You picked up your Xiaomi to call a friend -- and you found that all the contacts were gone? "" The situation is unpleasant, but not hopeless. In 90% of cases, deleted or missing contacts can be returned if you act quickly and correctly. The reasons for loss can vary from accidental deletion to system failure after the MIUI update, but the recovery algorithm depends on where your numbers were stored.
The most common scenario is that contacts were synced to a Google or Mi Account, in which case they will take no more than 5 minutes to recover, if the sync was not set up, you will have to use backups, third-party utilities or even contact the service center. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to return contacts on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO, Mi and other models, from the simplest to the most complex.
1. Verification of synchronization with Google Account
The first thing you need to do is check if your contacts are synced to Google Contacts, which works even if you delete numbers manually or after resetting.
- Open the Contacts app on your Xiaomi.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings → Contact management.
- Check if your Google Account is displayed in your account list, and if so, you can return your contacts in a few clicks.
If the account is connected but the contacts are not displayed:
- 🔄 Update sync: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Sync your account and enable the slider opposite Contacts.
- 🔍 Check the Google Contacts basket: go to contacts.google.com, select the Recycle Bin in the left menu – it stores remote contacts for up to 30 days.
- ⏳ Restore the previous version: in the same contacts.google.com click More → Cancel changes and select the date when the contacts were still in place.
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If you don’t remember if your Google Account was turned on, check it through your browser on your PC. Even if your phone is dead or broke, your contacts will stay in the cloud.
⚠️ Note: If you delete your contacts directly from Google Contacts (not your phone), they will disappear on your device, in which case you can only restore them through the shopping cart on Google’s website within 30 days.
2. Recovery via Mi Account (for Xiaomi)
Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage, Mi Cloud, and if you used Mi Account to sync, you can return contacts here:
- Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Make sure the slider opposite Contact is active, and if not, turn it on and wait for the synchronization.
- If no contacts appear, click Sync manually.
If synchronization doesn't work:
- 🌐 Check Mi Cloud in your browser: go to i.mi.com, log in and go to Contacts. There may be an old version of your phone book.
- 📥 Download backup: in Mi Cloud → Settings → Backup Find the latest copy with contacts and restore it.
| Recovery method | Conditions | Storage period |
|---|---|---|
| Google Contacts (Basket) | Synchronization with Google has been enabled | 30 days |
| Mi Cloud | Sign in to Mi Account + enabled synchronization | No restrictions (with active subscription) |
| Local backup | Created manually through Settings → Additional → Backup | Before deleting the file from the phone |
| Third-party programs (such as Dr.Fone) | Contacts were not overwritten with new data | Depends on the program. |
3.Restore from local MIUI backup
If you've ever backed up through standard MIUI tools, the chances of getting your contacts back up are high.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
- Find the latest copy (note the date of creation) and tap it.
- Select Contacts and click Restore.
Important: Local copies are stored in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on the phone’s internal memory, and if you don’t find them through the settings menu, you can manually check the directory through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
Make sure there is enough space on your phone (minimum 500MB)
Connect the charger (the process can take 10-30 minutes)
Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile internet (to avoid sync conflicts)
Close all applications that work with contacts (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)-->
⚠️ Warning: Restore from backup will overwrite your current contacts. If you add new numbers after you go missing, you will have to save them again. VCF (via Contact → Settings → Exports).
4. Extracting contacts with SIM-map
If your contacts are stored on SIM-cards (which is unlikely for modern smartphones, but possible), they can easily be transferred back to the memory of the phone:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings → Import/Export of contacts.
- Select Import with SIM-maps and specify where to save numbers (to your Google account or device).
Pay attention: SIM-The cards store a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250) and do not support additional fields (such as email or address.
What to do if SIM-map damaged?
5. Use of third-party programs (if nothing helps)
If standard methods fail, specialized data recovery tools will come to the rescue.
- 🛠️ Dr.Fone (Wondershare) – Restores contacts even after resetting (requires root rights for deep scanning).
- 🔧 Tenorshare UltData – supports Xiaomi and other brands, can extract data from damaged memory areas.
- 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver – free version allows you to scan the phone for remote contacts.
Instructions for Dr.Fone (example):
- Install the program on your PC and connect Xiaomi over USB (enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode).
- Select the Android Data Recovery mode.
- Mark Contacts and start scanning.
- After completion, select the desired numbers and click Restore.
Deep scanning often requires root rights (risk of losing warranty).
Free versions usually show data, but do not allow you to save it.
- No program guarantees 100% recovery – the longer it has been since the removal, the lower the chances.-->
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If all of these methods did not work, the last option is to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- 💥 Physical damage to the phone (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
- 🔄 Firmware failure when the phone doesn't turn on or is constantly rebooted.
- 🔒 Blocking access to the device (forgot a pattern lock or password).
The service center can extract data directly from the memory chip (if it is not damaged), but this is an expensive procedure. The average cost of data recovery in 2026 is from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles, depending on the complexity.
- Do they have the hardware to work with your Xiaomi model (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5)?
- Do you guarantee the safety of other data (photos, messages).
- How long will the procedure take (sometimes up to 5 working days)
⚠️ Warning: Some artisanal workshops offer low-cost data recovery but use uncertified equipment, which can result in complete data loss or damage to the motherboard. Contact official service centers or authorized Xiaomi partners only.
7 How to Prevent Loss of Contact in the Future
To never again face the problem of missing contacts, it is enough to follow three simple rules:
- Enable automatic sync: For Google: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync → Contacts (incl.). For Mi Account: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts (incl.).
- Create local backups regularly: Once a month, run Settings → Additional → Backup → Create a backup. Copy the backup file (located in MIUI/backup/AllBackup) to your PC or cloud.
- Export contacts to a VCF file: Open Contacts → Settings → Export and save the file to a memory card or to the cloud.This file can be imported to any phone, even not from Xiaomi.
If you change your phones frequently or are afraid of losing data, use cross-platform services like My Contacts Backup (an Android/iOS app) or Simpler. They automatically reserve contacts in encrypted form and allow you to restore them with one click.
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Set up backup notifications! In Settings → Additional → Backup can be enabled with the option to Remind you of backup – the phone will send reminders once a week.