You opened up a list of installed apps on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, and you found a strange name, Xiaomi Cloud Gallery, which takes up space in memory, periodically appears in the list of active processes, but you definitely didn't install it yourself. What is it? Why is it needed? And most importantly, can it be removed without harming the phone?
This article will help you understand all the nuances. We will analyze the functionality of Cloud Gallery in detail, explain how it is connected with other Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud), and give clear instructions on how to remove it, from simply disabling to completely uninstalling system files, and learn what hidden consequences can occur after deletion and how to avoid them.
What is Xiaomi Cloud Gallery and Why You Need It?
Xiaomi Cloud Gallery is a system application that is responsible for synchronizing media files (photos, videos, screenshots) between your smartphone and Mi Cloud storage.It is closely integrated with the standard Xiaomi Gallery and works in the background, even if you are not actively using the cloud.
Main functions of the annex:
- 📁 Automatic upload of photos/video to Mi Cloud when connected to Wi-Fi (if enabled in settings).
- ☁️ Sync albums between devices (for example, if you have a smartphone and a Xiaomi tablet).
- 🔄 Recovery of media files after resetting settings or flashing.
- 📱 Storage optimization: you can only leave thumbnails on your phone, and the originals can be stored in the cloud.
It's important to understand that Cloud Gallery is not a standalone application, but a module that extends the capabilities of a standard gallery. Without it, you can't use cloud sync photos, but local files will remain available.
Connection with Mi Cloud and other Xiaomi services
Xiaomi Cloud Gallery is only part of the Mi Cloud ecosystem, and it interacts with other components.
| Service | Connection with Cloud Gallery | What happens if you remove the Cloud Gallery? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | The main cloud storage where photos / videos are uploaded. | Synchronization of media files will stop, but other data (contacts, notes) will remain. |
| Xiaomi Gallery | Uses Cloud Gallery to display cloud albums. | The Cloud tab in the gallery will disappear, but local photos will remain. |
| Xiaomi Account | The Cloud Gallery is logged in through Xiaomi’s account. | The app will stop requesting access to the account. |
| Backup | Cloud Gallery can be included in a general backup of the system. | When you recover from the backup, cloud photos will not be loaded. |
If you don't use Mi Cloud to store photos, you don't actually need Cloud Gallery, but it can consume traffic and resources in the background, even if sync is disabled in the settings.
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Check how much space Cloud Gallery takes up in the storage settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Xiaomi Cloud Gallery → Memory). If the volume exceeds 100-200 MB, this is an occasion to consider deleting.
Can I remove Xiaomi Cloud Gallery without any consequences?
Technically, deletion is possible, but there are nuances. The application is system-specific, so it will not be possible to uninstall it through the Apps menu just like that. Additional actions will be required (about them in the next section).
What happens after removal:
- ✅ Free up space in memory (usually 50-300 MB).
- ✅ Reduced background activity (less battery and traffic consumption).
- ❌ Cloud Photos Will Be Disappeared through a Standard Gallery.
- ❌ Automatic uploading of new photos in Mi Cloud will stop working.
- ⚠️ Errors may occur in other system applications (rarely, but possible).
⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Cloud to back up your photos, delete Cloud Gallery only after you have copied all important media to another medium!
For most users who don’t use the Xiaomi cloud, deleting Cloud Gallery is painless, but if you’re actively syncing photos between devices, it’s best to just turn off autoload in the settings.
How to Disable Xiaomi Cloud Gallery Without Deleting
If you don't want to take risks, but you want to get rid of unnecessary activity, you can just turn off the sync.
- Open the gallery on your smartphone.
- Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Mi Cloud (or "Cloud").
- Turn off the options: 📤 Autoboot over Wi-Fi 📱 Synchronizing albums 🔄 Backup
Settings → Applications → Application Management
Xiaomi Cloud Gallery
Stop it.
These actions will completely stop the background activity of the application, but will not delete its files. If you need to free up space, move to the next section.
Backup of important photos|Turn off synchronization in the gallery|Check if Mi Cloud is used for other data|Make sure the phone has enough charge (minimum 50%)-->
How to remove Xiaomi Cloud Gallery
There are three ways to uninstall: through ADB, through root rights, or through a system application uninstaller (such as Universal Android Debloater).We will look at the most secure method - through ADB, which does not require root and works on most Xiaomi devices.
Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root)
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 📱 USB-cable.
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.
Steps:
- Download and install Platform Tools (ADB) on your computer.
- On your phone, turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times until the message “You are a developer”) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB (enable)
- Connect the phone to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to delete: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.gallery.cloud
- Reboot the phone.
If the command runs smoothly, Xiaomi Cloud Gallery will be removed for your user (but will remain in the system), which means that after resetting the settings or updating the MIUI, the application can appear again.
What to do if ADB issues a Failure error
Method 2: Uninstall using Universal Android Debloater (without root)
If ADB doesn’t work, try Universal Android Debloater:
- Download the program from GitHub.
- Connect the phone with the debugging enabled via USB.
- Launch the utility and select your device.
- In the list, look for com.miui.gallery.cloud (Xiaomi Cloud Gallery).
- Press Uninstall and confirm the action.
⚠️ Warning: Do not remove other system applications through this utility unless you are sure of their purpose.
Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)
If you have root, you can remove the app completely:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/CloudGallery or /system/app/CloudGallery.
- Delete the entire folder or the files inside it.
- Reboot the phone.
This method will permanently remove the app, but requires caution – an error can lead to a bootloop ( looped download).
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Deleting via ADB is the safest way, as the application is only removed for the current user, not from the system, and this allows you to restore it if necessary through a reset.
What to do if there are problems after removal
In most cases, the removal of Xiaomi Cloud Gallery is without consequences, but sometimes the following problems can occur:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery won't open | Related files deleted | Reinstall the gallery through Settings → Apps → Gallery → Remove Updates |
| Mi Cloud synchronization error | Cloud Gallery linked to account | Log out of your Xiaomi account and log in again. |
| Persistent error notifications | The system is trying to run a remote application | Turn off notifications in Settings → Notifications → System Notifications |
| Cloud albums don't work | The function depends on the Cloud Gallery | Use i.mi.com to access photos |
If after removal the phone began to brake or overheat, try:
- Clear the system cache (Settings → Memory → Clear the cache).
- Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the shutdown button → “Reboot Safe Mode”).
- Restore the application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.gallery.cloud
If the problems are serious (for example, bootloop), you will have to reset your settings or reflash your phone via Fastboot.
Alternatives to Xiaomi Cloud Gallery: where to move photos
If you have removed Cloud Gallery but still want to sync your photos to the cloud, consider the following alternatives:
- 📱 Google Photos – Automatic download, free 15 GB, integration with Android.
- ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, autoload photo, Russian-language support.
- 🍎 iCloud – if you have Apple devices (5GB for free).
- 🔗 Syncthing – Decentralized synchronization between devices (without cloud).
- 💾 Local storage – transferring photos to microSD or external SSD.
To automatically upload to Google Photos:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Open Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
- Enable the option and select quality (e.g., High Quality for free unlimited storage).
If you prefer full control of your photo, use Syncthing or regularly copy files to your computer via MTP (File Transfer Protocol).