How to completely clean up the Bluetooth list on Xiaomi smartphones: all working methods

The list of connected Bluetooth devices on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, and Mi) is filled with unnecessary gadgets over time: headphones you haven’t used in a long time, friends’ speakers, fitness bracelets of the past. These recordings not only take up space in memory, but can also slow down the search for new devices or cause conflicts when connecting. For example, if you try to connect a smartphone with AirDots, and the old version of the same model remains on the list, the system can automatically cling to it, which leads to crashes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to clean the Bluetooth list on Xiaomi, from standard methods through the settings menu to advanced solutions using ADB and reset network settings. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and models with HyperOS, where the interface may differ. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors, for example, why the device appears again in the list after removal or why some gadgets can not be removed in the standard way.

Why You Should Clean Your Bluetooth List on Xiaomi

At first glance, the stored Bluetooth devices seem harmless, but they affect the smartphone more than it seems:

• 🔍 Slowing down search: The more devices on the list, the longer the smartphone scans the air when searching for new gadgets. MIUI 13/14 This is especially important because of the optimization of energy consumption.
• 🔄 Automatic Connections: Android can connect to stored devices (such as a coffee shop speaker), which leads to unexpected sound playback or battery discharge.
• 🛑 Profile conflicts: If an older version of the device is left on the list (e.g., Mi Band 4 after upgrading to Mi Band 7), the new model may not connect or malfunction.
• 🔒 Data Leakage: Some devices (such as smart locks or car systems) transmit smartphone IDs when connected.Old records can become a vulnerability.

On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K60), the problem is exacerbated by the way Qualcomm’s Bluetooth stack works, which aggressively caches connections, meaning that even after manual removal, the device can reappear in the list in a few days, and we will discuss solutions for such cases in the ADB section.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS), standard cleaning methods may not work, in which case you will have to resort to resetting network settings or manually editing files via Root.

Method 1: Standard removal via Bluetooth settings

The easiest method is to remove unnecessary devices from the Bluetooth menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing (or Bluetooth depending on the firmware version).
2. Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (a gear next to the name of the device you want to remove.
4. Select Disable (if the device is connected), then Forget this device or Delete.
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Bluetooth → [Device name] → ⚙️ → Forget

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔴 Forget button is inactive: So the device is currently connected. First, turn it off.
• 🔄 The device appears again: This is typical of MIUI 14 on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3).The solution is to use ADB (4).
• 📱 No gear icon: Press and hold the device name for 2-3 seconds – a context menu with the option to delete will appear.

Method 2: Reset network settings (nuclear method)

If standard deletion doesn’t help or the list is packed with hundreds of entries (relevant to users who often connect to public devices), you can perform a complete network reset.

• 📶 All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords.
• 🔗 Bluetooth devices (including hidden system records).
• 📡 Mobile network settings (APN, preference).
• 🔌 VPN-configurations and certificates.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset (or Settings → System → Additional → Resetting on HyperOS).
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Enter. PIN-code.
4. Confirm action. The smartphone will reboot.

⚠️ Note: Network resets do not affect application data, photos or files, but you will have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure them. APN for mobile Internet (relevant for users of MTS, Beeline or Tele2 with manual settings).

Method 3: Cleaning through “Developer Settings” (hidden method)

If the device is not removed in the standard way or you see ghostly records (such as devices that are not around for a long time), the developer mode will help. This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+ and does not require Root:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Settings → System → For Developers

HyperOS

Resetting Bluetooth settings

Clear Bluetooth data

Confirm the reset. The smartphone will reboot.

What this method does:

• 🧹 Remove all saved devices, including those that don’t appear in the main list.
• 🔧 Resets the cache of the Bluetooth stack, which solves problems with “stuck” connections.
• 📱 Does not affect other network settings (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet).

Note: On some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro), the option may be called Clear Bluetooth cache or hidden in the System → Reset options menu. If you don’t find it, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

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Before resetting through the developer mode, write down MAC-Addresses of important devices (such as smartwatches or car systems) can be found in Bluetooth settings next to the name of the gadget, which will help you connect again faster.

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If none of the previous methods worked (relevant to Xiaomi on MIUI 14 or HyperOS), you will have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to manually clean the Bluetooth database, including hidden system records.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 📥 Installed drivers ADB Platform Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Initiated debugging mode USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times). Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.

File transfer

Charging.

command-line

terminal

platform-tools

adb devices

The serial number of your Xiaomi should appear.

adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth

adb reboot

What does the pm clear command do:

• 🗑️ Remove all stored devices, including those that are not displayed in the interface.
• 🔄 Resets Bluetooth stack settings, which solves connection problems on Qualcomm and Mediatek chips.
• 📛 Clears the cache of paired keys that may conflict when reconnected.

⚠️ Note: After this command is executed, all Bluetooth devices will be deleted without recovery, and the playback order in automotive systems (for example, Android Auto or CarPlay) may also reset).

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (Root only)

If you have Root rights (like Magisk), you can manually delete files that are responsible for the Bluetooth list, which is risky, but it gives 100% results, and is suitable for Xiaomi on any firmware, including custom ones.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with Root access (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/misc/bluedroid/
3. Delete the following files: bt_config.conf bt_config.xml bt_config.xml.bak
4. Reboot your smartphone.

Warnings:

• 🔴 Without Root, this method will not work – the system will block access.
• 🔄 Incorrect deletion of files can cause a failure of the Bluetooth module (reflashing will be required).
• 📱 Some of the paths may be different (for example, /data/misc/bluetooth/).

Note for HyperOS: In newer firmware versions, Bluetooth files can be stored encrypted. If Bluetooth files stop working after you delete them, reset via ADB (Method 4).

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Manual editing of system files is the most radical method, but it is guaranteed to remove all traces of connected devices, only use it if other methods have not worked, and you are confident in your actions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after clearing the Bluetooth list on Xiaomi, users are faced with typical problems.

Additional advice:

• 🔋 If Bluetooth quickly drains the battery after cleaning, reset the adaptive battery settings in developer mode.
• 🔊 For devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) After reset, you may need to reinstall Bluetooth codecs (for example, aptX or LDAC).
• 📱 Nana POCO-Models sometimes help roll back to factory firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, if the problems with Bluetooth are system in nature.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions