How to remove all contacts with Xiaomi Redmi 9 at once – safe ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones based on MIUI They allow you to store hundreds of contacts, but sometimes you need to completely clean the phone book - for example, before selling the device, changing the phone. SIM-It's not easy to manually delete each contact, especially if there are more than 200. Fortunately, there are several ways to massively delete contacts without losing other data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including standard tools. MIUI, Google Account Functions, Backups and Even ADB-We will focus on error prevention, such as why contacts can return through synchronization after deletion or how to avoid losing important notes tied to numbers. You will also learn which methods work without root rights, and which require additional settings.

If you need to erase contacts selectively (for example, only with the SIM-If you want to see the maps or duplicates, go to the filter section. For a complete cleanup of the phone book, follow the steps below.

1. Delete all contacts via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which require no connection to a computer and works even without the Internet, but it will only delete contacts from the device without affecting backups to Google or Mi Cloud.

Open the Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette) and follow the following steps:

  • 📱 Slip on three points in the upper right corner. → Select “Contact Management».
  • 🔍 Scroll down and click “Delete Contacts».
  • ✅ Check “All Contacts” (or select specific accounts, such as “Device” or «SIM-map»).
  • 🗑️ Click "Delete" and confirm the action.

If you have sync enabled with Google or Mi Account, contacts will return after the next data update. To avoid this, turn off sync in advance (section 3).

☑️ Preparation for contact removal

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2. Massive deletion through Google account

If your contacts are synced to Google Contacts, you can delete them remotely — even from another device — a technique that works if you want to completely reset your phone book in all connected gadgets.

Instructions for PC or phone:

  1. Go to contacts.google.com and log in.
  2. In the left menu, select “More” → “Delete contacts”.
  3. Specify the range: “All contacts” or “Selected” (for example, by the Redmi 9 label).
  4. Confirm removal.

After that, the contacts will disappear on your Redmi 9, but only if sync is enabled. To speed up the process, manually update the data:

  1. Open “Settings” → “Accounts and Synchronization”.
  2. Choose your Google account → «Synchronize contacts».

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If your contacts are back after deleting, check if the second account (e.g., from the previous owner of the device) is connected. Delete it to Settings → Accounts.

3.Reset via MIUI backup

MIUI offers a backup feature that allows you to save all your data except your contacts and then restore it without a phone book, which is useful if you're afraid of losing photos or messages.

How it works:

  • 📲 Go to "Settings» → «The phone» → «Backup and reset».
  • 🔄 Click on “Local Backup» → «Create a backup copy».
  • ⚙️ Uncheck the “Contacts” box and start the process.
  • 🧹 After creating a backup, return to the “Reset» → «Resetting settings" (select "Delete all data»).
  • 🔙 After reset, restore data from the backup – contacts will be empty.

⚠️ Warning: This method completely resets the phone, removing all apps and settings. Use it only if you're ready for a long setup of the device again.

MethodInternet is requiredRemoves with SIMRecovery is possible
Through MIUI settings❌ No.❌ No, only from the device)✅ Yes (if there's a backup)
Google Contacts✅ Yes.❌ No.❌ No (unless there was a backup)
Backup❌ No.✅ Yes (if selected)✅ Partially (except for contacts)
ADB-team❌ No.❌ No.❌ No (no backup)

4. Removal of contacts with SIM-map

Contacts to SIM-The card is stored separately from those stored in the memory of the phone or accounts, to erase them:

  • 📞 Open the "Contact» → «SIM-map” (tab at the top).
  • 🔍 Press "Management» → «Delete everything».
  • 🗑️ Confirm the action.

Limitations:

- One on one. SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts.

Names and numbers are stored without additional fields (e.g. email or address).

After removal, it will be impossible to restore them (if there is no backup).

What to do if the “Delete Everything” button is inactive?
This means that the contacts are protected. PIN-code SIM-Enter the cards. PIN in the Security settings → SIM-card or contact the operator for unlocking.

5. Advanced method: ADB-Teams (for experienced teams)

If standard methods fail (for example, due to a MIUI failure), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Enable USB Debugging on Redmi 9: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 Times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
  2. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
  3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type in: adb shell pm clear com.android.contacts adb shell pm clear com.miui.contacts
  4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: pm clear commands will completely reset your Contacts settings, including call histories and favorite numbers.This method does not remove contacts from Google or Mi Cloud - they need to be erased separately.

📊 What kind of contact removal you prefer?
Through MIUI settings
Google Contacts
Backup
ADB-team
Other

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after successful deletion, contacts can return or duplicate, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

  • 🔄 Contacts recovered after synchronization → Turn off automatic synchronization in Settings → Accounts. → Google/Mi Account → Synchronization of contacts.
  • 📱 The lock screen displays old numbers. → Clear the cache of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Clear the cache.
  • 👥 Duplicate contacts from different accounts → Use the “Contacts Unite” function in the app MIUI Contacts.
  • 🚫 Contact associated with the account is not deleted → Remove it via Google Contacts or i.mi.com.

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Before mass removal, always check if contacts are linked to important services (such as WhatsApp or banking apps).

Can remote contacts be restored?
Yes, if you had backup enabled in Google Contacts or Mi Cloud, you can recover data within 30 days of deleting: Go to contacts.google.com. On the left menu, select Recycle Bin. Mark the contacts you want and click Restore. If you didn't have backup, try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but the chances of success are low.
Why are there still contacts with SIM-map?
Contacts to SIM-The card is not deleted when the phone is reset to the factory settings. They must be washed separately (section 4). SIM-card protected PIN-code, first unlock it through the operator.
How to delete contacts from only one account (e.g. Mi Account)
Open Contacts → Contact Management → Accounts. Select the account you want (like Mi Account) and click Delete All Contacts for that source.
Will the phone history be deleted along with the contacts?
No, the call history is kept separately, but if you use it, ADB-5, it may reset. To save the history, export it through the Calls app» → «History» → «Exports».
Can I delete my contacts without losing photos and messages?
Yes, use the backup method (Section 3). Create a backup by eliminating contacts, then reset your phone and recover data without the phone book. The alternative is to manually copy photos and chats to a PC or cloud before deleting.