Multimedia messages MMS take up significantly more space than regular SMS: one high-resolution photo or a 10-second video can “weigh” from 500 KB to 5 MB. If you actively send media files via messages, the device's memory quickly fills up and the smartphone's performance drops. Unlike SMS, MMS are stored not only in the database of the Messages application, but also in hidden system folders, which complicates their complete deletion. Android-smartphone falls. Unlike SMS, MMS are stored not only in the Messages app's database, but also in hidden system folders, making them difficult to completely delete.

In this article we will analyze 5 ways to delete MMS - from basic (via standard application) to advanced (clearing cache and manually deleting files via ADB). We will pay special attention to the problems faced by users Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel, where the message management interface is different. You will also learn how to avoid re-downloading MMS when synchronizing with the cloud and why some messages “return” after deletion.

1. Deleting MMS through the standard Messages application

The most obvious way is to use the built-in application for SMS/MMS. However, there are nuances: not all manufacturers implement the mass deletion function, and some (for example, Huawei) hide the option deep in the menu.

Instructions for most smartphones:

  • 📱 Open the application "Messages"** (icon with an envelope or cloud).
  • 🔍 Find a chat with MMS: they are usually marked with an icon 📷 (photo) or 🎥 (video).
  • 🗑️ Press and hold the message → select Delete (or trash icon).
  • 🧹 For mass deletion: tap on the chat avatar → Delete history → confirm.

On Samsung Galaxy (One UI) the path is different:

  1. Open "Messages"** → click ⋮ (three dots) → Settings.
  2. Select Delete messages → mark MMS → specify the period (for example, Over 30 days).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example MIUI 14) deleting MMS through the app does not clear the associated media files. They remain in the folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.mms/files/ and take up space.

Make a backup copy of important media files

Check that they are synchronized messages with Google Drive

Close background applications to speed up the process

Reboot the phone after mass deletion-->

2. Clearing the cache and data of the Messages application

If MMS are deleted, but the memory is not freed, the problem may be in the application cache. The cache stores temporary copies of media files that are not always cleared when messages are deleted.

How to clear the cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
  2. Find "Messages"** (or com.android.mms for the standard application).
  3. Click Storage** → Clear cache and Clear data.
Action What is deleted Consequences
Clear cache Temporary MMS files (thumbnails, buffer) Messages remain, but media can be loaded again
Clearing data All SMS/MMS history, application settings The application will be reset to factory settings
Removing updates The application version will be reset to the factory version Functions may disappear (for example, backup)

On Xiaomi (MIUI) after clearing the data, you may need to reactivate the application through Settings → Memory → Cleaning.

Standard (from the manufacturer)

Google Messages

Textra SMS

Other-->

3. Manual deletion of MMS through the file manager

MMS messages are stored in system folders that are not visible through the standard explorer. you will need a file manager with root access (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) or ADB.

Path to folders with MMS:

  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.mms/files/ — main folder with media.
  • 📁 /data/data/com.android.mms/app_mms/ — system files (requires root).
  • 📁 /sdcard/Pictures/Mms/ — backup copies on some firmware.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

  1. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
  2. Go to path /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.mms/.
  3. Delete folders files and cache.
  4. Restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /data/data/ without root access may cause the Messages application to crash. If you are not sure, use ADB (see section 5).
What to do if the com.android.mms folder does not open?

If the file manager gives a “No access” error, try:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and use ADB (section 5).

2. Install Root Explorer and provide root access.

3. Temporarily disable the Messages application in the Android settings, then repeat. try.

4. Deleting MMS via Google Messages (for Pixel users and others)

The application Google Messages (previously Android Messages) offers advanced media management features, including automatic deletion of old MMS. However, there are pitfalls: if synchronization is enabled. with Google Drive, messages can be restored.

How to delete MMS in Google Messages:

  1. Open the application → find the chat with MMS.
  2. Tap on the message → Delete (or swipe left/right).
  3. For mass deletion: click on the chat avatar → Delete → select the period.

To disable automatic recovery:

  • 🔄 Go to Settings → Backup and reset.
  • 🚫 Disable the option Auto-recovery of messages.
  • 🗑️ Clear backups in Google Drive (section Storage management).
💡

If you use Google Messages, enable the function Auto-delete media older than 30 days in the application settings. This will prevent the accumulation of unnecessary MMS.

