The transition to a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is always accompanied by a desire to get all of your data on a new device as quickly as possible. The most important part of this process is to transfer contacts, because losing a phone book can be a critical problem. Fortunately, the Miui and HyperOS ecosystem offers several built-in and third-party tools to solve this problem without losing quality or duplication of records.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for syncing a phone book, learn how to use cloud technology to automatically update, how to perform local transfer over Wi-Fi, and what to do if you need to quickly move several numbers without the Internet.
The choice of the specific method depends on your current conditions: whether there is a Wi-Fi network at hand, how many numbers you need to move, and what version of the operating system is installed on the devices.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most efficient and quickest way to transfer data between devices of the same brand is using the proprietary application Mi Mover. This tool is pre-installed on most modern Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and system settings. The main advantage of the method is the high speed of data transfer over a direct Wi-Fi channel without using Internet traffic.
To start, you need to run the app on both devices, and on the old phone, select the role "Sender" and on the new one, "Receiver." QR-If you have code or manually connect to the network you've created, the system will tell you to choose the types of data you want to transfer. Here, you need to choose the "Contacts" or "System Data" section, so you don't have to overload the process with unnecessary files if you only need numbers.
βοΈ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
The copying process is in the background, but the screens of the devices must remain active. Interrupting transmission during the copying phase of contacts can damage the database of the phone book, so wait for the message of successful completion. After the operation, all records will be automatically integrated into the local memory or account of the new device.
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If Mi Mover canβt see the device, try temporarily disabling VPN or antivirus software that can block your local network connection.
Sync with Mi Cloud and Google account
The most reliable method to ensure data safety even if a physical device is lost or broken is cloud synchronization. Xiaomi ecosystem is closely integrated with Google services, so the user has a choice: use Mi Cloud or standard Google Contacts. Both methods work on the principle of constant updates in real time.
To activate sync via Mi Cloud, log in to your account in the settings menu. Go to Settings β Mi Account β Sync and make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated. On the new device, just log in under the same login, and the phone book will fill in automatically within minutes.
- π² Benefits of Mi Cloud: Deep Integration with the Shell MIUI, Recovery of deleted numbers via web interface.
- βοΈ Google Advantages: Cross-platform, access to contacts from any Android device or through a browser.
- π Automation: Changes are made instantly on all connected devices without user involvement.
It's important to keep an eye on cloud storage. The free Mi Cloud tariff provides 5GB of space, which is more than enough for thousands of text recordings, but if you sync up photos, the space can run out. Google Contacts are more generous and have little or no limit on the number of records.
What to do if the contacts are duplicated?
Local Export and Import via VCF File
In situations where cloud usage is not possible due to lack of internet or security policies, a great solution is to back up VCF (vCard) format, a universal format supported by all modern smartphones and allows you to transfer the phone book even to devices of other brands such as Samsung or Honor.
The process of creating (backup) takes seconds. Open the Contacts app, go to the settings and select Import/Export Contacts. Next, select Export to Drive. The system will create a file with the.vcf extension that will contain all your records.
Once a file is created, it must be transferred to a new device, which can be done via Bluetooth, messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp), or simply by copying the file to a computer and then to a new phone, and on the receiving device, you just open the file, and the system will suggest importing the data contained in it.
| VCF transmission method | Speed. | Internet is required | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Low. | No. | Average. |
| Messengers (TG/WA) | Tall. | Yes. | High. |
| USB Cable (PC) | Medium | No. | Low. |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Very high. | No. | High. |
Using a.vcf file is also convenient because it creates a dot copy of data at a specific time, and you can store such files on a flash drive or computer for years, and they are guaranteed to open in the future, regardless of changes in Android versions.
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The VCF format is a universal standard that stores not only numbers, but also photos, email addresses and job titles if they were entered in a contact card.
Copying contacts with SIM-map
Although this method is considered obsolete due to limitations in the volume and format of data, it remains relevant for users of button phones or in emergency recovery. SIM-The card is capable of storing a limited number of records, usually up to 250 contacts, and often crops long names or does not retain additional numbers.
Insert data to transfer SIM-card to the new Xiaomi smartphone. Go to the Contacts app, select settings and click "Import/Export Contacts." Select "Import from" SIM-The system will prompt you to choose a save location: it is recommended to choose a Google account or phone memory, rather than writing it back to the user. SIM.
β οΈ Note: When copying with SIM-Additional fields such as a second phone number, address or photo of a contact are often lost. Use this method only as a temporary solution or for base numbers.
After the importation is complete, all the records will appear in the phone book. SIM-The map has contacts with names in a different encoding than the system, instead of letters, you can display strange characters, in which case only manual input or the use of more modern transfer methods described above will help.
Owners of older Nokia or Sony Ericsson phones may find this method familiar, but in the age of smartphones it serves more as a lifeline when other ways are not available. Always check the result of imports, as some carriers may format numbers in their own way.
Solution: Duplicates and missing numbers
When data migrates, users often encounter technical nuances that can be confusing. One of the most common problems is the appearance of duplicate contacts. This occurs when the phone is synchronized with multiple sources at the same time, such as with multiple sources. SIM-Maps, from phone memory and from Google cloud, without automatically combining records.
To eliminate duplicates in the MIUI shell, there is a built-in cleaning tool. Open the Security or Contacts app, find the Tools section and select Combine Duplicates. The system will analyze the database and suggest combining records with the same numbers or names, this action is safe and will not lead to data loss.
Another common problem is that contacts are in your account but not displayed in your call list, in which case you need to check the display filters. In the Contacts app, click on three points (menu) and select Contact Filter or Contact Display. Make sure that the "All Contacts" tick is ticked or that the specific accounts where your data is stored are selected.
- π Check if synchronization is enabled in your account settings.
- ποΈ Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application through the application menu.
- π± Make sure that the new device has an up-to-date version installed. MIUI.
If the numbers are completely lost after the system update, do not panic. Go to contacts.google.com or i.mi.com from your computer. There are often older versions of backups that can be restored by rollback at a certain date (the "Cancel Changes" function is available in Google Contacts).
Comparison of methods and final recommendations
The best way to transfer it depends on the situation and the amount of data being transferred. For a new phone that is just out of the box, the Mi Mover is the ideal option, as it will transfer not only contacts, but also create a complete copy of the userβs habitat.
For regular backup and sync between multiple devices (like a phone and a tablet), Google Sync is the leader; it works discreetly, quickly and reliably; and the VCF file method is worth keeping in mind as a βplan Bβ in case of network or account problems.
β οΈ Warning: Before performing any mass removal or import operations, always back up. A database merger error can result in the loss of important numbers without the possibility of recovery.
Remember that modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to flexibly manage contact sources. You can configure the display of only those numbers that are stored in the deviceβs memory, hiding cloud or cloud-based sources. SIM-Recordings that help keep the phone book in order.