How to set the default contacts on Xiaomi smartphones: full instruction

On Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI Often there is confusion with contacts: the system offers to choose the application to open the phone book, and sometimes even resets the default settings after the update, this problem is especially relevant for users who use multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, SIM-maps) or third-party apps like Truecaller, unlike pure Android, where contact settings are standardized, MIUI It has its nuances – and today we will examine them in detail.

In this article, you will find not only basic instructions for choosing the default contact app, but also solutions to common errors: why settings are reset, how to sync contacts between accounts, and what to do if the system does not save changes. We will also look at features for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and Xiaomi models - from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO.

Why are Xiaomi’s default contacts reset?

The problem with resetting your contacts on Xiaomi is due to several factors specific to the MIUI shell:

• 🔄 System Updates: After installing new versions MIUI (especially major - from 12 to 13, from 13 to 14) the system can reset the default settings for the "purity" configuration.
• 📱 Dual Applications: Dubbed Applications in MIUI creates individual instances of messengers and contacts, which leads to conflict when choosing the application by default.
• 🔗 Sync accounts: If you have multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, Enterprise Exchange) connected, the system can automatically switch between them.
• 🛠️ Memory optimization: Cleaning function RAM into MIUI sometimes removes the app cache, including default settings.

Important: On Xiaomi models with hybrid slots for SIM-Cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) Default reset can occur when switching between physical and virtual contacts SIM (This is because the system perceives the change in configuration of the communication module as a “new device".

Method 1: Selecting Default Contacts through Android Settings

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the MIUI version. The instructions are relevant for models from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 13 Ultra:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on the item Contact Appendix.
5. In the list, select the desired application: 📇 Contacts (standard application) MIUI) 🔍 Google Contacts (if you use a Google Account) 📞 Truecaller or other third-party application

If the list does not contain the desired application, make sure that it is installed and has permission to access contacts.

1. Go back to Application Management.
2. Find the right app (like Truecaller) and tap it.
3. Select Permissions → Enable the contact.

Make sure the contact app is updated to the latest version|

Check your internet connection (to sync accounts)|

Close all background apps (especially messengers) |

Restart your smartphone if the settings are not saved-->

Method 2: Configure via the Contacts app

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 12 Pro), the standard way through the settings may not work due to bugs, in which case a direct menu call from the Contacts app will help:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the default App and click on it.
4. Select Contacts (or other relevant application) and confirm the choice.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.contacts/.activities.TwelveKeyDialer

For other applications, use their batch names:

• 📇 Google Contacts: com.google.android.contacts
• 🔍 Truecaller: com.truecaller

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

How to synchronize contacts between accounts?

One of the reasons for resetting contacts by default is conflict between different sources (Google, Mi Account, SIM-To avoid this, set up synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select an account (such as Google).
3. Turn on the contact sync switch.
4. For Mi Account, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and activate Contacts.

If the contacts are duplicated:

• 🔄 Use the Connection of Contacts function in the Contacts app (menu) → Contact management).
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary accounts in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.

💡

If you often switch between SIM-Export contacts to the file. VCF via Contact → Settings → Import/Export: This will allow you to quickly restore them when you change your card.

Problem Solving: Contacts are not saved by default

If the contact app resets again after setting up, try the following methods:

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select Contacts (or Google Contacts) app. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will delete temporary files!).
• 🛠️ Reset application settings: Open Settings → System system → Settings reset. Select App Reset. Confirm action, and it will return all default settings without deleting data.

Disabling dual applications

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Dual Applications.
2. Remove duplicate applications related to contacts.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Pro: Dual apps can conflict with default settings. If you use a duplicate messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram), the system can automatically switch contacts to the main application.

💡

If the problem persists after all manipulations, check your smartphone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Mi Security. Malware sometimes blocks changes to system settings.

Features for different Xiaomi models

Depending on the model and version of MIUI, the default configuration process for contacts may vary, with key nuances for popular devices below:

For hyperaxial devices (such as Xiaomi 14 on HyperOS), the default contact setting process is simplified: the system automatically prompts you to select an app when you first open a phone book.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contacts on Xiaomi