Xiaomi Cloud Cleanup: How to Delete Data and Free Up Space

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage automatically syncs your photos, contacts, notes, and even smartphone backups — but over time, this takes up more space. If you encounter a notification saying “Xiaomi Cloud Storage is full” or just want to delete unnecessary data, this instruction will help you understand all the nuances. Unlike cleaning the cache on your phone, working with the cloud requires accuracy: wrong actions can lead to the loss of important files.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi Cloud cleanses, from manually deleting individual files to completely resetting your account, focusing on hidden backups that many users don’t notice but take up the lion’s share of the space, and how to turn off automatic sync so that the problem doesn’t happen again.

What is Xiaomi Cloud and why is it overflowing?

Xiaomi Cloud is a cloud service from Xiaomi, which is enabled by default on all smartphones of the brand (including Redmi, POCO And Black Shark. It automatically saves:

• 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery (including deleted files if the shopping cart is enabled)
• 📞 Contacts, messages and call logs
• 📝 Notes and Records from the Appendix Notes
• 🔄 Backup copies of settings, applications and system data
• 🎵 Downloads from the browser and other applications (if synchronization is enabled)

By default, each Mi Account is given 5GB of free space, but many users are unaware that their data is being synchronized until they receive a message about a space shortage.

Important: Xiaomi Cloud keeps backups even after you reset your phone to factory settings — you have to manually delete them through a web interface or app. If you sell or transfer a smartphone, be sure to clear the cloud of personal data!

How to check how much space Xiaomi Cloud takes

Before you start cleaning, make sure the problem is in the cloud.

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a diagram of space usage broken down by data type.
3. Click on any section (such as Photos or Backups) to see the details.

If you don’t have access to your phone, check the storage via the web version of Xiaomi Cloud:

• 🌐 Go to the site and log in with your Mi Account.
• 📊 In the "Storage" section, occupied and free space will be displayed.
• 🔍 Click on any type of data to see specific files.

Note that some data (such as backups) may not be displayed in the mobile app but will be visible in the web version. Also check the Recycle Bin section - deleted files are stored there for another 30 days and take up space.

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If you don’t remember the Mi Account password, restore it through Settings. → Xiaomi account → Password recovery. Without access to your account, you can't clear the cloud!

Step-by-step: how to clean Xiaomi Cloud

There are three main ways to clean up: through the mobile app, the web version and the full reset, and we recommend starting with the first option, which is the safest and requires no additional devices.

Method 1: Cleaning through the Mi Cloud app on your phone

This method is suitable if you have access to a Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone. POCO:

Backup important data to your computer

Make sure all the photos are saved locally.

Remember or write down the password from your Mi Account

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (for large files)

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1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select the section you want to clear (for example, Photos or Backups).
3. Click on the basket icon or “Delete” (depending on the section).
4. Confirm action. Some files (such as contacts) can be selectively deleted, others (backups) can only be deleted in their entirety.

To delete all data of a certain type (e.g. all photos):

1. In the Photos section, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select "Select everything» → «Delete».
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.

Attention, deleted photos and videos are put in a basket where they're stored for another 30 days, so to make room right away, clear the cart.

1. In the Photos section, scroll down and click the Cart.
2. Select "Clean the basket» → confirm.

Method 2: Clean up through the web version of Xiaomi Cloud

If you don’t have access to your phone or need to delete data that isn’t displayed in the mobile app (such as old backups), use your browser:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the menu on the left, select "Storage» → «Storage management».
3. Click on the data type (e.g., “Device Backups”).
4. Select unnecessary files and click “Delete”.

For complete cleaning of backup copies:

1. In the "Backups" section, select the device.
2. Click on “Delete all backup copies» → password-confirm.

⚠️ Note: Deleting backups via the web version is irreversible.If you plan to recover your phone after a reset, first save a copy to your computer via Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 3: Complete reset of Xiaomi Cloud (last resort)

If you want to completely remove all data from the cloud (for example, before selling an account or smartphone), follow the following steps:

1. Go to the Mi Account settings.
2. In the Security section, select Delete Account.
3. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 7 days).

Consequences:

• 🚫 All data from Xiaomi Cloud will be permanently deleted.
• 📱 Linked devices will be disconnected from the account.
• 💳 Subscriptions and purchases in the Mi Store will be unavailable.

⚠️ Note: Once you delete your account, you will not be able to use Xiaomi services, including the cloud, forums and app store.If you only need a cloud reset, use method 1 or 2.

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A complete account reset is a last resort, and 90% of the time, it is enough to delete unnecessary files via a mobile app or web version.

How to turn off automatic sync with Xiaomi Cloud

To prevent the problem of a crowded cloud from recurring, turn off automatic data download:

1. Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off sliders near unnecessary data types (e.g., Photos, Contacts).
3. To completely disable synchronization, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Disable Synchronization”.

If you need selective synchronization:

• 📸 For photo: Open the Gallery → Settings → Autoboot to the cloud and select “Wi-Fi Only” or “Disable».
• 📞 For contacts: c Contacts → Settings → Import/Export Disable Synchronization with Mi Cloud».
• 📝 For Notes: In the Notes app, go to Settings and turn off cloud sync.

Tip: If you use Google Photos or other cloud services, the backup sync with Xiaomi Cloud only consumes traffic and space.

Frequent errors in cleaning Xiaomi Cloud and how to avoid them

Many users have trouble trying to free up space in the cloud, and here are some of the most common mistakes and solutions.

Another common problem is invisible backups, and many users don't know that Xiaomi automatically creates copies when:

• 🔄 Updates to the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings.
• 🔧 Use the Data Transfer function when buying a new phone.

These copies can take up to 3 to 5 GB and not appear in the mobile app.

1. Go to the web version of Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Go to the Storage» → «Backups of devices».
3. Remove unnecessary copies (they are usually named by phone model and date).

Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data?

If 5GB of free space isn’t enough, consider alternative cloud services:

To transfer data from Xiaomi Cloud to another service:

1. Download files to your computer through the web version of Xiaomi Cloud.
2. Upload them to a new cloud service (like Google Drive).
3. On your phone, turn off sync with Xiaomi Cloud and set up automatic booting to your chosen service.

Photographer’s Tip: If you’re storing a lot of photos and videos, use Google Photos with the “Saving Space” function (file compression) or buy extra space in Xiaomi Cloud (from 100 GB per photo). ~300 rubles a year).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Cloud