How to permanently delete all data from Xiaomi Cloud: the complete guide

Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage automatically syncs your photos, contacts, messages and even recordings from smart devices — from light bulbs to robot vacuum cleaners. But what if you decide to sell a smartphone, switch to another brand or just want to erase personal information from the cloud? Simply deleting files through the application is not enough: data can remain in backups, server cache or synchronized devices.

In this article, the only proven way to completely clean up Xiaomi Cloud of all data, including hidden backups and geolocation tags, given the latest updates to Xiaomi’s 2026 privacy policy.We’ll break down official methods through Mi Account, alternative solutions for stubborn files, and explain why standard gallery deletion doesn’t work.

You will also learn:

• 🔍 How to check what data Xiaomi holds about you (including purchase history and activity logs)
• ⏳ How long does it take to remove the entire process and how can the process be speeded up?
• 🛡️ What to do if your account is blocked and your data needs to be erased urgently
• 📱 How to turn off automatic sync on all Xiaomi devices once and for all

1.Preparation: What to know before deleting data

Before you click the “Delete Everything” button, it is important to understand three key points:

First, Xiaomi Cloud stores data in two independent layers: visible files (photos, documents) and system backups (settings, call logs, SMS). Deleting photos through the Gallery app does not affect backups that can be restored the next time you log in to your account.

Second, after a request to delete, Xiaomi gives you 30 days for a cooling period, during which time the data is not visible to you, but physically remains on the servers — it can be restored by contacting support. Complete erasure occurs only after this period.

Third, some data (such as Mi Store purchase history or smart device logs) is stored separately from the main cloud and requires a separate request for deletion through support.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi Home to manage your smart home, deleting your Mi Account will result in loss of access to all connected devices (lamps, cameras, sensors) that you will have to reset and reconfigure!

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to delete all data through Mi Account

This method is suitable for users who have access to a Mi Account and password. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid missing hidden backups.

Step 1: Turn off sync on all devices

Before mass deletion, stop the automatic data download:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Turn off sliders near: Contacts, Gallery, Notes, Call Records, Messages.
3. Click Delete your account details (this will only delete local copies on your phone without affecting the cloud).

Step 2: Delete data via the web version of Xiaomi Cloud

Go to i.mi.com (the official Mi Account portal) and do the following:

Sign in to Mi Account|Go to the Cloud section (Cloud)|Select the category "All data"|Click "Delete Everything" and confirm|Check the "Backups" section and delete them separately-->

Pay special attention to the Backup section – you can store old copies of your phone created when you reset or update the software, they need to be manually deleted, as they do not disappear when you clean the main storage.

Step 3: Request complete deletion of your account (optional)

If you want to not only clear the cloud, but also delete your Mi Account completely, do the following:

1. Go to Account Settings → Delete the account.
2. Enter your password and check through SMS/email.
3. Confirm deletion. The account will be deactivated and all data will be marked for deletion in 30 days.

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account, you will lose access to all Xiaomi services, including: • Smart Device Management via Mi Home • The ability to update software on smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO • Mi Store purchase history and warranty obligations

3. Alternative methods: if standard removal does not work

Sometimes data gets stuck in the cloud even after being cleaned through a web interface.

Method 1: Remove from the Mi Cloud app on PC

The official Mi Cloud app for Windows/Mac sometimes shows files that are not available in the web version. Download it from Xiaomi and:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to the Devices section → [Your smartphone] → Backup copies.
3. Remove all available copies, even the oldest ones.

Method 2: Calling for Xiaomi Support

If after all the manipulations in the cloud there are files, write in support:

• 📧 Email: support@mi.com (English-Chinese)
• 🌐 Feedback form: mi.com/support

In the letter, specify:

Subject: Request for Complete Data Deletion from Xiaomi Cloud


Body:




1. Mi Account ID: [your email or phone]




2. List of data to delete: [list what exactly should be deleted]




Reason: [explain the reason briefly]




4. Confirmation: I understand that this action is irreversible.

💡

If the support meets the template, specify that you are requesting deletion in accordance with Article 17 GDPR (if you are an EU citizen) or your country’s data protection law, which will speed up the process.

Method 3: Reset device identifiers (for tech-savvy)

If you are selling a smartphone and want to untie it from the cloud, do:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → All Settings → Reset to factory settings.


2. Select Delete all data and Mi Account.




3. After reset, check the status of the device on account.xiaomi.com - it should disappear from the list of associated devices.

4. How long does it take to remove and how to check the result

The process of erasing data in Xiaomi Cloud is not instantaneous, here is a time frame for different types of information:

To ensure that the data is actually deleted:

1. Log in to another device with the same account and check the synchronized data.
2. Use the Google Takeout tool (if you have linked Xiaomi Cloud to Google) to export metadata.
3. For paranoids: Check headlines HTTP-Fiddler or Charles Proxy requests should not contain any links to your files.

💡

Even after confirming the deletion, some data can remain in the server logs of Xiaomi for up to 90 days, which is standard practice for compliance with legal requirements.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users are having trouble trying to clean up Xiaomi Cloud, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "Data returned after deletion" Reason: Automatic sync is not disabled on one of the devices.Solution: Check all phones/tablets associated with the account in the Settings section → Mi Account → Devices.
• 🚫 "Remove Everything button is inactive Reason: Two-factor authentication is enabled on your account, but not confirmed email/Solution: Add a backup recovery method to the security settings.
• ⏳ "Removal takes more than a month" Reason: Xiaomi servers are overloaded (often after major updates) MIUI). Solution: Write in support with the mark "Urgent: GDPR Compliance Request".
• 📱 "After the phone reset, the data remained in the cloud" Reason: Recovery Mode reset does not affect cloud backups.Solution: Delete copies manually via i.mi.com.

6.How to prevent data leakage in the future

To avoid having to clean Xiaomi Cloud in the future, set up the system in advance:

• 🔒 Turn off automatic download Go to Settings → Memory. → Cloud storage and deactivate the option Autoboot over Wi-Fi, so photos and videos will not be sent to the cloud without your knowledge.
• 📁 Use local backups Instead of the cloud, save copies to your PC or external drive via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🔄 Clear the cloud cache regularly Once a month, log into Mi Cloud and delete unnecessary files, especially from the Mi folder. Cloud/Trash (The box where the data is stored 30 days.
• 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication This will protect your account from being hacked, but remember to keep your backup codes in a safe place (such as in a password manager).

If you are actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart home, fitness bracelets), create a separate account specifically for this purpose, so you can untie it from the main profile at any time without losing data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions