Changing a smartphone is always stressful, not only because it gets used to a new shell, but also because it can lead to the loss of important data. It is especially painful when it comes to a phone book that has collected contacts from colleagues, friends and delivery services over the years. Android ecosystem owners are in a great position to switch between different brands, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, often without pain, thanks to a single operating system architecture.
There are several proven migration methods, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information and the speed of the Internet connection. You can use cloud services, special applications from the manufacturer or the classic method of using the Internet. SIM-The best choice depends on how deeply you are integrated into the Google ecosystem and whether you are willing to spend time installing additional software, but the main thing is to take your time and consistently follow the steps to avoid duplication of records or loss of numbers.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the current portability methods, focusing on the Mi Mover and cloud synchronization tools. We will look at the typical errors that occur when importing.vcf files, and we will show you how to properly configure the display of contacts in the new MIUI or HyperOS system. Proper preparation of the old device will significantly speed up the process and ensure the safety of your entire digital life.
Preparation of devices and verification of storage formats
Before starting the transfer procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to work. Charge Samsung and Xiaomi to at least 60-70%, as active data transfer over Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth can significantly consume battery power. Also check for free space on the new device, although the contacts themselves occupy a negligible amount, system files and application cache may require space.
An important step is to analyze where exactly your numbers are stored.In modern Samsung smartphones with a shell of One. UI The default is synced with a Google account, but many users still store data in their phone’s memory or on their phone. SIM-To check, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three bars or dots) and select Contact Management or Settings. Here you will see a list of accounts.
If the numbers are stored in the device memory (Phone storage) or on the SIM-In the case of a mobile device, you need to export it or move it to your Google account for convenience, which will automatically sync and protect against data loss in the event of a device breakdown. In older Samsung models, the interface may be different, but the logic remains the same: Data must be available for external export.
- 📱 Make sure that both smartphones have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
- 🔋 Connect the devices to the power source or charge them fully.
- ☁️ Check which account the current entries in the phone book are saved under.
- 🔄 Update the Contacts app on your old device to the latest version via Play Market.
⚠️ Note: If you keep your contacts exclusively on SIM-Remember that it has a limited amount of memory and often crops long names or does not save additional fields (email, addresses.
☑️ Readiness for migration
Syncing with a Google account: the most reliable method
The most civilized and secure way to migrate is to use Google cloud storage, which requires no third-party apps to install and works even when you change the operating system in the future, and the bottom line is that all contacts with Samsung are uploaded to the server and then automatically pulled up to Xiaomi when you log in to the same account.
To implement this method on an old Samsung phone, open settings, search for Accounts and Archiving or simply Users and Accounts. Select your Google account and make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated. If it is already on, click on the sync button (usually two arrows or three dots in the corner) to force the data to be sent to the cloud.
After successful sync, take a new Xiaomi. When you first turn on or in your system settings, add the same Google account. Android will automatically prompt you to restore data from the backup. If the phone is already set up, just log in to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google and enable Contact Sync. In a few minutes, the entire phone book will appear in the list.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
The advantage of this method is that it solves the problem of duplicates. Google has a clever merger algorithm that combines repetitive entries. You can control this process through the web interface contacts.google.com, which provides the functions "Cancel Changes" (up to 30 days ago) and "Connect Connections", which is especially useful if you move to Xiaomi from multiple devices at once.
Using the Mi Mover application for direct transmission
Xiaomi has developed its own Mi Mover app, which allows you to transfer data directly from Android devices of other brands, including Samsung, which is ideal for those who want to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and settings of the system without using the Internet.
The process starts with installing the app on both devices, which is often built into the system on Xiaomi and is located in the Tools folder. On Samsung, you need to download it from Google Play. Once you start the app, select “I am the recipient” on the new phone and “Sender” on the old phone. QR-Code or manual security code entry connects devices.
In the Samsung data interface, you will be asked to select file types to copy. Make sure to tick the "Contacts" box. You can also select "Messages", "Images" and "Apps." Please note that some Samsung system applications may not be compatible with MIUI and will not be ported or installed.
