Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, especially when the main device becomes a popular gadget from Xiaomi. Users often face the frightening prospect of manual dialing hundreds of phone numbers, but modern technology allows you to avoid this routine work.
There are many ways to migrate information, and the choice of the particular one depends on the version of the operating system and the owner's personal preferences, some prefer cloud storage, others prefer direct Wi-Fi transmission. In any case, the safety of the phone book is guaranteed by observing simple rules for preparing both devices.
In this article, we will take a look at the most effective ways to connect quickly with your family and colleagues on a new device. We will look at the manufacturer’s built-in tools, the capabilities of the Google ecosystem and classic file transfer methods. The fastest and most reliable way for Xiaomi devices is to use the Mi Mover application, which is preinstalled on all current Redmi models.
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
Xiaomi has its own powerful tool for moving from old devices: Mi Mover creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between two gadgets, which provides high data transfer speeds without using Internet traffic, ideal for those who want to copy not only numbers, but also photos, messages and even placement of icons on the desktop.
The process starts with installing the app on the old phone, if it's not there. On the new Redmi, the program is already built in and is in the Tools folder or available through settings. Once launched, you need to select the role of the device: on the old phone, you specify "I send" and on the new Xiaomi, "I accept."
The devices will find each other through scanning. QR-It can be as fast as tens of megabytes per second, which is much faster than Bluetooth. It's important not to switch to the mobile network during the process, so as not to interrupt the connection.
What if Mi Mover can't see an old phone?
It is worth noting that when carrying large amounts of data, the battery can discharge faster than usual, and it is recommended to keep both devices charged or connected to a power source, if the cable allows you to comfortably hold the gadgets in your hands.
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Mi Mover allows you to transfer up to 95% of user data, including call history and alarm settings, making it the best choice for a full migration.
Synchronization through Google account
The most universal method that works on any Android smartphone is cloud sync. If you’ve used a phone with this OS, your contacts are likely already saved in your Google account.
When you first set up your phone, the system will suggest you restore the data from the backup, but if the device is already configured, you can sync manually, go to the settings, find the Accounts and Sync section, and make sure the switch opposite Contact is activated.
Once synchronized, the system will automatically upload all stored numbers from the cloud to the phone’s memory, a method that is especially convenient because the backup is stored remotely: even if you lose the phone, the numbers will remain accessible from any computer or other gadget.
- 📲 Open “Settings” on your old device.
- 👤 Go to the Accounts section and select your Google account.
- ☁️ Click on “Sync Account” and make sure that the “Contacts” item is enabled.
- 🔄 On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same account when you first set up.
It is important to understand the difference between storing numbers in memory. SIM-Google only syncs contacts that are stored in the device's memory or specifically selected for sync. Numbers stored exclusively on the device's memory. SIM-card, import into the phone.
Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth and VCF-file
The classic method, which doesn't require the Internet or special applications, is Bluetooth, which is perfect for moving contacts quickly and without being tied to cloud services, and it's good for its simplicity, and it works even on the oldest Android models and the newest Redmi alike.
To start, you need to create an export file. On your old device, go to the Contacts app, open the menu (usually three dots or strips), and select Import/Export or Contact Management. We need to select Export to Storage.
The system will create a file with the.vcf extension that contains all the information about your records. This file can be found in the download folder or the root memory directory. Then turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair and send the file from the old phone to the new Xiaomi.
Once you get a file on Redmi, you have to open it, and it automatically recognizes the format and suggests you import the data. You can choose where to save the numbers: in memory of the phone, in memory of the phone. SIM-map or Google account.
⚠️ Note: When transmitting over Bluetooth, large files (more than 5,000 contacts) can be transmitted slowly or interrupted, in which case it is better to break the phone book into several parts or use Wi-Fi methods.
The advantage of.vcf is that you can create a physical backup on your computer or flash drive, and you can save that file and be sure that you can recover your data years from now.
Importing data from SIM-card
Many users still keep their main numbers on the SIM-When you move to a new Xiaomi, this medium can also be used for rapid migration, which is an old-school but reliable way, independent of software.
The process is as simple as possible: extract SIM-A card from an old phone and paste it into the slot of a new Redmi. After the device is turned on and the network signal appears, go to the Contacts app. From the settings menu, select Import/Export Contacts».
In the window that opens, select the source “Import with” SIM-The system will tell you to choose your destination, and you should choose Google Account or Phone, because you can choose your destination. SIM-The card has a limit on the number of characters in the contact name and does not support additional fields (addresses, email).
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | Saves a photo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Very high. | No. | Yes. |
| Google Account | Medium | Yes. | Yes. |
| Bluetooth (VCF) | Low. | No. | Yes. |
| SIM-map | Instant. | No. | No. |
After importing, make sure to check if all the numbers are correctly displayed. Sometimes long names can be cropped if they were saved to the list. SIM-card with violation of the encoding, but when imported into Android memory, they are usually restored completely.
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If, after importation, SIM-If you have lost some numbers, check if they are hidden by the filter. In the Contacts app, click the menu and select "Show all contacts».
Solving and duplication of records
A common problem after data transfer is the appearance of duplicates, which occurs when the same contact is stored in both the phone's memory and on the phone's memory. SIM-map, and in the cloud. MIUI It has a built-in tool to clean up these errors.
To combine duplicates, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots) and select “Arganize Contacts,” and then the system will suggest finding and combining the duplicates, which will take just a few seconds.
Users may also encounter a problem when contacts are not displayed in the call list, in which case you need to check the display settings. Make sure that the filter does not have a restriction of "Only with SIM" or "Only from phone" if you want to see all the records at once.
- 🧹 Go to Contact» → Menus. → «Contacting».
- 🔗 Click on “Combine duplicates” and confirm the action.
- 👁️ Check the display filter to see all sources.
- 💾 Make regular backups to Google Contacts.
If you use third-party launchers or call apps (like TrueCaller or Google Phone), make sure they have permission to access the contact book.
⚠️ Warning: Before combining duplicates, make sure that the different records are really the same person.Automatic linking by phone number is usually safe, but manual verification will never hurt.