Buying a new smartphone is always a thrill and a wait, but the data migration process can be a real test for nerves. Contact transfer is a top priority that must be solved immediately after unpacking the device to avoid losing touch with important people. Today’s Xiaomi smartphones, running MIUI or HyperOS shells, offer several effective ways to migrate the phone book, each of which has its own characteristics.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available methods, from cloud services to local file export, so you can choose the most convenient for your situation. Whether you’re switching from another Android device or an iPhone, properly configuring sync will save you hours of manual number entry.
It is worth noting that ignoring the issue of saving numbers can lead to their irretrievable loss when changing the SIM card or resetting settings. SIM-The card is a critical step in the long-term security of your data.
Using Mi Mover for a Quick Migration
The easiest and most native way to transfer data between Xiaomi devices is to use the pre-installed Mi Mover app, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also messages, call history, photos and even system settings from one phone to another without using the Internet.
To start, you need to open the app on both devices. On the old smartphone, select the role of "Sender" (Old phone), and on the new Xiaomi - "Receiver" (New phone). QR-The devices will create a direct Wi-Fi connection, the speed of which is much higher than the data transfer via Bluetooth.
In the data transfer list, make sure to check the contact list, you can choose to transfer all or only a select few of the records, and the system will check the compatibility of the formats and automatically import the numbers into the phone book of the new device.
- 🚀 High data transfer speeds thanks to the use of local Wi-Fi channel.
- 📱 Ability to transfer not only contacts, but also home screen layout and Wi-Fi passwords.
- 🔒 Security: Data is transferred directly between devices, bypassing third-party servers.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure both devices are at least 50% charged before starting the process, as active communication modules can quickly consume battery power.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
Synchronization through Google account
Google’s ecosystem is the de facto standard for the Android platform, and ignoring its capabilities when setting up a new Xiaomi would be a mistake. If your previous device had sync enabled, then all contacts are already in the cloud and ready to instantly appear on the new gadget.
To activate this process, log into your new smartphone settings and add your Google account. Once logged in, the system will automatically prompt you to sync your data. If that doesn't happen, go to Settings menu. → Accounts and synchronization → Google and make sure the switch opposite the Contacts item is active.
The advantage of this method is that your numbers will be accessible not only on your phone, but also on any computer through the web interface of Google Contacts.This provides a reliable backup that can not be lost even if the physical device completely breaks down.
In some cases, manual forced sync may be required, and in order to do so, click on the three dots in the top right corner of your account menu and select Sync. Once you have completed the process, open the Contacts app and check for all the records.
What to do if contacts do not appear?
Transferring over the Mi Cloud
Xiaomi device owners have access to their own cloud service Mi Cloud, which is deeply integrated into the shell MIUI and HyperOS. This method is especially convenient if you move from the old Xiaomi to the new, as it allows you to recover not only numbers, but also blacklist, notes and voice recordings.
To use this method, you need to log into your Mi Account on both devices. On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure the Contacts switch is on. Click Sync to upload current data to the server.
On the new device, sign in to the same account. The system automatically detects a backup in the cloud and prompts you to restore data. You can choose to restore all contacts or only certain groups. The speed of recovery depends on the volume of the phone book and the speed of the Internet connection.
| Parameter | Google Contacts | Mi Cloud | Local VCF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Tall. | Medium | Instant. |
| Network dependency | Required. | Required. | Not required |
| Additional data | Photos, emails | Groups, notes | Only number and name. |
| Risk of loss | Minimum | Low. | Medium (needs backup) |
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Using the Mi Cloud is preferable for users who are deeply integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem, as it retains the group structure and additional contact fields.
Export and import via VCF file
The classic method, which does not require the Internet and third-party accounts, is to create a backup file in the.vcf format. This universal format is supported by almost all operating systems and phone books.
On the old device, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Import/Export. Next, select Export to Storage or Export to File.vcf. The system will create a file that is usually stored in the root of internal memory or in the MIUI/backup/contacts folder.
The file you get is transferred to the new Xiaomi, which can be done via Bluetooth, messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp), email, or simply by transferring the file through a USB cable to your computer, and once the file is on the new phone, just open it, and the system will suggest importing the contacts it contains.
- 📂 Universality: file can be opened on any smartphone or computer.
- 📶 Independence: This method works even without access to the Internet.
- 💾 Control: You physically own the backup file.
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When transferring a VCF file via messengers, make sure to send it as a “File” rather than as an image or other type of document to keep the data structure for automatic import.
Import of contacts from SIM-card
Although the storage of contacts SIM-The map is considered an outdated method due to the limited number of characters in the name and the lack of space for additional fields, many users still resort to it. If your numbers are located there, the new Xiaomi will quickly copy them.
Put it in. SIM-card to new smartphone (if not already installed) Open the Contacts app, go to import/export settings and select Import with SIM-The system will prompt you to select an account to which numbers will be saved - it is strongly recommended to choose Google or Mi Account, rather than Phone, to avoid data loss in the future.
Once the operation is confirmed, all records will be copied to the phone's memory, and note that long names may be cropped, and numbers recorded in an international format may require manual editing.
⚠️ Attention: SIM-The card has limited memory and does not support saving multiple numbers for a single contact or adding photos.
Solutions and problems with duplicates
After data transfer, users often face the problem of duplicate contacts, when the same number is displayed twice or three times, this happens if the numbers were saved to different sources (for example, part on SIM, part on Google, part locally).
To solve this problem, Xiaomi’s standard Contacts app has a built-in cleaning tool. Go to the app’s settings and find “Combine Duplicate Contacts” or “Clean Up.” The system will automatically find the duplicate entries and suggest combining them into one card.
You can also experience contacts that are displayed, but without names, only numbers, which means that the phone book is not associated with the correct display source. In the contact menu, click on the display filters and make sure that the checkmark is opposite the correct acc (Google or Mi Account), not just the SIM or Phone.
If you find contacts out of sync, check the date and time settings. Incorrect system time can block the connection to Google or Xiaomi servers, preventing the phone book from being updated.