How to remove files from Xiaomi Cloud via phone: full guide

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage is a convenient tool for backing up photos, videos, contacts and other data. However, over time, the storage volume fills up and users face the need to vacate space, deleting files directly from the phone is the fastest way to solve this problem, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to delete data from Xiaomi Cloud via a mobile application, including the nuances of working with different types of files (photos, videos, documents), as well as how to avoid common errors.

Why are files not deleted from Xiaomi Cloud?

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand why users sometimes face problems when deleting.

• 🔄 The sync is incomplete. Files may be tagged for deletion, but the process is not yet complete due to poor Internet connection.
• 📁 Files are linked to other services, such as photos from the Gallery can be duplicated in Mi Cloud. → Albums and Mi Cloud → Backup copies.
• 🔒 Account restrictions: On free rates, some features (e.g., mass deletion) may be blocked.
• 📱 Older versions of Mi Cloud lack some file management options.

If you’re trying to delete files but they continue to show up in the cloud, first check Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Sync and make sure the process doesn’t “hang.” It’s also worth updating the Mi Cloud app to the latest version via Google Play or AppGallery.

Method 1: Delete files through the Mi Cloud application

The easiest method is to use the official Mi Cloud app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones.

1. Open the Mi Cloud app (cloud icon on a white background).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account if it is not done automatically.
3. Go to Storage Management or Files (depending on the application version).
4. Select a file category: 📸 Photo and video - for media files. 📄 Documents - for PDF, Word, Excel. 🎵 Audio - for music tracks. 📱 Backups – for application backups and settings.

Choose everything

Delete

Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

The files will then be moved to the Xiaomi Cloud Recycle Bin, where they will be stored for another 30 days before being permanently deleted, allowing them to be recovered if deleted accidentally.

Method 2: Delete through the Gallery (for photos and videos)

If you only need to delete photos or videos, you can do it directly from the standard Gallery app, which is convenient because you can preview files before deleting them:

1. Open the gallery on your smartphone.
2. Go to Mi Cloud (usually located in the Albums or Cloud section).
3. Select the files you want to delete (long press to highlight a few).
4. Click on the basket icon (🗑️) bottom-line.
5. In the window that appears, select Remove from the cloud (not to be confused with Remove from the device!).

Important: With this deletion, files will disappear only from the cloud, but will remain on the phone (if they were stored there).If you want to delete them from the device, repeat the action by selecting Delete everywhere.

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To quickly find large files, sort them by size. In Mi Cloud, click three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Sort → By size.

Method 3: Cleaning backup copies

Backups take up the lion’s share of space in Xiaomi Cloud, especially if you regularly save app, message or system settings data. To make room, you need to remove old backups:

1. Open Mi Cloud and go to Backups.
2. You'll see a list of backup devices and dates. Click on the device you want.
3. Scroll down and select Backup Management.
4. Mark unnecessary copies (e.g. old or from previous devices).
5. Click Delete and confirm the action.

Note that deleting the backup is indispensable if you sell or transfer the smartphone to another person, otherwise the new owner will be able to recover your personal data.

How to delete files permanently (without recovery)

By default, deleted files are sent to the Xiaomi Cloud Recycle Bin, where they are stored for 30 days. If you want to delete them without recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Cloud and go to the Recycle Bin section (the bin icon in the bottom menu).
2. Select the files you want to delete permanently (or click Clear the Recycle Bin for Mass Deletion).
3. Click Delete Forever and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If you use automatic sync (for example, for photos), deleting files from your phone can cause them to be deleted from the cloud. → Settings → Autoboot.

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Before deleting important data, always back up to an external medium. Xiaomi Cloud does not guarantee 100% file safety in case of server failures.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions