Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a common problem that arises from MIUI features, sync errors with Google Account or import data from different sources. If your phone is full of repeating records, it not only makes it difficult to find the right subscriber, but also takes up excess memory, slowing down the device. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to delete duplicates, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications, and explain how to prevent them from appearing in the future.
Feature of Redmi 9C (model M2006C3LG Android-based firmware 10/11) The system automatically creates duplicates when synchronized with multiple accounts (e.g., Google and Mi Account), and duplicates can appear after transferring contacts from the user account. SIM-Maps, recovery from backup or using third-party messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram. It is important to understand that simple manual deletion is not always effective β a systematic approach is required.
Why do you have a double contact on the Redmi 9C?
Before you start cleaning, you should understand the causes of the problem, and here are the main scenarios in which duplicates occur:
- π Sync with multiple accounts. If you add both a Google Account and a Mi Account to your phone, the system can create separate records for the same contact from each source.
- π± Import with SIM-When you move your contacts from SIM There are often duplicates, especially if the data has already been stored in the phoneβs memory.
- π Restore from backup: When you restore data through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, old and new versions of contacts can merge.
- π€ Application errors: Messengers (Viber, WhatsApp) sometimes create their local copies of contacts that are out of sync with the main book.
- π² Manual duplication: Users accidentally add the same contact multiple times, especially if they use different calling apps.
On Redmi 9C, the problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI does not automatically combine contacts by default (unlike pure Android).For example, if you have an entry in Google Contacts called Ivan Ivanov and in Mi Account you have an entry called Ivan Petrov (with the same number), the system will show them as two different contacts.
β οΈ Warning: Before removing duplicates, make sure to back up contacts! β Settings β Imports/Exports β Export to file.vcf. Save the file to Google Drive or send it to your mail.
Method 1: Remove duplicates through the standard Contacts app
The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools. They don't always cope with deep takes, but they'll work for basic cleaning.
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette on the home screen).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down and find Contact Management β Combine Contacts.
- The system will automatically find possible duplicates. Click Combine next to each option.
- For a mass merger, use the option to combine all (if available).
If you donβt have the option to connect contacts (this is the case on some versions of MIUI 12 for Redmi 9C), try an alternative way:
- In the Contacts app, go to Groups (the tab at the bottom of the screen).
- Select All Contacts and sort them by name or number.
- Manually find the duplicates and remove the extra ones by holding your finger on the recording and choosing Delete.
Check that all the doubles are really about one person.|Make sure that all numbers and email are saved in the combined record.|Take a screenshot of important contacts in case of an error|Turn off sync with Mi Account during the process-->
This method works if the duplicates have appeared due to manual addition or importation from the SIM-However, it is useless if the problem is caused by syncing with Google or other accounts.
Method 2: Clean up Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)
If your contacts are synced with your Google Account, you can delete duplicates through the web version of the service, which is especially true for Redmi 9C, where local and cloud contacts often conflict.
- Open your browser on your computer or phone and go to https://contacts.google.com.
- Sign in with the same account that is linked to your Redmi 9C.
- On the left menu, select Doubley. The system will show all the repeated records.
- Click Combine next to each take or use the Combine All option.
- After cleaning, go back to your phone and update your contacts: go to Settings β Accounts β Google β Sync Contacts.
The advantage of this method is that the changes apply to all devices linked to a Google Account, but beware: if you have previously edited contacts on your phone (not through Google), these changes can be overwritten by cloud data.
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard "Contacts" appendix | No need for the internet, fast. | Does not remove deep duplicates from different sources | Local doubles, manual addition |
| Google Contacts | Clears duplicates on all devices, exact merging algorithm | Requires the Internet, can overwrite local changes | Doubles due to synchronization with Google |
| Resetting the synchronization of the Mi Account | Removes duplicates from Xiaomi, does not affect Google | Deletes all Mi Account data (messages, notes) | Doubles over Mi Cloud |
β οΈ Note: If you use Mi Account for backup SMS Or notes, resetting synchronization will delete this data, too.
