How to combine contacts Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 working ways

Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 are a common problem, especially after syncing with multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, SIM-The same person can appear in the phone book 2-3 times with different numbers, email or photos, which not only clutters the list, but also makes it difficult to find the right subscriber.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at all the ways you can connect contacts on the Redmi Note 9 (including the Pro, Pro Max and 9T models), taking into account the features of the MIUI 12-14 shell, learn how to automatically merge duplicates through standard tools, manually edit records, and what to do if contacts do not merge due to synchronization errors.

Important: the procedure does not require root rights or third-party applications - all manipulations are performed through the regular functions of MIUI. However, before starting, we recommend you to create a backup of contacts (the instructions are given in one of the sections).

If you have a problem after updating your firmware or changing SIM-maps, pay attention to the section FAQ โ€” there are disassembled the typical causes of the appearance of doubles and ways to prevent them.

1. Automatic connection through the application "Contacts"

The fastest way to get rid of duplicates is to use the built-in merging function in the standard Contacts app (an icon with a person's silhouette on a green background), the algorithm automatically finds entries with the same names, numbers or email and suggests combining them.

How it works:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Tap it on three points (โ‹ฎ) top-right โ†’ Select Contact Management.
  3. Go to Combine Contacts (or Find and Combine Doubles in new MIUI versions).
  4. Wait for the scan to be completed โ€“ the system will show a list of duplicate records with a suggestion to merge them.
  5. Click Combine All or select specific pairs manually.

โš ๏ธ Note: If some numbers or data are missing after the merger, check the Recycle Bin folder in the same Contact Management section.

Sync all accounts (Google, Mi, SIM)

Check if you have a backup of your contacts

Close third-party calling apps (Truecaller, WhatsApp)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (to speed up the process)-->

In some cases, the system may not find obvious duplicates, because:

  • ๐Ÿ“› Different formats of records (for example, "+7 (999) 123-45-67" vs "89991234567").
  • ๐Ÿ‘ค Name discrepancies (for example, "Ivan Ivanov" and "Vanya Ivanov").
  • ๐Ÿ“ง Links to different accounts (one contact in Google, another in Mi Account).

Manual linking

If the automatic merger didn't work or you want to control the process, you can manually merge the recordings, which is useful when the duplicates have minor differences (e.g., different patronymics or additional fields).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Contacts app and find the duplicate entry.
  2. Slip on the contact โ†’ click Edit (pencil icon).
  3. In the upper right corner, select Combine with another contact.
  4. Tick the records you want to merge and click Ready.
  5. Select the main contact (its details will remain a priority) and confirm the merger.

๐Ÿ”น Tip: Before manually combining, sort contacts by name or phone number. To do this, tap on the filter icon in the main window of the application (โ‹ฎ โ†’ Sorting) and select a convenient order.

๐Ÿ’ก

If a phone number is lost in a manual merge, check the "Additional Numbers" field in the contact card. Sometimes the data is transferred there automatically.

Features of the manual method:

  • โœ… Allows you to selectively combine only the desired fields (for example, leave two different emails, but drain phones).
  • โŒ Takes more time with a lot of take.
  • โš ๏ธ Some fields (such as Notes or Birthday) may not move - check them after the merger.

3. Connecting through a Google account

If the duplicates are due to synchronization with Google Contacts, you can fix the situation through the web version of the service, which is suitable when problems arise after changing the device or recovering from a backup.

Instructions:

  1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in with the same account as you do on the Redmi Note 9.
  2. In the left menu, select Doubly (or Combine and Fix).
  3. The system will show you a list of repeat contacts. Click Combine all or select specific pairs.
  4. Once completed, sync contacts on your phone: go to Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Google โ†’ Sync and enable Contacts.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you use multiple Google accounts on Redmi Note 9, turn off sync for all but the main one before the merger.

Advantages of this method:

  • ๐ŸŒ It works on any device (even if the phone is temporarily unavailable).
  • ๐Ÿ” More accurate algorithm for searching duplicates compared to MIUI.
  • ๐Ÿ“ค Allows you to export contacts to.vcf file for backup.
What if Google doesnโ€™t find the duplicates?
If Google Contacts does not show repeatable entries, try: 1. Export all contacts to a.vcf file, then import them back - this often reveals hidden duplicates. 2. Manually filter contacts by the "Other Contacts" group (there are numbers from emails or messengers). 3. Use the extension for Chrome "Duplicate Contacts Manager" (requires authorization from Google).

4. Combining contacts with SIM-map

Contacts saved on SIM-These are often duplicated with Google or Mi accounts, and to combine them, you first need to transfer them to your phoneโ€™s memory or to the cloud.

How to transfer contacts with SIM:

  1. Open Contacts. โ†’ Settings (โ‹ฎ) โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Imports/Exports.
  2. Select Import with SIM-Maps and save account (we recommend Google or Device).
  3. After importing, delete your SIM contacts (remove with SIM option in the same menu).
  4. Now use one of the methods of fusion described above.

๐Ÿ”น It's important: SIM-cards support a limited number of characters in the fields (for example, name - up to 20 characters, number - up to 20 digits.

