Why Users Want to Delete Data from Mi Cloud and When It’s Really Needed
Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud) Cloud Storage automatically syncs photos, contacts, notes, and even SMS-For many users, it's convenient, because lost data can be recovered in a few clicks, but there are situations where removing information from the cloud becomes a necessity, not a whim.
First, privacy. If you sell or transfer a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, data left in the cloud (such as document photos or correspondence) can be accessed by a new owner when restored from a backup. Second, limited space: free fare offers only 5 GB, and when used actively, the space runs out quickly. Finally, some users just want to completely “zero” their digital footprint in the Xiaomi ecosystem, especially if they move to devices of other brands.
It is important to understand the difference between deleting individual files (such as unwanted photos) and completely clearing your account (including backups and synchronized data). In this article, we will discuss both options, from selective deletion to complete deletion of your profile in Mi Cloud.
How to remove files from Xiaomi Cloud from your phone
If you need to make room or get rid of specific data (such as old screenshots or duplicate photos), use the built-in cloud file manager. This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with the current version of MIUI (12 and later).
Instructions:
- Open the Settings → app to go to the Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi Cloud in older versions).
- Sign in if you request a password.
- Select the data category (e.g. Gallery, Contacts, Notes).
- Click on the basket icon or select files manually (long tap → ticks → Delete).
Please note:
- 📁 Deleted files are sent to the Recycle Bin and stored there for 30 days before final erasure.
- 🔄 If Autosynchronization is enabled, deleted files from the phone will also disappear from the cloud (and vice versa).
- 📱 For mass removal, it is more convenient to use the web version of Mi Cloud on PC.
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Before deleting important data (such as contacts), export it to a.vcf file via Settings → Contacts → Import / Export.
Delete data via the web version of Mi Cloud on your computer
The Xiaomi Cloud web interface offers more file management options than the mobile app, and you can sort data by date, type and size, and use the mass deletion feature.
How to go in and clean the cloud:
- Go to https://i.mi.com/ and log in.
- In the left menu, select a section (e.g. Gallery, Records, Notes).
- Tick unneeded files or folders → click Delete (basket icon).
- To clean the basket, go to it and click Clean the basket.
Advantages of the web version:
- 🖥️ Convenient viewing of miniatures of photos and videos.
- 🔍 Search function by file name or date.
- 📊 Displaying occupied space by category.
How to disable data synchronization with Xiaomi Cloud
If you don't want new files to automatically upload to the cloud, you can turn off sync for individual categories or completely. This won't delete data that has already been downloaded, but it will prevent new ones from appearing.
Steps to shut down:
- Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Cloud.
- Go to Synchronization.
- Turn off sliders in front of unnecessary categories (e.g. Gallery, Notes, Calls).
- To completely disable synchronization, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Synchronization settings → Turn off synchronization.
Download important data to your device |Disable autoload photo in the gallery |Check backups of messages |Save passwords from Mi Cloud to password manager-->
After the shutdown:
- ⚠️ New photos, contacts and notes will not automatically be saved to the cloud.
- 🔄 The data already downloaded will remain on the servers until manual deletion.
- 📱 On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) the sync disconnect can affect the Mi’s performance. AI and other services.
Delete Xiaomi account and all data from the Cloud
If you decide to permanently delete your Xiaomi account, it will result in the deletion of all data from the Mi Cloud, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos from the Gallery.
- 📞 Contacts, call log, SMS.
- 📝 Notes, calendars, records.
- 🔄 Backup copies of settings and applications.
⚠️ Warning: This process is irreversible. Once you delete your account, it will be impossible to restore data or link devices to it. If you use Mi Band, Xiaomi smart lamps or other gadgets in the ecosystem, they will also unplug.
Instructions for deleting the account:
- Go to the account management page: https://account.xiaomi.com/.
- Log in to your profile → Personal Data → Delete your account.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
- Wait for the letter to complete the process (may take up to 7 days).
What happens to devices after deleting your account?
How to remove backups from Xiaomi Cloud
Backups take up the lion’s share of the cloud, especially if you regularly create them before updating MIUI. Unlike regular files, they can’t be selectively deleted — only completely for a particular device.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi Cloud → Backup.
- Select the device for which you want to delete the copy.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Delete the backup.
- Confirm the action.
Alternative method (via the web version):
- Go to i.mi.com.
- Go to the Backup section.
- Select the device → Delete.
| Type of data | Can I remove it selectively? | Deleting method | Is recovery possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos/video | Yes. | Through an app or web version | Yes (30 days) |
| Contacts | Yes. | Settings → Contacts → Delete | Yeah (through the basket) |
| Backup copies | No (only completely) | Through Xiaomi Cloud → Backup | No. |
| Notes | Yes. | In the App Notes or at i.mi.com | Yes (30 days) |
What to do if data is not deleted or the cloud does not respond
Sometimes users encounter errors when trying to clean up Xiaomi Cloud. Let’s look at the typical problems and their solutions:
1. "File could not be deleted" error
- 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
- 📶 Check your internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi).
- 🔧 Update the Xiaomi Cloud app to Google Play or App Gallery.
2.Data deleted, but no place vacated
- 🗑️ Clean the Recycle Bin in the web version of Mi Cloud.
- ⏳ Wait up to 24 hours – sometimes the refurbishment of occupied space is delayed.
- 📊 Check if the space is occupied by backups (they can weigh tens of gigabytes).
3. I can't log in to my account.
- 🔑 Use the function Forgot your password? on the login page.
- 📧 Check the Spam folder in the mail - the recovery letter could have got there.
- 📱 If the phone number is tied, a request to change the password can be sent via SMS.
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If the problem persists after all the manipulations, contact Xiaomi via the official website or chat in the Mi Community app.
Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data
If you decide to abandon Mi Cloud, consider alternative storage and synchronization services, and it is important to choose a solution that supports automatic photo/video downloads and integrates with MIUI.
Popular options:
- 🌐 Google Photos: unlimited storage for compressed photos, easy search by person and place.
- ☁️ Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, automatic photo upload (Yandex Disk app) Suitable for users from Russia and CIS.
- 🍎 iCloud: If you plan to upgrade to iPhone, data can be easily transferred via Move to iOS.
- 🔗 Syncthing: Open source software for synchronization between cloud-free devices (requires customization).
How to transfer data:
- Download files from Mi Cloud to your PC via i.mi.com.
- Upload them to a new service (for example, through the Google Drive web interface or the Yandex Drive app).
- Set up automatic sync in the new cloud.
⚠️ Note: When transferring contacts, export them to a.vcf file and import them to a new account (e.g. Google Contacts).Some services (e.g. iCloud) may not display Cyrillic names correctly without further processing.