How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to iPhone: proven methods

Changing the operating system from Android to iOS always raises concerns about the safety of personal information, especially the phone book. Xiaomi users who switch to iPhones often face non-obvious nuances that can lead to partial data loss or duplication of records. The correct choice of migration method directly affects how quickly and comfortably you start using a new device without having to manually restore connections.

There are several proven methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of data and the availability of Internet access. We’ll look at the most reliable options, including using Apple’s official app, cloud syncing via Google account, and manual export via Google. SIM-Understanding the technical features of each procedure will avoid common errors and loss of important numbers.

Moving to a new platform is stressful, but modern tools make the process as automated as possible, the main thing is to take your time and carefully follow the algorithm of actions so that contact information is transferred to the fullest, and below we will discuss each step in detail, paying attention to the little things that are often overlooked when you first set up.

The most official and recommended way is to use the tool Move to iOS, designed specifically for the transition from Android. This method allows you to transfer not only the phone book, but also messages, photos, call history and even some Wi-Fi settings. The process requires that both devices are nearby and were connected to power sources, since data transfer can significantly consume battery power. To start, you need to install the Move to iOS app on your Xiaomi Play. On the new iPhone, when you initially set up, you need to select the item “Transate data from Android”, after which a unique six-digit or ten-digit water will appear on the screen, which will create a code on the device via the Wi-container. It is important to note that during data transfer, you should not switch to other applications or block the screen of the Xiaomi smartphone, as this can interrupt the connection. If the process is interrupted, it is best to reset your iPhone and start the procedure again to avoid conflicts in the contact database. ⚠️ Note: Do not try to use mobile internet or third-party Wi-Fi networks while moving to iOS. Devices create their own local area network, and connecting to a router can disrupt the stability of large amounts of data transfer. ☑️ Ready to transfer data Both phones are charged at least 50%Installed the Move to iOS app on XiaomiiPhone is in the initial Wi-Fi setup stage on Xiaomi is enabled but not connected to the router: 0 / 4

Synchronization through Google account

The most flexible method that doesn’t require resetting your iPhone is sync via Google’s cloud. Since Xiaomi phones are by default tied to a Google account, all your contacts can already be in cloud storage. You just have to add the same account to your new Apple device settings and the phonebook will load automatically.

To make sure that data is saved, go to Settings on Xiaomi → Accounts and synchronization → Google and check if the tick is activated in front of the contact box if you previously only saved numbers for phone memory or on the phone. SIM-Maps must be exported to your Google account through the Contacts app».

After checking on your iPhone, open Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account and select the Google logo. Enter your details and the system will prompt you to select items to sync. Make sure the Contacts switch is green, after which all records will start to load in the standard Phone app.

Exports and imports through VCF-file

The universal solution, which works even without a stable Internet connection, is to create a business card file in VCF (vCard) format. This method is ideal if you need to transfer contacts selectively or if automatic synchronization fails. The file contains the entire recording structure, including several numbers, email addresses and photos, if they were attached.

On your Xiaomi device, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Import/Export Contacts. In the menu that opens, select Export to Memory or Export to.vcf. The system will create a file that is usually saved in the root folder or in the /MIUI/backup/ directory.

The resulting file can be sent to yourself by email, transmitted via messenger or saved to cloud storage available from the iPhone (for example, iCloud Drive or Yandex.Disk). When you open the file on iOS, you will see the sentence “Add all contacts”, which instantly put them in the memory of the smartphone.

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If you export a large number of contacts (more than 500), it is better to break them into several files of 200-300 records, which will reduce the risk of error when importing and speed up the processing of data by the iPhone processor.

Transfer of contacts from SIM-card

This method is considered outdated, but remains relevant for users who have stored numbers exclusively on the Internet. SIM-The main limitation here is the technical capability. SIM-maps: it often does not support keeping long names (cut down to 10-12 symbols), multiple numbers per contact or special symbols.

First, insert SIM-card in Xiaomi (if it is not already there) and copy the data from the phone’s memory to it through the export menu. SIM-Map on iPhone. On Apple, go to Settings → Contact and find the button “Import contacts” SIM».

Once the process is complete, all the records will appear in the phone book, but be prepared for formatting to get lost and long names to be manually edited, a method that is best used as a backup or to move a base list of numbers.

Solving problems with coding and duplicates

When transferring data between different operating systems, artifacts often appear as “crackers” instead of letters in names or multiple identical entries. Coding problems usually arise when using old export formats or malfunctioning. SIM-Duplication is most common if you use Google sync and import from the same location. SIM-map.

To eliminate duplicates on your iPhone, you can use the built-in unification function: Open the Contacts app, scroll to the bottom of the list (or select Lists in the top left corner), and find Find Doubles. The system will prompt you to combine similar entries automatically.

If you encounter a malrepresentation of Russian letters, try changing the language to Xiaomi before exporting to English and then back to Russian. VCF-file via computer, using the encoding converter program, although in modern versions MIUI And iOS, this problem is rare.

⚠️ Warning: Before you start any contact manipulation, make sure to back up. On Xiaomi, you can do this through the Mi Cloud or locally in your phone’s memory so that you can roll back in case of an error.

Setting up display and sorting after transfer

After successfully migrating data, users often notice that the order of names on the list looks unusual. Android and iOS can use different sorting principles by default: by name or by surname. To get the phone book in order, on iPhone, go to Settings → Contacts → Order.

You can choose between “Name, Surname” (more common for Russian-speaking users) and “Family, Name” and the “Display” setting that determines how contact cards will look in the call and message list is also available in this menu.

Be sure to check if the number types (mobile, work, home) are correctly identified, and sometimes when importing, all numbers are marked as “iPhone” or “different”, which can make it difficult to choose the right way to communicate when sending a message.

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The correct configuration of the sorting "Name, Surname" significantly speeds up the search for the right subscriber in a long list of contacts, since the alphabetical index works on the first word in the card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)