The problem of full storage in the cloud service Xiaomi is becoming relevant for many owners of Redmi smartphones. When memory is limited, the system stops syncing new pictures and contacts, which can lead to the loss of important information. Users often encounter notifications that the 5 GB limit has been reached and do not know how to properly free up space without deleting the necessary files.
In this article we will look in detail at how to clear the cloud on Redmi Android, which files take up the most space and how to set up automatic space management. You will learn to distinguish system backups from user content and understand why simply deleting photos from the phone does not always clear the server.
Why cloud storage is full
The main reason for lack of space is automatic synchronization galleries. The camera of modern Redmi smartphones creates high-resolution images that quickly eat up the available limit. In addition, many users do not notice that screenshots, downloaded pictures from instant messengers and even videos shot in 4K are duplicated in the cloud.
In addition to media files, system settings and messages occupy a significant amount of space. If you frequently change firmware or reset settings, outdated backups that are no longer needed may accumulate in the cloud. The system does not delete them automatically, believing that they may be needed to restore data. backups system settings and messages. If you frequently change firmware or reset settings, outdated backups that are no longer needed may accumulate in the cloud. The system does not delete them automatically, believing that they may be needed to restore data.
Another factor is the synchronization of the voice recorder and notes. Although text takes up little space, voice recordings can weigh hundreds of megabytes. Checking the partition with audio files can often free up gigabytes of space that you didn't even know you had.
Turn on displaying folder sizes in the cloud settings to immediately see which partition is taking up the most space.
Deleting photos and videos through the Gallery app
The most obvious way to free up space is deleting media files directly through the smartphone interface. However, there is an important nuance here: if synchronization is enabled, deleting photos from the device may not affect the server copy. It is necessary to manage content through a special cloud tab.
Open the application Gallery and go to the Cloud or Albumstab, where files stored on servers are displayed. Mi Cloud. Here you can select unnecessary pictures and delete them.
For bulk cleaning, use the selection function. Tap and hold on one photo, then select Select all or mark specific periods. After that, click on the trash can icon. The system will ask for confirmation, since the action is irreversible after emptying the trash.
☑️ Clearing the gallery in the cloud
⚠️ Attention: Deleting photos from the cloud is synchronized with all devices where you are logged into your account. Photos will disappear on both your phone and tablet.
Managing backups and settings
The backup section often becomes a “black hole” for memory. This includes data about the location of icons on the desktop, call history, SMS and Wi-Fi settings. Over time, this data can take up a significant amount, especially if you regularly make new backups over old ones.
To clear this section, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Here you will see a list of all saved copies, indicating the creation date and size. Select outdated versions that were created before the last reset or purchase of a new phone.
Click on a specific backup and select the option Delete. It is recommended to keep only one recent, current copy. If you are planning to change your phone, make sure that the latest backup was created recently and contains all the necessary data before deleting previous versions.
What is included in the backup?
The Redmi system backup includes: a list of installed applications (without the APKs themselves), home screen settings, alarms, calendar data, blacklist Wi-Fi numbers and passwords. The photo and video files themselves are not included in this section; they are stored in a separate section of the Gallery.
| Data type | Approximate size | Update frequency | Storage requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and Video | High (GB) | Constant | Selective |
| System backup | Medium (MB) | When changed settings | Last only |
| Contacts and Messages | Low (KB) | When adding | Constantly |
| Voice recorder | Medium/High | When recording | As needed |
Cleaning via the web version of Mi Cloud
Sometimes managing files from the smartphone screen is inconvenient, especially if you need to delete hundreds of images. In such cases, the web interface comes to the rescue. Go to the official website i.mi.com from your computer or phone browser and log in with your Mi Account.
The web version provides more flexible sorting tools. You can browse files by date, album, or type. The interface allows you to select groups of files with the mouse, which significantly speeds up the cleaning process compared to tapping on the touch screen.
