Deleting all messages on a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing a device for sale to freeing up memory or resetting personal data. Unlike selective deletion, complete cleaning requires taking into account several nuances: in MIUI, messages are stored not only in the standard SMS application, but also in system folders, cache, and cloud backups. If you just click “Delete all” in the message menu, some of the data can remain in the device’s memory or be syncated again the next time you log in.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to completely clean up, from manual removal through MIUI settings to the use of engineering modes and third-party utilities, focusing on hidden folders with backups of messages that many users overlook, and learn how to avoid recovering deleted data through the Mi Cloud and what to do if messages are “returned” after cleaning.
1. Standard removal of messages through the SMS application
Let’s start with the simplest method, which is to clean the messaging application, which is suitable for removing only SMS/MMS and does not affect instant messenger chats (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Messages app (Icon with envelope).
- 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Settings.
- 🗑️ Go to Message Cleanup or Message Management (name depends on version) MIUI).
- 📤 Select the option to Delete all messages and confirm the action.
On some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X5), the path may be slightly different: Messages → Three dots → Archive → Delete everything. If the "Delete All" option is missing, try holding your finger on any message, then click on the basket icon at the top.
⚠️ Note: After standard deletion, messages remain in the folder /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db An additional procedure is required for complete cleaning (see section) 3).
2. Delete chats in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
The standard Messages app does not manage third-party messaging chats, but you need to use the built-in features of each application to clean them up.
2.1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp can delete chats one at a time or all at once:
- 🔹 Open WhatsApp. → press three points → Settings → chat → Chat history.
- 🗑️ Choose Clear all chats (delete messages but save media files) or Delete all chats (complete cleaning).
- 🔄 To delete backups go to Settings → chat → Backup → Delete the backup copy of Google Drive.
2.2. Telegram
In Telegram, complete cleanup requires separate actions for cloud chats and secret chats:
- 🌩️ For regular chats: swipe left on the dialogue → Delete (or Clear History for Partial Cleanup).
- 🔒 For Secret Chats: These are deleted automatically when you exit, but you can do this manually through Settings → Confidentiality → Secret chat rooms.
- 🗃️ To remove the cache: Settings → Data and memory → Clear Telegram cache.
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If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of your messaging account (Settings → Sign out), otherwise the new owner will be able to restore chats through your number.
3. Deep Cleanup: Deletion of System Message Files
Even after the messages are deleted through the interface, their traces remain in the system folders.
- Delete the database mmsms.db (stores SMS/MMS).
- Clear the Messages app cache.
- Remove backups to Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled).
Manual cleaning instructions (root or ADB rights required):
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
- Open the command prompt and type: adb shell pm clear com.android.mms This command will reset all settings and Message application data.
- To remove a database without root, use File Manager with access to system folders (e.g. MiXplorer): /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db.
⚠️ Note: Delete files in /data/data/ root-free may cause the Messages application to crash. it is recommended to back up before actions.
| Cleaning method | What's removed | Do you need root rights? | Is recovery possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard removal in the annex | Visible SMS/MMS only | No. | Yes (through cache or cloud) |
| pm clear com.android.mms | All data in the application + cache | No (ADB needed) | No (if the cloud is disabled) |
| Removal of mmssms.db | Message database | Yes. | No. |
| Reset to factory settings | All the data on the phone. | No. | Not (unless you recover from the cloud) |
4. Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud
One of the reasons messages are returned after deletion is automatic sync with Mi Cloud, which means that if you don’t turn off this feature, the next time you log in to your Xiaomi account, your messages can be restored.
How to turn off synchronization:
- ☁️ Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- 📱 Find the Sync section and turn off the slider opposite the Message (or SMS).
- 🗑️ Click Delete Data from the Cloud (if available).
- 🔄 Reset the device.
If you are selling a phone, it is recommended to log out of your Mi Account completely: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.This will remove the device’s link to your profile and prevent the new owner from restoring data.
What if the messages are reset after resetting?
5. factory reset (full cleaning)
If you need to delete all data without recovery (like before selling your phone), do hard reset, which erases not only messages, but all other data on your device.
Instructions:
- Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, etc.).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data (or delete all data and settings).
- Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) After reset, you may need to enter your old Mi Account password even if you are logged out. Remember or reset your password in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
Create a backup copy of contacts|Download important photos on PC|Remember the password from the Mi-account|Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud|Delete SIM-map SD-map (optional)-->
6.Alternative methods: third-party applications and ADB
If standard methods do not help, you can use specialized utilities or ADB commands. These methods are suitable for advanced users.
Cleaning applications
Some applications allow you to delete messages in batch and clean the system cache:
- 🧹 SMS Backup & Restore – can delete backups.
- 🛠️ SD Maid – Clears residual files after deletion SMS.
- 🔍 Files by Google – Finds and removes duplicate messages.
6.2 ADB deep cleaning commands
With ADB, you can delete all traces of messages, including system files.
adb shell pm clear com.android.mms # Reset application Messages
adb shell rm /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db # Remove the SMS database (root needed)
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR # Complete reset (analogue of hard reset)Working with ADB will require:
- Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC.
- Enable debugging over USB on your phone.
- Connect the device over a cable and confirm trust in the PC.
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Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect commands can lead to data loss or system failure.
7. How to avoid recovery of deleted messages
Even after a complete cleanup, messages can be recovered using special programs (for example, Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver).
- 🔄 Rewrite the memory: After deleting, fill the phone's storage with large files (such as videos), then delete them.
- 🔒 Disable cloud backups in Mi Cloud and Google Drive.
- 📱 Use encryption: in Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Encryption of the telephone.
- 🗑️ Format a memory card (if messages are stored on the computer) SD): Settings → Warehouse → Clean up SD-map.
If you're selling a phone, the most reliable way is to reset to factory settings + overwrite data.
- Do a hard reset (Section 5).
- After reset, upload a few movies or games to your phone, then delete them.
- Repeat the reset again.