Xiaomi Cloud cloud storage automatically activates when the brandβs smartphones are first launched and syncs contacts, photos, notes and even call history. For many users, this is convenient, but some prefer to store data locally or use alternative services. Disconnecting the cloud can be necessary for various reasons, from the desire to save traffic to concerns for privacy.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to deactivate Xiaomi Cloud, from partial disabling of sync to complete deletion of the account. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different models (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and versions of MIUI, as well as the consequences that are important to consider before actions. If you are looking for a way to free up space on the device or just want to get rid of unnecessary background processes, here you will find proven solutions.
Why to disable Xiaomi Cloud: pros and cons
Before you get to the instructions, you should weigh the pros and cons. Xiaomiβs cloud offers 5GB of free space, automatic backup and synchronization between devices.
- π Battery consumption: Background synchronization can increase power consumption by 5-15% (according to tests on the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
- πΆ Mobile data traffic: without restrictions, the cloud can βeatβ up to 1-2 GB per month with active use.
- π Privacy: Data is stored on servers in China (for global versions, in Singapore), which raises questions among users in countries with strict data protection laws.
- π Duplication of files: photos and documents take up space in the cloud and on the device.
On the other hand, disabling the cloud deprives you of:
- βοΈ Capabilities to recover data after a phone reset or breakage.
- π Synchronize notes, calendar and contacts between smartphone and tablet Xiaomi Pad.
- π± Remote device management via Find Device (search for loss).
If you are determined to abandon the service, start with a partial shutdown β this will help to avoid losing important data.
Partial Disconnection: How to Stop Synchronization of Individual Data
If you don't have to delete your account completely, you can only deactivate sync for unnecessary categories.
- π Stop backing up photos, but keep contacts.
- π΅ Disable synchronization of notes, but leave a call history.
- π‘ Save traffic without losing access to the cloud.
Instructions for MIUI 14/13/12 (relevant for Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Lite, etc.):
- Open Settings β Xiaomi Cloud (or Mi β Xiaomi Cloud Account on older versions).
- Sign in if you request a password.
- Go to the Synchronization section.
- Turn off the sliders in front of unnecessary categories: π· Gallery - photos and videos. π Contacts and Call Log. π Notes and Calendar. π΅ Mi Music (if you use it).
Ready.
After that, the sync will stop, but the data already uploaded to the cloud will remain on the servers. To delete it, go to the Storage Management section and manually clean the unnecessary files.
Backup important data on your PC|Check if you are not connected to the account purchases in the Mi Store|Remember or save your Mi Account password (required for re-authorization)|Make sure there is enough space on the device for local data storage-->
Xiaomi Cloud Disabled: Deleting your account from your device
If you want to completely delete your Mi Account from your smartphone, please note: this will lead to:
- π« Losing access to Find Device (cannot find your phone when you lose your phone).
- π± Reset some settings (themes, wallpaper, system parameters).
- π Stopping Firmware Updates Through OTA (need to be installed manually).
To delete the account:
- Go to Settings β Mi Account (or Accounts β Mi Account).
- Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner β Account management.
- Scroll down and select Exit from your account.
- Confirm the action by entering a password.
- If the system requests, enter CAPTCHA for confirmation.
Some devices (such as Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro) may have a Find Device-binding notification after logging out to unplug the device completely:
- Back to Settings β Xiaomi Cloud.
- Select Find Device β Untie this device.
- Confirm the action. SMS-code (will come to the attached phone number).
What happens if you delete your Mi Account from your phone?
Disable Xiaomi Cloud on smart devices (watches, bracelets, speakers)
Xiaomi's cloud is used not only on smartphones, but also on gadgets in the Mi Ecosystem ecosystem, such as the Mi Band 7/8, Xiaomi Watch S3 or Mi Smart Speaker synchronize health, training and settings data through the cloud to disable synchronization:
| The device | How to turn off the cloud | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Band / Xiaomi Smart Band | Open Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life). Go to Profile β Devices. Select a bracelet β Settings β Untie the device. | Loss of exercise history and sleep data (only on the phone). |
| Xiaomi Watch (S2/S3) | In the Mi Fitness app, go to your Account. Select Device Management β Delete your watch. | Reset the clock settings to factory (including dials and notifications). |
| Mi Home (smart home) | Open Mi Home β Profile. Select Settings β Device Management. Click Delete next to the desired gadget. | Smart lamps, sockets and sensors will stop working without reconfiguration. |
For smart speakers (Mi Smart Speaker), disabling the cloud will result in the loss of the voice assistant Xiao AI and the inability to control the device through the application. If you only need local work (for example, playing music over Bluetooth), just turn off the Wi-Fi on the speaker.
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Before untying your smartwatch or wristband, export your health data in.csv format via the Mi Fitness app. To do this, go to Profile β Data Export and select a period.
How to disable automatic backup in Xiaomi Cloud
One of the most intrusive features of the cloud is automatic backup, which is triggered when you connect to Wi-Fi, which can take up space on the server and slow down the phone, to turn off the auto-reservation:
- Go to Settings β Xiaomi Cloud β Backup.
- Turn off the automatic backup slider.
- To remove existing backups, click Backup Management β select a copy β Delete.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5), the path may be different:
Settings β Additional β Backup and Reset β Xiaomi CloudIf you want to keep backups but control their creation, turn on the Wi-Fi Only option and set a time limit (e.g. 2:00 to 5:00) to reduce the load on the phone during daytime.
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Turning off automatic backup doesn't delete copies you've already made. They need to be manually erased, or they'll take up space in the cloud.
Problems with disabling Xiaomi Cloud and their solutions
When working with the cloud, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- π Unable to log out: usually caused by an unstable internet connection, reconnect to Wi-Fi or use your mobile data. If it doesn't work, reboot your phone.
- π "Device tied to Find Device: on some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) You need to first untie the device from Find Device, and then log out of the account.
- β οΈ "Insufficient rights": appears if the phone is tied to a corporate account (e.g. on a work device) contact the administrator or reset the phone to factory settings.
- π΅ Not coming. SMS to confirm: check if the number is locked in the account security settings. Try requesting the code to another number or via email.
If after shutting down the cloud, the phone started to work slower, clear the cache of system applications:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account.
- Select Warehouse. β Clear the cache.
β οΈ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, disabling Xiaomi Cloud may cause Google services to fail. MIUI If Google Play Services stopped working after deactivation of the cloud, reset via Fastboot with re-firmware.
Xiaomi Cloud Alternatives: Where to Move Data
If youβve opted out of Xiaomiβs cloud but want to keep backups and syncs, consider alternative services:
| Service | Advantages | Deficiencies | Free seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Integration with Android, automatic backup of contacts and photos. | 15 GB per account (common for Gmail, Photos, Disc) | 15GB |
| Yandex Disk | 10 GB free, a handy backup app. | Slow loading of large files. | 10GB |
| Syncthing | Local synchronization between devices without cloud. | Requires customization, there are no automatic backups. | Unlimited (its own vault) |
| Nextcloud | Self-hosting, full control over data. | You need technical knowledge to set up the server. | Depends on your server. |
To transfer data from Xiaomi Cloud to another service:
- Download the archive with data through Xiaomi Cloud β Storage Management β Export.
- Unpack the archive on the PC.
- Upload files to the selected service (for example, through the Google Drive web interface or the Yandex Disk app).
For automatic photo sync, we recommend using Google Photos (unlimited storage in compressed quality) or Amazon Photos (5 GB for free, without compression).
β οΈ Note: When transferring contacts from Xiaomi Cloud to Google Contacts, check the export format.Some Chinese versions MIUI keep the contacts in encoding GBK, Use converters (like iconv on Linux) or export to vCard 3.0.