Deleting SMS on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task — not yet faced with nuances. A simple click on “Delete” is often not enough: messages can remain in backups, sync with the cloud or take up space in hidden folders.
In this article, we will explore all possible ways to delete SMS on MIUI devices, from basic to obscure, how to clean messages selectively or completely, how to turn them off in Mi Cloud, and what to do if standard methods do not work, and why sometimes deleted SMS “return” and how to avoid it.
1. Standard deletion of messages through the "Messages" app
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Messages app (or Messages in global firmware), a method that is suitable for selectively removing individual SMS or entire dialogs.
Open the Messages app and find the dialog you want, depending on the version of MIUI:
- 📱 MIUI 12-14: Make a long press on the message → Choose others SMS (if necessary) → Click Remove (basket icon).
- 📱 MIUI 11 and older: click on three dots in the upper right corner → Delete messages → mark out → OK.
- 🧹 Clean the entire dialog: swipe the dialog left (like in an email client) or click on three dots next to the contact name → Delete the conversation.
Important: when you delete them, they get into the cart and they're stored for up to 30 days (depending on the settings), and you need to manually clean the cart to delete them permanently:
- Open the messages. → three-point → Basket.
- Click Clear or select messages and delete them again.
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If you frequently clear SMS, disable automatic backups to Mi Cloud (see Section 3), otherwise deleted messages may be restored the next time you sign in to your Xiaomi account.
2. Mass removal of SMS through application settings
If you want to delete all messages at once (for example, before selling a phone), it is inconvenient to do it in one dialogue. MIUI There is a hidden function of mass cleaning:
Go to Messages → Three Dots → Settings → Clear Messages. Here you will see several options:
- 🗑️ Delete old messages: automatically cleans SMS older 30/60/90 days.
- 📤 Delete large messages: Finds and deletes SMS with attachments (photo, video, audio).
- 🧹 Clear everything: deletes all messages without recovery (except secure ones).
Warning: Clear Everything does not affect messages from system services (banks, operators) and password-protected dialogs, which will require manual removal (see Section 4).
3. disable SMS synchronization with Mi Cloud
Many Xiaomi users are faced with a situation where deleted messages are returned after a reboot or update, the reason for this is automatic synchronization with the Mi Cloud.
Open Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync and find Messages. Turn off the slider.
- 🔄 Remove backups: Go to Mi Cloud → Backup → Messages and click Delete Data.
- 📱 Clear the cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Memory and press Clear cache.
⚠️ Note: if you use Mi Cloud to back up other data (contacts, photos), disabling SMS sync will not affect them.
| Action. | The result | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|
| Deletion through the “Messages” annex | SMS hits the basket | Recoverable within 30 days |
| Cleaning the basket | Irreversible removal | Impossible to repair |
| Mass cleaning in settings | Deletes all SMS except protected ones | Impossible to repair |
| Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud | Stops backups | We can turn it back on. |
4. Removal of protected and system SMS
Some messages (e.g. from banks or telecom operators) are not deleted in standard ways.
- 🔒 Password protected: set PIN-dialog.
- 📡 Systemic: SMS from operator with network settings (APN, MMS).
- 🏦 Banking: Messages with confirmation codes or notifications.
To delete such SMS:
- For password-protected dialogs: Open the message → enter the password → long press → Delete.
- For the system SMS: Use the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings of access points (APN) → Reset the settings to standard.
- For bank messages: Superuser permission (root) or special applications are often required (see Section 6).
Why are bank SMS not deleted?
5.Use of a file manager for manual deletion
If standard methods fail, you can try to manually delete SMS via the file system, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can cause the Message application to malfunction.
You will need a file manager with access to system folders (for example, MiXplorer or Solid Explorer with root mode enabled).
- Open the file manager and go to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
- Find mmsms.db and mmssms.db-wal files, which are databases with messages.
- Rename them (e.g., mmssms.db.bak) or delete them.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Warning: After this action, the Messages app will create a new blank database. SMS This method will be permanently lost, including important system notifications. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.
Install root file manager |Create backup of important SMS |Close all applications using SMS |Clear free space on your phone |Be ready to reboot your device-->
6. Alternative methods: root rights and third-party applications
To fully control SMS, Xiaomi may need root rights, which allow:
- 🔧 Delete any messages, including system messages.
- 📊 Manage backups manually.
- 🔍 Seek SMS by keywords in the database.
Popular applications for working with SMS on rooted devices:
- 📲 SMS Backup & Restore: Allows you to export/import messages to XML, and selectively remove them.
- 📲 SQLite Editor: Database Editor for Manually Deleting Records from mmssms.db.
- 📲 Titanium Backup: Complete backup and deletion of application data, including SMS.
How to get root rights to Xiaomi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
- Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
- Sweep through Magisk to get root without losing functionality.
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Root rights give you full control over SMS, but they are unwarranted and can disrupt some features (such as contactless payments).
7. Resetting the phone to factory settings
If you want to completely erase all data, including SMS, the most reliable way is Hard Reset, which will put the phone in a boxy state by removing:
- 📱 All messages (including protected messages).
- 📞 Contacts and call log.
- 📷 Photos, videos and documents.
- 🎮 Installed applications and their data.
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
- Select to erase internal memory (optional if you want to clean up files).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the phone will require resetting, including logging in to Xiaomi account. If you forget the Mi Account password, the device may be locked! Before reset, be sure to untie the account in the settings or remember the login details.