How to Clean Xiaomi Cloud Completely: Delete Files, Photos, and Backups

Xiaomi’s Mi Cloud cloud storage is a handy data backup tool, but over time it gets clogged with unnecessary files, duplicate photos and outdated backups. If you’ve received a space shortage notification or just want to clean up, this article will help you understand the structure of the cloud, remove unnecessary data and optimize synchronization.

Many users face the problem of having 90-100% cloud filled, but it is unclear which files take up space. Unlike on-premises smartphone storage, Mi Cloud management has its own nuances: some data is hidden in backups, and some files are duplicated automatically, we will tell you how to find and remove garbage without losing important information, and we will give you tips on how to set up automatic cleaning.

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Why is Xiaomi Cloud Filling Quickly?

The main reason for overflowing Mi Cloud is automatic synchronization of photos, videos, contacts and messages. By default, Xiaomi sets up a backup so that the user does not lose data when the phone is reset or broken.

• 📸 Duplicate photos – the same photos can be saved in the gallery, the album Google Photos and Mi Cloud at the same time.
• 📁 Old backups – when you change your smartphone or reset your settings, new backups are created, and the old ones remain in the cloud.
• 🎵 Cache files – temporary data of applications (for example, music from Mi Music or documents from Mi Music) WPS Office).
• 📱 System lats and dumps – technical information that Xiaomi collects for diagnostics (usually hidden from the user).

Another common problem is synchronizing unnecessary data, for example, if you've backed up notes or calendars for a while, but you haven't used them for a long time, that data still takes up space. APK-files of installed applications that can be restored by flashing, but in everyday life they are useless.

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How to check what exactly occupies space in the Mi Cloud

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand which files and categories of data clog the storage.

1. Open the Settings app on Xiaomi smartphone.
2. Go to the Accounts section → Mi Account.
3. Choose Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud).
4. Click on the Warehouse - here will be displayed a diagram of occupied space by category.

If the diagram shows that the main volume is occupied by photos and videos, but you are sure that the gallery has few files, check:

• 🔍 Hidden folders – some photos (such as screenshots or snapshots from messengers) can be saved in folders like.thumbnails or Pictures/Screenshots.
• 📂 Archive Albums – Mi Cloud has an Archive section where old photos are automatically moved (configured in Gallery) → Settings → Archives).
• 🤖 AI data – if you used the effects photo or music video function, the source files may be duplicated.

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Step-by-step: how to delete files from Mi Cloud

Cleaning the cloud involves several steps, starting with the simplest one: removing unnecessary photos and videos.

1. Open the Gallery app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Mi Cloud section (usually located in the bottom menu or sidebar).
3. Select the album or folder you want to clean.
4. Click Select → Mark unnecessary files → Delete.
5. Confirm the deletion – the files will be sent to the Recycle Bin, where they will be stored for 30 days (after which they will be permanently deleted).

To delete other types of data (contacts, notes, call records):

1. Back to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Select a category (such as Contacts or Notes).
3. Press three points (⋮) → Data management.
4. Mark the unnecessary records and delete them.

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Check the chart of occupied space in Mi Cloud

Download important files to your computer or external disk

Disable automatic synchronization of unnecessary data

Delete duplicate photos manually or through an app (e.g. Files by Google)

Clean the Recycle Bin after deleting files-->

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How to delete backups and free gigabytes

Backups are the main “eaters” of space in the Mi Cloud. Every time you reset your phone, update your firmware or manually create a backup, a new archive is formed that can weigh between 1 and 10 GB.

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
2. You'll see a list of devices and dates for backups. Click on the unnecessary archive.
3. Select Delete Backup → Confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the backup, it will not be possible to recover data from it. Before cleaning, make sure that you have local copies of important files (for example, on a computer or external drive).

Also, pay attention to hidden backups:

• 📱 Application backups – some programs (such as Mi Fit or Xiaomi Home) create their archives in the cloud.
• 🔄 Automatic backups – if Automatic backup is enabled, the system can create copies daily.

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Mi Cloud Optimization: How to Avoid Refilling

To prevent the cloud from getting clogged with debris again, set up selective synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. In the Sync section, disable unnecessary categories (e.g. Call Records or Calendar if you don’t use them).
3. For photos, choose Sync only over Wi-Fi to avoid wasting mobile traffic.
4. Turn on the option Optimize storage photos – this will save the originals in the cloud, and on the phone will leave compressed versions.

We also recommend:

• 📱 Use alternative clouds such as Google Photos for Photos or Yandex Disk for documents.
• 🔄 Clean the Recycle Bin regularly – Deleted files are stored there for 30 days and take up space.
• 📊 Monitor occupied space – check the chart once a month in Mi Cloud.

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💡

If you take pictures often but don’t want to clog the cloud, set up the Gallery to automatically delete screenshots older than 30 days. Go to Gallery → Settings → Autoclean and turn on the option.

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What to do if Xiaomi Cloud is not cleaned?

Sometimes users find that files are deleted, but the amount of space occupied is not reduced.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your sync settings:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Reset synchronization.
3. Confirm the action – this will delete all local sync data, but will not affect files in the cloud.

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Mi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data?

If 5GB of free space in Mi Cloud isn’t enough, consider other services:

• 📁 Google Drive – 15GB free, Google Photos and Documents integration.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, convenient interface for Russian-speaking users.
• 🍎 iCloud – If you have Apple devices, 5GB is free (but better for the iOS ecosystem).
• 🔗 Cloud Mail.ru – 8 GB free, fast download files.

To transfer data, use:

• Manual Export – Download files from Mi Cloud to your computer, then upload them to another cloud.
• Synchronization applications, such as FolderSync or Sync.com.
• Export in Mi Cloud – some categories (such as contacts) can be exported to a.vcf file.

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If you decide to opt out of Mi Cloud altogether, remember to turn off automatic sync in your account settings, otherwise your data will continue to be uploaded to the cloud even if you are not using it.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Mi Cloud