How to Transfer and Sync Contacts from One Xiaomi to Another: All Ways 2026

Shifting contacts from an old Xiaomi smartphone to a new one is one of the first challenges a user faces after buying a device. Even if you stay in the MIUI ecosystem, the synchronization process can raise questions about what are the most reliable methods, how to avoid data loss and what to do if contacts are not displayed on a new phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from standard synchronization via Mi Account to alternative solutions using Google, vCard files and even Bluetooth.

Xiaomi has a few built-in tools for data portability, but not all of them are equally effective. For example, synchronization through Mi Cloud works faster than through Google Contacts, but requires an active Mi Account. And if you use Redmi or POCO with global firmware, some features may not be available. We tested all methods on current models (including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6) and highlighted the pros and cons of each.

1. synchronize contacts with Mi Account (Mi Cloud)

The fastest and most reliable way for Xiaomi owners to use the branded cloud service Mi Cloud. it automatically saves contacts, messages, photos and other data, allowing them to synchronize between devices on MIUI. The main condition: both smartphones must have the same Mi Account.

To enable synchronization:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Mi Account on an old phone.
• ☁️ Choose Mi Cloud. → Synchronize and activate the slider opposite Contact.
• 🔄 Wait for the synchronization to be completed (notification will appear in the upper panel).
• 🆕 On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same Mi Account and enable contact sync in the Mi Cloud.

If contacts do not appear on the new device, check:

• 🔌 Internet connection stability (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 Update data to Mi Cloud (sometimes you need to manually click Update).
• 📵 No background activity restrictions for the Contacts app (check in Settings) → Annexes → Battery management).

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If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 for Europe), the Mi Cloud feature may be called Xiaomi Cloud.

⚠️ Note: When you first sign in to Mi Account on a new phone, the system may suggest that you restore data from the backup. If you agree, the contacts will be transferred automatically, but this will overwrite the existing data on the device. We recommend that you first keep a local copy of your contacts (export to.vcf).

2. Transfer of contacts through Google Account

If you prefer Google services or your Xiaomi runs on pure Android (like POCO F5 with global firmware), syncing through Google Contacts is more convenient.This method is universal and works on any device, including iPhones or smartphones from other brands.

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and activate Contact Sync.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (check out Google Contacts at contacts.google.com).
4. On the new Xiaomi, add the same Google account and enable contact sync.

Advantages of the method:

• 🌍 It works on any device, including iOS and Android from other manufacturers.
• 🔒 Data is stored in encrypted form on Google servers.
• 📱 Allows you to edit contacts from your computer via a web interface.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone only stores your contacts in local memory (not in Google or Mi Account), you must export them first. ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to a file and save.vcf to a memory card or cloud.

3. Quick transfer via Mi Mover (Xiaomi only)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary app for wirelessly transferring data between the brand’s devices, copying not only contacts, but also messages, photos, apps, and even system settings, and the main advantage is speed: the transfer takes several minutes, and the connection quality is more stable than Bluetooth.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. Install the Mi Mover app on both phones (unless preinstalled).
2. On the old device, select I am the sender, on the new device, I am the receiver.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the screen of the new phone old.
4. Select data for transfer (be sure to mark Contacts) and confirm the beginning of transfer.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It only works between Xiaomi devices (including Redmi and X-rays). POCO).
• 📶 Requires Wi-Fi Direct (not working via mobile internet).
• 🔋 Charge both phones at least to the minimum. 50% — process 10-30 minute.

Charging both phones > 50%|Disabled. VPN firewalls|Both devices have enough free memory.|Wi-Fi and Bluetooth included-->

Manual export and import of contacts (.vcf file)

If you don't trust cloud services or want to have a backup of contacts, the most reliable way is to export to a.vcf file, which works on any device and doesn't require internet access.

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open the Contacts app.
2. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to file.
3. Choose where to save the file (e.g., Device Memory or Google Drive).
4. Transfer the.vcf file to your new phone (via Bluetooth, email, or cloud).
5. On the new device, import contacts: Contacts → ⋮ → Management → File-based import.

Advantages of the method:

• 💾 Create a backup copy that can be stored for years.
• 🔄 Compatible with any device, including iPhone and Windows Phone.
• 🛡️ Data is not transmitted through third-party servers.

5.Contact transfer via Bluetooth or NFC

If you don’t have internet on hand or you’re switching from Xiaomi to a device of another brand (such as Samsung), you can use Bluetooth or NFC. This method is suitable for transferring a small number of contacts (up to 100-200), as the process is manual and slow.

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones and pair them.
2. On your old phone, open Contacts, select the contact you want, and tap Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select a new phone from the list of devices and confirm the transfer.
4. On the new device, accept the incoming file and keep the contact.

For NFC (if both phones support the technology):

1. Enable NFC in Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Open the contact on your old phone and select Share → NFC.
3. Attach the phones with the back covers to each other (the NFC antenna is usually located at the top).
4. Wait for the beep and keep contact on the new device.

⚠️ Note: When transmitting via Bluetooth or NFC Contacts are saved as separate.vcf files. If you receive many contacts, they can be duplicated in the phone book. After transfer, we recommend combining duplicates manually or using applications like Contacts Optimizer.

6. synchronization of contacts with SIM-map

If your contacts are saved to SIM-It can be easily transferred to the new Xiaomi, but there are limitations to this method: SIM-The card stores only names and numbers (no photos, email, or other fields), and the memory is limited (usually. 200-250 contact).

How to transfer contacts with SIM-map:

1. Put it in. SIM-card.
2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
3. Choose where to save your contacts (Mi Account, Google or locally).
4. Move it. SIM-Card to new phone and repeat import process.

If you're already in contact SIM-map, but not displayed on the new phone:

• 🔍 Check if yours is supported. SIM-Contact storage card (some operators disable this feature).
• 📱 Make sure that in the settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks included contact display SIM.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes contacts don’t load immediately.

7. Resolving synchronization problems

If contacts are not synchronized or disappear after the transfer, check the following points:

Problem 1: Contacts are not displayed in Mi Cloud or Google Contacts.

• 🔄 Update your data manually: Open Mi Cloud or Google Account and click Sync Now.
• 📵 Check your internet connection (Sync does not work in the plane mode).
• 🔧 Make sure that your account settings include contact synchronization.

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts after transfer.

• 🧹 Use the built-in unification function: Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Combine duplicates.
• 📲 Install a third-party cleaning app, such as Simpler Contacts.

Problem 3: Contacts are only available SIM-card, not phone.

• 📱 Change the default save location: Contacts → ⋮ → Settings → Keeping new contacts in → The device.
• ☁️ Export contacts with SIM Google or Mi Account.

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If some contacts are missing after syncing, check the filters in the Contacts app. Perhaps only contacts from a single source (e.g., only Google or only Mi Account) are displayed. ⋮ → Display contacts from and select all available accounts.

8. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications that offer additional features, such as backing up to the cloud or cleaning up duplicates.

Popular applications for synchronizing contacts:

• 📱 Copy My Data – Transferring Contacts, Photos and Calendars over Wi-Fi.
• ☁️ Super Backup & Restore – Create Contact Backups, SMS and call logs.
• 🔄 Contacts Sync Fix – fixes sync errors with Google Contacts.

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• 🔒 Check Permits: The application should not request access to the SMS geolocation without cause.
• 📥 Download only from Google Play or Mi App Store (avoid it) APK source).
• 💾 Before using, export contacts to.vcf in case of failure.

Examples of Super Backup & Restore:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select Contacts → Backup and save the file to the memory card.
3. Transfer the file to a new phone and restore contacts through Restore.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Contact Synchronization