If new duplicates appear after import, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Number format: SIM-cards often save them without a country code (e.g. 9991234567 instead of a country code). +79991234567).
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Names: SIM There may be abbreviated versions (for example, "Sasha" instead of "Alexander").
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Groups: Contacts with SIM automatically fall into the group "SIM", merging.

On Google account

In the memory of the phone

Nana SIM-map

In Mi Account.

I use third-party services (iCloud, Yandex, etc.)-->

5. Use of third-party applications

If standard MIUI tools fail, you can use specialized contact management applications that offer advanced duplicate search, batch editing, and backup.

Top.-3 Apps for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:

AnnexFeaturesReference
Simpler ContactsAutomatic merger, clearing of empty fields, backupsGoogle Play
Contacts OptimizerSearch for duplicates by numbers, email and addresses, support groupsGoogle Play
DrupeSmart association with messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), widgetsGoogle Play

โš ๏ธ Warning: Before using third-party apps, turn off contact sync in Settings โ†’ Accounts.This will prevent the creation of new takes when editing records.

How to work with Simpler Contacts (for example):

  1. Install the app and give access to contacts.
  2. In the main menu, select Find Duplicates.
  3. Check the duplicate records and press Merge.
  4. Select the main contact and confirm the merger.
  5. Create a backup copy through Backup โ†’ Export to VCF.

๐Ÿ”น Advantages of Third-Party Applications:

  • ๐Ÿ” More flexible criteria for finding duplicates (for example, by partial coincidence of names).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Ability to edit mass (e.g., add a prefix to all numbers).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatic synchronization with cloud services (Dropbox, Google Drive).

๐Ÿ’ก

The application side is useful if the built-in MIUI tools canโ€™t handle a lot of takes (more than 50 entries) or when fine-tuning the merger criteria is required.

6.Reestablishment of contacts after unsuccessful association

If important data (numbers, email or photos) are lost after the merger, it can be restored from a backup or through a shopping cart. MIUI Remote contacts are stored for 30 days.

Recovery methods:

  1. Through the Recycle Bin: Open Contacts โ†’ Contact Management โ†’ Recycle Bin. Select the required records and click Restore.
  2. From Google Backup: Go to contacts.google.com. In the left menu, select Cancel Changes and specify the date when contacts were OK.

.vcf

  • Copy a backup (such as from a computer or cloud) to your phone.
  • Import it through Contacts โ†’ Management โ†’ Import / Export.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you have used a third-party backup app (such as Super Backup), recover data only through it. MIUI It could lead to new doubles.

What to do if the basket is empty:

  • ๐Ÿ” Check the Remote folder in Google Contacts (web version).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Make sure sync is enabled for the account where the contacts were stored.
  • ๐Ÿ“ง If the contacts were linked to an email, check the Recycle Bin folder in the email client (sometimes the records are saved there in.vcf format).

7 How to Prevent the appearance of doubles in the future

To avoid recurring problems, follow these guidelines:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Sync contacts with only one account (e.g., only Google or only Mi Account).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Turn off the retention of contacts on SIM-Map - Use it only for calls.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Periodically check the duplicates (every 2-3 months) through Contacts โ†’ Management โ†’ Unite.
  • ๐Ÿ“ค Export backups before updating your firmware or resetting your settings.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Avoid importing contacts from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) โ€“ they often create duplicates.

๐Ÿ”น Useful life hack: In MIUI You can set up automatic contact backup in Mi Cloud. โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Mi Cloud โ†’ Backup and enable Contacts. Copies are created once a day when you connect to Wi-Fi.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you frequently exchange contacts over Bluetooth or QR-Before saving, check if there is already such an entry in the phone book. To do this, at the time of receiving the contact, click "View" instead of "Save".

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting contacts

Why did the phone number disappear after the merger?
This happens if you choose a contact without a number as your primary contact in the merger, check the "Additional Numbers" field in the subscriber card, sometimes the data is transferred there, and the number may have remained in one of the duplicate contacts that has not been deleted (check the basket).
Can I combine contacts from WhatsApp and phone book?
Yes, but not through standard MIUI tools. Use the Drupe app or Simpler Contacts, which can merge data from instant messengers. Alternatively, export your contacts from WhatsApp (in chat settings) and import them into the phone book, then manually merge them.
How to connect contacts if they are linked to different accounts (Google and Mi)?
First, export contacts from both accounts to.vcf files, then import them to one account (e.g. Google). After that, use the merge function in the web version of Google Contacts. Alternatively, you can manually transfer data from one account to another through Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Sync.
Why did the MIUI updates come back?
This is a typical problem when you upgrade to a new firmware version, and it's a Contacts cache reset or a sync conflict. Solution: Clear the Contacts cache in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Application Management. Disable and turn on sync for all accounts again. Start manually combining takes (section 1 or 2 of this article).
Can I connect to Redmi Note 9 without the internet?
Yes, but with limitations. Without the Internet, you can: Combine contacts stored in device memory (not in the cloud); use manual merge (section 2); Work with third-party applications as long as they do not require authorization (for example, Simpler Contacts offline); Google Contacts or Mi Cloud require the Internet.