Cloud storage Xiaomi Cloud is a standard application on all smartphones of the brand, which automatically synchronizes contacts, photos, notes and even SMS. For many users, this service becomes a source of irritation: it consumes traffic, drains the battery and does not always work correctly with alternative clouds like Google Drive or Yandex Disk. In addition, deleting through the standard menu is often blocked by the system – the “Delete” button is simply inactive.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of Xiaomi Cloud: from simple disabling synchronization to complete deletion of system files through the Internet. ADB. We will also tell you how to avoid deletion errors (for example, data loss or “eternal” notification of a broken service) and what alternatives can be used instead of a regular cloud. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.
Why Xiaomi Cloud cannot be removed in the standard way
Xiaomi Cloud (com.miui.cloudservice) is a MIUI system service that is deeply integrated into the firmware, and the manufacturer is blocking its removal for several reasons:
- 🔄 Data Synchronization: Xiaomi Positions Cloud as Key Backup Tool (Contacts, SMS, device settings).
- 📱 Mi Account Linking: Without the cloud, some features (like finding a phone or locking through Find Device) won’t work.
- 🛡️ Xiaomi fears users will lose access to data when resetting their phone.
- 📊 Analytics: The service collects usage statistics, which is important for improvement MIUI.
Even if you turn off sync in the settings, the application itself will remain in the system and consume resources. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS, the background activity of the Cloud can drain the battery by 3-5% per day, and on budget models like the Redmi Note 12 – up to 8-10% due to weak optimization.
⚠️ Note: Deleting Xiaomi Cloud completely may result in loss of access to backups created through the MIUI. If you have used the cloud for backups, export the data manually first (see the section "How to save data before deletion").
Method 1: Disabling synchronization (without removing the application)
If you need to simply stop the background cloud activity but not remove it completely, follow these steps:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
- Slip on your profile and select Xiaomi Cloud.
- Turn off all sync switches (contacts, photos, notes, etc.).
- Go back to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Xiaomi Cloud, open its settings and click Stop (forced stop).
- Then select Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
This method doesn't remove the app, but it minimizes its activity, but once the phone is restarted, the service can start again, and you have to repeat the stop manually.
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To automate the Xiaomi Cloud stop, use the MacroDroid app (free on Google Play).Create a macro that will stop the service every time you turn on your phone.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)
To completely remove the system application, you will need a computer and an ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires debugging over USB.
Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times) |Install ADB drivers on PC (download Platform Tools) |Plug your phone to your PC via USB and allow debugging |Check the connection with the adb device command (serial number should be displayed)
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When you are ready, do it on the command line:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.cloudbackupOnce the commands are executed, the Xiaomi Cloud app will disappear from the menu and its processes will stop working (--user 0).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for Redmi 9A) after removal ADB Errors may appear in the settings → To fix this, follow the command: adb shell pm hide com.miui.cloudservice
Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)
If you have root access (e.g. via Magisk), you can delete Xiaomi Cloud permanently, including all system files.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/CloudService.
- Delete all files and folders inside (or rename the.apk extension to.bak).
- Similarly, delete the contents of /system/priv-app/CloudBackup.
- Reboot the phone.
After that, the application will be removed at the system level, and even resetting the settings will not bring it back.
- 🚨 Loss of functionality: Backups will not work through MIUI device-finding.
- 🔧 Update errors: When installing new versions MIUI Re-deletion may be required.
- 🛡️ Security breach: Root access itself is risky (ban in banking applications, vulnerabilities).
What if notifications have stopped working after removal?
Method 4: Reset to factory settings (radical method)
If other methods didn't work, and the Xiaomi Cloud app is still working, you can reset your phone completely, and this method will delete all data, including system applications, but return it after you set it up, to avoid the cloud coming back:
- Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, SMS).
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Delete all data.
- After reset, do not log into the Mi Account at the first setting.
- Use alternative clouds (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) to back up.
The downside of this method is the loss of all data, including installed apps and settings, but it is guaranteed to remove all traces of Xiaomi Cloud before the next sign-in to the Mi Account.
Disable synchronization |Delete via ADB|Remove with root rights |Reset to factory settings |Until decided
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How to save data before deleting Xiaomi Cloud
Before you delete the cloud, be sure to export important data, especially if you've been using synchronization.
| Type of data | How to save | Alternative service |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Export to VCF file via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export | Google Contacts, Syncthing |
| Photos | Copy the DCIM folder on a PC or other cloud | Google Photos, Amazon Photos |
| SMS and calls | Use SMS Backup & Restore (Free Application) | Google Messages (SMS Archive) |
| Notes | Export to PDF via Mi Notes or transfer to Google Keep | Evernote, Notion |
Important: If you have used Xiaomi Cloud for system backups (sets, applications), after it is deleted, it will be impossible to restore these backups. MIUI does not support importing backups from other clouds.
Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Which Clouds Are Better to Use
If you've removed the regular cloud, you should find a replacement. Here's a comparison of the popular alternatives:
- 🌐 Google Drive: Android integration, 15GB free, automatic contact and photo sync.
- 📁 Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, user-friendly interface, support for WebDAV for automatic backup.
- 🍎 iCloud (for iPhone users): If you have other Apple devices, sync will be as smooth as possible.
- 🔗 Syncthing: Open source software for synchronization between cloud-free devices (data is only stored by you).
- 🔒 Proton Drive: Encrypted cloud with a focus on privacy (5GB free).
For automatic backup photos, we recommend Google Photos (unlimited storage in compressed quality) or Amazon Photos (free for Prime owners). If privacy is important, choose Proton Drive or Nextcloud (self-hosting).
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The best option for most users is a combination of Google Drive (for contacts and documents) + Syncthing (for photos and files), which gives both convenience and control over data.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you delete Xiaomi Cloud, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- 🔄 "App App App App App App App App App App App Appeared Again After Update MIUI": This is because the firmware restores the system files, and the solution is to repeat the deletion through the system. ADB or disable automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📵 "Notifications from other applications are not working: Removing system services is the fault of the system service. Restore them with the command adb shell pm install-existing com.miui.server.
- 🔒 "Mi Account blocked: If you delete the cloud, some features (like Find Device) will stop working.
- 📱 "Phone slows down": "Maybe removing the cloud has disrupted other system processes.Try clearing the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
If you have serious problems after deleting (for example, a cyclical reboot), the only way out is to reflash your phone via Fastboot or Recovery.