How to completely delete messages on Xiaomi Redmi: SMS, MMS and chat

Deleting messages on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces. Whether you want to free up space in memory, protect privacy or just clean up correspondence, it is important to know all the available methods. SMS/MMS via the Messages or Chats app in Mi Messages/third-party messengers) and versions MIUI process may differ.

In this article, we will look at all possible methods, from basic deletion of individual SMS to complete clearing of correspondence history, including hidden system folders. We will focus on the nuances for different Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi 13 Pro) and firmware versions. You will also learn how to irrevocably erase messages so that they can not be restored even through special programs.

1. Removal of standard SMS/MMS annex “Communications"

The basic Messages app (or Messages in global versions of MIUI) allows you to delete messages in both one and a bundle, a method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi devices, regardless of the year of release.

To delete a separate message:

• 📱 Open the Messages app on the home screen or in the app menu.
• 💬 Find the right dialogue and touch it to open the correspondence.
• 🗑️ Keep your finger on the message you want to delete until the checkbox appears.
• 🔄 Click on the basket icon (or select Remove in the top menu).

For mass removal:

• 📋 In the main application window, click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
• 🗂️ Choose Delete Messages or Clear (depending on version) MIUI).
• ✅ Check the dialogs or messages that need to be erased.
• ❌ Confirm the action with the Remove button.

⚠️ Note: Messages deleted through a standard application remain in the device’s memory for up to 30 days and can be restored using programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.

2. Clear history in Mi Messages (application from Xiaomi)

Mi Messages (formerly Mi Chat) is the default app on some Redmi models for China and global versions with MIUI 12+. It supports not only SMS, but also cloud sync, which complicates the uninstallation process.

Instructions for Mi Messages:

1. Open the application and go to the section I → Settings → Data Cleanup.
2. Choose Clear Chat History to delete all messages or Delete individual messages for selective cleaning.
3. If you sync with Mi Cloud, your messages will stay in the cloud. To erase them, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Messages and turn off backup.

An important nuance: Mi Messages has a Hidden Chat feature (available via swipe left in the main window), messages from this section are deleted separately and are not cleared by the standard procedure.

Turn off backup in Mi Cloud| Check hidden chats in Mi Messages| Backup important correspondence | Close all messengers before cleaning-->

3. Deletion of messages in third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)

On Xiaomi Redmi, most users use third-party messengers, the process of deleting them is different from standard SMS:

For complete removal in messengers is also recommended:

• 🧹 Clear the app cache through Settings → Annexes → [Name of messenger] → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📁 Delete the folder with media files (for example, /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/).
• 🔄 Reinstall the application (delete all local data).

⚠️ Note: Telegram has messages from regular chats stored on the company's servers and are not completely deleted even after cleaning the device.

4. Automatic Message Cleanup: MIUI Settings

MIUI offers built-in tools for automated messaging, which are available in Settings → Applications → Messages → Autoclean (the path may vary depending on the version).

Possible options:

• 🗓️ Delete messages older - setting a time limit (30/60/90 days).
• 📊 Number Limitation – Automatic deletion when a predetermined number of messages is exceeded (e.g., 1000).
• 📤 Cleaning attachments – removing media files from old correspondence.

For activation:

1. Go to Settings → All settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Messages and select Data Clearing.
3. Turn on the necessary options and set the parameters.

These settings are especially useful for memory-limited models like the Redmi Go or Redmi 9A, where every megabyte counts.

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If the automatic cleaning doesn’t work, check the permissions for the Messages app in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Storage. Without access to memory, the feature won’t work.

5. Irreversible Deletion: How to Delete Messages Forever

Standard MIUI deletion does not guarantee complete data erasure. For permanent deletion, where messages cannot be recovered even with professional tools, follow the following steps:

Method 1: Rewriting memory

• 📲 Install a secure erasure app like Secure Delete or Shreddit.
• 🔍 Select the option to Rewrite free space (this will take from 30 minutes to several hours).
• 🔄 Repeat the process 3-5 times for reliability (Gutmann method).

Method 2: Encryption + Reset (for Redmi with MIUI 11+):

1. Encrypt your device in Settings → Lock and Protect → Encrypt your phone.
2. Perform a reset to factory settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.
3. After resetting, all data, including messages, will be erased without recovery.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

adb shell


su




rm -Rf /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/*




rm -Rf /data/data/com.miui.mms/databases/*

This command removes the message databases directly, requires root rights and enabled USB debugging.

⚠️ Attention: Non-returnable removal methods may affect the operation of the system. MIUI 14+ After reset, you may need to re-authorize to Mi Account to unlock the device.

6. Recovery of accidentally deleted messages

If you delete important messages, you can try to restore them, and success depends on how long it has been since you deleted them and whether the methods of irrevocably erasing them have been used.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 From the cart: In the Messages app, go to the Recycle Bin (available in the MIUI 12.5+) and restore the necessary SMS.
• ☁️ From Mi Cloud: If sync was enabled, go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Messages and restore backup copy.
• 💻 Through PC: Use Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData or FonePaw. Connect Redmi over USB and follow the instructions.

To recover via Mi Cloud:

1. Make sure that the device is synchronized (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Sync).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Recovery from Mi Cloud.
3. Select a backup with the desired date and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: Recovery is possible only if:

• The messages were not overwritten by the new data.
• There was no reset to factory settings.
• Safe erasure methods were not used (Section 5).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When deleting messages on Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods help, try:

• 🔧 Update Messages via Play Market or Mi App Store.
• 📥 Establish an alternative SMS-client (e.g. Textra or Pulse) SMS).
• 🔄 Perform reset of application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Communications → Warehouse → Reset).

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If messages are not deleted through the standard interface, check if the device has administrator rights for applications like Clean Master or Security.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions