How to remove multiple contacts from Xiaomi in 5 minutes

Deleting multiple contacts on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) often becomes a routine if you do it one at a time. Especially when you need to clean the phone of old numbers, duplicates or unnecessary records after import. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of mass removal, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications and working with.vcf files.

It’s important to understand that the methods differ depending on the firmware version and the account you use (local, Google or Mi Account).We tested each method on devices with MIUI 12-14 and highlighted the only reliable option for removing contacts from the backup without losing any other data. If you need to erase only part of the records, read the filters and sampling section carefully.

1. Delete via the standard Contacts app (MIUI)

The most obvious, but not always convenient, way to use Xiaomi’s built-in Contacts app.The mass removal feature is there, but hidden in the depths of the menu.It works on all MIUI devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and older models.

To remove multiple contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Delete Contacts tab.
4. Tick the required records or click Select all.
5. Confirm the removal button Ready.

⚠️ Limitation: This method does not allow you to filter contacts by group or keyword, and if you only need to delete contacts from a certain period (for example, old work numbers), you will have to manually scroll through the entire list.

2. Massive deletion via Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If your contacts are synced with your Google Account, it is easier to delete them via the web version of the contact.google.com service. This method is suitable for users who want to clear contacts on all devices at the same time (including tablets and computers).

Instructions:

1. Go to contacts.google.com and log in.
2. In the left menu, select Other Contacts (if you want to delete non-main entries) or All Contacts.
3. Check the boxes next to the unwanted contacts. Use a name/number search or tag filter to speed up.
4. Click on the basket icon in the top panel → Delete.

🔹 Advantage: you can delete contacts in packs of 250 pieces at a time (maximum per operation). → Find and combine duplicates).

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If contacts reappear on your phone after deleting, check your sync settings in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync. Automatic recovery from backup may have been enabled.

3. Deletion via VCF file (export/import)

This method is suitable for users who want to completely clear contacts and download only the ones they need, for example, if you imported someone else's contacts from a backup or after changing your phone, the essence of the method is to export all contacts to a.vcf file, edit it on your computer, and then import back the already cleaned list.

Step-by-step:

1. Export Contacts: Open Contacts → three-point → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. Select an account (Mi/Google/Local) and confirm export. contacts.vcf file will be saved in internal memory.

contacts.vcf

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VS Code

BEGIN:VCARD

END:VCARD

VCARD

File-based import

⚠️ Note: when importing, all existing contacts in the selected account will be replaced by data from the file. If you edited the file in a careless manner, you risk losing important numbers.

4. Use of third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools seem inconvenient, you can use third-party contact management apps, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

🔹 How to use it:

1. Install one of the applications and give access to the contacts.
2. Select the section Mass operations or Cleanup.
3. Set filters (e.g., “Contacts without numbers” or “Old records”).
4. Confirm removal.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Cleaner for Contacts) may request unnecessary permissions (access to the Service) SMS Check reviews and privacy policies before installation.

5. Removal of contacts with SIM-map

If your contacts are saved to SIM-card (relevant to older Xiaomi models or when transferring from button phones), they can also be removed en masse:

• 📱 Limitation SIM: The map usually contains no more than 250 contacts, and their names are limited to 15-20 characters.
• ⚡ No filters: you will have to remove everything or manually choose unnecessary ones.
• 🔄 Synchronization: Once removed, contacts will not automatically recover (unlike the ones you delete). Google/Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Open Contacts → go to the SIM tab (if any).
2. Press three points. → Contact management SIM.
3. Select Delete a few and mark unnecessary entries.
4. Confirm removal.

💡 Advice: If you plan to move contacts with SIM You can import them to your phone, first, to your Google Account, and then clear the card, so you can avoid data loss if you accidentally delete them.

6. Reset contacts via phone settings (extreme case)

If none of the above methods worked, and contacts are duplicated or not deleted, you can resort to a complete reset of contact data through the MIUI settings. This method erases all records without the possibility of choice, so you should use it only in extreme cases.

How to reset contacts:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and create a copy (in case of an error).
3. Go back to Settings → Accounts and select your Google or Mi Account.
4. Turn off contact sync and delete account details (this erases contacts only for this profile).

⚠️ Warning: After this step, all contacts associated with the account will be deleted on all devices where sync is enabled.

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Before resetting your contacts, make sure they are linked to other services (WhatsApp, Telegram, banking apps), and some apps use phone book numbers to log in.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete your contacts, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 Contacts are returned after deletion: this is due to enabled sync with Google or Mi Account. disable it before cleaning or delete contacts directly in the cloud service.
• 📱 I don’t see the option of mass removal: on some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 for global firmware) feature hidden. Update firmware or use Google Contacts.
• ❌ The wrong contacts are gone: always back up before mass operations. It's almost impossible to recover accidentally erased numbers without a backup.

🔧 Technical Difference: If You Use It DUAL APPS (cloning MIUI), contacts in cloned messengers (for example, WhatsApp) can be duplicated. They must be deleted separately in the settings of the duplicate application.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions