Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, often overshadowed by the fear of losing important data. Especially worrisome when you have to move between ecosystems, for example, from MIUI to One UI. Users often wonder how to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to Samsung Galaxy without losing numbers and related information.
Fortunately, modern technology makes data migration almost painless. There are several proven ways, each with its own advantages depending on the size of the phone book and the availability of an Internet connection. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before you start, it's important to understand that keeping numbers safe depends on getting both devices properly prepared. Regardless of the method you choose, data synchronization is a key step that you can't ignore. Let's look at the basic tools that will help you quickly move contacts.
Using the Mi Mover application for direct transmission
The most efficient and quickest way is to use the proprietary utility Mi Mover, which is originally built into the shell MIUI. This application allows you to transfer data directly between devices via Wi-Fi Direct without consuming Internet traffic. On a Samsung smartphone, you will need to install a similar application from the Google Play Store, if it is not preinstalled.
The process starts with connecting both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or creating an access point for one of the devices. Once the program is running, the old Xiaomi has to choose the role of "Sender" and the new Samsung has to choose the role of "Recipient." QR-The code displayed on the screen of the new phone will instantly establish a secure connection.
In the app interface, you'll see a list of data categories. To transfer only the phone book, you'll need to select Contacts and click Send. The speed depends on the number of records, but it usually takes no more than a minute for even a few thousand numbers.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not unlock smartphone screens or switch to other applications during data transfer so as not to interrupt Wi-Fi Direct connection.
โ๏ธ Preparation for transmission via Mi Mover
Importantly, Mi Mover stores not only names and numbers, but additional fields such as email addresses, posts and photos of subscribers if they were tied to a local phone storage, making the method ideal for full cloning of a phone book.
Synchronization through Google account
The most universal method that works on any Android device is synchronization via Googleโs cloud service, which requires a stable Internet connection on both devices, but ensures that data is kept safe even in the event of a physical phone breakdown.
On Xiaomi, you need to open your settings and go to Accounts and Sync, and you need to select your Google account and make sure the switch opposite the Contacts button is activated, and if sync is successful, all numbers will automatically be uploaded to Google servers.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
Once you set up your old phone, you pick up a new Samsung, and when you first turn on or enter the settings menu, you need to log in to the same Google account. One UI automatically prompts you to recover data from the cloud. In the initial setup, you can select Restore from the cloud, ticking only the contacts.
The advantage of this method is that Google Contacts acts as an intermediary, clearing duplicates and structuring information. If you change phones often, storing numbers is in your Google account, not in memory. SIM-The card is the most rational solution.
Export and import via vCard file
If the Internet connection is unstable or you prefer local storage, you can use the method of manual export, which allows you to create a backup file in.vcf format, which contains all the information about the contacts in text form.
To create a backup on Xiaomi, open the standard Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Import and Export. Next, select Export to Storage. The system will create a file that is usually saved in the root folder or in the MIUI/backup/contacts directory.
The resulting file must be transmitted to Samsung, USB-When you have a file on a new device, you just open it, and Android automatically recognizes the format and suggests you import the data.
| Parameter | Local file (vCard) | Google Synchronization | Transfer applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Tall. | Depends on the network. | Very high. |
| Demands the Internet. | No. | Yes. | No (Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Saves a photo. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Difficulty | Medium | Low. | Low. |
The advantage of using a.vcf file is that you get a physical file that you can save on your computer as an archived copy in case you lose access to your accounts, which is the only way to fully control the process without the need for cloud servers.
Transfer from SIM-card: the classic method
The oldest and easiest method that does not require any technical knowledge is the use of the SIM-This method is suitable if the number of contacts does not exceed the limits of the SIM card (usually). 250-500 numbers) and if the numbers do not contain long names or additional fields.
First you need to copy the contacts to SIM-Go to the contact app, select โImport and exportโ and then โExport toโ SIM-The system will warn that some data (e.g. multiple numbers per contact or email) may be lost because the format is not available. SIM-card.
After the export is completed, re-export SIM-Map to the new Samsung Galaxy. On your Samsung phone, open contacts, go to management and select "Import with" SIM-The system will suggest selecting a save location: it is recommended to choose a Google account or phone memory, so that in the future it does not depend on a physical card.
โ ๏ธ Note: When copying the SIM-Long names may be cut off, and Russian letters may in some cases be displayed as unreadable characters if the card's encoding is outdated.
The main drawback of the method is the limitation on the volume and quality of data. SIM-card is not designed to store modern multimedia information about contacts, so this method should be considered only as a temporary solution or an extreme option.
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Before the reshuffle SIM-Take a screenshot of an important number just in case there is a failure in the copying process.
Use of Samsung Smart Switch app
Samsung has developed its own powerful solution called Smart Switch, which aims to make it easier for users to switch from any Android device, including Xiaomi.
Install Smart Switch on both phones. On Xiaomi, the app will request permission to access contacts and storage. Once you run the program, select "Receive data" on the new phone and "Send data" on the old one. The app will find the devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Unlike Mi Mover, Smart Switch is focused on receiving data, so it better optimizes imported information for the One UI interface. You can choose to selectively transfer by marking only contacts, or copy everything at once, including messages and call settings.
The Smart Switch feature is backing up in Samsung format, making it easy to recover data to any other Samsung phone in the future, creating a convenient ecosystem where migration between devices of the same brand is almost instantaneous.
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Smart Switch is the most preferred option for Samsung users, as the app ensures that the data formats are compatible with the new shell.
Solving Possible Problems in Transfer
Even with all the instructions, there can be technical difficulties, and users often experience a situation where contacts are transferred but are displayed incorrectly: without a photo, with duplicates or broken into several entries, in most cases this is solved by manual cleaning through the web version of Google Contacts.
Another common problem is that there is no import or export button, and newer versions of Android and MIUI may have these features hidden in the depths of the menu, and if you can't find the right item, search the settings by entering the word "Export" or "Import."
If neither of these methods works, the problem may be access rights, check the application settings to see if Contacts or Smart Switch allow access to memory and phone book, and without the appropriate system permissions, the application will not be able to read or write data.
What to do if duplicated contacts are duplicated?
Can I reschedule the call history?
How long does it take to transfer 1000 contacts?
In conclusion, the transition from Xiaomi to Samsung is a simple process, if you prepare the data in advance. Using cloud technologies or specialized transfer applications reduces the risk of loss of information to zero. Choose the method that seems most convenient to you, and enjoy the new device.