- 📲 Install Mi Mover on both smartphones from official sources.
- 🔗 Connect devices to a single Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
- ✅ Select the category “Contacts” in the list of transmitted data.
- ⏳ Wait until the process is over without turning off the phone screens.
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If the transfer process is suspended during the “Waiting for Connection” stage, try temporarily turning off mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) on both devices, leaving only the Wi-Fi module on.
Once the copy is complete, Xiaomi may suggest importing the data, in some cases, the contacts are saved as a file or a separate group that will need to be moved to the main account, and check the contact list immediately after the procedure to verify the integrity of the data.
Export and import via VCF file
The universal format for sharing contact information is the.vcf (vCard) file, which is supported by almost all devices and email clients, and the good thing about this method is that it creates a physical copy of your phone book that you can save to your computer, flash drive, or send to your messenger as a backup.
On Samsung, open the Contacts app, click on the menu and select Contact Management» → «Import/export contacts. Select Export and specify the location of storage: internal memory. Contacts_This file can be transferred to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, ShareIt, Telegram or simply saved to Google Drive.
On a Xiaomi device, find the file you receive through the file manager. When you try to open a.vcf file, the system will ask you where to import the data. It is critical to choose the right destination: a Google account or a phone memory, but not a phone memory. SIM-Once confirmed, the process of adding entries to the phone book will begin.
| Parameter | Google Synchronization | VCF file | Mi Mover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Depends on the Internet. | Instantly. | High (Wi-Fi) |
| We need the Internet. | Yes. | No. | Only for installation of software |
| Risk of loss | Minimum | Medium (human factor) | Low. |
| Dop. | No need. | No need. | Installation required |
⚠️ Note: When importing a.vcf file, be careful not to create duplicates if you have previously partially synced contacts. The system may suggest combining them or creating new records with a pre-record (2).
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A VCF file is the best way to create a local backup that can be stored for years and opened on any device, regardless of the brand or OS version.
Transfer of contacts from SIM-card
The most conservative method, which is still relevant for users of knot phones or those who do not fundamentally use the cloud. SIM-The map is convenient for its simplicity, but has serious limitations on the volume and compatibility of symbols. SIM-cards can be stored up to 250 Contacts, but the format of the recording is often limited 16-20 name-sign.
First, extract. SIM-A card from Samsung and paste it into Xiaomi. After turning on your phone, go to the Contacts app. From the settings menu (three dots or gear), find the item "Import/Export Contacts." Select the option "Import with the phone" SIM-The system will prompt you to select an account to which the data will be stored - it is best to choose your Google account for further synchronization.
If you want to copy your contacts first. SIM-Samsung cards, then to transfer them in a convenient way, do the following: insert SIM In Samsung, contact us, select “Import/Export» → «Import with SIM-After saving the numbers in your phone memory, use the method with Google or VCF This will avoid the loss of long names and additional fields.
- 💾 SIM-The card does not contain photos of contacts.
- ✂️ Long names are often cut to the first. 15-20 symbolism.
- 🔢 Usually only one number is saved for contact.
- 📝 Name encoding can get lost when transferred between different regions.
Solving typical problems and duplicates
After transferring data, users often face the problem of duplicate recordings, which occurs when the same contact is stored simultaneously in the phone's memory, on the phone. SIM-Xiaomi has an effective tool built in to solve this problem. Open the Contacts app, click on the profile avatar or menu, and select Contact Organization (or Tools»).
In this section, you will find the function “Combine Repeated Contacts”; the system will analyze the phone book and suggest combining records with the same names or phone numbers; this action is safe and reversible within the session; and the function of removing contacts with empty fields, which often remain after incorrect import, is available.
Another common problem is that you don't display numbers after you move them. Make sure that the contact display settings (filter) don't have a restriction. For example, if you select the SIM filter, then the contacts saved to Google won't be visible. Switch the filter to All Contacts.