Xiaomi Cloud Cloud (Mi Cloud) automatically syncs your photos, contacts, notes and even your photos SMS-But what if you want to erase this data completely — for example, before you sell your phone, when you change your account, or for privacy reasons? Files can stay in the cart for up to 30 days, and some backups are restored automatically the next time you log in.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to delete data from the Mi Cloud, from manual cleaning through the web version to forced reset through technical support, focus on hidden backups that continue to take place even after visible deletion, and explain how to avoid automatic recovery.
Why is the data not deleted from Mi Cloud after clicking Delete?
Many users experience a situation where, after cleaning a folder in the Mi Cloud, files reappear after a while, this is due to three key features of the service:
- 🗑️ Delayed Deletion Recycle Bin: Deleted files are stored in the Recycle Bin for 30 days (for free accounts) or 90 days (for premium subscriptions) and can be restored at any time.
- 🔄 Automatic sync: If local copies of files (e.g. in a gallery) are left on the device, they will be uploaded to the cloud again the next time you connect to the Internet.
- 📱 Backup copies MIUI: The system creates hidden backup settings, SMS Call logs that don’t appear in the main Mi Cloud interface but occupy a storage quota.
In addition, Xiaomi in 2023 tightened the rules of data storage: now complete deletion of files is possible only through the web version or with confirmation by SMS. In the mobile application, the option “Delete forever” is often absent.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to sell or transfer a Xiaomi device, it is not enough to simply log out of your Mi Cloud account. Local data (photos, messages) can remain on the phone and will be available to the new owner. Be sure to complete a full reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
Method 1: Delete data via the web version of Mi Cloud (most reliable)
The Mi Cloud web interface provides more file management options than the mobile application. To permanently delete data, follow this instruction:
- Go to the official website: i.mi.com and log in to your Xiaomi account.
- In the left menu, select the section to be cleared (such as Photos, Contacts, or Notes).
- Tick the files or click Select All (at the top of the screen).
- Click on the basket icon (Delete) and confirm the action.
- Go to the Recycle Bin section (on the left menu), highlight files again and click Clear the Recycle Bin or Delete Forever.
Some types of data (such as MIUI Backups) will require additional confirmation via SMS or email. Xiaomi may request the input of a code sent to the linked phone number.
Have you uploaded important files to another medium?|Have autosynchronization been turned off in the phone settings?|Have data been deleted from all associated devices?|Have you checked the basket for hidden files?-->
If the option to Delete is permanently inactive, then the files are still in the cart: Wait 30 days (or 90 days for premium accounts), or contact Xiaomi to request a forced cleanup.
Method 2: Clean up via the Mi Cloud mobile application (limited features)
The Mi Cloud mobile app (available on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO) allows you to manage synchronization, but has significant limitations:
- 📱 No Delete Forever: Files can only be moved to the Recycle Bin.
- 🔒 Limited access to backups: Backups MIUI Not displayed in the main interface.
- 📶 Dependence on version MIUI: In the old firmware (below) MIUI (12) some functions may not be available.
To delete data through the application:
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select a category (e.g. Gallery or Contacts).
- Click on the basket icon next to the file or folder.
- Confirm the deletion (files will be in the basket).
For complete cleaning after this, it is necessary:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Cart.
- Click Clean the cart (if the option is available).
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. the EU), due to data protection laws, Xiaomi blocks the ability to delete backups via the mobile app.
Through the web version (i.mi.com)| Through the mobile application | Through the phone settings | Never deleted(a)|Another way-->
Method 3: Forced Deletion through Xiaomi Account Reset
If you need to completely erase all data, including hidden backups and logs, the most radical method is to delete your Xiaomi account.
- 🧹 Delete all files from the Mi Cloud (including the Recycle Bin).
- 📵 Uncoupling all devices from the account.
- 🚫 Loss of access to Mi Store purchases and subscriptions.
