Changing a mobile device, especially in the Xiaomi ecosystem, is often stressful because of the risk of losing important data. However, Redmi owners are more fortunate than users of many other brands, thanks to the deeply integrated tools MIUI and HyperOS. The migration of the phone book is debugged to automatism and takes minutes if you know where to click.
There are several proven methods, each with its own advantages depending on the condition of your old phone, you can use cloud technology, local wireless connection or even classic wireless connection. SIM-The choice of the particular method depends on whether the screen is running on the old gadget or the device no longer shows signs of life.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the algorithms for different scenarios so you can safely and losslessly migrate to the new Redmi.We’ll look at the built-in Mi Mover app, synchronization through your Google and Xiaomi account, and manual copying methods.
Use of the built-in Mi Mover application
The most efficient and quick way for Xiaomi owners is to use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on most modern models and allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also call history, messages, photos and even app settings over a local Wi-Fi channel.
To get started, you need to open the app on both devices. MIUI No, you can download it from Google Play, and on the new smartphone, you can choose the role of "I am the recipient," and on the old one, you can choose the role of "I am the sender." QR-code.
- 📱 Open the Mi Mover app in the Tools folder or through settings search.
- 📡 Connect your old phone to the new device’s Wi-Fi network through scanning QR-code.
- 📂 In the data list, select Contacts and click Send».
- ✅ Wait until the process is over and check for numbers in the phone book.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure both smartphones are charged at least 40-50%, Active Wi-Fi Direct data transfer can quickly consume battery power.
The main advantage of this method is that it doesn't require internet, and it works even without accounts. The speed of transmission is limited only by the Wi-Fi modules in your devices, but for thousands of contacts, it's a matter of seconds. It's important not to turn the application down or lock the screen during the active transmission phase.
Synchronization through Google account
The Android ecosystem offers a universal method that is relevant not only for Xiaomi, but for any other smartphone: If you used a Google account on an old device, your contacts are likely already saved in the cloud.
To check this, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync (or just Google) on your old phone. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. If sync was enabled, the data has already flown to the server.
The new Redmi makes it even easier. When you first turn on or in Settings → Accounts and Sync, you just add the same Google account.
☑️ Checking Google Syncs
The thing about Google Contacts is that the changes are real-time, so if you delete a number on one device, it will disappear on another, so always back up or check the shopping cart in the web version of your contacts before cleaning your old smartphone.
Transfer via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Account)
Redmi owners often ignore their own cloud service Mi Cloud, and it is in vain. It is integrated into the system deeper than Google, and allows you to save not only numbers, but also the location of icons on the desktop, notes and voice recorders.
To activate the function, go to Settings → Mi Account. Log in to your profile and select the Cloud section. You need to activate synchronization for contacts. After that, all numbers will be uploaded to Xiaomi servers.
On the new device, you just need to log in to the same Mi Akka, and the system will offer to recover data from the cloud, which is ideal if you change your phone inside the brand, as it restores the usual menu structure.
The limits of Mi Cloud
Importantly, when you move through the Mi Cloud, contacts can be duplicated if the new phone already has Google sync enabled, in which case the system will suggest combining duplicates or removing them, and it is recommended to first complete one process, and then proceed to the second.
Import and export via VCF file
Sometimes wireless methods don't work because of software failures or lack of internet, and in those cases, the old VCF file comes to the rescue, a universal format that contains contact information and opens on any device.
The backup process is simple. Open the Contacts app on your old phone, click on the three dots (menu) and select Import/Export Contacts. Click Export to Drive. Contacts.vcf will be saved at the root of internal memory.
Next, this file must be transferred to the new Redmi. You can do this via Bluetooth, messengers (for example, sending the file to yourself in Telegram) or by flipping over the Internet. USB-When you get a file, just open it on a new device, and the system automatically prompts you to import numbers.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | Saves a photo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No. | Yes. |
| Google Sync | Medium | Yes. | Yes. |
| VCF file | Depends on the transmission. | No. | Partially. |
| SIM-map | Low. | No. | No. |
Using a VCF file is especially convenient if you want to transfer contacts to a phone from another operating system, for example, from an iPhone to Android.
Copying contacts with SIM-map
The most archaic, but sometimes the only possible method is the use of the SIM-It's a physical device that's suitable for very old phones or situations where the smartphone is completely broken, but it's not. SIM-map intact.
Put it in. SIM-Go to the Contacts app, select the import/export menu and click Import with SIM-The system counts all the records, but there are serious limitations to this method.
- 📉 Symbols Limit: Names are often cropped to 10-15 symbolism.
- 🚫 No photo: Contact images are not saved on the SIM.
- 🔢 One number: One record usually has only one phone number.
- 💾 Capacity: Old SIMs can hold about 250 contacts.
⚠️ Attention: Before extraction SIM-Make sure that the contacts are stored on it, not in the memory of the phone. If they are in the memory of the phone, first make an export to the phone. SIM via the old device menu.
After importation from SIM-Maps are strongly advised to immediately copy all numbers to your Google account or device to avoid future data loss. SIM-The card is not a reliable storage.
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If, when importing from SIM-contact names are displayed incorrectly (crackers), try changing the encoding when exporting on an old phone or use a third-party reading app SIM.
Solving and duplication of numbers
A common problem after the transfer is the appearance of duplicates. This happens when the contacts were on SIM, and Google, and in the memory of the phone. Xiaomi has a built-in tool to combat this.
Go to the Contacts app, click on the menu, and select Contact Management (or Contact Management) and it will be "Connect Duplicate Contacts" and it will prompt you to automatically find and merge duplicate entries into one card.
Users may also encounter contacts that are listed but not displayed. Check the display settings. From the contacts menu, select Display settings or Contact Filter and make sure that the check box is “All Contacts” and not just “Phone” or “SIM”.
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Regular cleaning of duplicates and synchronization with the cloud is the best prevention of losing a phone book when changing devices.
If neither method helped and contacts aren't readable, it's possible the file is corrupted or the contact database on the old phone corrupted.In this case, clear the Contacts and Contact Storage app cache through Settings → Apps → All apps.