Keeping contacts in a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone seems like a simple task - until you encounter duplicates, lost numbers after a reset or synchronization issues.The manufacturer regularly updates the shell MIUI, And the algorithms for working with the phone book are changing, and in 2026, Redmi's lineup introduced new contact management features that are not widely known to users.
This article will not just tell you how to add a number to your phone's memory, but we'll take a look at the hidden settings. MIUI, We will explain why contacts can disappear after a system update, and show you how to configure automatic backup through the Mi Cloud. SIM-map.
Basic ways to add contacts to Redmi
Let’s start with the classic method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi models – from the budget Redmi. 12C to the flagship Redmi K70 Pro. There are three main ways to add: through the Contacts app, during the call, and through the Message Menu.
The most versatile way is to use the standard Contacts app (an icon with a person's silhouette on a green background). + In the lower right corner, you need to choose the right account to save: phone memory, SIM-It depends on whether the contacts will remain after resetting the settings.
- 📱 Phone Memory - Contacts will only be saved on this device.Risk of loss on reset: 100%.
- 📶 SIM-Card – limited number of records (usually 250-500), There are no email fields or addresses.
- ☁️ Mi Account – synced to the cloud, available on all Xiaomi devices after logging in to your account.
The second way is to add during an incoming/outgoing call. When a number is displayed on the screen, tap the icon i (information) next to the response button. The system will suggest creating a new contact or adding a number to an existing one. MIUI 14+ This feature works even for spam calls, unless they are blocked by a built-in filter.
Problems with duplicate contacts and how to fix them
One of the most common complaints of Redmi owners is that they have duplicated phone book entries, which is due to the way they work. MIUI multiple-source (SIM, The system can create separate records for one person if the numbers are stored in different storages.
To combine takes, open the Contacts app, tap three dots in the top right corner, and select Contact Management. → Connect contacts. Here you'll see a list of supposed takes. It automatically groupes records with the same names or numbers, but sometimes it's wrong, like bringing different people with similar names together.
⚠️ Attention: Before combining duplicates, back up contacts via Settings → The phone. → Backups. Rarely. MIUI Can delete the original recording instead of the take.
If the automatic coupling fails, try the manual method:
- Open a contact that needs to be combined.
- Tapnite Edit → More (⋮) → Combine with.
- Select the second contact from the list.
- Confirm the merger – the system will save all numbers, email and notes from both records.
| Reason for doubles | How to prevent |
|---|---|
| Sync with multiple accounts (Mi + Google) | Turn off synchronization of one of the accounts in Settings → Accounts. |
| Import with SIM-cards with existing contacts | Before importing, delete old records or use the "Combine" option. |
| Update MIUI with errors | Before updating, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup |
| Installation of third-party launchers | Use the standard Contacts app or proven alternatives (e.g. Truecaller) |
Hidden functions of the application Contacts in MIUI
Many Redmi users do not even suspect that the standard app Contacts in the Internet. MIUI For example, Important Contacts allows you to select up to 12 records that will be displayed on a separate lock screen, which is convenient for quick access to loved ones' numbers in emergency situations.
To set up important contacts:
- Open Contacts. → Settings (⚙️) → Important contacts.
- Select the required records and add the required records.
- Activate the option to Show on the lock screen.
Another little-known possibility is grouping contacts, where you can create categories (e.g., "Work," "Family," "Friends") and assign them unique ringtones, and this works even when the phone is in silent mode, and you'll hear vibrations with unique patterns for each group.
Choose contacts for the group|Create a new category in the settings→Management of teams|Assign a unique tune to the band|Check the work in the mode "Do not disturb"-->
Business users can use the business card feature to create digital business cards with a company logo, multiple numbers and links to social media to activate:
- Open your contact (your record).
- Tapnite Edit → Business card.
- Fill in the fields and add a photo/logo.
- Click Save and Share – the system will generate QR-code.
Synchronization of contacts with Mi Cloud and Google
One of the key features of Xiaomi Redmi is its deep integration with the Mi Account ecosystem, which allows you to restore all numbers even after you completely reset your phone, but many users face problems when you first connect.
To set up synchronization:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
- Make sure you are logged in (if not, register).
- Activate the contact synchronization slider.
