How to Clean Messages on Xiaomi Phone: The Complete 2026 Guide

Are you getting caught up in Xiaomi’s memory being packed with thousands of old SMS messages, and the system is constantly issuing space-short warnings? Or are you fed up with endless notifications from banks and services that flood the inbox? Clearing messages on MIUI smartphones is a simpler task than it seems, but with nuances ranging from standard tools to hidden features that even experienced users don’t know about.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to delete messages on Xiaomi, from basic cleaning through the Messages app to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI feature, which automatically archives SMS over 6 months, but not everyone knows how to manage it, and also find out why messages sometimes “return” after deleting them and how to avoid it.

Whether you’re using Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12, the instructions are for all devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS.

1. Standard cleaning through the “Messages” app

The most obvious, but not always effective, way to use the built-in Messages app (or Messages in global firmware) is to delete messages one by one, in groups or in whole, but there are pitfalls: for example, when a mass deletion system sometimes forgets to clear the cache, which causes memory to be not fully freed.

To clean the messages correctly:

• 📱 Open the Messages app and tap the icon «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
• 🗑️ Select Delete Messages → Check boxes for unnecessary dialogues or use filters (Over 30 days, Large attachments).
• ⚠️ It's important if you delete it. SMS From banks or services, save important codes (for example, to restore accounts).
• 🔄 After deleting, restart the phone – this will forcefully clear the app’s cache.

The standard method is suitable for a one-time cleaning, but if messages accumulate quickly (for example, due to mailings), you will have to repeat the procedure weekly.

2. Automatic cleaning: setting up archiving and deletion

MIUI hides a useful feature: automatic archiving and deleting old SMS. By default, it is disabled, but once activated, the system will move messages older than 6 months to the archive, and after a year - delete them.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Storage.
2. Tap on Message Management → Auto-cleaning.
3. Set a retention period (1 to 12 months) and enable the option to Delete Archive Messages.
4. In the Exclusions section, add numbers that should never be deleted (e.g. bank notices).

🔹 Warning: If you use Google Messages instead of the standard app, this feature will not work.In this case, set up automatic cleaning in Google Messages (Settings section). → Cleaning the vault).

Create a backup copy of important SMS|Check the list of exceptions|Set a storage period of at least 3 months|Disable syncing with Google (if not required)-->

3. Cleaning through "Security" and "Optimization"

The Security app in MIUI not only scans viruses, but also detects junk messages, a method that is useful if you don’t want to manually review each dialogue but are afraid to remove something important – the system analyzes the content and offers to clean only unnecessary data (advertisements, service notifications, etc.).

Instructions:

• 🛡️ Launch the Security app (shield icon on the desktop).
• 🧹 Go to the Cleanup tab. → Deep cleaning.
• 📊 Scroll down to the Messages section and tap Clear.
• 🔍 The system will show you a list of messages that can be safely deleted (usually this is a list of messages that can be deleted). SMS from operators, social networks, promotional mailings).

⚠️ Note: if you are using Xiaomi with global firmware, the Messages section may not be available in Security. → Memory. → Make room.

Third-party applications: when standard methods are insufficient

If the built-in MIUI tools fail (e.g., the SMS is not removed from a specific number or the messages are “returned” after cleaning), third-party utilities will come to the rescue.

• 📲 SMS Backup & Restore – allows you to backup and selectively delete messages, including system.
• 🧹 Clean Master (only for cleaning the cache) SMS, Not recommended for permanent use).
• 🔍 SMS Organizer (from Microsoft) – automatically sorts and archives messages.

🔹 Warning: Before using third-party apps, turn off sync SMS with Google Account (in Message settings) → Additionally. → Otherwise, deleted messages may be restored after the next synchronization.

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from unverified sources!).
2. Please provide permission to access SMS (required!).
3. In the utility settings, select Cleaning on schedule or Manual Cleaning.

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If they reappear after you delete a message through a third-party utility, check your Google account Sync settings, and sometimes the cloud automatically restores SMS that are deleted locally.

5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Hidden Commands

For users who aren’t afraid of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there’s a way to delete all messages once and for all, including system notifications that aren’t visible in the standard interface.This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices


adb shell content query --uri content://sms/ --delete

⚠️ Warning: This team will permanently remove everything SMS, Including the saved drafts and archived messages, if you want to delete messages from a specific number, use a filter:

adb shell content query --uri content://sms/ --where "address='Phone number' --delete

Once you have completed the commands, restart your phone, and this method is guaranteed to clear the entire SMS database, including hidden system messages that are not displayed in the standard interface.

6.Why are messages returned after deletion?

One of the most common problems with Xiaomi is that remote SMS suddenly reappears.

• 🔄 Sync with Google: if backup is enabled SMS In a Google account, the system restores them after rebooting or connecting to the Internet.
• ☁️ Cloud reservations MIUI: in the settings of the Xiaomi Account → The cloud can be activated by Synchronizing Messages.
• 📱 Doubles. SIM-Maps: on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) messages are duplicated between slots SIM, Deleting one card does not affect the other.

How to fix it:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup and turn off SMS Save.
2. In Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud deactivate Message Sync.
3. If you use two SIM-maps, delete messages separately for each number in the Messages app.

🔹 Key takeaway: Always check your sync settings before a mass cleanup, which will save you time and nerves!

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Disabling SMS sync with the clouds (Google and Mi Cloud) is a must before any cleanup, otherwise the messages will return in a few hours.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up posts on Xiaomi