How to delete a message on Xiaomi Redmi: from SMS to instant messengers

Messages on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones – whether it’s SMS, chats in Mi Chat or third-party messengers – sometimes require urgent removal. The reasons are different: a mistaken message sent, a need to free up memory or a desire to preserve privacy. However, not everyone knows that the deletion process depends on the type of message, the version of the MIUI firmware, and even the device model (for example, the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 10C have differences in the interface).

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard deletion SMS through the Message app to hidden features MIUI that allow you to revoke sent messages in some messengers. Also, we will explain how to completely erase chat data without recovery if you sell or transfer a phone. Instructions are adapted for the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and are relevant for models 2022–2026 years.

1. Delete SMS and MMS in a standard application

The standard Messages app on Redmi allows you to delete messages in one or in packs, and it is important to note that when you delete an SMS from your phone, it does not disappear from the recipient - only your local copy is erased.

To delete a separate message:

1. Open the Messages app (an envelope icon).
2. Choose a dialogue with the right contact.
3. Press your finger on the message → press Remove (basket icon).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

For mass removal:

• 📌 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Message Management.
• 🔍 Select a filter (e.g., "All Messages" or "Spam").
• ✅ Tick boxes for unnecessary dialogues or messages.
• 🗑️ Press Delete at the bottom of the screen.

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If after deleting the SMS, they continue to appear in the search, clear the Messages app cache in the MIUI settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Clear the cache).

Redmi models with MIUI 14+ have a feature for auto-cleaning old messages to configure:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Autoclean.
2. Set a storage period (from 30 days to 1 year).
3. Activate the option to delete MMS after viewing if you need to save memory.

2. Withdrawal of sent messages in messengers

Unlike SMS, some messengers on Redmi allow you to recall sent messages - but only for a limited period of time. For example, on Telegram it is 48 hours, on WhatsApp - up to 2 days 12 hours (setting depends on the version of the application).

How to retract a message:

⚠️ Warning: Revoked messages on WhatsApp and Viber are replaced by a "Message withdrawn" notification, and on Telegram, disappear without a trace (if the recipient did not have time to read it). In Mi Chat, the function works only between Xiaomi users on the latest versions MIUI.

WhatsApp|Telegram|Viber|Mi Chat|Other-->

If the Remove option is inactive for everyone:

• 🕒 Check if the time limit has expired.
• 🔄 Update the messenger to the latest version.
• 📱 Make sure you and the recipient have a compatible version of the app installed.
• 🚫 In Mi Chat, the recall only works when the internet connection is active.

3. Completely delete chats without recovery capability

If you plan to sell or transfer your Redmi, it is not enough to simply delete messages — they can be restored with special programs.

Make a backup of important chats|Turn off sync with Mi Cloud|Close all messengers.|Connect your phone to charge (the process may take time)-->

Method 1: Through MIUI settings (for SMS and system data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Select Cleanup. → Deep cleaning.
3. Check Messages and other unnecessary data.
4. Click Clean and confirm the action.

Method 2: For messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.):

• 🔄 In each instant messenger, manually delete your account (Settings → Account → Delete Account).
• 🗃️ Clear the application folder through the file manager: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.whatsapp/ (replace com.whatsapp with the desired messenger package).
• 🧹 Use secure erasure applications (e.g. Secure Eraser) to overwrite free space.

⚠️ Warning: Once you delete your WhatsApp or Telegram account, you will lose access to all chats, including backups, and you can only restore them when you re-register with the same number for 30 days (on WhatsApp).

4. Delete messages in Mi Chat (built-in Xiaomi messenger)

Mi Chat is Xiaomi’s proprietary messenger, preinstalled on many Redmi models. It syncs with your Mi Account, so deleting messages here has its nuances.

How to delete a separate message:

1. Open Mi Chat and select the desired chat.
2. Press the message → Press Delete.
3. Choose Delete for me or Revoke (if the message is recently sent).

How to clean up the whole chat:

• 📱 Open the dialog → press three dots in the upper right corner.
• 🧹 Select Clear Chat (messages will only be deleted from you).
• 🚫 To delete the chat completely (including the story from the interlocutor), click Delete chat.

If Mi Chat is not updated or deleted:

• 🔄 Check for updates in Google Play or App Store.
• 🔧 Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → Mi Chat → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it solves sync problems.

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In Mi Chat, deleted messages can be restored within 7 days through the Recycle Bin (Recent in the main menu).

5. Recovery of accidentally deleted messages

If you delete an important message, it can sometimes be restored, depending on the type of message and the availability of backups.

For SMS:

• 📱 Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore (if you’ve done backup before).
• 🔍 Check the SMS folder in the file manager: /storage/emulated/0/SMS/ (files have the.xml extension).
• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and use programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.

For messengers:

• 📌 WhatsApp: Restore from Google Drive (provided the backup is enabled).
• 📌 Telegram: Messages are stored in the cloud — just reinstall the app and log in to your account.
• 📌 Mi Chat: Check the cart in the Recent (available 7 days) section.

⚠️ Warning: The more you use your phone after deleting, the lower your chances of recovery. New data overwrites old memory sectors. If a message is critical, immediately turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi to stop syncing.

6. Set up automatic message deletion

To avoid manual cleaning, set up automatic deletion of old messages, which is especially useful for memory savings on Redmi models with a small amount of storage (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi 10A).

In the standard annex, the Communications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Messages → Autocleaning.
2. Turn on the option and set a period (30-90 days recommended).
3. Activate Delete MMS after viewing if you do not save media files.

On WhatsApp:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Storage → Storage Management.
• 🔍 Sort chats by size and delete unnecessary media files.
• 🗑️ Enable Auto Download Media only when connected to Wi-Fi.

On Telegram:

• 🕒 Set up Auto Delete for Secret Chats (1 second to 1 week).
• 🗃️ In normal chat rooms, use the Clear History function with period selection.

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Redmi models with MIUI 15 have a Smart Clean feature that analyzes unnecessary messages and suggests that they be deleted. It is enabled in Settings → Memory → Smart Cleanup.

7 Problems and errors in deleting messages

Sometimes Redmi users encounter errors when trying to delete messages. Let's look at typical cases and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🛠️ Install an alternative SMS- manager (e.g. Messages by Google).
• 🔧 Reset the Messages application settings (Settings → Applications → Messages → Resetting settings).
• 📱 Check your phone for viruses with Xiaomi Security.

FAQ: Frequent questions