How to Clean Xiaomi Cloud Storage: The Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi Cloud Storage (Mi Cloud) is a handy tool for backing up data, synchronizing contacts and storing media files. 5 GB of free space (or 50 GB for premium users is running out sooner or later: high-resolution photos, automatic app backups and duplicate files take up precious megabytes, and the system starts to issue space shortage notifications. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to clean up Mi Cloud – from manually removing unnecessary files to hidden settings that will help to free up the entire system. 30-40% space-space.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the Mi Cloud interface is regularly updated, and old instructions from the Internet often lead to non-existent menus. MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese versions) and taking into account the features of working with Redmi, POCO If you encounter a sync error or don’t see a part of the files, there is a section in the article with solutions to typical problems.

1. How to check occupied space in Mi Cloud

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand what exactly is taking up space in your cloud.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to the Accounts section → Mi Account (or just Mi Account at the top of the screen).
3. Tap on the profile avatar or the Mi Cloud line.
4. At the top of the screen you will see a diagram of occupied space broken down by categories: Photos, Videos, Backups, Documents and Others.

Note the Storage Management section, which shows the heaviest files, for example, WhatsApp backups can weigh in at a fraction of the weight. 1-2 GB each, and the video in 4K — before 500 MB per minute of recording. If the chart shows employment more than 90%, but you don’t see large files – the problem may be hidden application data (see section below). 5).

2 Manual deletion of files: photos, videos and documents

The most obvious way to free up space is to delete unnecessary media files, but there are nuances:

• 📸 Photos: Delete screenshots, duplicates and blurry images first. The system often saves even the photos you deleted from your phone to the cloud (if autosynchronization was enabled).
• 🎥 Video: Video format 4K or 60 FPS occupy 5-10 Check the video folder for old videos that you can download on your PC and remove from the cloud.
• 📄 Documents: Getting in here PDF, APK-Files and archives. Often, it stores outdated versions of documents or unnecessary downloads from instant messengers.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Cloud through Settings → Mi Account.
2. Select a category (e.g., Photos).
3. Click on the basket icon or Control (in the upper right corner).
4. Mark files for deletion (you can sort by date or size).
5. Confirm the action. The files will be sent to the Recycle Bin, where they will be stored for 30 days before final deletion.

⚠️ Note: If you delete files from your phone but they remain in the cloud, check your sync settings in the Gallery. → Settings → Mi Cloud.Perhaps only upload to the cloud option is enabled (files are not automatically deleted).

Screenshots over 6 months old|

Duplicate photos (use date sorting)|

Videos longer than 5 minutes (if not required)|

APK-file|

Backup copies of remote applications-->

3. Cleanup of application and system backups

Backups are the main space eater in the Mi Cloud, and by default, the system creates backups:

• 📱 Contacts and messages (size: 10-50 MB).
• 🎮 Games (may be able to reach) 1-2 GB games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
• ⚙️ System settings (themes, wallpaper, network parameters).
• 📱 Full backup devices (hangs) 3-10 GB!).

How to remove unnecessary backup copies:

1. In Mi Cloud, go to Backup (or Backup) section.
2. You'll see a list of backups sorted by date, and old copies (like those from the previous phone) can be removed without risk.
3. Slip on the backup. → Delete. Full copies of the device may require confirmation of SMS.

If you do not use backup, you can disable it completely:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Turn off Automatic Backup and Download options in Mi Cloud.

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Before removing backups, check if data from Xiaomi Pay or Mi Home is tied to them. Some smart devices (such as robot vacuum cleaners) require backup to restore maps of the premises.

4. Optimization of photo and video storage

Photos and videos are usually taken up 60-80% The Mi Cloud can be optimized without completely removing space:

• 🔍 Duplicate search: Use applications like Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer to find duplicate photos before uploading to the cloud.
• 📉 Video compression: Video in 1080p instead 4K It takes up 4 times less space. In camera settings (Settings) → Camera. → Video resolution: Select Full HD day-to-day.
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin Cleanup: Deleted files are stored in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. To make room right away, open Mi Cloud → Bag and press Clean Clean.

