How to delete files from Xiaomi Cloud only by saving them on your device

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage is a handy tool for backing up and synchronizing data between devices. But what if you want to make room in the cloud without deleting files from your phone? The standard Mi Cloud settings often synchronize deletion: erase a photo from the cloud, it disappears from the device, and this creates a vicious cycle: either tolerate a crowded storage or risk losing data.

You can actually break that link, you have to dive into hidden sync settings, temporarily shut it down, or use workarounds. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, including little-known features like selective sync and manual backup management, and focus on the nuances for different file types: photos, contacts, notes, and documents.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require you to disable automatic synchronization, which means that new changes (such as added contacts) will not be saved to the cloud until you manually start backup!

Why Xiaomi Cloud Deletes Files From Your Device When Cleaning the Cloud

The problem is that the Mi Cloud sync architecture is the default mirror: everything in the cloud is duplicated on the device, and vice versa.

• 📷 Photos and video (Folder Mi) Cloud/Photos)
• 📞 Contacts (synchronized with your Mi Account)
• 📝 Notes (Appendix Mi Notes)
• 📁 Documents (if the option "File Backup" is enabled")

When you delete a file from the cloud via the i.mi.com web interface or mobile application, the system treats it as a command to sync the change, meaning, "the file is not in the cloud → it should not be on the device." Except for manual backups that are stored separately from the synchronized data.

Another nuance: Xiaomi does not provide a direct function "remove only from the cloud"; this is a marketing ploy - the company is interested in users buying additional space (from 79 to 79).₽/50GB a month, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Temporary shutdown of synchronization before removal

The most reliable method is to break the connection between the device and the cloud during cleaning.

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Slip on your account, then select Data Sync.
3. Turn off sliders for all types of data (photos, contacts, notes, etc.).
4. Confirm the action if the system requests a password from Mi Account.
5. Go to i.mi.com via your browser and delete unnecessary files.
6. Return to your phone’s settings and turn on sync again for the desired data types.

⚠️ Note: Once sync is turned on again, Xiaomi Cloud may suggest "update your device data!

Disable synchronization in Mi Account settings

Make sure important files are saved locally

Use a PC or other phone to remove from the cloud

Do not confirm "data update" when you re-enable synchronization-->

This works for all types of files, but has a drawback: while you are out of sync, new data (such as fresh photos) will not be stored in the cloud. If you need to make room urgently, but continue to back up, read the next section.

Method 2: Manual control of backups (backups)

Backups in Xiaomi Cloud are stored separately from synchronized data, which means you can delete the backup without affecting the files on the device.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Go to the Backup section.
3. Select the device you want to remove the backup for.
4. Press three points (⋮) Next to the desired copy and select Delete.

🔹 What will be deleted: only an archived copy of the system, applications and settings, your current files (photos, documents) will remain intact.

🔹 What will remain: data synchronized separately (contacts, notes, photos from the gallery).

This is ideal if you need to make room for old backups, like after changing your phone or updating your firmware, and note that new backups are created automatically only when you connect to Wi-Fi and charge your device.

Method 3: Selectively remove photos through the gallery

For photos and videos, Xiaomi Cloud has a semi-hidden selective removal feature that doesn’t work on all devices, but it’s worth a try:

1. Open the standard Gallery app.
2. Go to Mi Cloud (it can be called Cloud or Xiaomi Cloud).
3. Select files that you want to delete from the cloud.
4. Click on the cart icon, then select Remove from the cloud only option (if available).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 12 and older) this option may not be available. In this case, use Method 1 (disable synchronization).

If you don't see the Mi Cloud album in the gallery:

• 🔄 Update the Gallery app via Google Play.
• 🔧 Check the photo sync settings in Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account → Synchronization of photos.
• 📱 Restart the device – sometimes the album appears after the restart.

💡

If the option “Delete only from the cloud” is missing, try to delete files through the web version of i.mi.com with your phone’s sync disabled.

Method 4: Using Third-Party File Managers

Some file managers (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) allow you to connect to Xiaomi Cloud as a network drive, which gives you more control over the removal of:

1. Install a file manager with WebDAV support (e.g. Solid Explorer).
2. In the manager settings, add new cloud storage by selecting WebDAV.
3. Enter the connection details: Server: https://dav.i.mi.com/dav Login: your Mi Account (email or phone) Password: password from Xiaomi account

Once connected, you can manage files in the cloud regardless of your phone.

Importantly, this method doesn’t work well on the latest versions of MIUI due to changes in the Xiaomi Cloud API, so if you don’t get a connection, try using the official web interface.

What to do if the files are deleted from your phone

If you find that files are missing from your device after you manipulate the cloud, don't panic.

1. Check the cart: In the Gallery: the album of the basket (photos are stored there for 30 days). On i.mi.com: section of the basket (10 days to recover).
2. Restore from local backup: Use apps like Dumpster or DiskDigger to find deleted files. Check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder, sometimes with thumbnails.

Xiaomi

:

• Please contact the chat room at mi.com/support.
• Specify the exact date and time of deletion – sometimes you can recover log data.

🔹 Prevent for the future: Set up automatic copying of important files in Google Photos or on a physical medium (flash drive, HDD). This will protect you from losses in the Mi Cloud crashes.

💡

Never delete files from the cloud from a phone that has sync enabled. Always use the i.mi.com web version or disable sync beforehand.

Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data

If fighting Mi Cloud sync seems too difficult, consider alternative services:

• ☁️ Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, integration with Yandex.Mail, automatic photo upload.

🔹 How to transfer data:

1. Turn off sync in Mi Cloud (see Method 1).
2. Download all files from the cloud to your PC via i.mi.com.
3. Upload them to a new service or local drive.
4. Remove data from Xiaomi Cloud (now it’s secure).

⚠️ Note: When using Google Photos in the "High Quality" mode, photos are compressed to 16 MP. If you want original quality, choose the "Original Quality" option (but it takes up space in your 15 GB).

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing Xiaomi Cloud