- Choose Auto Sync for regular updates.
⚠️ Note: If you use multiple Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) + Poco, enable sync on all gadgets under one account, otherwise there may be conflict versions of contacts.
For users who prefer Google, alternative synchronization is available:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
- 📱 Select your account and activate Contact Sync.
- ☁️ In the Google Account Management section, check that contacts are included in the backup.
Important nuance: MIUI If you have sync with both services enabled, the system will select data from Mi Account in case of conflict, to avoid this, disable sync with one of the services or use third-party applications like Sync.ME.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
Import and export of contacts: SIM, VCF, Excel
Transferring contacts from your old phone to your new Redmi is a common challenge. MIUI It supports several import/export formats, but not all are equally reliable. MIUI 14/15.
Import from SIM-card:
- 📱 Put it in. SIM on the phone and open contact.
- 🔽 Tap. ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
- ✅ Select contacts for import (all or selectively).
- 💾 Please specify the target storage (recommended Mi Account).
In the Redmi 2023 models+ year on importation with SIM It automatically offers to merge contacts with existing records in Mi Cloud, a feature that comes after numerous complaints about duplication.
Export to the VCF file:
- Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
- Select contacts for export (you can filter by group).
- Specify the path of preservation (recommended internal memory)/Downloads).
- The file will be saved in.vcf format, which can be sent by email or saved to the cloud.
Export to Excel via Mi is available for advanced users PC Suite:
- 🖥️ Set up Mi. PC Suite to a Windows computer.
- 📱 Connect Redmi to USB (Enable File Transfer).
- 📊 In the program, select Contacts. → Exports → Excel format.
- 💾 Save the file and edit it in Excel if necessary.
Backup and restoration of contacts
Contact loss is one of the most painful problems for smartphone users. Xiaomi Redmi has several backup mechanisms, but they are not all equally reliable. MIUI.
Local backup:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
- Select Local Backup.
- Activate the Contact Slider.
- Tap to create a backup and wait for completion.
The backup file is saved along the way /MIUI/backup/AllBackup. It can be copied to a computer or to the cloud manually, but this method has a disadvantage: data recovery can only be done on Xiaomi devices with the same version. MIUI.
Cloud backup via Mi Cloud:
- ☁️ Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- 🔄 Enable Automatic Backup.
- ⏱️ Set the frequency (we recommend daily).
- 📱 In the Backups section, check that contacts are included in the list.
⚠️ Warning: Free account Mi Cloud provides only 5 GB of space.If you have a lot of contacts with photos, consider buying an extra space (from 100 rubles / month for 50 GB).
For maximum reliability, use a combined approach:
Create a local copy through Settings→Backup|Export contacts to VCF-file|Enable synchronization with Mi Cloud|Periodically check the integrity of backup copies-->
If the contacts are lost, they can be restored as follows:
- For Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore.
- For local copy: Settings → The phone. → Backup → Restore.
- For VCF-File: Open the file through Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
Solving common contact problems
Even in the latest versions. MIUI Redmi users encounter bugs when working with contacts. Some problems are typical for specific models - for example, the Redmi Note 12 may not display fields for the second number, but in Redmi, the user will be able to use the same number. 10A Sometimes, photos of contacts disappear after updating.
Problem 1: Contacts are not displayed in the Phone app
This is often due to a synchronization failure.
- 🔄 Is synchronization enabled in the settings → Accounts.
- 📱 Are there any hidden contacts in the contact → Settings → Display contacts.
- 🔄 Try to disable and re-enable your account Mi/Google.
Problem 2: You can’t add a second number to your contact
In some regional firmware MIUI The extra room field is hidden to get it back:
- Open the contact for editing.
- Tap Add field → Phone number.
- If you do not have an option, update the Contacts app via Google Play.
Problem 3: Contact photos turn black after update
It's a famous bug. MIUI Decisions:
- 🖼️ Delete the photo and add it again.
- ☁️ Turn off and enable sync with Mi Cloud.
- 📱 Reset the Contacts app settings (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
Problem 4: Contacts are duplicated after resetting settings
This is due to a conflict between local and cloud copies, to avoid:
💡
Before resetting settings, turn off contact synchronization in Settings→Accounts, reset and after the first setup of the phone, turn on synchronization again.