Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 9 are a common problem that occurs after synchronization with multiple accounts, importing from the company. SIM-maps or malfunctions MIUI. Repeated entries clutter the phone book, make it difficult to find the right numbers, and can lead to errors when calling. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for removing duplicates, from built-in tools to specialized applications.
The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004C3LG) feature is that it automatically combines contacts from multiple sources (Google, Mi Account, SIM), but sometimes this process is flawed. It's important to understand that simply removing duplicates manually won't solve the problem forever - without the right synchronization setup, they will reappear, we'll show you how to clean the phone book once and for all, and we'll also teach you how to configure auto-union so that duplicates don't happen again.
Why do you have duplicate contacts on Redmi 9?
The main reasons for the duplicate contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 9 are related to the features of MIUI and synchronization services:
- 🔄 Multiple accounts: Simultaneous sync with Google, Mi Account and local storage creates copies of a single contact across multiple databases.
- 📱 Import with SIM-maps: when transferring contacts from SIM The system does not always recognize existing records and adds them as new ones.
- ⚙️ Failures MIUI: errors in the work of the company shell (especially in versions) MIUI 12-14) This leads to incorrect data integration.
- 🔄 Update: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 12 on MIUI (13) the linking of contacts to accounts may be lost.
- 📲 Third-party apps: Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) and social networks sometimes create their copies of contacts in the phone book.
On Redmi 9, the problem is compounded by the fact that Auto Contacts are enabled by default, which should reduce duplicates to one record. However, due to bugs, it often works incorrectly - for example, it unites different people with the same names or ignores obvious duplicates. Before cleaning the phone book, we recommend checking which accounts are connected to sync:
⚠️ Note: If you delete duplicates from only one source (e.g. Google Contacts), they may reappear the next time you sync with your Mi Account.
| Source of contact | Typical problems | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Google Account | Dubbed after importing from old phone, conflicts with MIUI | Cleaning through contacts.google.com + disabling autosynchronization |
| Mi Account (Xiaomi) | Repetitive records after resetting settings or updating | Use the built-in tool to combine contacts in MIUI |
| Local storage. | Doubles after import with SIM or backup | Manual cleaning through Settings → Contacts |
| SIM-map | Old records remain on SIM and are duplicated with each import | Delete contacts with SIM or disable its display in the phone book |
Method 1: Integrated contact association in MIUI
The safest method for Redmi 9 is to use the branded Connect Contacts tool that is built into MIUI. It automatically finds duplicates and suggests combining them, which does not require third-party applications and saves all the data (numbers, email, notes).
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app on your Redmi 9.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
- Go to the section "Connect Contacts".
- The system will show a list of duplicate entries. Click Combine all or select specific pairs to merge.
- Confirm the action – the duplicates will be combined into one record with the preservation of all information.
If the tool doesn’t find obvious duplicates, try the following:
Update the Contacts app on Google Play
Reboot the phone.
Turn off and enable synchronization with Mi Account again
Check if contacts are hidden in the display settings-->
⚠️ Warning: Once combined, check if the records show any extra numbers or email. MIUI Mistakenly combines contacts of different people with the same names (for example, two Ivan Petrovich.
Method 2: Clearing duplicates through Google Contacts
If your contacts are synced with Google, duplicates may appear due to conflicts between MIUI and Google services, and you can clear them through the web version of contacts.google.com, which is more convenient than on your phone, since there are tools for mass removal.
Step-by-step:
- Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in with the same account as Redmi 9.
- In the left menu, select Dubbles, and the system will automatically find all the repeated entries.
- Click Combine All or select specific duplicates to merge.
- After cleaning, go back to your phone and update your contacts: go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync and turn on / off the Contacts switch.
The advantage of this method is:
- 🔍 Accurate duplicate detection (Google is better at recognizing duplicate entries than it is at detecting duplicate entries) MIUI).
- 📱 Synchronize changes to all devices where this account is used.
- 🔄 Opportunity to cancel the merger within 30 days.
💡
If you have duplicates left on your phone after you have merged in Google Contacts, check if the sync in the MIUI settings is disabled. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Your email → Account Sync and make sure that the Contact slider is active.
