Buying a new smartphone is always a thrill, but the initial setup process can be a challenge if you don’t know how to transfer data properly. The most valuable information for most users is the phone book, the loss of which is equivalent to complete isolation from the world. Fortunately, modern ecosystems, and Xiaomi in particular, offer many tools for fast and secure data migration.
There are several proven ways to transfer, each of which is suitable for different use cases. You can use Google cloud services, a specialized Mi Mover application, a Bluetooth connection or even good old-fashioned ones. SIM-The choice of method depends on the operating system of your previous device and the amount of information stored.
In this article, we will take a look at each of the options available so you can choose the most convenient one for yourself, we will look at the nuances of working with a Google account, the features of porting from iPhone and Samsung, and also answer frequently asked questions about duplication of records.
Preparing an Old Device for Data Migration
Before you start moving actively, you need to do a basic revision of your old smartphone, make sure that both old and new devices have a battery level of at least 50%, and the synchronization process can take a long time, especially if there are thousands of photos in the phone book.
It is also critical to check the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to use cloud methods. Wi-Fi network is preferable to mobile Internet, as it provides higher data rate and does not consume data plan traffic. If you use the Mi Mover application, it will create a local access point, but basic file preparation still requires attention.
⚠️ Note: Before starting any contact operations, we strongly advise you to back them up in.vcf format for internal memory or SD-This will protect you from accidental loss of numbers in the event of a software failure.
Be sure to check where your current records are stored. In modern Android smartphones, they are by default tied to a Google account, but can be stored on the device itself or on the device itself. SIM-To check, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three bars or dots) and select Settings» → «Place of contact storage».
Syncing with a Google account: the most reliable method
The most versatile and reliable way for Android users is to sync through Google’s cloud.This method ensures that your contacts are available not only on the new Xiaomi, but also on tablets, computers or in the event of a device loss.
Go to the settings of your old device, look for Accounts or Users and Accounts, select your Google account, and make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated, and if sync is successful, all numbers will automatically be uploaded to the company's servers.
On the new Xiaomi smartphone, the process is even easier. When you first turn on or in the Accounts and Sync section, enter the same Google login and password. The system automatically prompts you to recover data from the cloud. If you do not automatically download, follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open “Settings” on the new Xiaomi.
- 🔍 Go to the section "Accounts and synchronization».
- ☁️ Select your Google account from the list.
- ✅ Make sure the Contacts slider is on and click Sync».
Once the process is complete, your contacts will appear in the phone book, and it's important to understand that duplicate entries with this method are rare, because Google is adept at combining the same numbers. SIM-Phone cards, there may be repetitions.
Using the Mi Mover app to make a quick transition
Xiaomi has developed its own Mi Mover app, which makes it much easier to switch from any Android smartphone or even an iPhone, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, messages, apps and system settings.
Run the app on both devices. On the new Xiaomi phone, it's often built into the system and is in the Tools folder. Select the role of the device: on the old phone, click "I send" and on the new phone, "I receive." Devices will connect via Wi-Fi Direct, creating a secure communication channel.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
In the data transfer list, make sure to tick the contact box, and you can select specific groups or individual records if you don't want to carry the entire phone book, and the speed depends on the amount of data, but it usually takes only a few minutes.
⚠️ Warning: While Mi Mover is running, do not switch to other apps or lock the smartphone screen. Interrupting the process may cause file damage or incomplete data transfer.
The unique feature of the Mi Mover is the ability to transfer contacts from the iPhone. QR-The code that will appear on the Xiaomi screen will then migrate data, including phone numbers, messages and media files.
Transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi
iOS owners also have a wide range of options to upgrade to Android, and in addition to the Mi Mover mentioned above, you can use the standard iCloud tools, which requires you to first upload contacts from the Apple cloud to a format that is understandable for Android.
Go from your computer or your old iPhone to iCloud.com and log in. From the menu, select Contacts, then select all the entries (on PC, this is done by a combination of Ctrl+A or Cmd+A keys). From the screen, find the gear icon and select Export vCard, you will get a.vcf file that you need to transfer to the new phone.
What if iCloud doesn’t export contacts?
Once the.vcf file is on your Xiaomi (via messenger, mail or cloud storage), just open it. The system automatically recognizes the format and prompts you to import entries into your phone book or Google account. This is one of the cleanest ways, as it eliminates software conflicts between iOS and Android.
For those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem, the transition can be psychologically challenging, however, importing through vCard retains even complex fields such as addresses, posts and rings of tunes, which are often lost with manual reprinting.
Import of data with SIM-Maps and other Android devices
The most conservative, but sometimes the only possible method is the use of the SIM-It's good if you have a very old button phone or a smartphone without internet access. SIM-The card usually stores only the number and name, cropping long titles and not saving addresses or emails.
Insert this method to implement SIM-Open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots) and select Import Contacts «SIM-map and select “Google Account” or “Phone” as your destination».
| Method | Speed. | Data quality | We need the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Synchronization | Tall. | Full (photo, email) | Yes. |
| Mi Mover | Very high. | Complete. | No (locally) |
| SIM-map | Medium | Basic (name/number only) | No. |
| File.vcf | Tall. | Complete. | No (for transmission) |
If your old phone also runs on Android, you can use the built-in Bluetooth feature to transfer the phonebook file. Open contacts on your old device, select Share → All Contacts → Bluetooth. On the new phone, accept the file and agree to import.
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Save your contacts directly to the Google cloud so that you don’t have to spend time migrating them in the future when you change your phone, this is done in the Contacts app settings under “Save Default Place.”
Solving problems with duplicates and sorting
After successful transfer, users often face the problem of duplication of records, which occurs when the same contact is maintained and the same user is not connected to the same person. SIM-In the memory of the phone, and in the cloud. MIUI, Xiaomi shell, has a built-in tool to solve this problem.
Open the Contacts app, go to the settings, and find the "Combine Duplicate Contacts" option, and the system will analyze the phone book and suggest combining records with the same numbers or names, a secure operation that does not delete data, but only structures it.
Sorting is also worth considering, and it's common to sort contacts by name or last name in different regions, and in your contact settings, select Sort and select your preferred option, like Name, to make the search work as usual.
⚠️ Warning: If some data is lost after combining duplicates (for example, your home address has disappeared), don’t panic. check the shopping cart in the Google Contacts app on your computer – it stores the history of changes over the past 30 days and everything can be rolled back.
For advanced users, you can manage contacts through the Google Contacts web interface, and there's a lot more cleaning and editing than in a mobile app, and you can massively change prefixes, remove blank fields, and tag people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to transfer contacts through third-party apps?
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
Can I transfer my phone history with my contacts?
Where are the contacts stored after the transfer to Xiaomi?
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The most efficient way to migrate is to combine Google sync for the number database and Mi Mover for media files and settings, which provides a complete copy of your digital environment.
To sum up, the transition to the new Xiaomi should not cause fear of data loss, modern tools make this process as transparent and fast as possible, the main thing is to choose the right method and carefully follow the instructions at each stage.