Why do you have duplicate contacts on Xiaomi Redmi?
The problem of repeated contacts on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the most common among users MIUI. Most often, duplicates arise due to incorrect synchronization between Google accounts, MI-account SIM-For example, if you added a contact manually on your phone and then imported it from a backup of Google Contacts, the system will create two separate records with the same data.
Another common reason is the update of the MIUI firmware. After the May and October updates of 2023-2026, many users of Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13 Pro+ and POCO F5 complained about massive duplication of contacts, due to a change in the algorithm of the Contacts application (versions 14.0.2 and later), which now more aggressively scans all data sources, and third-party messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) who create their own copies of contacts on the first run can also be to blame.
It's important to understand that duplicates don't just take up space in memory, they slow down the phone. Every time you look for a contact, the system has to look at all the copies, which increases the load on the processor. And if you take hundreds of takes, it can lead to the "Contacts" app freezes and even overheating the smartphone with prolonged use.
Method 1: Remove duplicates through the standard MIUI Contacts app
The easiest method is to use the built-in merging feature in Xiaomi’s proprietary app, which is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5 and Redmi K60. The main condition is that the duplicates must be completely identical (the same name, surname and phone number).
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background).
- Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
- Go to the section "Connect Contacts".
- The system will automatically find all the takes. Press Combine all or select specific pairs manually.
- Confirm the action with the button Ready.
⚠️ Note: If some contacts are missing after the merger, check the Archive folder in the same Contact Management menu. MIUI Misreports records instead of deleting duplicates.
Make a backup of your contacts in Google Drive|Make sure all important numbers are saved to SIM-map|Close the messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)|Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 10-15 minutes)-->
Method 2: Clean up Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)
If your contacts are synced with your Google account, it is better to delete duplicates through the web version of the service, which ensures that the changes are applied to all devices (including tablets and computers), the method works even for outdated Redmi 9A or Redmi 8 models, if they are tied to Google.
Step-by-step:
- Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in.
- In the left menu, select Dubbles (the section will only appear if the system detects duplicate entries).
- Click Combine All or highlight specific duplicates manually.
- After the merger, update your contacts on your phone: go to Settings → Google Accounts → Sync and tap Sync Now.
💡 If the duplicates don’t show up on Google’s site, but you’re sure they do, try exporting the contacts to a.vcf file (on the menu). → Export, then import them back. The system automatically prompts you to combine the repeating records.
I only use the standard app. MIUI|Synchronize with Google Contacts|Keeping contacts. SIM-map|I use third-party applications (Truecaller, Contacts)+)-->
Method 3: Removing duplicates by SIM-Cards (for unsynchronized contacts)
If your contacts are only kept on SIM-Map (which is relevant for Redmi users) 7A Or Redmi 6 with limited memory, which can be removed through export/import, and this method is also useful if you want to move contacts from one phone to another without cloud services.
How to do this:
- 📱 Export: Open Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-Select all contacts and confirm.
- 🔄 Clean: Remove all contacts from your phone (by hand or through Settings) → Reset → Clear the contacts).
- 📥 Import: Return to Import/Export and select Import with SIM-The system will offer to combine the duplicates automatically.
⚠️ Attention: SIM-If you have more records, break up the export into parts or use a microSD card for intermediate storage (.vcf file).
What to do if SIM-The card does not support the export of contacts?
Method 4: Third-party applications for removing duplicates
If the built-in MIUI tools didn't work out, try the specialized utilities. We tested 5 apps on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G and identified the two most effective ones:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts Optimizer | Automatic and manual merger Backup before cleaning Cyrillic support | Advertising in the free version | Download |
| Duplicate Contacts | Search for duplicates by number, name, email Export report in Excel Works without the Internet | Interface in English | Download |
🔧 How to use it:
- Install the app and give access to contacts.
- Start the scan (Scan button or Find duplicates).
- Review the list of repeated contacts and choose which ones to combine.
- Press Merge and wait until it is completed.
⚠️ Note: Before using third-party apps, disable syncing with Google and MI-This will prevent you from creating new takes after cleaning. Remember to turn on sync back after you've finished!
Method 5: Reset and Recovery of Contacts (Radical Method)
If the take count is more than 500 to 1,000 records and standard methods don't work, you'll have to resort to a complete contact reset, which is a good way for Redmi with a heavily clogged database, but requires prior preparation.
Algorithm of action:
- Backup: Export contacts to.vcf via Settings → System → Backup. Copy the file to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
- Clean: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- Recovery: Import contacts back from the.vcf file. Use Google Contacts or Contacts Optimizer for the final take merger.
⚠️ Critical information: Once reset, all contact details (including notes, birthdays and photos) will be lost unless they are stored in advance in a backup!
💡
Radical reset is the last chance if other methods have not worked, use it only when absolutely necessary and always with a backup.
How can we prevent the appearance of doubles in the future?
To avoid recurring problems, follow these rules:
- 🔗 Sync: Use only one source to store contacts (e.g., Google only or only Google only) MI-Disable synchronization with unnecessary services in Settings → Accounts.
- 📱 Import: When transferring contacts from another phone, always choose Replace existing ones rather than Add new ones.
- 🔄 Updates: After update MIUI Check your contacts for doubles within a week – they often don’t appear immediately.
- 🚫 Messengers: Turn off automatic contact synchronization in WhatsApp and Telegram (in the application settings).
📌 Useful Lifehack: Create a test contact with a unique name (e.g. #CheckDup) and add it to only one source (e.g. Google) If you find duplicates of that contact in a week, it means that there is some extra sync enabled somewhere.