How to completely delete messages on the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Deleting messages on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task – until you encounter the nuances of the shell MIUI. Unlike “pure” Android, there are hidden folders, cloud redundancy through Mi Cloud and features of working with system messengers. This article will help you to understand how to remove SMS, MMS and correspondence in popular applications without a trace, avoiding typical errors.

We will look not only at standard methods through the Message interface, but also at alternative options: from cleaning the cache to using it. ADB We'll focus on the double-sweetened models. SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5), And for those who are afraid of losing important data, there's a separate section on backup before mass deletion.

Why Standard Removal Doesn't Always Work

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the situation when after deleting SMS via the Messages app, they suddenly reappear, the reason for this is three key features of MIUI:

• 🔄 Automatic sync with Mi Cloud. If backup is enabled, deleted messages can be restored the next time you connect to the Internet.
• 📱 Duplication by two SIM-On models that support Dual. SIM (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) messages are stored separately for each card.
• 🗑️ Application cache. Even after deletion, data may remain in temporary files until the cache is cleared or rebooted.

Another trap is system notifications, which MIUI sometimes designates as SMS (e.g. alerts from banks or services), which cannot be removed by standard methods, but will require access to Settings → Notifications.

How to remove SMS and MMS via a standard application

The basic method is suitable for most models, from Redmi 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15:

1. Open the Messages app (an envelope icon).
2. Press and hold your finger on the message you want (or several if you want to delete the group).
3. In the upper panel will appear the icon of the basket - tap it.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

For mass removal:

1. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Delete.
2. Select the range: Last 7 days, Over 30 days or All.
3. Tick the necessary dialogues and click Delete.

Check backups in Mi Cloud

Export important messages to the file

Turn off synchronization in account settings

Close the background applications to speed up the process-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) after mass removal, the error "Deletion error occurred" may occur, in which case, restart the phone and try again.

Delete messages in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)

The standard application Messages only works with SMS/MMS. Other actions are needed to delete correspondence in messengers:

An important nuance: WhatsApp on Xiaomi has a backup function in Google Drive, and if it is enabled, deleted messages can be restored when the app is reinstalled.

1. Go to WhatsApp Settings → Chat → Backup.
2. Click Create a copy (if you need to save data).
3. Delete old backups in Google Drive via your browser.

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Before you delete important messages in messengers, take screenshots or export the chat to a text file. On Telegram, this can be done through Export History in the chat settings.

Deep Cleanup: Delete through phone settings

If messages are not deleted through the app or you want to erase them without recovery, use system tools:

Method 1: Cleaning the application data

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Messages (or Messaging on global firmware).
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.

⚠️ This will delete all messages without recovery, including drafts and app settings.

Method 2: Through Safe Mode

If messages are not deleted due to conflict with other applications (for example, antivirus or optimizers):

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Press and hold Turn Off → Confirm the transition to Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, repeat the deletion via the Messages app.

Delete messages with ADB (for experienced users)

This method is suitable if standard methods do not work or you need to delete system messages (for example, from the operator), you will need a computer and enabled debugging over USB.

Step 1: Preparation

• Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
• Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
• Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

Step 2: ADB Teams

Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm clear com.android.mms

This command will completely reset the Messages app by deleting all data. Use:

adb shell content delete --uri content://sms/ --where "_id=123"

(Replace 123 with the message ID, which can be recognized by adb shell content query --uri content://sms/).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause a phone to malfunction. Don't follow commands unless you're sure they're there. MIUI 15 Some teams may require additional permits.

How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Messages

If you have deleted important SMS or correspondence, there are several ways to return them:

1.Across Mi Cloud

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 🔍 Check if backup of messages is enabled.
• 🔄 If yes, restore from the last copy.

2. Through third-party applications

Programs like DroidKit or FonePaw can scan your phone’s memory for deleted data, but Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ will need to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader).
• 📲 Install TWRP Recovery.
• 🛠️ Have root access.

3. Appeal to the operator

Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) store the history of SMS for up to 30 days.

• 📞 Calling for support with passport data.
• 📃 Provide phone number and approximate date of messages.
• ⏳ Wait for a response (may take up to 5 working days).

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The chances of recovery are higher if the device has not been removed for more than 7 days and the phone has not rebooted.

Setup of automatic message deletion

To avoid manual cleaning, set up automatic removal of old SMS:

For the standard annex, Messages:

1. Open the messages. → three-point (⋮) → Settings.
2. Select Delete Old Messages.
3. Set a period of 30 days, 90 days or 1 year.
4. Activate the option to delete automatically.

For WhatsApp:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Select Data Management.
3. Enable Auto-Remove Media and set a retention period.

For Telegram:

• 🕒 In the chat settings, select Self-Destroy Timer.
• ⏳ Set a time: 1 second to 1 week.
• 🔄 Messages will be deleted automatically after reading.

Xiaomi models with MIUI 13+ have an option to optimize storage in account settings, which allows you to delete unnecessary files, including old messages, with one tap.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting messages on Xiaomi