Deleting a crucial phone number on a Xiaomi smartphone is a familiar situation, with one careless tap in the Contacts app, resetting to factory settings, or even stealing the device can lead to the loss of valuable data. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several recovery mechanisms: from Mi Cloud and Google Account to backups to SIM-map.
In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to return remote contacts, both through built-in MIUI tools and through third-party services, and focus on synchronization nuances that often cause problems, such as why contacts may not recover even when you actively sync with Mi Account, and what to do if the number was deleted long ago.
Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on whether backup functions were enabled before deleting. If you have never configured synchronization, the chances of returning data are reduced to manual input or the use of specialized programs (which we will also talk about).
Recovery via Mi Cloud (official method)
Mi Cloud is the main backup tool for Xiaomi devices, and if sync was activated before the number was deleted, contacts can be returned in a few steps, the main condition is that the device must be linked to the same Mi Account as before.
How to check if synchronization is enabled:
- Open the Settings. β Mi Account β Mi Cloud.
- Make sure the switch opposite the Contact is active (green).
- Check the date of the last backup β if it is earlier than the date of deletion, the data can be restored.
Instructions for remediation:
- Go to Settings β About Phone β Backup and Reset β Restore Data.
- Select the option βRestore from Mi Cloudβ.
- Sign in to your Mi Account (if not authorized).
- In the backup list, select the one where the creation date precedes the number being deleted.
- Check "Contacts" and click "Restore".
Contact sync enabled | Device connected to Wi-Fi | Mi Account account is the same as when you book | Enough free space on your phone-->
β οΈ Note: If contacts are duplicated after restoration, merge in the Contacts app (Contact Management) β Also note that Mi Cloud only stores backups for 30 days β if the number was deleted earlier, this method will not work.
2.Use of Google Account (alternative to Mi Cloud)
Many Xiaomi users sync contacts not only with Mi Cloud, but also with Google Account, especially if you used Google services (like Gmail or Google Contacts) before buying a smartphone. Recovery through Google often works even when Mi Cloud doesn't help.
How to Restore Contacts via Google:
- Open Google Contacts in your browser on your PC or phone.
- Sign in to the same account that was linked to the phone.
- In the left menu, select βMore β Cancel Changesβ.
- Specify the time period covering the date of deletion (e.g., βlast 7 daysβ).
- Click βConfirmβ β the contacts will return to their original state.
If you want to transfer your re-established contacts back to Xiaomi:
- On the phone go to Settings β Accounts β Google.
- Select your account and activate contact sync.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
What if your contacts are not synced with Google?
β οΈ Note: If you used multiple Google accounts on your phone, contacts could be shared.
Reconstruction of c SIM-cards (if the contacts are kept there)
Older Xiaomi models (like Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) They allow you to keep in touch directly with SIM-If you've used this feature, the chances of getting the numbers back are pretty high:
- π± SIM-The card must be the same as used before the deletion.
- π Only numbers and names are stored (without photos, email, and other details).
- π’ Memory volume SIM limited (usually 250-500 contacts).
How to import contacts with SIM:
- Put it in. SIM-Card to phone (if it was retrieved).
- Open the Contacts app.
- Click on three dots (menu) β Contact Management β Import/Export.
- Select "Import with" SIM-mapΒ».
- Specify where to save contacts (for example, to your Mi or Google account).
- Confirm the import.
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If the phone does not see the contact SIM-In the card, try pasting it into another device (like an old button phone) and exporting contacts from there via Bluetooth or USB.
β οΈ Note: Modern Xiaomi models (starting with the MIUI 12) may not maintain contact with SIM. Check the option in the menu "Import / Export" - if it is not available, this method will not work.
4. Restore from local backup (if created)
MIUI allows you to backup your data locally, including contacts, directly to your phone. If you backup before you delete your number, you can restore it without an Internet connection. Local copies are stored in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder in internal memory.
How to Recover Contacts from Local Backup:
- Go to Settings β About Phone β Backup and Reset β Local Backup.
- Select the desired backup (orientate by the date of creation).
- Click "Restore" and tick "Contacts".
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
If the menu doesnβt have a Local Backup option, try finding the backup manually:
- Connect the phone to the PC and turn on file transfer mode.
- Go to Internal Storage β MIUI β Backup β AllBackup.
- Copy the file with the.mbk extension to your computer (this is the backup).
- Use the official Mi PC Suite software to recover data from the file.
| Type of backup | Where it's stored | Storage period | How to repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Xiaomi's Cloud | 30 days | Through Settings. β Mi Cloud β Restore |
| Google Account | contacts.google.com | Unlimitedly. | Through web interface or synchronization on the phone |
| Local backup | MIUI/backup folder | Before manually deleting the file | Through Settings β Local Backup |
| SIM-map | SIM's memory | Before the re-recording | Through the βContactsβ app β βImportβ |
β οΈ Attention: Local backups take up space in internal memory. If the phone gives an error "Insufficient memory" when creating a backup, delete the old copies in the folder. MIUI/backup.
Never | Once a year | Every month | Before important changes (update, reset) | I don't know what it-->
5. Deleted Data Recovery Programs (last chance)
If none of these methods worked, you'll have to try specialized data recovery software that scans the phone's internal memory and looks for traces of deleted files, but the effectiveness depends on several factors:
- π Was there a rewriting of data after deletion (new contacts, photos, applications reduce the chances of the data being deleted).
- π οΈ Is there root access (without it scanning is limited).
- β³ How long has it been since the removal (the longer the worse).
Popular programs for restoring contacts on Xiaomi:
- π± Dr.Fone (Wondershare) - Supports MIUI, but requires a PC connection.
- π EaseUS MobiSaver β Free version restores up to 2 contacts.
- π οΈ Tenorshare UltData β works without root, but with limitations.
General instructions for recovery through the software:
- Install the program on a PC (for example, Dr.Fone).
- Connect your phone to USB and enable debugging (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β 7 times press to activate Developer Mode, then Additional β For Developers β Debugging over USB).
- Run the scan in the program (select "Contacts").
- After completion, review the data found and save the necessary.
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Data recovery software works best if you don't install new apps or fill up your phone's memory after deleting contacts, and the fewer actions you take, the better the chances of getting your lost numbers back.
β οΈ Warning: Be careful of programs that require root access. Mistakes may result in a loss of warranty or phone inoperability. If you are not sure, contact Xiaomi Service Center.
How to avoid future contact loss: 3 rules
To avoid the problem of remote numbers, follow the simple recommendations:
- βοΈ Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud and Google Account. To do this, go to Settings β Accounts. β Mi Account (Google) β Synchronize and activate the βContactβ optionΒ».
- π Make local backups regularly. Just do it once a month: Settings β The phone. β Backup and reset β Local backups.
- π² Export contacts to a file. In the Contacts app, select Contact Management β Export and save the list in.vcf format to the mail or cloud.
Additional precautions:
- π Do not keep your contacts only on SIM-map is unreliable.
- π± Before resetting your settings or updating your firmware, check that sync is complete.
- π« Avoid phone cleanup apps β they can delete backups.
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Create a separate email (e.g. mycontacts@mail.ru) and send an exported.vcf file there every six months, so you get an additional copy that is independent of the phone.