Remove a phone number on Xiaomi and donβt know how to get it back? This problem is familiar to many users β accidentally deleting a contact, resetting settings or synchronizing failure can lead to the loss of important data. Fortunately, on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) there are several ways to restore deleted numbers β from standard Android features to branded MIUI tools.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods that will help you recover lost contacts, even if you did not make backups. Note: the effectiveness of each method depends on how the number was deleted (manually, after a reset, due to a virus) and what services were connected on the device.
1. Recovery through SIM-card (if the number is saved on it)
Many users still keep their contacts directly on the SIM-If you're one of them, you can return the number in 2 minutes. This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Mi 11, regardless of the version MIUI.
To check if the number is saved on the SIM:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- Slip on three points in the upper right corner β Contact management.
- Select Import/Export β Import from SIM-card.
- If the system finds contacts, a list will appear - mark the ones you need and click Import.
β οΈ Attention: SIM-The cards have a limit on the number of contacts saved (usually 200-250) if the number does not appear in the list, it may not fit or has been deleted previously.
2. synchronization with Mi Account (if enabled)
Mi Account is a Xiaomi branded account that automatically backs up contacts if sync is enabled. If you logged in and didn't turn off the feature, you can restore the number through the cloud, which is suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14 and later.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings. β Accounts and synchronization β Mi Account.
- π Make sure the switch is active (if not, turn on and wait 5-10 minutes).
- π₯ Return to the Contacts app, pull the screen down for an update or restart the app.
- π Check the Deleted section (in the contact management menu) β sometimes numbers get there instead of completely deleting them.
If no contacts appear, try forced synchronization:
Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (shap 7 times to turn on the developer mode)
Return to Settings β Additional β For Developers β Enable Debugging by USB
Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:
adb shell am start -n com.miui.cloudservice/.ui.CloudServiceActivityβ οΈ Warning: When you reset your phone to factory settings without a Mi Account detachment, your contacts from the cloud may not recover.Always turn off sync before reset if you plan to sell the device.
Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Make sure there is enough space on your account (remove unnecessary backups)
Update the Contacts app on Google Play
Restart your phone before syncing.-->
3. Restoration through Google Account
If you use Google Contacts (not Mi Account), the recovery algorithm will be different, and this method is universal for all Android devices, including Xiaomi, the main condition is that the number must be linked to the Google account before being deleted.
Step-by-step:
- Open contacts.google.com on your PC or in your phone browser.
- Sign in with the same account as Xiaomi.
- In the left menu, select More β Cancel the changes.
- Specify a time period (e.g., βlast 30 minutesβ) and click Confirm.
If the number was deleted long ago, try exporting the backup:
- π€ In the same menu, select Export. β Google CSV (save the file on the PC).
- π₯ Open Contacts on your phone β Management β Imports β Select the saved file.
π‘ Helpful tip: To avoid future losses, turn on automatic synchronization: Settings β Accounts. β Google β Synchronization of the account β Contacts (on.).
What if Google doesnβt restore contacts?
4.Using backups of MIUI
Xiaomi offers a built-in tool for creating local backups, called Backup. If you've ever used this feature, the chances of returning a number increase, and it works on all devices with MIUI 10 and above.
How to recover data:
- Go to Settings β About Phone β Backup.
- Select the latest backup (check the date of creation β it must be before the number is deleted).
- Click Restore and tick Contacts.
- Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (donβt interrupt!).
β οΈ Warning: Restore from backup will overwrite current contacts. If you add new contacts after deleting the number, they will be lost. VCF via the Contact Management menu.
| Type of backup | Where it's stored | How to repair | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (MIUI) | Phone Memory (/MIUI/backup/AllBackup) | Through Settings β Backup | Overwrite current data |
| Google Drive | Google Cloud | Through Settings β System β Recovery | Requires authorization in Google |
| Mi Cloud | Xiaomi's Cloud | Through Settings. β Mi Account β Cloud. | 5GB Limitation for Free Accounts |
5. Third-party recovery applications (last chance)
If none of these methods worked, then we have to try specialized tools that scan the phone's memory for deleted data and can find numbers even if they were erased months ago.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- π DiskDigger β Searches for deleted files without root (limited functionality.
- π± GT Recovery β specializes in contact and SMS (You need root. Link: Uptodown.
- π οΈ Dr.Fone (Wondershare) is a paid software with a high recovery rate.
π΄ Warning: Recovery utilities may contain malicious code, download them only from official sources (Google Play, developer sites) before use:
- Create a backup copy of the current data.
- Disable the antivirus (it can block the scan).
- Do not save the recovered files to the same disk where they were deleted (use) SD-card).
Loss of warranty when obtaining root rights.
- Possibility of installing malware.
- Unguaranteed result (depending on the degree of memory overwriting).-->
What do you do if nothing helps?
If all methods are exhausted, and the number has not been restored, two options remain:
- Contact the carrier if the number was tied to yours. SIM-card (for example, as "My number" in the settings), the operator can provide it on request.
- If you have ever printed contacts (for example, for moving or work), check old records in notebooks or printouts.
π‘ Advice for the future: Set up automatic backups in two places at once:
- π In Mi Account: Settings β Mi Account β Cloud. β Backup (include weekly copying).
- βοΈ At Google: Settings β Accounts. β Google β Synchronization of contacts.
This will give you double protection: even if one service fails, the other will save your data.