How to remove double contacts in the phone book on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why do you have duplicate contacts in the Xiaomi phone book?

Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem that arises from the peculiarities of MIUI operation and synchronization with different accounts.

— Import of contacts from SIM-A card or backup (e.g., when switching from another phone) creates new records instead of updating existing ones.

Sync with multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, WhatsApp or Viber) Each service can add copies of the same contacts.

MIUI updates, when the system resets the connections between accounts and the local phone book.

Manually adding the same number to different groups (for example, “Work” and “Personal”).

On the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4 and Xiaomi 13/14 flagships, the problem is solved the same way, but the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the synchronization services used. Below we will discuss all working methods - from automatic cleaning to manual removal.

Method 1: Automatically linking through Google Contacts

If the duplicates are due to sync with a Google account, the quickest way is to use the built-in unification tool, which is available on both your smartphone and the web version of Google Contacts.

Instructions for the telephone:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → Contact management → Combine and fix.
3. Choose to Join Contacts and confirm the action.
4. The system will automatically find the duplicates and suggest that they be combined. Press Ready.

The web version (if the phone doesn’t work):

1. Go to contacts.google.com and log in.
2. In the left menu, select Doubley (under "Fix and Manage").
3. Click Combine All or select duplicates manually.

⚠️ Warning: If the contacts split again after the merger, turn off sync with Mi Account in the phone settings (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Contact synchronization: Often, conflict arises because two services work together.

Make a backup of contacts (Export to VCF)

Check your internet connection (required for Google Contacts)

Disable sync with Mi Account (if enabled)

Close all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) that can block contacts-->

Method 2: Manual removal of duplicates in the "Contacts" app

If the automatic coupling didn't work or you want to control the process, you can manually remove duplicates, which is suitable for MIUI 14 and earlier.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Contacts → Press three points → Settings.
2. Select Show Contacts and tick all accounts (Google, Mi, SIM) to see all takes.
3. Go back to your contact list and find a repeating record. Highlight it with a long tap.
4. Slip on other takes of the same record - they will light up.
5. Click on the basket at the top of the screen and confirm the removal.

Tips for speeding up the process:

• 🔍 Use a search by name or number to quickly find duplicates.
• 📱 On Xiaomi 13 Pro and other flagships, you can turn on Selection Mode (three dots) → "Select") to mark multiple contacts at once.
• 🔄 If there are many takes, sort the list by Name or Number (click on the arrow next to "Sort").

⚠️ Attention: With manual removal, it is easy to make a mistake and erase the contact you want. Before cleaning, export the phone book to a.vcf file (Settings) → Imports/Exports → Exports in memory of the telephone).

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To avoid missing duplicates, turn on all contacts, including hidden ones, and activate the "Show contacts from all accounts" option in the Contacts settings.

Method 3: Cleaning through the "Settings" system (for MIUI 13/14)

Newer versions of MIUI have a built-in duplicate management tool that works independently of Google Contacts, and is useful if the problem is caused by a conflict between the Mi Account and the local phone book.

How to use:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the contact and tap him.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear the data (this will not delete contacts, but only reset the cache).
4. Return to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization
5. Turn off the contact sync for Mi Account, then turn it on again.

What to do if the method does not work:

• 🔄 Try restarting your phone after cleaning the cache.
• 📱 On Poco. F4/F5 Other models with pure Android instead MIUI This method may not work – use the method 1 method 2.
• 🔧 If you have duplicates, check the Contact Display settings in the Phone app (sometimes the system shows the same contacts from different sources as separate records).

Method 4: Removal of duplicates from SIM-map

If the doubles appeared after importing contacts with the SIM-The cards must be cleaned separately. SIM Keeps contacts in their own format, and they are often duplicated with phone book entries.

How to remove duplicates from SIM:

1. Open Contacts → Click on three points → Contact Management.
2. Choose Import/Export → Remove from SIM-map.
3. Tick unneeded doubles and click Remove.
4. After cleaning, import the remaining contacts back to your phone (Import with SIM).

⚠️ Attention: SIM-If you have more, some of the records can be cut off or duplicated when you import, in which case it is better to keep the contacts only in Google or Mi Account.

What to do if the SIM is not displayed:

• 📶 Check if it is inserted correctly SIM-map (on Redmi) 9A/10A side-tray).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t recognize SIM post-insertion.
• 🛠️ On older models (Redmi) 4X, Note 5 may need to update to the latest version MIUI.

Method 5: Special applications for removing duplicates

If you manually clean contacts for too long, you can use third-party utilities. They scan the phone book and offer to combine or remove duplicates automatically.

• 📱 Contacts Optimizer – analyzes numbers, names and email, offers optimal options for combining.
• 🔍 Simpler Merge – specializes in mass removal of doubles with preview.
• 🛠️ Cleanup: Duplicate Contacts – Supports backup before cleaning.

How to use (for example, Contacts Optimizer):

1. Download the app from Google Play (check reviews – some utilities contain ads).
2. Start the scan (Scan Now button).
3. View the list of takes and choose which to combine/delete.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Attention: Before using third-party applications:

• Create a backup of contacts (export to.vcf).
• Check the permissions of the utility – it should only request access to contacts, not SMS or files.
• Check out reviews – some programs remove not only duplicates, but also useful entries.

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), some contact cleaning apps may not work due to system limitations. In this case, use the web version of Google Contacts or manual removal.

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The side of the app speeds up the process, but it's risky. Always back up before you massively remove the takes!

Method 6: Reset the settings of the Contacts application (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, you can try resetting the Contacts app to factory settings, which will remove all user settings (such as groups or favorites), but save the contacts themselves.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the contact and tap him.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear all data.
4. Confirm the action. The app will restart with standard settings.

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Enable sync with Google or Mi Account again.
• 🔍 Check the contact list for duplicates.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and older reset may result in loss of selected contacts and call history.

How to Prevent the appearance of doubles in the future

To avoid recurring problems, follow these rules:

• 🔗 Sync with only one account (better Google, as it is more reliable than Mi Account) and disable the sync of contacts in other services (Settings) → Accounts. → [Account] → Synchronization of contacts).
• 📱 Do not import contacts with SIM — Store them only in the cloud or in your phone’s memory.
• 🔄 Check your duplicates regularly (every 2-3 months) through Google Contacts.
• 🚫 Don't use instant messengers to store contacts (like WhatsApp or Viber) they create their own copies of the records.

Configure MIUI to minimize the take:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Display Contacts.
2. Select Show Contacts Only from [your primary account].
3. Turn off the option to show contacts with SIM-map.

If you switch between phones frequently (e.g. iPhone to Xiaomi), use export/import via the phone. VCF-file, not sync with multiple accounts at the same time.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)