How to completely remove SMS on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: from manual cleaning to resetting

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (released in 2017 under the code name vince) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often face the problem of crowded memory due to accumulated SMS. Unlike modern models, this device does not automatically clean messages, and the standard application “Messages” from MIUI hides some functions. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to delete SMS – from basic to radical, including recovering accidentally deleted messages and cleaning system logs.

The Redmi 5 Plus is unique in that it runs MIUI 9-12 (depending on updates), where the logic of SMS storage differs from pure Android. For example, messages can be duplicated in the /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db folder, and simply deleting via the interface doesn't always free up space. If you notice that memory hasn't increased after cleaning, that's the problem.

1. Standard removal of SMS through the application “Messages”

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Messages app (an envelope icon) on Redmi 5 Plus, it can have two interfaces: the old one (up to MIUI 11) and the updated one (after MIUI 12), which is suitable for both options, but with nuances.

To delete a separate message:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Find the right dialogue and hold your finger on the message for 2-3 seconds.
3. In the upper panel will appear the icon of the basket – click on it.
4. Confirm the action with the Remove button.

For mass removal:

• 📌 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Management.
• 🗑️ Choose Clear all messages (remove ALL dialogs!) or tick the desired chats.
• ⚠️ V MIUI 9-10 mass removal option can be called Remove old and hide behind a long tap in any dialogue.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 9 When mass deletion, notification settings for SMS are sometimes reset. After cleaning, check if the alerts in Settings have turned off. → Notifications → Communications.

2. Delete through the system menu "Storage"

If the Messages app doesn’t respond or freezes (a frequent problem on Redmi 5 Plus with filled memory), you can delete SMS via system settings. This method clears all messages at once, including service ones (from banks, operators).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click on Other Apps (bottom of the screen).
3. Find the list of “Messages” (com.android.mms) and tap it.
4. Select Clear Data → Confirm the action.

This method will also reset the application settings (themes, notification sounds), but it is guaranteed to delete all SMS without a trace, including hidden system logs.

3.Use of a file manager for manual cleaning

On Redmi 5 Plus, messages are stored in the mmssms.db database, which can be manually deleted through a root or ADB file manager. This method is suitable for advanced users, since it requires access to system folders.

If you have root rights:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
3. Delete the mmsms.db and mmssms.db-journal files.
4. Reboot the phone.

Without root, you can use ADB (you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings):

adb shell


su




rm /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db




rm /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db-journal




reboot

⚠️ Note: Deleting mmssms.db without a backup will result in the complete loss of all SMS, including service (for example, confirmation codes from banks). 2FA, Export messages first!

4. Third-party applications for SMS management

If standard methods don't work (e.g., Messages gets dyeed), you can use third-party utilities. Redmi 5 Plus has a good track record:

• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore – Allows you to export your messages to XML pre-massive.
• 🧹 Clean Master (built-in Message Clearing module) – finds and deletes old SMS automatically.
• 🔍 SMS Microsoft Organizer – sorts messages by category and offers to remove unnecessary (advertising, service).

When choosing an application, pay attention to permissions: some utilities require access to contacts and a call log, which is not always secure. MIUI can also block the installation from unknown sources - it must be disabled in Settings → Security → Unknown sources.

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Before using third-party apps, check their reputation for 4PDA – some SMS cleaning utilities contain malicious code masquerading as optimizers.

5. Recovery of accidentally deleted SMS

If you delete important messages, you can try to restore them. On Redmi 5 Plus, this is only possible in two cases:

1. The messages were deleted recently (within 1-2 days) and fragments of them are still in memory.
2. Before deletion, a backup was made through Mi Cloud or third-party apps.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Mi Cloud: If synchronization has been enabled (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Check out the web version of i.mi.com.
• 📄 SMS Backup & Restore: If you’ve been making a backup, import it through the app.
• 🛠️ PC software: Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData scans your phone’s memory for remote SMS (required) USB-debugging).

On the Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 9-10, PC recovery only works if there was no reboot of the phone after deleting - otherwise the system overwrites the memory sectors where the messages were stored.

6. Radical methods: resetting settings and flashing

If SMS is not deleted in any way (for example, due to a failure in mmssms.db), there are two options:

1. Resetting (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset) will delete all data, including SMS, but the phone will return to factory state.
2. Fastboot flashing. Suitable if the reset didn't help (for example, due to a corrupted file system). Instructions: fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot

Both methods require a backup of important data. Redmi 5 Plus also recommends:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% (to avoid turning off during the process).
• 📋 Write it down. IMEI (is under the battery or using the code *#06#).
• 🔑 Make sure you know the password from your Mi Account (confirmation will be required after resetting).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 11+ After the reset, you can lock Mi Account, even if the phone was not tied to the account before. → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.

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Resetting is the last way if other methods fail, and it will not only delete SMS, but also all apps, photos, settings, and only use it when critical failures occur!

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing SMS on Redmi 5 Plus