How to completely delete messages on Xiaomi Redmi 7: from text messages to Telegram

Deleting messages on Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a task that seems trivial at first glance. However, users often face nuances: some SMS remain in memory after deletion, messengers save copies in the cloud, and system notifications take place in cache. This article covers all possible scenarios, from basic cleaning through the Messages app to deep deletion via Hidden Settings MIUI and even recovery of accidentally erased data.

The Redmi 7 feature (codenamed onc) is the MIUI 10/11/12 firmware version, which differs from the newer models, such as the later versions of the SMS Recycle Bin feature, which is not available on Redmi 7. We will discuss how to circumvent these restrictions without resorting to root rights, and also warn against common errors that can lead to the loss of important data or malfunction of messengers.

If you want to delete not only SMS, but also messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, there are separate sections with instructions for each messenger, and for those who want to make room for memory, we have prepared a checklist for cleaning the cache and a table for comparing deletion methods by effectiveness.

1. Standard removal of SMS through the application "Messages"

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Messages app (green envelope icon) which is suitable for single SMS or small groups, but has limitations: messages are not deleted from MI Cloud backups, and when synced with Google, they can be restored to other devices.

To delete messages:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Press and hold your finger on the desired message (or several) until the ticks appear.
3. In the top panel, tap on the basket icon (or select "Delete" in the menu).
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

⚠️ Note: If you have synced with Mi Account enabled (check Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization) Remote SMS can stay in the cloud for up to 30 days. To erase them permanently, go to i.mi.com in the Cloud section. → Messages" and clean the basket manually.

To remove all SMS messages from one contact:

• 📌 Open a dialogue with the contact → tap three points in the upper right corner.
• 🗑️ Select "Delete chat" → confirm.
• 🔍 If you need to delete all SMS at once: in the main window of the application, click on three lines (menu) → "Settings" → "Clear all messages".

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If the space occupied has not decreased after deleting the SMS, check the folder /sdcard/Android/data/com.android.mms/files/ – sometimes there are temporary MMS files (photo/video).

2. Delete messages from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Messengers store data separately from system SMS, so they require a personalized approach, and below are the instructions for the most popular applications on Redmi 7.

WhatsApp:

• 💬 Open the chat room. → Click on the contact/group name → scroll down → "Export Chat" (if you need to save) or "Delete Chat".
• 🧹 For a complete cleanup: WhatsApp settings → Warehouse → Storage management → Select chat rooms and click "Clear".
• 🗃️ To delete backups: Go to Settings → chat → Backup and disable autosave in Google Drive.

Telegram:

• 🔄 In chat, swipe the message left/right (depending on version) and select "Delete".
• 🚮 To clean the cache: Settings → Data and memory → Warehouse → Clear Telegram cache.
• ☁️ To erase data from the cloud: Use the Delete for All function (only if a message has been sent recently).

Viber:

• 📤 In chat, hold the message. → "Delete" → Choose "Delete for All" or "Only from Me".
• 📂 To clean media files: Settings → Account → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Telegram only has a "Delete for All" function for 48 hours after sending; WhatsApp has a reduced time limit of 1 hour and 8 minutes.

3.Deep cleaning: removal via MIUI Hidden Settings

If standard methods fail and messages continue to take up space, the cause may be a system cache or hidden MIUI files.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Usage statistics.
3. Scroll down to the Other section and find com.android.mms (SMS) or com.whatsapp (WhatsApp).
4. Tap on the app. → "Clear data" (Clear data) and "Clear cache).

For deeper cleaning:

• 🛠️ Use the settings. → Annexes → Application management → Find the right messenger → "Warehouse" → "Clear the data".
• 🗂️ Remove folders manually through the file manager: /sdcard/Android/data/com.whatsapp/ (WhatsApp) /sdcard/Telegram/ (Telegram) /sdcard/Android/data/com.viber.voip/ (Viber)

⚠️ Warning: Clear data will result in logging out of your account and deleting all local messages, and backups in the cloud (if any) are not affected.

4. Deletion of system notifications and service messages

On Redmi 7, system notifications (such as from Mi Security, Mi Pay or MIUI Optimizer) also take up space in memory and can be displayed in a message log. They can't be deleted through a standard application, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Through the Notification Log

1. Deploy the notification panel and swipe left/right on unnecessary notification.
2. Slip on "Settings" (cogs) → "Notification History".
3. Select the app (e.g. Mi Security) → “Clean everything”

Method 2: Disabling service SMS

Some system messages (e.g. from an operator or MIUI) come as SMS, but are not displayed in the main list.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system-based.
• 🔍 Find com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver (Emergency Alerts) or com.xiaomi.mipicks (Recommendations) MIUI).
• 🚫 Click "Stop" or "Stop" and then clear the cache.

On the Redmi. 7 s MIUI 12+ Service SMS from the operator can be stored in a folder /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db. Access is only possible with root rights.

5. How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Messages

If you erase important texts or correspondence, you can try to restore them, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted them and whether messengers have been used since then (new data can overwrite old ones).

Method 1: Through MI Cloud (if synchronization was enabled)

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Open the section "Cloud" → "Communications".
3. Find the SMS you need and export it to.txt or.xml.

Method 2: Using third-party applications

For recovery, you can:

• 🔧 DroidKit (runs without root, but requires a PC connection).
• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore (restores from local backups).
• 💾 GT Recovery (Scans Internal Memory for Remnants of Data).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the same smartphone from which the messages were deleted - this can overwrite the remaining data.

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have experience with ADB, you can try extracting the SMS database:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

Then open the mmssms.db file with SQLite Browser and export the desired messages.

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The chances of recovery are maximum in the first 24 hours after removal, and the more active you use your phone, the lower the probability of success.

Comparison of removal methods: which is more effective?

Not all methods are equally well suited for different types of messages, and the table below shows a comparison of key parameters:

For maximum cleaning, combine methods:

1. Delete messages through the app.
2. Clear the cache and data through Settings → Apps.
3. Delete the messenger folders manually.
4. Turn off sync with the cloud.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you delete messages on Redmi 7, users often make mistakes that backfire, not only do they keep the data going, they duplicate it.

Error 1: Removal without disabling synchronization

If you do not disable MI Cloud or Google Sync, messages can be restored the next time you connect to the Internet. Solution: Before deleting, go to Settings → Accounts and turn off sync for Messages.

Mistake 2: Using "Memory Optimizers"

Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner often delete the wrong files, leaving debris in the system folders. Solution: Use only built-in MIUI tools or proven programs (such as SD Maid).

Error 3: Delete folders without backup

When manually cleaning /sdcard/Telegram/ or /sdcard/WhatsApp/ folders, you can accidentally erase important media files. Solution: copy folders to your PC or cloud before you delete them.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the messenger cache

Even after deleting WhatsApp or Telegram, their cache can take up gigabytes. Solution: Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Storage → App Data.

Mistake 5: Interrupting the cleaning process

If an error or phone reboots during mass deletion of messages (e.g., via MIUI Hidden Settings), the SMS database may damage Solution: Charge the phone to 50% before cleaning and close all background apps.

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Before mass deletion of messages, always back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions