How to Clean Up Xiaomi Cloud: Delete All Data Without a Trace

Xiaomi Cloud Cloud storage is a convenient tool for synchronizing contacts, photos, notes and other data between devices. However, there are situations when you need to completely clear the cloud: when you sell a smartphone, switch to another account or for privacy reasons. Unlike standard file deletion, complete cleanup involves removing all backups, synchronized data and associated devices so that no byte of information remains in the system.

Xiaomi Cloud cleanup process has nuances: for example, simply deleting files through the application does not erase them from the servers instantly – they can be stored in the basket for up to 30 days. In addition, some data (for example, call or message histories) can be duplicated in other Mi Account services, which requires separate processing. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of complete cleanup, including hidden settings and alternative methods for devices with blocked access.

Why Standard File Deletion Doesn't Work

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to go to Mi Cloud → Delete files and clear folders. In fact, this only deletes local links to files, and the data itself remains on Xiaomi servers in an archived state.

• 📁 Files are moved to the bin and stored there for up to 30 days (even if you delete them").
• 🔄 Synchronized data (contacts, notes, calendar) remains in Mi Account and can be restored the next time you log in.
• 📱 Backups of devices (.mbk files) are saved on servers and take place in the tariff.
• 🔒 Some data (such as location history) is stored in encrypted form and is not displayed in the cloud interface.

To ensure that all data is erased without recovery, you need to combine several methods: clearing through the web version of the cloud, resetting sync in your smartphone settings, and deleting your account (if the device is sold).

Preparation for cleaning: what to do in advance

Before you clean up Xiaomi Cloud, follow the steps you need to take to avoid losing important data:

1. Download backup copies of all critical data: 📸 Photos and videos: export through the Gallery → Albums. → Xiaomi Cloud or Google Photos. 📞 Contacts: export to.vcf file via Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports. 📝 Notes: Save manually via Mi Notes or screenshots.
2. Unplug your device if you plan to sell it: 📱 On a smartphone: Settings → Mi Account → Devices → remove unnecessary gadgets. ⌚ On smartwatches/bracelets: reset via Mi Fit or Zepp Life.

Check out active subscriptions

• 💳 Cancel autopayments for Xiaomi Cloud+ In Settings → Mi Account → Services.
• 📊 Make sure there are no funds on your account balance (they will burn up after deleting).

If you are clearing the cloud because of the sale of a smartphone, do not delete your Mi Account in advance, this will lead to a device lock (activation of Mi Cloud Lock).

💡

Use the Data Export function in Settings → Mi Account → Privacy to get an archive of all your account data (including your Mi Store purchase history) to help you recover information if something goes wrong.

Method 1: Complete cleanup via the web version of Xiaomi Cloud

The most reliable method is to use the web version of Xiaomi Cloud, which provides features that are not available in the mobile application, such as deleting device backups and hidden data.

Log in to i.mi.com| Go to Cloud |Delete files from all folders (including shopping cart)|Empty backups to Devices |Disable data sync in Settings

-->

Detailed steps:

1. Authorization and Cloud Login: 🌐 Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account. 🔐 If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS Mi Band.
2. Deletion of files: 📂 Go to the Cloud section → Files. 🗑️ Select all folders (Photos, Videos, Documents) and click Delete. 🔄 Don’t forget to clean the basket (it’s in the same section).
3. Deletion of backup copies: 📱 Go to the Cloud. → Devices. 🗃️ Find backups (.mbk files) and delete them. ⚠️ Note: Backups take up space in the tariff even after the device is removed!

Shutting down synchronization

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Synchronization.
• 🔄 Turn off sync for all types of data (contacts, notes, calendar).

After these steps are completed, the data will be deleted from Xiaomi servers within 24-72 hours, but some metadata (such as login history) can be stored for up to 90 days, which is standard practice for most cloud services.

Method 2: Cleaning through smartphone settings (for the current device)

If you want to clear Xiaomi Cloud data for only one device (for example, before selling), use local settings. This method does not delete files from servers, but disables sync and erases local copies.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Disconnecting synchronization: Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → Synchronization 🔄 Turn off all switches (contacts, notes, calendar, gallery). 📱 Click Turn off sync at the bottom of the screen.
2. Delete Local Cloud Data: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Xiaomi Cloud 🧹 Click Clear Data and Clear Cache. 🔧 Also delete data for Mi Cloud Service (system application).

Resetting backup copies

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backups

• 🗃️ Delete all local backups (.mbk files).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic backup to the cloud.

After this, the device will no longer sync with Xiaomi Cloud, but the data will remain on the servers. For complete cleaning, be sure to use Method 1 (web version).

💡

If you sell a smartphone, after you turn off sync, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset) and delete all local data and untie the device from your account.

Method 3: Delete your Mi Account (last resort)

If you no longer plan to use Xiaomi services, you can completely delete your Mi Account, which will result in:

• 🗑️ Delete all data in Xiaomi Cloud (including purchases from the Mi Store).
• 🔒 Unable to use Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Home for smart devices).

To delete the account:

1. Go to the account management page.
2. Sign in and go through security checks (SMS/email).
3. Select Delete Account in Security section.
4. Confirm the action via email or SMS (the code is valid for 30 minutes).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 7 days).

⚠️ Note: After deleting your Mi Account, all Xiaomi devices (smartphones, watches, routers) will be locked before reset.Do not delete your account unless you are sure you will no longer use Xiaomi appliances!

Hidden data: what remains after cleaning

Even after the Xiaomi Cloud is completely cleaned, some data may be stored on Xiaomi servers or in related services.

For complete “digital amnesia” it is recommended that:

1. Check all related services (Mi Fit, Mi Home, Mi Pay).
2. Revoke access of third-party applications to Settings → Mi Account → Authorized applications.
3. Use the Export function (in your account settings) to make sure nothing is forgotten.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning up Xiaomi Cloud, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 "Files are not deleted from the Recycle Bin": Recycle Bin in Xiaomi Cloud is not immediately cleared - files are stored for 30 days. → Bag and press Clear everything.
• 📱 "After reset, the device requires an old account": This is the Mi Cloud Lock protection. To avoid locking, first untie the device in Settings → Mi Account → Devices, and then perform reset.
• 🔒 "Can't log in after clearing": If you deleted your account but forgot to unplug your devices, restore access via the recovery page. SMS.
• 💾 "Cloud space is not freed": Backups (.mbk files) take up space even after the device is removed. manually delete them via the cloud web version.

⚠️ Note: If you sell a Xiaomi smartphone, never give it to a buyer with a tied Mi Account. Even after a reset, the device can be locked through the Mi Cloud Lock if the new owner performs a reset without decoupling.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions