.

V MIUI 12, the Smart Cleanup feature (not available on all devices) comes up:

• 🗑️ Old backups (over 1 year old)
• 📁 Duplicate photos (if already in Google Photos)
• 🎬 Unseen videos (uploaded but never opened)
• 📄 Empty notes or drafts

To take advantage of it:

1. In the Memory section of Xiaomi Cloud, tap three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Choose Smart Cleanup.
3. Wait for the analysis (may take a while). 5-10 minute).
4. Review the files proposed for deletion and confirm the action.

Method 2: Manual removal via i.mi.com web version (for experienced)

The i.mi.com web interface provides more file management capabilities than the mobile application.

• 🔍 See a full list of backups, including hidden ones
• 📂 Delete files in packs (up to 50 pieces at a time)
• 🔄 Recover deleted data within 30 days
• 📊 Sort files by date, size or type

Step-by-step:

1. Open your browser on your PC or smartphone and go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in with your Mi Account (the same as on your phone).
3. In the menu on the left, select Cloud. → Devices.
4. Click on your smartphone model (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
5. Go to the Backups or Files tab.
6. Tick the unnecessary files and click Delete.

Features of the web version:

• 🔹 You can see the actual file size here, not the rounded values like in the mobile app.
• 🔹 You can download the archive with data before deleting (the Export button next to each file).
• 🔹 Recycle Bin Stores Deleted Files for 30 Days – You Can Restore Them.

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The web version of i.mi.com is the only way to see and delete backups created by other devices (for example, if you have previously used the Mi Pad or a second smartphone on the same account).

Warning: The web interface displays all devices associated with the account.When deleting files, make sure you do not erase data from another gadget (for example, a backup with Poco). X3, If you are currently using Redmi Note 11).

Method 3: Cleaning through Mi PC Suite (for deep cleaning)

Mi PC Suite is Xiaomi's official software for controlling your smartphone from your computer, and it not only cleans the cloud, but also optimizes your device's local storage:

• 🖥️ You need to free up space in the cloud and on the smartphone itself.
• 📂 You want to transfer files from the cloud to your PC without downloading through the browser
• 🔧 Recovery of previously deleted data is required

Instructions:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (turn on debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers).
3. In Mi PC Select the Suite section of the Cloud.
4. Sign in with your Mi Account.
5. Go to File Management and sort them by size.
6. Select unnecessary files and click Delete.

Advantages of Mi PC Suite:

Important: When you first connect Mi PC Suite can request permission to access data. Allow all requests, otherwise the cloud management function will not be available.

Method 4: Turn off automatic synchronization (so that the cloud doesn't fill up again)

Even after cleaning up, Xiaomi Cloud can quickly fill up with again if you don't turn off automatic synchronization. MIUI 12 Backup enabled by default for the following applications:

• 📱 Contacts and Call Log
• 📝 Notes and Records
• 📅 Calendar
• 🎵 Mi Music (if used)
• 📁 Gallery (photo and video)
• 🎮 Game data (for games from Xiaomi)

To disable unnecessary synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud
2. Slip on the synchronization.
3. Turn off the sliders next to unnecessary apps.
4. For Gallery, click on the gear next to the slider and select Not sync automatically.
5. In the Backup section, disable Automatic Backup or set the interval 1 time per month instead of Daily.

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If you use Google Photos to back up your media files, turn off the Gallery sync in Xiaomi Cloud to avoid duplication. The same goes for Google Contacts – sync contacts in only one cloud.

For advanced users: in MIUI 12 you can completely disable cloud synchronization via ADB. For that:

adb shell settings put global miui_cloud_sync_enabled 0

This command will disable all types of synchronization, but may disrupt some system applications (e.g. Mi Home for smart devices).

What if the cloud is not freed up?

Sometimes, when files are deleted, the amount of free space in Xiaomi Cloud does not change, due to the specifics of the Xiaomi servers, and here are the possible reasons and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Sign out of Mi Account on your device and log in again.
2. Update the Cloud app through the Mi App Store.
3. Clear the cache of Google services (if you use it) GMS-version MIUI): Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache.

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If after all the manipulations, the cloud is still not vacated, contact Xiaomi support via the chat in the Mi Community app. attach screenshots of the Memory section before and after cleaning - this will speed up the solution.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi Cloud