How to disable autoloading of media files:

1. Open the gallery. → Settings → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off options: Autoboot when connected to Wi-Fi Video download (if not needed) Download in original quality (select High Quality to save space)

⚠️ Note: If you turn off the startup, new photos and videos will not be saved to the cloud.This can lead to data loss when you reset your phone. → Select → Download to Mi Cloud.

5. Delete hidden data and cache applications

Even after cleaning photos and backups, Mi Cloud can still have “invisible garbage”:

• 🧹 Application cache: Some programs (e.g. Xiaomi Community or Mi Video) store data in the cloud.
• 📦 Temporary Files: Remains from system updates or failed downloads.
• 🔄 Synchronized Notes: Notes app can store drafts and deleted records.

How to find and remove hidden data:

1. In Mi Cloud, go to Other or Other.
2. View folders with app names (e.g. com.miui.notes for Notes).
3. Delete unnecessary files manually. If a folder weighs more than 100MB but you don't understand its contents, it's best not to touch it (this could be system data).

For deep cleaning:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Cloud or Gallery) → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3. Restart your phone and check the occupied space in the Mi Cloud.

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Hidden data can be used up to 1-2 GB of space, especially if you frequently update your firmware or use beta versions MIUI. Check the other section in Mi Cloud once in a while. 3-6 months.

6. Alternative ways to make room

If after all the manipulations, the cloud is still running out of space, consider these options:

• 🔄 Transfer files to another cloud: Use Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox to store archives. In Mi Cloud, leave only current data.
• 💳 Purchase of additional space: 50 GB in Mi Cloud stands ~100-150 RUB per month (price depends on the region: 100 GB in Google One is worth the cost of 139 ruble-month.
• 📱 Local Storage: Buy a microSD card (up to 1TB) or external SSD-Modern Xiaomi smartphones support memory cards up to 256 GB (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔍 Search for large files: In Mi Cloud, click on the magnifier icon and sort files by size. Often, forgotten archives or videos are found there.

Compare the Mi Cloud fares (2026):

If you decide to switch to another cloud, remember to disable autosynchronization in Mi Cloud, otherwise files will be duplicated.

7. Solving Typical Mi Cloud Problems

When you use Mi Cloud, you often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• ❌ Sync error (“Files failed to download”): Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi required for files) >50MB. Update the Mi Cloud app to Play Market. Reboot your phone.
• 🔒 Insufficient rights (“Access denied”): Sign out of your Mi Account and log in again, check if your account is linked to another region (e.g., if your phone is purchased in China).
• ⏳ Files are not deleted from the cloud: Clean the Recycle Bin in Mi Cloud → Basket → If files are "hung" - contact Xiaomi support via Settings → Mi Account → Feedback.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the Mi Cloud settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Cloud.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your phone and log in again.

⚠️ Note: Mi Cloud Data Reset does not delete files from the cloud, but it can log you off from other Xiaomi services (such as Mi Home or Xiaomi Pay.

8 How to Prevent Cloud Compounding in the Future

To avoid cleaning Mi Cloud every month, set up preventive measures:

• 📅 Regular inspection: Once in a while 1-2 Open the Mi Cloud for a month → Manage storage and delete unnecessary files.
• ⚙️ Autoload settings: Turn off downloading video and compressed photos to Gallery → Settings → Mi Cloud.
• 🗑️ Auto-cleaning cart: Enable the option of Auto-cleaning cart (if available in your area).
• 🔄 Alternative backups: Use Google Photos for Media and Local Backup in Settings → Additionally. → Backup for local copies.

Useful settings to save space:

If you shoot videos frequently, consider buying a Xiaomi Mi Smart Band or a smartwatch with Quick Capture feature – they let you quickly turn on the recording without unlocking your phone, which reduces the number of random videos in the gallery.

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Disabling autoload video in Mi Cloud can save up to 50% of space if you shoot a lot of high-resolution videos.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Cloud