How to Clean Up Xiaomi Cloud: Delete Files, Photos, and Backups

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage is a handy tool for syncing data between Mi, Redmi and POCO devices, but its scope is limited. Even 5 GB of free space (or 10 GB for Mi Account users with a confirmed phone number) is quickly filled with backups, original resolution photos and automatically saved files. When memory runs out, the system begins to issue notifications to vacate space or buy additional volume. But before you pay, it is worth figuring out how to clean Xiaomi Cloud of unnecessary data.

In this article, you will find the most relevant ways to remove files from the cloud, from manually cleaning through a mobile application to resetting via the web, we will also explain which data can be safely deleted and which should not be touched (for example, backups of SMS or notes), and how to avoid losing important information. All instructions are validated on devices with MIUI 14/15 and are valid for 2026.

Why Xiaomi Cloud is filling up quickly: the main memory eaters

Before you start cleaning up, it’s important to understand what exactly is taking up space in your cloud. Xiaomi Cloud automatically syncs multiple types of data, and some of it can weigh tens of gigabytes.

Here are the top -5 "invisible" memory eaters:

• 📸 Photos and videos in original quality. By default, the Xiaomi Gallery uploads all images to the cloud without compression. One video in 4K weighs 1-2 GB, and a thousand photos are easy to 5-10 GB.
• 📱 Device backups. Each copy takes anywhere from 500 MB to 3-4 GB (depending on the number of apps and settings), and MIUI creates them automatically when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 💬 Message and call history. SMS, MMS and call logs are stored in the cloud for years, even if you deleted them long ago on your phone.
• 📝 Notes and documents. The Notes app synchronizes all texts, drawings and attachments, including PDF and screenshots.
• 🎵 Music and downloads. If you used Mi Music or saved files through Xiaomi Files, they could automatically upload to the cloud.

To check what exactly takes up space, open the Xiaomi Cloud app on your phone and go to the Warehouse section, where you will see a diagram of the data distribution by category. If there is an item on the list that is more than 1 GB of “Other Data” – these are usually cache or temporary files that can be safely deleted.

Method 1: Clean up Xiaomi Cloud through a mobile app (the easiest method)

The fastest way to free up space is to use the official Xiaomi Cloud app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones.This method is suitable for deleting individual files or entire categories (for example, all backups).

Step instructions:

1. Open the Xiaomi Cloud app (cloud icon on a white background).
2. Sign in if required (use the same Mi Account as you do on your phone).
3. Go to the Warehouse section (in the lower menu).
4. Click on the category you want to clear (such as Photos or Backups).
5. Select unnecessary files (you can use the Select All button) and click Delete.
6. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Note that some categories (such as Contacts or Notes) do not have a mass delete button, in which case you will have to delete files one at a time or use the web version of the cloud.

Outdated backups (over 6 months)

Duplicate photos (such as screenshots or repeat shots)

Automatically saved files from messengers

Cache and temporary data (folder "Other data")

Backup copies of remote devices-->

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the device backup from the cloud does not affect the current data on the phone, but if you reset the phone to factory settings, it will be impossible to recover information from the remote copy.

Method 2: Delete files via the web version of Xiaomi Cloud (for PC or phone)

If the mobile application doesn’t allow you to delete the files you want (for example, there is no mass allocation button), use the web version of the cloud, which gives you more options for managing data, including access to hidden folders.

How to clean the cloud through the browser:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the menu on the left, select the Warehouse section.
3. Click on the category (e.g. Photos, Documents, or Backups).
4. To delete individual files: Tick any unnecessary items. Click on the Recycle Bin icon (Delete).
5. For mass deletion: Use filters (e.g. by date) to sort files. Click Select All → Delete.

In the web version, additional features are available that are not available in the mobile application:

• 🔍 Search by file name (useful if you need to find a specific document).
• 📁 View hidden folders (e.g.,.Trash, a cloud basket).
• 🔄 Recovery of deleted files (within 30 days after deletion).

If you need to delete all data from the cloud at once (for example, before selling an account or changing your device), use the Cloud Reset feature, which is available in the Mi Account settings at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 3: Automatic Cleanup – How to Configure to Keep the Cloud from Filling

To avoid manually cleaning Xiaomi Cloud every month, set up automatic deletion of unnecessary data. Use the built-in MIUI features and third-party tools to do this.

1. disable automatic uploading of photos:

• Open the gallery → Settings → Cloud synchronization.
• Turn off the autoboot option or select Wi-Fi Only.
• In the section Download Quality, install Compressed (saves up to 70% of space).

Configuring backup copies:

• In the Xiaomi Cloud app, go to Backups.
• Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
• Turn off redundancy of unnecessary data (such as Call History or Wi-Fi settings).
• Set a limit on the number of copies (e.g., keep only the last one).

3. Use of third-party applications:

Apps like Files by Google or SD Maid can analyze which files are taking up space in the cloud and suggest that they be deleted, but beware: some tools require access to a Mi Account, which may not be secure.

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If you often take screenshots, set up automatic removal from the cloud. Go to Albums → Screenshots in the Gallery, highlight all files and click Delete from the cloud (while they remain on the phone).

What happens if you delete your backup from Xiaomi Cloud?

Many users are afraid to touch backups for fear of losing data.

If you are planning to sell or reset your phone, before removing backups from the cloud:

1. Create a local copy of important data (contacts, SMS, photos).
2. Export notes to PDF or TXT.
3. Save a backup to your computer via Mi PC Suite.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete all the backups from the cloud and then reset the phone to factory settings, it will be impossible to recover the data. Always check if there is an up-to-date local copy before cleaning.

How to completely reset Xiaomi Cloud (delete all data)

If you want to completely clear the cloud (for example, before transferring an account to another person or when switching to another service), reset via Mi Account settings. This method will delete all data without the possibility of recovery, so use it only as a last resort.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
2. From the menu, select Xiaomi Cloud → Storage Management.
3. Scroll down and click Reset Cloud (or Clear Cloud Data in English).
4. Enter the password from the account for confirmation.
5. Wait 5-10 minutes – all data will be permanently deleted.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The cloud will become empty (0 bytes occupied).
• 📱 Device sync will be disabled (you will have to reconfigure).
• 🔒 All backups, photos and documents will disappear forever.

If you plan to continue using Xiaomi Cloud after resetting:

1. Enable synchronization only for the desired categories (for example, only Contacts and Notes).
2. Set up automatic deletion of old backups (in cloud settings).
3. Use Google Photos or Yandex Drive to store your media files (they offer more free space).

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Resetting Xiaomi Cloud is an irreversible operation. If you sell a phone, it’s better to untie your account (in Mi Account settings → Security → Untie the device) than to dump the cloud.

Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data When You Don’t Have enough Space

If 5-10GB in Xiaomi Cloud isn’t enough, consider alternative services with a lot of free storage:

To transfer data from Xiaomi Cloud to another service:

1. Download all files to your computer via the web version of i.mi.com (Storeroom → Download Everything).
2. Upload them to a new service (e.g. Google Photos or Yandex Drive).
3. Turn off sync with Xiaomi Cloud in your phone settings.

If you use Google Photos, set up automatic downloads:

• Install the Google Photos app.
• In the settings, enable Backup and Synchronization.
• Choose High Quality (unlimited storage) or Original Quality (placed in Google Drive).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi Cloud