After deleting files on the site, they also end up in the cloud trash. Don't forget to go to the Cart section on the website and click Empty Cartto free up space instantly. Without this step, the space will not return to your available limit.
⚠️ Attention: The web version interface may differ depending on the region of your account (China or Global version). Make sure you are using the correct domain for your region.
The web interface also allows you to manage contacts and notes. If you have duplicate contacts that were synchronized from different sources (SIM, Google, Phone), it is convenient to merge and clean them through the browser. This will prevent the cloud from being clogged with duplicate records.
The web version of Mi Cloud is the best tool for bulk sorting and deleting files, as it works faster and more stable than the mobile application with large amounts of data.
Disable synchronization to save space
If cleaning does not help or the space runs out too quickly, you should reconsider synchronization policy. Not all data is vitally important to store in the cloud. Disabling the downloading of certain file types will prevent future overflow.
Go to the cloud settings and turn off the switches next to those items that you do not need. For example, if you are not afraid of losing your call history or alarm settings, you don't have to sync them. This will save space for really important photos.
You can use alternative solutions for photos. Services like Google Photos or Yandex.Disk often provide more generous rates or free space. You can disable gallery synchronization in Mi Cloud and configure automatic uploading to another service.
Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Disable GalleryAlso check the synchronization settings for specific applications. Some apps may have their own cloud storage settings within your Xiaomi account. Turning off unused features like Find My Device (if you don't need it) or syncing themes will also contribute to savings.
Use the Storage Optimization feature in Gallery Settings. It replaces the original photos on the phone with smaller copies, leaving the full versions only in the cloud, which saves space on the device itself.
Storage expansion and paid plans
If deleting files is not an option, since you want to save the entire history of pictures, the only solution is to expand the limit. The company Xiaomi offers several tariff plans for users for whom the standard 5 GB is not enough.
The subscription price varies depending on the region and current promotions. Typically 50GB, 200GB and 2TB packages are available. Payment is made monthly or annually through a linked bank card or phone balance.
Before purchasing a tariff, carefully read the terms of renewal. Your subscription may renew automatically, and if you forget to cancel after clearing your cloud, you will be charged regularly. You can manage your subscription in the same menu Mi Cloud in the section Storage management.
⚠️ Attention: Tariff plans and payment methods may change. Check the current cost and available payment methods directly in the settings menu of your smartphone or on the official website.
Paid storage also gives access to additional features, such as extended cart history or priority support. For family accounts, there are shared storage pools that can be used by multiple people, which makes purchasing a plan more profitable per user.
Can I get a refund for a subscription?
In most cases, if you cancel your subscription before the end of the paid period, access to the expanded space will remain until the end date of the cycle. Refunds for unused days are usually not made, so it is better to cancel the subscription at the end of the billing period.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the photo be deleted from the phone if I delete it from the cloud?
Yes, if synchronization is enabled. Cloud deletion applies to all synced devices. To delete photos from the server only, you must first disable syncing for that album or file type, but this is a complicated procedure. It's easier to download the photo to your computer, delete it from the cloud, and then download it back to your phone as a local file.
Where do the deleted files go?
They are moved to a folder Trash inside the Gallery app or on the Mi Cloud website. There they are stored for 30 days, after which they are deleted permanently. Space in the cloud is freed only after emptying the Recycle Bin.
Why is the space not freed up after deleting files?
Most likely, you did not empty the Recycle Bin. It is also possible that the system has not yet recalculated the amount of occupied space. Try restarting your smartphone or logging out and logging in again. Sometimes the delay in updating statistics is up to 24 hours.
Is it possible to transfer data from Mi Cloud to Google Drive?
There is no automatic button for transfer. You need to download files from the Xiaomi cloud to your device or computer, and then upload them to Google Drive manually or by setting up folder synchronization through the Google Photos app.
Is it safe to store passwords in the Redmi cloud?
Data is encrypted during transmission and storage. However, for maximum security of critical passwords, it is recommended to use specialized password managers rather than standard browser or system synchronization.