Method 3: Reset sync with Mi Account (for Xiaomi doubles)
If the duplicates are due to synchronization with Mi Account (a Xiaomi cloud service), you will need to reset your account settings, a radical but effective method.
- Go to Settings β Accounts β Mi Account.
- Slip on your profile and select Delete your account (donβt be afraid β itβs temporary).
- Confirm deletion. The phone will warn you that Mi Cloud data (contacts, SMS, notes) will be deleted.
- After deleting, restart the Redmi 9C.
- Go back to Settings β Accounts and add Mi Account again.
- When you first log in, the system will prompt you to restore data. Select Do Not Restore contacts (otherwise the duplicates will return!).
- Now sync your contacts only with Google or manually import a clean copy.
Important: This method deletes ALL Mi Account data, including call history and SMS-Messages stored in the cloud. If you want this data, pre-export it through Settings. β Memory. β Backup.
On the phone (locally)|On Google Account|In Mi Account.|Nana SIM-map|I use third-party apps.-->
Method 4: Using third-party cleaning applications
If the built-in tools fail, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. The following applications will be suitable for Redmi 9C (available on Google Play):
- π§Ή Contacts Optimizer β analyzes duplicates by numbers, email and names, offers merger or removal.
- π Simpler Merge β a convenient interface for manual and automatic combination.
- π± Cleanup Duplicate Contacts β Supports backup before cleaning.
- π Dedup Contacts β works with contacts from Google, Mi Account and local memory.
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 proposed merger options. The application will show which fields (numbers, email, addresses) will be combined.
- Click Combine all selected or Combine all.
- After cleaning, restart your phone and check the result in the standard Contacts app.
The advantage of third-party utilities is that they analyze not only names, but also phone numbers, emails, and even contact notes, for example, if you have two Alexey contacts with different surnames but the same number, the program will suggest combining them.
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Before using third-party apps, disable synchronizing contacts with Google and Mi Account in your phone settings.This will prevent new duplicates from being created during the cleanup.
Method 5: Manual removal of duplicates through export/import
This method is suitable for advanced users who want to have full control of the process, and it involves exporting contacts to a file, manually cleaning and re-importing.
- Export contacts to.vcf file: Open Contacts β Settings β Imports/Exports β Export to your phone memory. Select all contacts and save the file (e.g, contacts_backup.vcf).
- Copy the file to your computer (for example, through a computer). USB-cable or Google Drive).
- Open the file in a text editor (e.g. Notepad++ or VS Code). Contacts are stored in vCard format, where each contact starts with BEGIN:VCARD and ends with END:VCARD.
- Find duplicate blocks (you can search by phone number or email) and delete the extra entries by leaving one for each person.
- Save the file and import it back to your phone: In Contacts, select Import/Export β Import from your phone's memory. Specify the edited.vcf file.
It's the most time-consuming, but it guarantees 100% control over the process, and it's especially useful if you have contacts with unique notes or extra fields that you can't lose with automatic merging.
How to find duplicates in the file.vcf faster?
How to Prevent the appearance of doubles in the future
To avoid recurring problems, follow these guidelines:
- π Turn off unnecessary synchronization. Go to Settings. β Keep active sync with only one source (e.g., only Google or only Mi Account).
- π± Do not import contacts with SIM-If you already have cards on your phone, use them. SIM backup storage only.
- π Check the Google Contacts on a regular basis (once in a week). 2-3 month).
- π« Avoid third-party backup apps that create their own copies of contacts (like Super Backup or My Contacts Backup).
- π² When adding a new contact, always check if it is already in the phone book (use the Contacts app search).
If you are switching from one phone to another frequently (e.g. from iPhone to Xiaomi), use official data porting tools such as Mi Mover.This app handles contacts correctly and minimizes the risk of duplication.
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The most common reason for Redmi 9C doubles is sync with Google and Mi Account. Choose one primary source and disable the others!