Instructions for deleting the account:
- Go to the account management page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Log in and select Account Settings → Delete your account.
- Confirm your identity via SMS or email.
- Wait for the request to be processed (may take up to 7 days).
After deleting your account, all data from Mi Cloud will be permanently erased, including:
- Photo and video from the Gallery;
- Contacts and SMS;
- Notes and recordings of Mi Notes;
- Backup copies of MIUI;
- Smart device data (e.g. Mi Band or Mi Home settings)
What happens to the devices after deleting the Xiaomi account?
If you do not want to lose your account, but you need to clear Mi Cloud, contact Xiaomi to request a forced storage reset.
- Write to the support chat via the official website.
- Provide a reason (e.g., “device sale” or “privacy breach”).
- Attach screenshots with confirmation of account ownership (for example, email or phone number).
Method 4: Cleaning Hidden MIUI Backups
One of the most obscure sources of space in the Mi Cloud is the MIUI Backup, which is created by:
- 📱 Firmware updates;
- 🔄 Resetting settings;
- 📲 Connection to a new device.
These backups don't show up in the main Mi Cloud interface, but they take up to 5 to 15 GB of space to remove:
- Go to the web version of Mi Cloud (i.mi.com).
- In the left menu, select Devices.
- Find the Backup section (may be called MIUI Backup or System Data).
- Select unnecessary backups and press Remove.
- Confirm the action by SMS (if necessary).
If the Backups section is missing, your account is not authorized to view them.
- Try logging in via another browser (e.g. Chrome in incognito mode).
- Turn off VPN (some regions have restrictions).
- Please contact us for support to provide access.
| Type of data | Where it's stored | How to remove | Is it automatically re-established? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Gallery / Mi Cloud | Through the basket in the web version | Yes (if you're still on the device) |
| Contacts | Mi Cloud / Google Account | Through i.mi.com → Contacts | Yes (on re-synchronization) |
| Backup copies of MIUI | Hidden section of Mi Cloud | Through Devices → Backup copies | No. |
| Notes (Mi Notes) | Mi Cloud | Through the web version or application | Yes (unless you turn off sync) |
| Call logs | Mi Cloud | Only through account resetting | Yes. |
How to Avoid Automatic Recovery of Deleted Data
Even after cleaning up Mi Cloud, files can reappear in the cloud, because of autosynchronization, which must be disabled before data is deleted.
- Turn off sync on your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud. Turn off sliders near unnecessary categories (Gallery, Contacts, etc.).
- Delete local copies of files: For photo: open Gallery → Albums → Mi Cloud and delete files manually. For contacts: export them to a VCF file, then delete them from Google Contact.
Clear the Mi Cloud cache
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Cloud.
- Click Clear the cache and Clear the data.
💡
Before resetting your device, untie it from your Xiaomi account via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Delete the device. This will prevent locking due to the Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with Mi Cloud, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or incomplete cleanup.
- 🚫 Delete your account without backup: If you delete your Xiaomi account, all Mi Store purchases (including games and subscriptions) will be lost.
- 🔄 Ignoring the Recycle Bin: Files moved to the Recycle Bin take up space in the cloud for up to 30 to 90 days.Always clear the Recycle Bin after deleting it.
- 📱 Undisabled Sync: If autosynchronization is not deactivated, files will return to the cloud the next time you connect to the Internet.
- 🔒 Using third-party cleaners: Apps like Clean Master don’t have access to Mi Cloud and can only delete local data.
Another common problem is the "Insufficiently Rights" error when trying to delete files, which occurs if:
- You are logged in via a VPN (some regions have restrictions).
- Your account is linked to another device (such as a tablet or smartwatch).
- Xiaomi temporarily blocked the features due to suspicious activity.
Decisions:
- Try to log in from another device or browser.
- Turn off the VPN and check your account’s regional settings.
- Please contact us with a description of the error (specify the code if it is displayed).