Accumulation of hundreds or thousands of messages on Xiaomi Redmi 7 is a problem that most users face after 1-2 years of active use. clogged memory, slowing down the Messages app, random notifications about old SMS all interfere with the comfortable operation of the smartphone. However, just clicking “Delete everything” in the standard menu is often not enough: many messages remain in hidden folders, backups or system logs.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to clean SMS on Redmi. 7, including little-known functions MIUI, Work with engineering menus and even hardware resets. We will pay special attention to data security: how not to lose important messages during a mass cleanup and what to do if SMS continues to appear after removal. MIUI 12/13/14) and do not require root rights.
Why Standard SMS Deletion Doesn't Work
Many Redmi 7 users complain that after clicking “Delete All” in the Messages app, some of the correspondence remains, the reason being the architecture of SMS storage in MIUI:
- 📁 System backups. MIUI It automatically creates backups when you update your firmware or reset your settings. /data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases.
- 🔄 Sync with Mi Cloud. If the Message Sync option is enabled, remote local SMS can be restored the next time you connect to your Xiaomi account.
- 📱 Duplicate in SIM-The messages saved on the map SIM, Not removed through the standard menu of the application.
- 🛠️ Database errors: When mmssms.db (the main SMS storage file) fails, messages can freeze in memory.
In addition, some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) send service SMS that do not appear in the main list, but take up space, and can only be seen through the engineering menu or special applications.
Method 1: Standard removal through the Messages app
The simplest method, which is suitable for removing visible messages (but does not guarantee complete cleanup), is suitable if you need to quickly clear space without going deep into the settings.
- Open the Messages app** (an envelope icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
- Go to the Message Management section → Clearing of messages.
- Check all the dialogues or select individual correspondence.
- Click Delete and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: This method does not remove:
- 📌 Messages saved on SIM-map.
- 🔄 Synchronized copies in Mi Cloud.
- 📂 Backup copies created by the system automatically.
Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud|Export important messages|Check the memory. SIM-map|Close all background applications-->
Method 2: Remove through the engineering menu (hidden function)
The MIUI's engineering menu allows you to access system logs and databases that store even remote messages, a method that requires caution but is effective for deep cleaning.
To open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
🔹 Important: In some versions MIUI This section may not be there. The alternative is to use code.
##36446337##EngineerMode
MIUI 12
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Reset the settings of the Messages application
If standard deletion doesn't work, you can reset the cache and the Messages app data, which will completely clean all local messages, but will not affect the data on the Messages app. SIM-map or cloud.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the list of “Messages”** (or com.android.mms).
⚠️ Note: This method removes all application settings, including:
- 🔕 Blacklist of contacts.
- 📌 Notification settings (sound, vibration).
- 📂 Message templates.
💡 Tip: Before reset, export important messages to.xml via Settings menu → Export of communications.
Method 4: Remove via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for low-level smartphone management, which requires a connection to a PC, but ensures that all SMS, including hidden ones, are completely cleaned.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- On Redmi 7, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (should display your device).
- Run the command to clean the SMS database: adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.telephony
- Reboot your smartphone.
After this command, ALL messages, including system and service, will be deleted, and your mobile network settings will be reset. Use the method only if other methods have not worked!
💡
Before using ADB, back up your data via Mi PC Suite or Titanium Backup (requires root).
Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (last resort)
If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset hard, and that will remove all the data from your phone, including text messages, contacts, photos and apps, and only use this as a last resort!
How to reset:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data.
- Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
| Method | Deletes SMS on SIM | Remove cloud copies | Demands a PC. | Resetting settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard removal | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Engineering menu | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Resetting the annex | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Partially. |
| ADB | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Hard Reset | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Complete. |
⚠️ Warning: After a hard reset, Redmi 7 will require re-tuning, including:
- 📶 Connection to a mobile network (may require input) APN).
- 🔑 Log in to Xiaomi account (if tied in).
- 📱 Install all applications again.
💡
Before resetting, be sure to remove SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and prevent data corruption.
How to avoid the re-accumulation of SMS
To avoid having to clean up every few months, follow these tips:
- 📵 Turn off SMS synchronization with Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Messages (move the slider to the left).
- 🗑️ Set up automatic cleanup: in the Messages app, enable Auto-Delete Old Messages (Settings section) → Communications management).
- 📱 Use third-party. SMS-Managers (e.g. Textra or Pulse) SMS), which offer flexible storage settings.
- 🔄 Export important messages to.xml or.txt regularly through the export menu.
💡 Useful Life Hack: If you get spam text messages often, install the Truecaller app or SMS Blocker: They automatically filter unwanted messages and prevent memory from filling up.