5. Advanced method: deleting MMS via ADB

For users who cannot delete MMS. standard methods will help Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic knowledge of the command line.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB on your PC (download from the website Android Developers).
  2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (Settings → About phone → Number assembly → tap 7 times → return to Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the commands:
adb shell

pm clear com.android.mms

To delete specific MMS files:

adb shell

rm -rf /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.mms/files/*

⚠️ Attention: Commands pm clear and rm -rf irreversibly delete all data in the Messages application, including SMS. Make a backup copy before performing!
💡

ADB is the most reliable way to delete “undeletable” MMS, but requires caution. An error in the command can lead to the loss of all messages or the application crash.

6. Why MMS come back after deletion and how to fix it

A common problem: the user deletes MMS, but after a while they appear again. Culprits:

  • ☁️ Cloud synchronization (Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, Mi Cloud).
  • 🔄 Auto-recovery from a backup copy when reinstalling the application.
  • 📶 Repeat loading from the operator's server (if the MMS was not delivered earlier).

How to prevent MMS from returning:

  1. Turn off message backup in your Google/Samsung/Xiaomi account settings.
  2. Delete backups manually through the cloud storage web interface.
  3. For Samsung: go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Archiving and recovery → disable Messages.

If MMS comes repeatedly from operator:

  • 📞 Call the operator's support and ask to block repeated sending of MMS for your number.
  • 🛡️ Install a blocker application (for example, Truecaller) and add the sender's number to the black list.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications for managing MMS

If standard methods do not help, try specialized applications. They offer advanced features, such as filtering MMS by size or date.

Top 3 MMS apps:

App Features Cons
SMS Backup & Restore Backup, selective deletion MMS Paid version for bulk deletion
Pulse SMS Cloud management, search by file size Requires registration
QKSMS Open source, manual cleaning cache Complex interface for beginners

How to delete MMS via SMS Backup & Restore:

  1. Install the application and provide access to messages.
  2. Go to the section Manage messages → MMS.
  3. Sort by size (click on the ↓↑icon and delete the largest ones.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example GO SMS Pro) save media files in their own folders, which are not cleared when messages are deleted. Check your storage via the file manager!

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to recover deleted MMS?

Yes, but only if:

  • 🔄 You have a backup in Google Drive or another cloud.
  • 📱 The Messages app did not clear data after deletion (check the folder /Android/data/com.android.mms/).
  • 🛠️ You use data recovery apps (for example, Dr.Fone), but the chances are low - MMS are often overwritten with new files.
Why is MMS not deleted on Samsung Galaxy?

On devices Samsung with firmware One UI MMS can be stored in two places:

  1. /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.samsung.android.messaging/ — main folder.
  2. /data/user_de/0/com.samsung.android.messaging/ — system files (root required).

Try:

  • Clear cache and application data "Messages"** through settings.
  • Use Samsung Smart Switch to backup and reset the application.
How to prevent automatic downloading of MMS?

To prevent MMS from downloading automatically:

  • 📶 On Samsung: Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Advanced → Autoload MMS → disable.
  • 📱 On Google Messages: Settings → Advanced → Autoload media → select Never.
  • 📵 On Xiaomi: Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Receiving MMS → uncheck Startup.

This will save traffic and space on the device.

How much space does one MMS take?

MMS size depends on the type of media:

  • 📷 Photo: from 300 KB (low quality) to 3 MB (original).
  • 🎥 Video: from 1 MB (5 seconds) to 10 MB (30 seconds).
  • 🎵 Audio: 500 KB–2 MB per minute.
  • 📄 Documents: up to 10 MB (limit operators).

For comparison: one SMS weighs 140 bytes.

Is it possible to disable MMS completely?

Yes, but this will disable the ability to send/receive all multimedia messages. Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
  2. Select your APN → find the field MMSC (MMS server address).
  3. Add a symbol to the beginning of the address # (for example, #http://mmsc.example.com) or delete the value is complete.
  4. Save and reboot the phone.

⚠️ After this, you will not be able to send photos/videos via standard messages, but SMS will work.