Method 3: Manually remove duplicates on the phone
If the automatic tools fail, you can manually remove duplicates, which is suitable for a small number of repetitive records (up to 50).
How to remove duplicates manually:
- Open the Contacts app on Redmi 9.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings → Show contacts.
- Select All Contacts to see records from all sources.
- Sort the list by name (slip on the Name in the top panel).
- Find duplicate entries, click on them and select Delete.
Tips for manual cleaning:
- 🔍 Use a search by name or number to find duplicates faster.
- 📌 Before deleting, check if important information (such as an extra number or email) is hidden in one of the copies.
- 🔄 After deleting, restart your phone – this will speed up the phone book update.
⚠️ Attention: With manual removal, it is easy to make a mistake and erase the contact you want. Before cleaning, back up the phone book through Settings → Contacts → Imports/Exports → Export to a file (save the file to a memory card or to the cloud).
Method 4: Third-party applications for removing duplicates
If the built-in MIUI and Google tools don't work, you can use specialized applications, which offer advanced double search, mass deletion and backup. Redmi 9 will work for:
| Annex | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts Optimizer | Automatic combination of duplicates, backup, cleaning of empty records | Google Play |
| Simpler Merge | Smart contact merging, MIUI support, manual mode for complex cases | Google Play |
| Cleanup Duplicate Contacts | Massive removal of duplicates, integration with Google Contacts, history of changes | Google Play |
Instructions for use (for example, Contacts Optimizer):
- Install the app from Google Play and open it.
- Please provide access to your contacts (required!).
- Click Scan - the program will find all the takes.
- View the list and select the entries to merge or delete.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
- Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.
Advantages of third-party applications:
- 🔍 More accurate detection of duplicates by several criteria (name, number, email).
- 📊 Ability to mass clean (e.g., remove all doubles with one tap).
- 🔄 Automatic backup before changes.
How to avoid installing malicious applications?
Method 5: Reset and re-synchronize contacts
If the duplicates are constantly appearing despite all the cleanup attempts, the radical solution is to completely reset the contacts and then re-synchronize, which helps 90% of the time, but requires caution.
Step-by-step:
- Backup: Go to Settings → Contacts → Import/Export → Export to file. Save the.vcf file to a memory card or to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
- Clear all contacts: In Settings → Accounts turn off sync for Google and Mi Account. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Delete all contacts.
Restore data from backup
- Import the.vcf file through Settings → Contacts → Import / Export → Import from the file.
- Enable sync with only one account (e.g., only Google).
After discharge:
- 🔄 Turn on sync one by one: first Google, then (if necessary) Mi Account.
- 📱 Check the association settings in Contacts → Contact management → Connecting contacts.
- 🔍 Make sure the doubles don't show up again (wait). 10-15 minutes for full synchronization).
💡
Contact resets are a last resort, only use them if other methods have not worked. After reset, avoid syncing with multiple accounts at the same time to prevent duplicates.
How to Prevent the appearance of doubles in the future
To prevent duplicate contacts from appearing on your Redmi 9, follow these guidelines:
- 🔄 Turn off autosynchronization with unnecessary accounts: Settings → Accounts. → Select an account → Synchronization of the account → Turn off Contacts Leave sync enabled with only one source (e.g., only Google).
- 📱 Set up the correct association in MIUI: Contacts → Contact management → Connecting contacts → Settings → Turn on Auto-Integration to make sure the function is working correctly (check on the 2-3 test-contact).
- 🚫 Avoid importing from SIM-maps: Contacts to SIM It is better to transfer them to Google Contacts once and not use them again. SIM room-storage.
- 🔍 Check your phone book regularly: Once in a while 1-2 Open Contacts for the month → Contact management → Doubling and Delete New Repetitive Recordings.
Additional advice:
- 📌 Use one primary account to store contacts (we recommend Google, it is more securely synced between devices).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI Check your contact settings – sometimes resets lead to duplication.
- 📲 Install a backup app (like Super Backup) and save a copy of your contacts before any changes.