Synchronization of contacts on Xiaomi: step-by-step configuration and error solving

Contact synchronization on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a convenient feature, but a vital tool for those who often change devices, reinstall firmware or fear losing important numbers. Without the right setup, you risk being left without a phone book after resetting to factory settings or switching to a new device. In this article, we will analyze all available synchronization methods – from the standard Mi Account to backup through Google and even little-known nuances of working with the Internet. SIM-map.

Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers several alternative ways to make reservations, but each has its own pitfalls, such as synchronizing through Mi Cloud can conflict with a Google account, and moving contacts to a Google account. SIM We will not only show you how to configure each method, but also explain which one is most reliable for long-term data storage — this information is not even in the official documentation.

1.Why Xiaomi Contacts May Be Lost and How to Avoid It

The main reason for losing contacts on Xiaomi is the lack of binding to cloud storage. by default, Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi only store numbers in the device's local memory, which means that when:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (for example, before selling the phone);
• 📱 Change firmware (update via Fastboot or custom software);
• 💥 Breakdown of the device (if the screen or motherboard does not work);
• 📲 Switch to a new smartphone (even a different brand);

You will lose all contacts if you don’t set up sync beforehand, and many users mistakenly believe that connecting to Mi Account automatically solves the problem — but this only works if a number of conditions are met.

The second common problem is duplicate contacts, which occurs when you're simultaneously syncing through Google and Mi Cloud, and importing numbers from your phone. SIM-The system creates separate records for the same person, making it difficult to find, and you can solve this by hand or using special applications (this is discussed in the section on cleaning duplicates).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard sync through Mi Cloud will not work.

2. Synchronization through Mi Account: step-by-step instructions

Mi Account is Xiaomi's proprietary cloud storage that offers 5GB of free space, and it automatically backs up not just contacts, but also messages, notes, photos, but it has some nuances:

• 🌍 It only works when connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network);
• 🔒 Requires authorization in Mi Account (without it synchronization is impossible);
• 📱 Not supported on devices without Google services (e.g. Chinese firmware versions).

To enable contact sync through Mi Cloud, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account;
2. Log in to your profile (if not authorized) or click on an avatar.
3. Choose Mi Cloud. → Synchronization;
4. Activate the slider opposite Contact;
5. Click Sync Now to start the process manually.

Xiaomi account authorized|Internet connection is active|Mi Cloud Settings Enable Contact Synchronization|Last sync was done without errors (check the date in the Mi Cloud menu)

-->

If the contacts are not synchronized, check:

• 🔄 Software Updates: An Outdated Version MIUI may contain bugs;
• 📶 Connection to the network: Mi Cloud does not work in Save traffic mode;
• ⏳ Last Sync Time: Sometimes the process freezes - try restarting it manually.

3. Google Account Sync: More Secure than Mi Cloud?

Google Contacts is a one-stop solution that works on any Android device, including Xiaomi.

• 🔄 Cross-platform (access from iPhone, Windows, via web version);
• 📊 Support for additional fields (birthday, address, notes);
• 🛡️ More stable than Mi Cloud (less errors occur).

To set up synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Accounts and synchronization;
2. Select Google and log in to your account.
3. Click on the account email address, then Sync the account;
4. Activate the Contact Slider;
5. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → Synchronize now.

If contacts are not displayed after synchronization, check:

• 📱 Application "Contacts": in the settings of the application (⋮ → Settings → Contact management) must be selected to Display contacts from: Google;
• 🔄 Mi Account conflict: if both accounts sync contacts at the same time, duplicates can occur;
• 🗑️ Hidden contacts: In the web version of Google Contacts, check the Other Contacts folder – sometimes the numbers get there.

💡

If you’re switching between different brands (e.g. Xiaomi and iPhone), use Google Contacts as your primary source, eliminating the need to move numbers manually.

4. Transfer of contacts with SIM-maps: when it is justified

Maintaining contacts SIM-The map is an outdated method, but it is still relevant in two cases:

1. 📶 When you do not have access to the internet (for example, when traveling abroad without roaming);
2. 🔄 Switch to a feature phone that doesn’t support Google or Mi Account.

However, this method has a lot of limitations:

• 🚫 Only name and number (without email, addresses, photos) are saved);
• 📏 Limit the number of characters in a name (usually up to 20);
• 📱 Not all Xiaomi supports exporting SIM (On some models, the option is hidden).

Instructions for transferring contacts to SIM-map:

1. Open the Contacts app;
2. Press. ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports;
3. Select Export on SIM-map;
4. Tag the necessary contacts or click Select all;
5. Confirm the export.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12) option to export SIM It may not be on the standard menu, in which case you can use third-party apps like SIM Card Contacts from Google Play.

5. How to Cleanup Contact Duals on Xiaomi

Duplicate contacts is one of the most common synchronization problems that occurs when:

• 🔄 You are using Mi Account and Google at the same time;
• 📱 Import contacts with SIM-cards that already have the numbers saved;
• 📲 Install third-party backup applications (such as Super Backup).

V MIUI There is a built-in tool for cleaning doubles:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management;
2. Choose Clear the Doubles;
3. The application will automatically find the repeated records and offer to combine them;
4. Confirm the merger.

If the built-in tool failed, use third-party apps:

6 Manual export and import of contacts to.vcf file

The.vcf (vCard) file is a universal contact storage format that is supported by all modern smartphones.

• 📄 Backup before resetting your phone;
• 📱 Transferring contacts to devices of other brands;
• 🖥️ Editing a large number of records on PC.

To export contacts to the.vcf file:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports;
2. Select Export to the file;
3. Indicate where to export (e.g. phone or Google Contacts)
4. Click Export and save the file in the device memory or on SD-map.

For import:

1. In the same menu, select Import from the file.
2. Specify the path to the.vcf file;
3. Choose where to save your contacts (for example, in a Google Account);
4. Confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: When importing.vcf to Google Contacts via the web version (contacts.google.com), an error may occur if the file is too large (over 3,000 entries.

💡

The.vcf file is the only way to transfer your contacts from Xiaomi to your iPhone without loss, and it’s better to use the web version of Google Contacts for import, rather than the standard Contacts app on iOS.

7. Solving Contact Synchronization Problems

If your contacts are not synced through either Mi Account or Google, check the following points:

If nothing helps, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Find Contacts and select Warehouse;
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache;
4. Reboot your phone and log in again to Mi Account/Google.

In extreme cases, perform a full reset, but pre-export contacts to the.vcf file!

Frequently asked questions