Changing your smartphone is always stressful, especially when you move from one operating system to another. Moving from Android to iOS often raises concerns about losing important data, and the most critical asset for most users is the phone book. Fortunately, the developers of Xiaomi and Apple have envisioned several reliable ways to migrate data that do not require deep technical knowledge. You do not need to be a programmer to successfully complete this process in a few minutes.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from cloud services to manual file export. You will learn how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if the synchronization went wrong. Modern technology allows you to make this process as automated as possible, but knowing the nuances will help you avoid common mistakes. The key is a stable Internet connection and having a single Google account.
Preparing devices and accounts before migration
Before you start directly transferring data, you need to make sure that both devices are ready to go. Your Xiaomi should enable synchronization of contacts with your Google account, as this is the most versatile way to transfer data between platforms. Make sure that all numbers are stored in the Google cloud, not in memory. SIM-map or locally on the device, as local data may be lost when resetting settings.
For iPhone, you will need an Apple ID and a stable Wi-Fi connection. It is advisable that both smartphones are charged at least 50-60% so that the process is not interrupted due to battery discharge. Also make sure that the Xiaomi device has the latest version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, which ensures that the system utilities of export work correctly.
☑️ Checklist for transfer preparations
It is important to check the number of contacts in your Google account through the browser on your computer beforehand, so you can see if all the numbers have been pulled up to the cloud before you start migrating to the new gadget, and if you see discrepancies, you should first complete the sync on the old phone.
Method 1: Sync through your Google account (The most reliable method)
This method is the gold standard for contact transfer, because it doesn't require any additional software to be installed and works at the server level. You just need to log in to the same Google account on the new iPhone, and the system will suggest importing the data itself, which is ideal if you have a large number of records with additional fields, such as email or address.
On a Xiaomi device, go to the Settings menu, then select Accounts and Sync. Find your Google account in the list and make sure the switch opposite the Contacts item is active. If it has been turned off, turn it on and click the sync button to send the data to Google servers.
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Tip: Before logging into your iPhone account, go to contacts.google.com from your computer to make sure that all the numbers you need are on the list.
Once synced, pick up your iPhone. During the initial setup or through Settings → Mail → Accounts add your Google account. iOS will ask you what data to sync — be sure to tick the box against Contacts. In a few minutes, all the entries will appear in the phone book.
Method 2: Using the “Move to iOS” app** Apple has developed a special Move to iOS app that allows you to transfer data directly from Android to iPhone over Wi-Fi Direct. This is a great option if you just bought a new iPhone and configure it from scratch. The app not only transmits contacts, but also photos, messages and call history. Download the Move to iOS app from Google Play to your Xiaomi. On your iPhone, select “Move data from Android” as you set up. On the screen of the smartphone will appear six-digit code that you need to enter on the device Xiaomi. After connecting the device will create a temporary secure Wi-Fi network for data transfer. 📱 Select the type of data to be transferred (be sure to mark “Contacts»). 📶 Do not interrupt the connection or switch to other applications during the process. ⏳ Wait for the loading scale on the iPhone screen to end. ⚠️ Note: If the process is interrupted in the middle, it’s best to reset your iPhone and start over to avoid data conflicts and duplicates, and the main advantage of this method is that it doesn’t require internet, since it uses a direct connection between devices. However, the transfer speed can vary depending on the amount of data and the version of Android on your Xiaomi. 📊 What is the best way to transfer contacts?Through Google account Move to iOS SIM-hand-card
Method 3: Export through VCF-* If you don’t have access to the Internet or prefer manual file management, you can use the format VCF (This universal format is supported by all modern smartphones and allows you to transfer contacts as a single file, which is especially useful if you need to transfer contacts to a computer to create a backup. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi, click three dots in the corner or the menu button, and select Import/Export Contacts. Select Export to Storage or Export to Internal Memory. The system will create a file with the.vcf extension that will contain all your records. Next, you have to transfer this file to your iPhone, and the easiest way to do it is through email, messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp), or cloud storage. Send the file to yourself, open it on your iPhone, and click Open». iOS will suggest adding all contacts found to the phone book.Speed Needs Internet Internet Error Risk Google Synchronization High Yes Minimum Move to iOS Average No (locally) Medium No VCF Low file depends on the low file method SIM-Card Low No High (Data Loss) What to Do if the file VCF Make sure the file is not corrupted during transfer. Try opening it through the standard Files app on your iPhone. If the problem persists, send the file back via iCloud Drive.
Method 4: Transfer through SIM-map (For small lists)
This method is considered obsolete, but it still has the right to life if you need to quickly move a few dozen numbers without using the Internet. SIM-Maps – limiting the length of the contact name and no support for additional fields such as a photo or second number.
On Xiaomi, go to the Contacts app, select the menu and click Import/Export. Select Export to Export. SIM-The system will warn you that some data may be lost (e.g. long names will be cropped). Confirm the action and wait for the copy to be completed.
Then you take it out. SIM-card from Xiaomi and paste it into your iPhone (if formats are compatible) or use an adapter. on iPhone go to Settings → Contact and find the button “Import contacts” SIM». All records will appear in the device memory.
⚠️ Attention: SIM-The card does not support Cyrillic names in some older formats, so names can turn into a set of characters.
If you have an iPhone with a physical SIM and eSIM, make sure you import data from the card it was written to. SIM-To avoid confusion in the future.
Solution: Duplicates and missing numbers
After data transfer, users often face the problem of duplicate records, which occurs when the same contact is stored in iCloud, Google, and in the memory of the phone at the same time. iOS can combine duplicates, but sometimes this process requires manual intervention.
To solve the problem, open the Contacts app on your iPhone. At the top of the list (my contacts section or at the bottom, depending on the iOS version), a “Duplicate Found” plaque may appear. Click on it and the system will prompt you to combine the repeated records automatically.
- 🔍 Check which accounts are showing contacts in the display settings.
- 🗑️ Delete your account if you no longer need to sync with it.
- 🔄 Perform full iCloud sync to get the base in order.
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The cleanest result is a Google transfer followed by disabling Google contacts sync on your iPhone if you plan to use only iCloud.
If your contacts are gone, don't panic. Go to iCloud.com from your computer, select Contacts, and in the lower left corner, look for Archiving and Recovery, where you can restore the previous version of your contact list if the problem has recently occurred.
Final recommendations on data security
After successfully migrating contacts to the iPhone, it is recommended to back up the entire system via iCloud or iTunes, which will create a recovery point to which you can roll back in case of any failures. Regular backup is the key to calming down in the digital age.
It's also worth checking your privacy settings. Make sure that only the apps you need access to your contacts. In the digital hygiene era, it's important to monitor which programs have access to your phone book to avoid data leakage.
Now that your contacts are in place, you can fully use the new device. The transition from Xiaomi to iPhone was a success, and your entire communications history is saved. Enjoy the Apple ecosystem knowing that your data is safe.