Deleting all SMS messages on Xiaomi smartphones can be necessary for various reasons, from freeing up memory to preparing the phone for sale. However, standard deletion of messages one by one takes hours, and the “Delete All” function is not always available or works incorrectly. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods from basic to advanced, including cleaning through ADB and hidden MIUI settings.
The feature of MIUI firmware is that messages can be stored not only in the standard Messages app, but also in Mi Cloud backups or the cache of system applications, and we will show you how to delete them without a trace, avoiding common errors, such as when messages are suddenly recovered from the cloud after cleaning. All methods are tested on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 with MIUI 14, but are also suitable for older versions (starting with MIUI 10).
1. Delete all SMS via the standard Messages app
The easiest way is to use the built-in feature in the Messages app (an envelope icon), but it is not always visible immediately: on some Xiaomi models, the option is hidden behind additional actions.
To find her:
- 📱 Open the Messages app and tap on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- 🗑️ Select Message Management → Clear all messages (on the MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings → Additionally. → Delete everything).
- ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog box. Some devices will need to enter the unlock password or PIN-code SIM-map.
⚠️ Note: If messages reappear after deleting, check your sync settings with Mi Cloud. Automatic recovery from the cloud can be enabled if you have previously created a backup. Disable it in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Communications.
2. Mass removal through MIUI settings (without application)
If the standard method didn’t work or the Messages app was removed, use the MIUI system settings, which are suitable for devices with MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi and POCO.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, enter Messages and select the system app (not to be confused with Google Messages or Truecaller).
- Slip on Storage → Clear Data → Select Clear Everything (this will remove both the cache and the messages themselves).
- Confirm action. Once the device is restarted, the messages will be deleted.
🔍 Important: This method deletes all app data, including notification settings and a blacklist. SIM-function-card SIM-menu (for example, on Xiaomi) 11T), After cleaning, it may be necessary to reconfigure the operator's services.
Export important messages to the file|Turn off sync with Mi Cloud|Check if you have a backup in Google Drive|Remember the app notification settings-->
3.Using MIUI Cleaner (Cleaner)
MIUI firmware has a built-in Cleaner tool (formerly Security) that allows you to delete unnecessary files, including SMS. This method is useful if messages take up a lot of space, but you do not want to delete them manually.
How it works:
- 🧹 Open the Cleaner app (icon with broomstick).
- 🔍 Go to the Deep Clean tab and wait for the scan to be completed.
- 📄 In the Unnecessary Files section, find Messages or Application Data".
- ✅ Tick and click Clean.
⚠️ Note: The cleaner may not display all messages if they are stored in a secure folder or encrypted (for example, on devices with a secure folder). MIUI for Europe GDPR). In this case, use the method of ADB (section).
| Deleting method | Speed. | Difficulty | It's good for MIUI. | Deleting cloud copies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Messages app | ⚡ Quickly. | ⭐⭐☆ | 10–14 | ❌ No. |
| Settings → Application management | ⚡ Quickly. | ⭐⭐☆ | 12–14 | ❌ No. |
| MIUI Cleaner | ⚡⚡ Middle-Average | ⭐☆☆ | 11–14 | ❌ No. |
| Reset to factory settings | 🐢 Slowly. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Anybody. | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB-team | ⚡⚡ Quickly. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Anybody. | ❌ No. |
4. Complete resetting of settings (nuclear version)
If you not only need to delete your SMS, but also clean your phone completely (for example, before selling), reset to factory settings, which erase all data, including messages, contacts, photos, and installed apps.
Step-by-step:
- Back up your important data (for example, via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select to erase all data and enter PIN-code.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).
🔴 Critical: Once reset, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state. If you used Mi Account to lock the device, you will need to enter Xiaomi account details when you first set up. Some models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) may need to reactivate after reset. SIM-card-card.
What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account?
5. SMS removal via ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods fail, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for tech-savvy users and allows you to delete messages even if they are blocked by the system.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download it on [Android website](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Commands for removal:
adb shell
pm clear com.android.mms
rm -rf /data/data/com.android.mms/databases/*
rm -rf /data/data/com.android.mms/shared_prefs/*🛠️ Explanation:
- pm clear com.android.mms – clears the Messages application data.
- rm -rf /data/... - removes databases and settings (root rights are required if any).
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system damage. Don't follow commands unless you're sure they're there. MIUI 14 and HyperOS may differ in the path of the message base.
💡
Before using ADB, check if you have blocked debugging access on your device. Some Xiaomi models (such as POCO F5) require additional debugging permission in Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging permission over USB.
6. How to avoid the recovery of deleted SMS
Even after a complete cleanup, messages can be recovered from backups or cache, so that this does not happen:
- Turn off sync with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud. Find Messages section and disable backup.
- Delete backups in Google Drive: Open [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com) on your computer. Search for SMS Backup and delete the files found.
Clear the cache of system applications:
- In Settings → Applications, find Warehouse and Contacts.
- In each of them, click Clear Cache.
🔒 Additional protection: If you sell your phone, replace it after resetting your settings SIM-map to new and create "junk" messages - this will overwrite old data on the memory card (relevant for devices with support) SIM-memory cards, such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra).
💡
To ensure that you delete your SMS without recovery, combine methods: first clean through ADB, then reset your settings and turn off cloud sync.