How to Remove Duplicate Contacts on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi smartphones are a common problem that occurs after synchronization with multiple accounts, importing from the company. SIM-maps or malfunctions MIUI. The same person can appear in the phone book 2-3 times with different numbers, email or messengers, which complicates the search and creates chaos. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to clean up duplicates – from built-in tools to third-party applications, and also explain why duplicates appear again and how to avoid this.

Xiaomi uses multiple contact sources: local phone book, Google Contacts, Mi Account, WhatsApp, Telegram and even Viber. MIUI does not always correctly combine records from different sources, especially if they overlap (for example, the same name but different numbers). We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models - instructions are relevant for MIUI 14 and newer.

Why do you have duplicate contacts on Xiaomi?

Before you delete the duplicates, it's important to understand the cause, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is with the sync settings.

• 🔄 Multiple accounts: Simultaneous sync with Google, Mi Account and social networks (e.g. Facebook or Facebook) VK). The system creates separate records for each source.
• 📱 Import with SIM-Cards: when transferring contacts from an old phone SIM Often there are partial duplicates (for example, only a number without a name is saved).
• ☁️ Cloud sync failures: If Google Contacts or Mi Cloud interrupted the update, ghost copies may appear.
• 🤖 Mistakes. MIUI: in some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5–13) was an automatic deduplication bug that has not yet been patched on individual devices.

Interesting fact: POCO-Duals are more common in devices than in pure Xiaomi devices because of customized firmware, and the problem is exacerbated if you use duality. SIM-Cards – the system can create separate records for each slot.

Method 1: Built-in cleaning of doubles in MIUI

Xiaomi offers its own tool for connecting contacts, but it's hidden in the depths of the settings.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to the "Connect Contacts" section (on some models it is called "Cleaning Doubles").
4. The system will automatically find possible duplicates. Click Combine next to each pair or choose Combine all.

Important: the tool doesn't delete duplicates, it just glues them into one record, and if you have extra numbers or email left after you combine, you'll have to manually delete them (see next section).

⚠️ Note: If you have a global version installed MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu, the "Contacts Connect" section may not be available, in which case use Google Contacts (method 2) or third-party apps.

Method 2: Cleaning up through Google Contacts

If the duplicates are due to Google sync, the easiest way to fix them is through the web version of the service, which works even if the phone has disabled access to Contact Settings.

Instructions:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in with the same account as you do on Xiaomi.
2. On the left menu, select Dubbles (or Merger and Correct → Find Doubles).
3. Google will show you all the repeating entries. Click Combine for each pair.
4. After cleaning, go back to your phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google, and enable Contact Sync.

The advantage of this method is cloud cleaning: duplicates are deleted from all devices associated with the account, but there is a caveat: if the contacts were imported from the Mi Account or the other devices, the user will be able to use the same method. SIM-Maps will not appear in Google Contacts and will remain on your phone.

Method 3: Manual removal of duplicates

If the automatic tools don't work, you'll have to manually remove the duplicates, which is laborious, but it guarantees 100% results.

1. Open the Contacts app and tap on any duplicate contact.
2. In the upper right corner, click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down and select Delete Contact. Confirm Action.
4. Repeat for all copies, leaving only one entry with the full information.

Tip: To speed up the process, sort contacts by name (click on the filter icon in the top right corner). Doubles usually come in rows. You can also use a search by name or phone number.

⚠️ Attention: With manual deletion, it is easy to accidentally erase important data.Be sure to back up through Settings before starting. → System and device → Backup → Contacts.

Method 4: Third-party cleaning applications

If the built-in tools don't work, use specialized utilities. We tested 5 popular apps and selected the best ones:

• 📌 Simpler Merge (free, no ads): automatically finds duplicates by name, number or email. Supports backup before cleaning.
• 🔍 Contacts Optimizer (Paid Version 199) ₽): It can connect contacts from different accounts (Google, Mi, SIM) and correct the format of the numbers.
• 🧹 Cleanup Duplicate Contacts (free trial period): analyzes even partial matches (for example, "Ivan" and "Ivanov").

How to use (as in Simpler Merge):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and give access to contacts.
3. Press Scan for Duplicates.
4. Select duplicates to combine or delete.
5. Confirm the changes and wait for the synchronization to be completed.

Warning: Some apps (like Duplicate Contacts Remover) can delete contacts without recovery. Always check reviews and ratings before installing.

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Before using third-party utilities, turn off automatic synchronization in account settings, which will prevent the creation of new duplicates during the cleanup.

Method 5: Reset and re-synchronize contacts

The last method is to completely reset the phone book and then restore it from the backup, which helps if the duplicates appear due to system failures of MIUI.

1. Create a backup of contacts: Settings → About phone → Backup → Local backup → Contacts
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find the Contacts (or Contacts) app and click Storage → Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. Restore contacts from backup or sync with Google/Mi Account.

This method removes all local contacts, so use it only if other methods have failed. After reset, check that only one source is enabled in the sync settings (Settings → Accounts) (e.g., only Google or only Mi Account).

💡

If you reset the duplicates, the problem lies in the sync settings: disable the automatic addition of contacts from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and check if there are conflicts between accounts.

How to Prevent the appearance of doubles in the future

To avoid recurring problems, follow these rules:

• 🔗 Turn off unnecessary synchronization: Go to Settings → Keep only one contact source active (e.g. Google).
• 📴 Do not import contacts with SIM-Maps: This method is outdated and often leads to duplicates. Use Google Contacts or Mi Cloud to transfer data.
• 🤖 Configure messengers: in WhatsApp and Telegram, disable the option Add contacts automatically (located in the application settings).
• 🔄 Check your contacts regularly: once a month, start the built-in cleaning of duplicates in your home. MIUI or Google Contacts.

If you change your smartphone frequently, use a single storage source, such as Google Contacts, which will make it easier to transfer data and minimize the risk of duplication, and avoid editing contacts simultaneously on multiple devices (such as your phone and tablet), which can cause synchronization conflicts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the duplicate contacts on Xiaomi