How to delete contacts on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways from simple to complex

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release - thanks to balanced performance and flexible firmware MIUI. But many users face the problem: how to properly remove unnecessary contacts without losing important data or disrupting the synchronization with accounts? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from basic deletion through the Contacts app to mass clearing through Google account and even hidden MIUI functions.

It is important to understand that contacts on the Redmi Note 8 can be stored in three places: SIM-It's not just the way you delete it, it's in your phone's memory, it's in the cloud (via Google or Mi Account), but it's also the consequences of cleaning it up. SIM-The contacts will disappear from the map, but they will remain in the phone, and we will look at each scenario with regard to the nuances of the firmware and possible errors.

If you want to delete all contacts immediately (like before selling your phone), be sure to check the backup section, without which data recovery may be impossible. And for those looking for a way to get rid of duplicates or unnecessary records, there are proven algorithms with visual clues.

1. Delete contacts through the standard “Contacts” application

The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use the built-in Contacts app, an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background, which is suitable for deleting individual records or small groups, but has limitations: you can’t clean all contacts en masse in one click.

To remove one contact:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the desired entry through search or scroll through the list.
3. Touch the contact, then press three points (⋮) top-right.
4. Choose Delete and confirm the action.

To remove multiple contacts:

• 📌 Hold your finger on the first contact, then tick the rest.
• 🗑️ Click on the basket icon in the top panel.
• ⚠️ Confirm deletion – the system will show the number of selected records.

⚠️ Note: If a contact is synced to a Google account, deleting it on your phone will also cause it to disappear in the cloud. To avoid this, turn off sync in advance in Settings. → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

The standard MIUI Contacts app also allows you to archive records instead of deleting them.

1. Make sure you have contacts (as described above).
2. Press three points (⋮) and select Export.
3. Save the file in.vcf format to your device or to the cloud.

2. Massive removal of contacts through Google account

If your contacts are synced to Google, you can manage them not only from your phone, but also through the web interface, which is convenient for mass cleaning or editing a large number of records, and it works even if the phone is lost or broken, as long as the sync is enabled.

Instructions:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or other device.
2. Sign in with the same account as the Redmi Note 8.
3. Check the unneeded contacts (or click Ctrl+A to select all).
4. Click on the basket icon (🗑️) top-panel.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Ability to search and filter by labels, names or numbers.
• 📊 Displaying duplicates with a proposal to combine them.
• 🔄 Automatic Change Synchronization with Phone (if enabled).

⚠️ Attention: Deleted Google Contacts are stored in the cart for 30 days. To clear them permanently, go to the Recycle Bin section on the same site and click Clean the Recycle Bin.

If the contacts have not disappeared on the phone after the mass removal, check:

• Is sync enabled in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Synchronization
• Do you use additional accounts (such as Mi Accounts) that may duplicate your records?

3. Clearance of contacts with SIM-map

Contacts saved on SIM-These are removed separately from the ones stored in your phone's memory or in the cloud, and this is a good way to do this if you want to make room for the cloud. SIM (Usually, there are no more than 250 records, or transfer numbers to a new device.

How to delete SIM contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) and select Contact Management (or Settings in some versions) MIUI).
3. Go to the Import/Export or Copy/Delete section.
4. Choose Remove from SIM-Maps and mark unnecessary records.

Limitations of the method:

• 📵 Nana SIM-The card stores only names and numbers (without photos, addresses or notes).
• 🔢 The maximum number of contacts depends on the model. SIM (usually 200-250).
• ⚠️ Deletion is irreversible – backup must be done in advance.

If the option Remove from SIM-The map is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Permissions → Memory (enable access)

4.Reset all contacts via MIUI settings

MIUI has a hidden feature for a complete reset, but it only works for records stored in the phone’s memory (it doesn’t affect SIM and the cloud), a tool that’s useful if you want to start from scratch without manually deleting every contact.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Select the Deep Cleaning tab.
3. Scroll down to the Contacts section and click Clear.
4. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).

What's important to know:

⚠️ Note: Deep cleaning function in MIUI It may not show up if the phone is synced to Google or Mi Account, in which case the system will suggest that it be disabled first.

5. Removal of duplicate contacts automatically

Over time, duplicate entries accumulate in the phone book - especially if you've used multiple accounts or moved contacts from other devices. MIUI has a built-in tool to combine them, but it doesn't always work automatically.

How to find and remove duplicates:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Combine duplicates.
2. The system will show a list of possible duplicates. Click Combine next to each pair.
3. For mass unification, choose Combine All (if available).

If the built-in tool failed, use third-party apps:

• 📱 Simpler Merge – Analyzes contacts and offers options for combining.
• 🔍 Contacts Optimizer – Removes empty fields and fixes formatting.
• 📊 Google Contacts (web version) – has more flexible settings for finding duplicates.

Before using third-party applications:

• Create a backup of contacts (export to.vcf).
• Check reviews and rankings on Google Play – some programs may contain ads or paid features.
• Do not give apps access to SMS or calls unless it is required for them to work.

💡

If duplicates appear after syncing with Mi Account, try to turn it off for 10 minutes, then turn it back on, often helping the system update data correctly.

6. Complete removal of contacts before selling the phone

If you plan to sell or transfer the Redmi Note 8 to another person, it’s not enough to simply delete contacts – you need to completely reset the device to factory settings.This ensures that no personal data (including numbers, messages or photos) remains on the phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Backup: Export contacts to.vcf file (via Contacts) → ⋮ → Export: Copy the file to a computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
2. Disable all accounts: Go to Settings → Accounts and delete Google, Mi Account, and other associated services.

Perform the reset:

• Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.

What happens after the reset:

• 📱 All contacts, messages, photos and apps will be deleted.
• 🔄 The phone will return to the state of “out of the box” with firmware MIUI, which was installed at the time of purchase.
• 🔒 All accounts will be detached (including Mi Accounts, which is important for the new owner).

⚠️ Warning: If you forgot to disable Mi Account before resetting, the new owner will not be able to activate the phone without your password.This is part of Xiaomi's protection against theft.To avoid problems, delete your account in advance or pass the data to unlock.

💡

Even after a reset, you can re-establish your contacts through your Google account if the new owner logs in to your account. Always create a new account for your phone!

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing contacts on Redmi Note 8