How to import Xiaomi contacts: the complete guide

Switching to a new smartphone or recovering data after a system reset is always a question for users, especially when it comes to keeping a phone book, the loss of which can be a real problem. Owners of Redmi and Poco devices often encounter nuances of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, which are different from standard Android.

There are several proven ways to migrate records, and the method depends on where they are stored now. SIM-Map or local files. In this article, we will break down all the current options so that you can quickly recover your data.

Regardless of your device model, whether it's a budget or a flagship, the process remains similar. However, it's important to follow a sequence of actions to avoid duplication of records. Synchronization is a key word for those who want to protect themselves from loss of information in the future.

Import of contacts from SIM-card

The simplest and most common way, familiar to many since the days of button phones, if your numbers are saved on a SIM, the process will take only a couple of minutes, insert the card into the slot of the smartphone and wait for the network to be determined.

Open the standard Contacts or Phone app. Find the settings menu, which is usually hidden under three dots or stripes in the corner of the screen.

In the window that opens, the system will prompt you to select a data source. SIM-The phone will then scan the map and show you a list of available records.

• 📱 Select all contacts or check only the necessary check boxes.
• ☁️ Please specify the location of your save: Google Account or Phone is recommended».
• ✅ Press the confirmation button and wait for the process to end.

⚠️ Attention: SIM-cards have limited memory and often crop long names.When importing, make sure the numbers are written correctly.

Once the operation is complete, the records will appear in your phone book, and if you choose to save to your Google account, they will automatically be available on any device after you log in.

Using Google Accounts to Sync

This is the most reliable method for Android users: all data is stored in the cloud and not physically tied to the device, and even if the phone is lost, the numbers will remain secure.

To start, make sure your old device is synced. Go to settings, find the Accounts section, and select your Google profile. Make sure the switch opposite the Contacts item is active.

On the new Xiaomi, you need to log in to the same account, and when you set up the system, it will prompt you to restore the data from the backup, and if the phone is already set up, just add the account manually.

Settings → Accounts and sync → Google → Synchronization

Once synchronization is enabled, the data will load automatically, depending on the number of records and the quality of the Internet connection, usually in a matter of minutes.

It’s important to note that duplicates can occur if you’ve previously imported data in another way, and Google Contacts is able to combine such records, but it’s better to keep track of this process.

Transfer data from other Android smartphones

If you're switching from another Android device, the process can be made much easier, and the built-in MIUI tools allow you to transfer data directly over Wi-Fi without using the Internet.

To do this, both phones must have the Mi Mover app installed (it's built into Xiaomi), run it on both devices, and select "I'm the recipient" mode on the new phone, and "I'm the sender" mode on the old one.

Scan it. QR-code that will appear on the screen of your new smartphone. Once you connect the devices, select Contacts and start the transfer.

The good thing about this method is that it not only stores numbers, but also additional fields, such as email addresses, photos and addresses, and the structure of the record remains unchanged.

In some cases, permission to access contacts may be required; HyperOS security may request confirmation of action; this is a normal data protection response.

Import from a VCF (vCard) file

The universal VCF format allows you to transfer contacts between any device, including iPhones and computers. The file is a text list of all records with a full set of fields.

You need to get this file first. On an old phone, export contacts to the device's memory or send the file to your messenger. The file will have the.vcf extension.

Copy the file to the new Xiaomi. Open the Contacts app, go to the settings and select Import/Export. Specify the source for Import from Storage.

The system will suggest you select a file. Find your contacts.vcf and confirm the action. All records will be added to the selected folder or account.

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Keep backups. VCF-It's a gold reserve of your data that doesn't depend on Google or Apple servers.

The advantage of this method is that it's autonomous, you don't need the Internet, and you have complete control over the process, but with frequent use, it's easy to get confused about the file versions.

⚠️ Note: When importing from VCF Watch carefully where the data is stored. If you choose "Phone", when you reset the settings, the contacts will disappear.

Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi

iOS owners will have to try a little bit, since direct synchronization with iCloud on Android is impossible without intermediaries.

Install Google Contacts or Gmail on your iPhone. In your Google account settings, enable contact sync. Wait for all numbers to load into the Google cloud.

Then, on Xiaomi, just log in to the same account, all contacts will appear automatically, and the alternative is that using the "Move to iOS" app will not work, since it works in the opposite direction.

You can also export contacts through iCloud.com. Go on your computer, select all contacts and select Export vCard. Upload the file to your Xiaomi phone.

When you move from your iPhone, you often lose fields that are specific to Apple, such as audio signals for individual contacts, and you have to reconfigure media files and ringtones.

Solving problems and mistakes

Sometimes the import process is not smooth, users may experience synchronization errors or no records after transfer, most often the problem lies in choosing the wrong storage.

If contacts are not displayed, check the display filter in the app.Perhaps only the contacts with the app are shown. SIM-Maps and new ones are signed into Google account.

Contact → Filter → Show all contacts

Duplicate records is another common problem, and it happens when you import data from a SIM and then turn on Google sync where those numbers were already. Use the "Joint Duplicates" feature in your contact settings.

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Always choose to save to your Google account rather than your phone memory, which ensures that your data is safe even if your smartphone is broken or lost.

In rare cases, it may be necessary to clean up the Contacts app data.This won't delete your numbers if they're saved to the cloud, but will reset the display settings.