How to remove double contacts on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem that occurs after synchronization with multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, SIM-card), import from backups or malfunctions MIUI. Double entries not only clutter the phone book, but also make it difficult to find the right numbers, and sometimes lead to errors when calling or sending messages.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove duplicates – from built-in MIUI tools to third-party applications, and explain how to prevent the reappearance of abdominal contacts. The instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, etc.).

Why are there double-crossed contacts on Xiaomi?

The main reason for duplicates is multiple synchronization of contacts from different sources, for example, if you added a number manually to the phone. SIM-And then you import it from Google Account, and it creates two separate records:

• 🔄 Update MIUI — after major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) sometimes the links to the accounts are lost.
• ☁️ Cloud services conflict – if synchronization with Google Contacts and Mi Cloud is active at the same time.
• 📱 Data transfer – when you switch from an old phone (such as from Samsung to Xiaomi) via Mi Mover or backups.
• 📇 Application errors – bugs in Contacts, Truecaller or instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

Critical error MIUI: In versions 12.5–14.0.3, when manually editing a contact, the system can create a duplicate if the Name field contains special characters (such as quotation marks or hyphens), a firmware bug that Xiaomi has not yet fixed in stable builds.

Before you start cleaning, check which accounts sync your contacts:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Check out the list of connected services (Google, Mi Account, Exchange, etc.).
3. Turn off contact sync for unnecessary accounts (for example, if you are not using Mi Cloud).

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Before mass removal of duplicates, make a backup of contacts: open the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to file. Save the file to Google Drive or computer.

Method 1: Remove duplicates through the built-in Contacts app

The easiest method is to use the merging tool, which is available in the standard MIUI Contacts app, which works even without an internet connection and does not require root rights.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press on. ⋮ (three dots in the upper right corner) → Contact management.
3. Choose Combine Contacts (or Find Duplicates depending on the MIUI version).
4. The system will automatically find the repeating entries. Click Combine next to each pair or select Combine all.
5. Confirm the action – duplicates will merge into one record, saving all numbers, email and notes.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn’t work if duplicates are saved in different accounts (for example, one contact on Google, another on Google). SIM-map).
• ❌ Can skip takes with minor differences (for example, "Ivan Ivanov" and "Ivan Ivanov").

Method 2: Clean up Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If your contacts are synced with your Google Account, it is more convenient to clear duplicates through the web version of Google Contacts, which is suitable for users who store the main phone book in the cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in.
2. In the left menu, select Duplicates (or Flee and Fix in the new version of the interface).
3. The system will show all the repeating recordings. Press Dump for each take or select Dump All.
4. After the merger, wait for sync (usually takes 1-5 minutes). On the phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync now.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even if duplicates are created on different devices (for example, some contacts are added with iPhone, some with Xiaomi).
• ✅ Keeps history of changes (can be cancelled within 30 days).

⚠️ Note: If you use multiple Google Accounts on the same phone, make sure that contact sync is only enabled for the primary profile.

Method 3: Using third-party applications to remove duplicates

If the built-in tools don't work, try specialized utilities that can find duplicates even with minor differences (for example, different phone formats: +79123456789 and 8(912)345-67-89).

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

• 📌 Simpler Merge Duplicates is free, with manual and automatic merge mode. Supports backup before changes.
• 📌 Contacts Optimizer finds duplicates by number, email and address.
• 📌 Duplicate Contacts is a simple interface, it works without registration.

How to use (Simpler Merge Duplicates):

Install the app from Google Play|Open it and provide access to contacts |Click Scan and wait for analysis |Check the proposed duplicates (you can enable preview)|Click Combine selected or Combine all |Reboot the Contacts app on your phone-->

Warning: Some applications (like Clean Master) promise to clear duplicates, but in fact only delete cache.

⚠️ Warning: Before using third-party apps, turn off contact sync in Settings → Otherwise, duplicates may return after the next sync with the cloud.

Method 4: Manual cleaning through export/import contacts

This method is suitable for advanced users who want to have full control of the process, and allows you to edit contacts in.vcf format (business card) through a computer.

Instructions:

1. Export contacts: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to file Save the file to Google Drive or send yourself an email.
2. Download the.vcf file to your computer and open it through a text editor (e.g. Notepad++ or VS Code).
3. Find duplicates by repeating TEL: or FN: (name). Delete the extra blocks BEGIN:VCARD...END:VCARD.
4. Save the file and import back to the phone: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Import from the file

Example of.vcf file structure:

BEGIN:VCARD


VERSION:3.0




FN: Ivan Ivanov




TEL;TYPE=CELL:+79123456789




END:VCARD




BEGIN:VCARD




VERSION:3.0




FN: Ivan Ivanov




TEL;TYPE=CELL:+79123456789




END:VCARD

In this example, the second block is a duplicate that can be deleted.

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Manual export/import is the only way to remove duplicates if they are stored in different encodings (e.g., part of the contacts in UTF-8, part in Windows-1251).

Method 5: Reset the Contacts app (last resort)

If duplicates appear again after any cleaning, the problem may be in the failure of the database of the Contacts application.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts (or Contacts) and open its settings.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

After discharge:

• ✅ Contacts will be restored from the last synchronization (if it was enabled).
• ❌ Local records (not linked to accounts) will be deleted and can only be restored from backup.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse resetting Contacts with a full phone reset! The second option will delete all data on the device, including photos and messages.

How to Prevent Duplicate Duplicates in the Future

To avoid recurring problems, follow these rules:

• 🔗 Turn off unnecessary synchronization sources: Settings → Accounts. → Select an account → Synchronization → Disable Contacts for Unnecessary Services
• 📱 Use one primary account (e.g., only Google or only Mi Account).
• 🔄 Check duplicates regularly (once every 1-2 months) through Contacts → Management → Unite.
• 🚫 Avoid manually editing contacts via messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) as they often create local copies.

If you frequently switch between devices (e.g., from Xiaomi to iPhone and back), use generic export formats:

• For Android:.vcf (supported by all smartphones)
• For iPhone: export via iCloud to vCard format.

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Create a shortcut for quick access to clear duplicates: add the Contacts widget to the home screen and select Contact Management option in the widget settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about duplicate contacts on Xiaomi