How to Delete Files from Xiaomi Cloud Storage: 5 Ways to Work

Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) Cloud Storage Automatically Backs Up Photos, Contacts, Notes, and Even SMS-Over time, free 5GB is littered with garbage: duplicate photos, old backups or unnecessary documents. But deleting files from the Xiaomi cloud has a nuance: some data is synced with the device, while others remain only in the cloud. Learn how to clean the storage without losing important information.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to delete files for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the models from 2023-2026).We will look at cleaning through the mobile application, the web version of i.mi.com, and explain why some files are not deleted and how to fix it. If you encounter errors like “Inadequately Right” or “File used”, there are solutions here.

1. How to delete files from the Xiaomi cloud through the mobile app

The fastest way is to use the built-in Mi Cloud app on your smartphone, pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI shell (versions 12-14). If removed, it can be downloaded from Google Play or AppGallery (for models without Google services).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Mi Cloud app (white cloud icon on a blue background).
• 🔒 Sign in with the same Xiaomi account that the cloud is linked to.
• 📁 Select the section: Photos, Videos, Files or Backups.
• 🗑️ Click on the file(s) holding your finger, then tap on the basket icon at the top.
• ✅ Confirm removal in the pop-up window.

Files deleted through the mobile application are sent to the Cloud Recycle Bin and stored there for 30 days. To make room right away, you need to manually clear the Recycle Bin (Bin section). → Clear it all up).

Make sure that files are not needed on other devices linked to your account

Check if automatic synchronization is enabled for this type of data

Download important files to your device or PC (Export section)

Turn off mobile internet if you delete large files via 3G/4G (cliff risk)

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2. Delete via the web version of i.mi.com: detailed instructions

If your phone doesn’t have Mi Cloud or you prefer to work from a computer, use the web version of the cloud. It supports all the features of the mobile application, including batch deletion and file recovery. Suitable for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Step-by-step action:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the menu on the left, select a section (such as Photos or Documents).
3. Check the unneeded files to highlight all files, click Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac).
4. Click on the basket icon in the top panel.
5. Confirm the action in the window "Delete selected files?".

The web version allows you to delete up to 100 files at a time, a restriction introduced to protect against accidental mass deletion. If you need to clear thousands of files (for example, duplicate photos), use filters by date or file type.

Only for backups.

I keep photos and videos.

Synchronizing notes and contacts

I use it to work with documents.

I don't use it at all.

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3.Why files are not deleted from the Xiaomi cloud: 4 main reasons

Sometimes when you try to delete, the system will give you an error: "Not enough rights," "File is blocked," or the process will just freeze. Here are common reasons and ways to fix them:

If the problem persists, try clearing the Mi Cloud app cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Cloud and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Restart the app.

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If you delete backups, check first if they are linked to data from other devices, for example, a copy with Redmi Note 12 may contain settings for Mi Band 7, which will disappear after cleaning.

4.How to delete backups and free up space

Backups take up the lion's share of cloud storage, and they store:

• 📱 System and application settings
• 📞 Call logs and SMS
• 📝 Notes and calendar data
• 🎮 Game savers (e.g. Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail)

You need to delete them carefully - along with the copy you will lose all synchronized data.

Instructions for safe disposal:

1. Open Mi Cloud → Backup copies.
2. Select the device you want to remove (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Delete the backup.
4. Confirm the action. The process can take up to 10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If you delete a backup from a device you no longer use (e.g., sold Redmi) 9A), First untie it from your Xiaomi account in the security settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to recover your data.

5. Automatic Cloud Cleanup: How to Set Up

To avoid manually deleting files, set up automatic cleanup. Xiaomi Cloud supports two types of rules:

1. Delete old files: For example, photos older than 1 year.
2. Recycle Bin Cleanup: Automatically delete files from the Recycle Bin after 7/30 days.

How to turn on:

1. In the Mi Cloud mobile app, go to Settings → Storage Management.
2. Activate the Auto Cleanup option.
3. Select criteria: 🗓️ Delete files older (30 days to 2 years) 📸 Delete albums (e.g. “Favorites») 🗑️ Clean the cart every 7 or 30 days)

Save the settings.

Limitation: Autoclean only works for files that are downloaded after setting up the rule, and you have to manually delete old data.

6.How to delete Xiaomi cloud completely (delete account)

If you decide to abandon Mi Cloud and want to delete all data without the possibility of recovery, you will have to delete the Xiaomi account itself.

• 🚫 Loss of access to all Xiaomi services (including Mi Home, Mi Fit).
• 🔄 Delete data from all associated devices (smartphones, smartwatches, routers).
• 📦 Irreversible erasure of files from the cloud (including the Recycle Bin).

Instructions:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Log in and select Account Settings → Delete your account.
3. Confirm your identity via SMS or email.
4. Wait for confirmation letters (may be available within 24 hours).
5. Follow the instructions in the letter for final removal.

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account, all Xiaomi devices associated with it will be unlocked, but will lose access to cloud features, such as Mi Band will stop syncing health data, and Mi Home will stop managing smart devices.

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Deleting your account is a last resort. If you only need to vacate space, try clearing your cart first, disabling automatic sync, or buying additional storage (from 10 GB for ~$1 per month).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's cloud