Where and how to find contacts on Xiaomi devices: 7 proven ways

Lost an important phone number on a Xiaomi smartphone? Or just can't find a saved contact on a huge list? The problem is familiar to many - especially if you actively use multiple accounts, instant messengers and cloud services. On Xiaomi devices (whether it's a Redmi smartphone, POCO or the flagship Mi series), contacts can be stored in different places, from the standard Contacts app to synchronized Google accounts or Mi Accounts.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can find contacts, from basic to advanced. You'll learn how to search for numbers by name, recover deleted records, find hidden contacts from messengers, and even export a list for backup. And if you've moved to a new Xiaomi device, we'll show you how to migrate all numbers without loss.

Before you start searching, make sure you check all possible sources of contact storage. For example, many users forget that numbers can be duplicated in WhatsApp, Telegram, or even in the history of calls. It is also worth remembering that on Xiaomi contacts can be linked to different accounts - and if you do not sync them correctly, some numbers will simply "disappear" after resetting the settings.

If you're looking for a specific contact, try using the built-in search function in the Contacts app (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner). But if the problem is deeper - for example, all the numbers disappeared after updating or changing the firmware - read on. We've compiled 7 working methods, including recovery via Mi Cloud and manual data export.

1. Contact search in the standard “Contacts” application

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Contacts app (also called Phone or Contacts in international firmware), which is installed by default on all Xiaomi devices and usually has a green icon with a handset.

To find the number you want:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. At the top of the screen, click on the magnifying glass icon (search).
3. Enter your name, surname or part of your phone number.
4. The system will show all the matches, including contacts from Google, Mi Account and SIM-cards.

If no contact is found, check:

• 🔍 Display filters: click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Display contacts" and select all available sources (Google, Mi Account, SIM, The device).
• 📱 Synchronization: Go to Settings» → «Accounts» → «Google/Mi Account and make sure that the Contact Sync option is enabled.
• 🗑️ Recycle bin: In some firmware, remote contacts are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin (up to 30 days). → «Basket».

If you use MIUI, the path to settings may be slightly different, for example, in POCO or Redmi with the global version of MIUI, contact synchronization is configured via Settings → Accounts & Sync.

2. Contact search through call and message history

Sometimes the number you want is not hidden in the phone book, but in the call log or SMS, which is true if the contact was not saved, but you communicated with him.

How to check:

1. Open the phone app (green icon).
2. Go to the tab "Journal" (or "History").
3. Scroll through the list or use the search (magnifying glass icon).
4. If you find the desired number, click on it and select "Save in contact".

You can also search the “Messages” app:

• 💬 Open the dialogues and scroll through the list.
• 🔍 Enter a part of the number or name in the search bar.
• 📇 Click on the number in the message → «Add in contact».

If you use messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), check their chat history. For example, on WhatsApp you can open a dialogue with the right person, click on their name at the top → “Information” → scroll down to the “Phone Number” block.

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If you frequently call unsaved numbers, turn on the “Auto-Contact Save” option in your phone settings (some MIUI firmware calls it “Smart contacts”).

3 Recover Remote Contacts via Mi Cloud

If contacts are lost after a setting reset, firmware update, or accidental deletion, they can be restored from a backup to Mi Cloud.This method only works if sync with the Xiaomi cloud was previously enabled.

Instructions for remediation:

1. Open "Settings» → «Mi Account (or Xiaomi Account»).
2. Make sure you're logged in. If not, log in.
3. Go to "Mi Cloud» → «Contacts».
4. Click on “Restore” and select the latest backup.

If there is no “Restore” option, try an alternative method:

• 🌐 Visit i.mi.com from your computer or phone.
• 🔑 Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
• 📥 Go to the "Contact" section» → «Management» → «Restore».

Important: backups in Mi Cloud are stored for a limited time (usually 30 days), and if more than a month has passed since the deletion, you will not be able to restore contacts in this way.

4. Export and import of contacts in VCF format

If you want to transfer contacts to another device or make a manual backup, you can export them to a.vcf file (business card).This method is universal and works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note, POCO X and Mi 11.

How to export contacts:

1. Open Contacts → Click on three points → Contact Management.
2. Select “Import/Export” → “Export to the device”.
3. Tick the necessary contacts (or click “Select all”).
4. Click Export and save the file in the phone’s memory.

To import contacts from the.vcf file:

• 📁 Place the file in the phone’s memory (for example, in the Downloads folder»).
• 📥 Open the "Contact» → «Imports/Exports» → «Import from the device».
• 🔍 Select the.vcf file and confirm the import.

This method is useful if you:

• 🔄 Switch to the new Xiaomi phone.
• 📱 Want to make a backup before resetting your settings.
• 🖥️ We need to transfer contacts to the computer.

Sync all accounts (Google, Mi Account)

Check the free space on your phone.

Save the.vcf file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Make sure the file is not corrupted (open it on PC)-->

5. Search for contacts through Google account

If you use a Google account on a Xiaomi phone, all contacts are automatically synced to Google Contacts, which means that they can be found and restored even after a complete reset of the device.

How to check your contacts on Google:

1. Open your browser and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
3. Use the search bar or scroll through the list.
4. If the contact is needed but does not appear on the phone, click “More” → “Export” and import it back.

If you have contacts on Google but are not synced with your phone:

• 🔄 Go to "Settings» → «Accounts» → «Google» → «Synchronization of the account».
• 🔒 Make sure the “Contacts” option is enabled.
• 📱 If sync is not working, try to delete your account and add it again.

⚠️ Note: If you delete a contact from Google Contacts, it will disappear from all devices associated with this account. To recover a deleted number, go to the Recycle Bin on the Google Contacts site (available within 30 days).

6. Search for hidden contacts in messengers and social networks

Many users do not realize that some contacts may not be stored in the phone book, but in messengers, for example, on WhatsApp, Telegram or VK, numbers are stored separately and do not appear in the standard Contacts app.

Where to look:

If you want to combine all contacts from messengers and phone book, use the “Contact Merger” function in MIUI:

1. Open “Contacts” → three points → “Settings”.
2. Select "Contact Merger."
3. The system will offer to combine duplicate records.

⚠️ Note: When you merge contacts, data from messengers (such as avatars or additional numbers) may not be transferred to the phone book.

7.Use of third-party applications to find contacts

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party contact management apps that offer advanced search, backup and recovery features.

Popular applications:

• 🔍 Simpler Contacts – easy search and duplicate management.
• 📱 Contacts+ — synchronization with social networks.
• 🔄 My Contacts Backup – Backup to the Cloud.
• 🛠️ Dr.Fone (Wondershare) – Recovering remote contacts (requires root rights).

How to use Simpler Contacts:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give access to contacts.
3. Use advanced search by name, number, or even part of the address.
4. To restore remote contacts, click on the Recycle Bin (if the function is supported).

If you choose to use Dr.Fone or similar programs, remember:

• 🔓 Deep scanning may require unlocking the bootloader or root access.
• 🛡️ Not all apps are secure – download only from official sources.
• 💰 Some functions are paid (for example, recovery after resetting).

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The app side is useful if standard methods don’t work, but always back up your contacts before using them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding contacts on Xiaomi