How to change the name of the contact on the phone Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Changing the contact name on Xiaomi’s phone seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected challenges. Depending on the MIUI version, account type (Google or local contact) and smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process may be different. This article covers all the current ways to edit names in 2026, from basic change through the Contacts app to solving synchronization and duplicate problems.

We're focusing on the nuances that the manufacturer doesn't always say: why the name isn't saved after editing, how to change the display of the name in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), and what to do if a contact is linked to multiple accounts. We'll also look at the hidden features MIUI that make it easier to manage the phone book, such as batch renaming or export/import contacts.

1. Basic method: name change through the "Contacts" app

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version is suitable for local contacts and those that are synchronized with Google or Mi Account.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background).
• 🔍 Find the contact you want through the search bar or scroll through the list.
• ✏️ Click on the contact, then tap on the pencil icon (Edit) in the upper right corner.
• 📝 In the Name field, enter a new name. Use the space to separate the name and surname or click Add the surname.
• 💾 Save the changes with the Ready button (check at the top).

If the Edit button is inactive, it means that the contact is synchronized with an external account (such as Facebook or VK), in which case the name can only be changed through the corresponding social network application.

2. Features of editing for different versions of MIUI

The interface of the Contacts app has changed significantly in MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, and the following are key differences that affect the renaming process:

MIUI 15 has a Smart Connection feature that automatically links contacts from different sources (such as WhatsApp and Google Contacts).If the name hasn't changed in messengers after editing, check the association settings:

1. Open contact → three points → Separate contacts.
2. Select the source where you want to save the changes (such as Phone or Google).
3. Re-edit the edit.

3. Editing contacts synchronized with Google

If the contact is linked to a Google account, the changes will apply to all devices that log in to that account.

In MIUI 14+, when editing Google Contact, the default system suggests saving changes to Mi Account. To avoid this, click on the "Account" line under the name field before saving and select Google.

Step-by-step instructions for Google Contacts:

• 🌐 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (changes are synced online only).
• 🔄 Open Contact → Edit → at the top of the screen, click on your current account (e.g. Mi Account) and change to Google.
• 📝 Make edits and save.

⚠️ Note: If the name in Gmail or other devices is not updated after editing, check the sync settings: → Accounts and synchronization → Google → Synchronize contacts. Sometimes you need to manually start sync (More button" → Synchronize now).

Package renaming and management of duplicates

If you need to change the names of multiple contacts (for example, after importing a SIM- card), use the built-in tools MIUI:

Method 1: Combining duplicates

1. Open Contacts → Three Points → Contact Management → Combine Duplicates.
2. The system will automatically find the repeat contacts. Click Conjoin next to the desired ones.
3. After the merger, edit the name in the main contact.

Method 2: Export/import through CSV

For mass editing, export contacts to a.vcf or.csv file, edit it to a PC (like Excel), and then import back:

• 📤 Export: Contacts → Contact management → Import/export → Export to file.
• 📥 Import: Import from a file → select an edited file.

5 Why the contact name doesn't change: common problems

If the old name continues to appear after editing, the reasons may be as follows:

For instant messengers, the rule is that priority is given to the name stored in their internal database, for example, on WhatsApp, the contact name is updated only after:

• 🔄 Reset the application.
• 📥 Receiving a new message from this contact.
• 🔗 Re-synchronize contacts in the messenger settings.

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If the contact is displayed with a number instead of a name in messengers, check the format of the saved number. Make sure it starts with +[country code] (for example, +7 for Russia), and not with 8 or 9.

6. Alternative ways: through Google Contacts and Mi Account

It is sometimes easier to edit contacts via a web interface, especially if you need to make changes from your computer.

Method 1: Google Contacts

1. Go to contacts.google.com and log in.
2. Find a contact and click on the pencil icon.
3. After editing, wait for synchronization (usually takes 1-5 minutes).

Method 2: Mi Account (for local contacts)

• 🌍 Go to account.xiaomi.com → Services → Mi Cloud → Contacts.
• ⚠️ This method only works for contacts saved in Mi Account, not Google or the SIM- card.

⚠️ Warning: When editing via Mi Cloud, the changes only apply to devices linked to the same Xiaomi account. If you use multiple accounts (e.g., at work and at home), contacts are not automatically synced between them.

7. Specifics for different Xiaomi models

On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60), the interface of the Contacts app may differ due to custom firmware.

• 📱 POCO: Some versions do not have an Edit button on the home contact screen. Instead, use a long tap on the contact → Change.
• 📱 Redmi Note: On devices with NFS (New File System), contacts may be delayed. After editing, wait 10-15 seconds before closing the application.
• 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 series: Supports voice editing. Say "Change name [contact name]" after activating the voice assistant.

For models with dual SIM- cards (Redmi 12 5G, POCO X5 Pro), the contact name may be duplicated with the indication SIM (e.g., "Ivan (ZXPH0006QXZ 1)" and "Ivan (SIMZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZPH0009QPH0009XXXXXX) to avoid this:").

1. Open contact. → Edit.
2. Remove the extra numbers or combine them by adding another number.
3. Save the changes by selecting the primary number for calls.

8 Backup before mass changes

Before batch editing or importing/exporting contacts, make sure to back up your contacts, which will protect you from data loss in case of crashes.

Methods of backup:

• 🔄 Google: Settings → Google → Backup → Enable Contact Backup.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contact Synchronization.
• 📱 Locally: Export contacts to a.vcf file (see section 4).

To recover from backup:

1. If you have used Google: just log in to your account on a new device – your contacts will be automatically downloaded.
2. If you used Mi Cloud: Contacts → Contact Management → Restore.
3. For local file: Contacts → Contact management → Import / export → Import from the file.

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Backups are stored in Mi Cloud for 30 days and are then automatically deleted unless confirmed by the user.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)