How to permanently remove everything from the cloud Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Cloud Storage (Mi Cloud) is a handy tool for syncing data between devices, but sometimes you need to clean it completely. Maybe you're selling a smartphone, wanting to make room, or just worried about privacy. Unlike just deleting individual files, completely cleaning the cloud requires accounting for hidden backups, app cache and tied accounts.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to click “Delete everything” in the Mi Cloud web interface, but in practice, data can stay on the system for up to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi policy). Moreover, some files (for example, MIUI backups) are stored in encrypted form and do not appear in the standard interface. In this article, we will discuss all methods of cleaning, including hidden settings and alternative methods for guaranteed removal.

If you're planning to sell a device or transfer it to another person, it's not enough to just log out. Even after resetting to factory settings, some data can be recovered through the cloud when you reauthorize. So it's important not only to delete files, but also to untie the device from your Xiaomi account, and also to clear the sync cache. Next, step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

1. Delete files via the Mi Cloud web interface

The most obvious way is to use the official Mi Cloud website, which is suitable for deleting photos, videos, documents and notes, but does not affect system and application backups.

To get started:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the Files or Gallery section (depending on the type of data).
3. Check all files or use filters by date/type.
4. Click Delete and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Deleted files end up in the Recycle Bin, where they're stored for another 30 days, to be cleared:

1. Go to the basket section in the lower menu.
2. Select all files and click Clear the Recycle Bin.

This method does not remove:

• 📱 Backup copies MIUI (setup, SMS, call-in).
• 🔄 Synchronization data (browser bookmarks, notes, contacts).
• 📦 Application cache (e.g. Xiaomi Gallery or Mi Video).

2. Complete removal of MIUI backups

MIUI backups are created automatically when you upgrade or manually through Settings → About Phone → Backup. This data takes up a significant amount of space (up to several gigabytes) and is not displayed in the standard Mi Cloud interface.

To remove them:

1. Open your smartphone Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Scroll down and select Device Backup.
3. Click on your device name, then select Delete backup.
4. Confirm the action with a password from the Xiaomi account.

If the backup is not deleted (the “failed to delete” error), try:

• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📶 Connect to another network (for example, from the mobile Internet).
• 🛠️ Update the Mi Cloud app to the latest version.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting backup is irreversible!If you plan to restore data to a new device, first save it locally (e.g. on a PC).

Make a local copy of important data | Remember the password from your Xiaomi | Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Check the free space on your device-->

3. Cleaning of synchronized data (contacts, notes, bookmarks)

Data from standard Xiaomi applications (Contacts, Notes, Browser) syncs with the cloud automatically and cannot be deleted via the web interface, only through the smartphone settings.

Cleaning instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off sliders next to: Contact Notes Bookmarks Calendar

Confirm the sync shutdown.

Mi Cloud

Synchronize

🔹 Important: Once sync is disabled, the data will remain on the device, but will stop updating in the cloud:

• 📇 For contacts: open the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Delete everything.
• 📝 For Notes: In the Notes app, highlight all entries and delete.

4. Delete data via the Mi Cloud app on PC

The official Mi Cloud app for Windows and macOS provides advanced file management capabilities, including batch deletion and backups.

How to use:

1. Download the app from pcsuite.mi.com.
2. Sign in under the same account as on your smartphone.
3. In the Devices section, select your smartphone.
4. Go to the Backup tab and remove all available versions.
5. In the Files section, mark folders (DCIM, Downloads, Documents) and delete them.

Advantages of this method:

• 🖥️ More stable connection (no risk of cliffing, like in a mobile browser).
• 📂 Ability to selectively delete by file type.
• 🔍 View hidden backups that are not available via the web.

⚠️ Note: The Mi Cloud app for PC may not display data synced through third-party services (e.g. Google Photos or Dropbox.

5. Alternative method: resetting your Xiaomi account

If you need to not only clear the cloud, but also completely delete your Xiaomi account (for example, when selling all of the brand’s devices), follow this instruction. After deleting your account, all data in Mi Cloud will be irretrievably erased within 15 days (as per Xiaomi’s policy).

Procedure:

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

Limitations:

• 🚫 Account cannot be restored after deletion.
• 📵 All devices associated with the account will be untied (including Mi Band, smart lamps, etc.).
• 💳 Linked payment methods (e.g. Mi Pay) will also be removed.

🔹 Tip: Before deleting your account, export important data:

• 📸 Photo/video – copy to PC or external disk.
• 📞 Contacts – export to.vcf file.
• 📅 Calendar – sync with Google Calendar.

💡

If you sell a smartphone, first perform a factory reset (Settings → Additional → Reset) and then delete your Xiaomi account.

6. Local cleaning of the Mi Cloud cache on a smartphone

Even after deleting files from the cloud, the device still has a cache of the Mi Cloud application, which can take up to 1-2 GB. Its cleaning will speed up the smartphone and ensure that no data is restored the next time you log in to your account.

How to clear the cache:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Cloud in the list and select it.
3. Press Warehouse, then Clear the cache and Clear the data.

For complete cleaning, it is also recommended:

• 🧹 Delete the folder /storage/emulated/0/MiCloud File Manager (for example, Mi File Manager).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Clearing the Mi Cloud app will reset all sync settings. Once you log in again, you will have to set up your backup again.

Comparison of Xiaomi Cloud Cleanup Methods

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To ensure that all data is deleted, use a combination of methods: first clean the cloud through a web interface or PC, then delete backups in your smartphone settings, and at the end clear the app cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi's cloud