The shift from Apple’s ecosystem to Android, particularly Xiaomi’s, often raises concerns about privacy. The most critical part of a person’s digital profile is their phone book, which can be a nightmare to lose. Fortunately, modern technology allows them to move their contacts as quickly as possible without losing information, whether it’s numbers, email addresses or additional notes on their cards.
There are several proven methods of data migration, each with its own advantages depending on the amount of information and availability of Wi-Fi network access. You can use the branded Mi Mover app, Google cloud services, direct sync via iCloud, or even classic sync. SIM-The choice of the specific method depends on your technical background and how deeply you want to integrate your data into the new system. MIUI or hyperos.
In this detailed guide, we will take a look at all the current options for copying a phone book, paying special attention to the nuances that are often overlooked. We will look not only at standard procedures, but also at ways to solve possible errors that can occur when converting database formats between two different operating systems.
Preparing devices for data migration
Before starting any copying process, make sure that both the source (iPhone) and the receiver (Xiaomi) are ready to go. First check the battery level: it is recommended that both gadgets have at least 50-60% power, as active data transfer and communication modules can quickly drain batteries. Also make sure that the iPhone is installed on the current iOS, and Xiaomi has the initial system setup.
The second important step is to ensure stable connectivity. The cloud-based methods and the Mi Mover application will require a reliable Wi-Fi connection, as the transfer of large amounts of data over the mobile Internet can be slow or interrupted. If you plan to use the cable method (via the Lightning to USB-C adapter), make sure that the cable is original or MFi certified to avoid problems with protocol transfer.
⚠️ Before starting the procedure, we strongly advise you to back up your contacts on your iPhone via iCloud so that in the event of a process failure, you can restore the original state of the phone book.
Finally, clear some space on Xiaomi’s new smartphone. Although the contacts themselves take up a minimum of space, the system may need a buffer zone for temporary files during the process of importing and indexing the new database.
Using the Mi Mover application for wireless transfer
The most convenient and modern way of migration is to use the Mi Mover utility, developed specifically for owners of Xiaomi equipment. This application allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, messages, system settings and even home screen layout. To start, you need to download the Mi Mover application from the App Store on your iPhone, since on Xiaomi devices it is already preinstalled in the Tools folder.
Synchronization starts with running the app on both devices. On Xiaomi, select Receiver and on iPhone, Sender. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new smartphone, or connect to the created Wi-Fi access point manually, the system will automatically detect the devices and prompt you to select the types of data to copy.
- 📱 Select the category "Contacts" in the list of transmitted data to activate their transfer.
- 🔒 Make sure your iPhone allows you to access the contacts for the Mi Mover app when you request a system.
- 📶 Do not turn off device screens or switch to other apps during transmission so as not to interrupt the connection.
Once the process is complete, all records will be automatically distributed to the appropriate fields in the MIUI phone book. It is important to note that Mi Mover is able to convert field formats, so even iOS-specific data such as addresses or birthdays must be correctly displayed in the Android environment.
Sync through Google and iCloud account
Cloud sync is the gold standard for those who value automation and cable independence. The essence of the method is to upload iPhone contacts to Google’s cloud, and then just log in to the same account on Xiaomi. First, add a Google account on your iPhone: go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add an account and select Google.
After adding an account, be sure to activate the Contacts switch. This will start the background process of loading all numbers into your Google Contacts. You can check the success of the operation by opening a browser on your computer and going to contacts.google.com, where all your numbers should appear. Now, by logging into the same account on the new Xiaomi when you first set up or through Settings → Accounts and Sync, you will receive a full copy of the phone book.
This method is particularly useful because it provides continuous synchronization in the future: any new contact added to the phone will automatically be saved to the cloud. However, it is worth considering that the first time you turn on sync on a new device, it may take some time to download all the records, especially if there are thousands of them.
What to do if your contacts are not synchronized?
Transfer through SIM-map: classical method
If wireless methods seem too complicated to you or the Internet connection is unstable, you can use the time-tested method - copying on the Internet. SIM-This is a perfect method for carrying basic data, names and phone numbers, but it has a major limitation: the format. SIM-The card often does not support saving additional fields such as addresses, photo contacts, or multiple numbers for a single record.
To implement this method on the iPhone go to Settings → Contact and select the option "Import contacts" SIM". After the export is completed, extract SIM-map (using a paper clip) and paste it into a Xiaomi smartphone. On the new device, open the Contacts app, go to settings and select Import Contacts from SIM-map".
In the process of importation, the system MIUI You should choose a Google account or internal memory of the phone, but not the phone itself. SIM-To avoid the risk of data loss on the next device change, all numbers will appear on the list after the procedure is completed, although they may require manual editing due to format limitations.
- 📇 The method is suitable for fast transfer of only the main numbers without unnecessary details.
- ⚠️ Duplicates: when imported with SIM You can create duplicate records if you already have them in your phone’s memory.
- 🔢 Restriction on symbols: names on SIM-mapping is often limited 15-20 Long names can be cut off with symbols.
Import VCF files via iCloud and browser
The most flexible method to control the process and save the complex structure of contacts (photos, notes, multiple addresses) is the use of a VCF file (vCard), a universal standard supported by both operating systems. First, go to your computer or directly in the Safari browser on your iPhone to the iCloud.com site and log in to your Apple ID.
In iCloud, select Contacts. Select all records (on your computer this is done by Ctrl+A or Cmd+A, on your mobile browser you may need a long tap or selection via settings). Find the gear icon or action menu and select Export vCard. Contacts.vcf will be downloaded to your device or computer.
Next, transfer this file to Xiaomi in any convenient way: via Bluetooth, messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) or USB-Open the file on a Xiaomi smartphone, and it automatically recognizes the format and suggests that you import the entries into the phone book, and it's one of the most reliable ways to ensure that you keep the encoding and all the fields.
| Method | Speed. | Photo preservation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | Yes. | Low. |
| Google Sync | Medium | Yes. | Low. |
| SIM-map | Low. | No. | Low. |
| VCF file | Medium | Yes. | Medium |
⚠️ Note: When importing large VCF file (over 2000 contacts) process can take a few minutes.Do not try to open the file in the text editor, use only the "Contacts" application to correctly read the structure.
Addressing common problems and duplicates
After data transfer, users often face the problem of duplicate records, when the same contact is displayed twice: once from the data transfer. SIM-The other one is from Google or the phone's memory. MIUI And HyperOS has a built-in tool to solve this problem. Open the Contacts app, click on the profile avatar or three dots in the corner, and select Contact Management" →"Combine duplicates".
The system will automatically find similar entries and merge them into one card, saving all the numbers and addresses. This is a critical procedure for maintaining order in the phone book. It is also worth checking the encoding of names: if Krakozabras are displayed instead of letters, try changing the input language or renaming the problem contact manually, which often resets the encoding error.
☑️ Post-transfer check
Another common problem is that you don't have photos of your contacts, and that happens if you use the method. SIM-If you have to download the maps or if you have to sync Google with the option "Text only", in which case the photos will have to be manually uploaded or repeat the import procedure through the Internet. VCF file that stores graphic data.
💡
Save your contacts backups in VCF format regularly. Once a month, export the entire contact book to a file and save it to cloud storage. This will take a couple of minutes, but save you in case your phone is lost or your system crashes.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to transfer contacts via Mi Mover?
What if your contacts on Xiaomi are displayed without names, only numbers?
Can I transfer my phone history with my contacts?
How to transfer contacts if the iPhone is not turned on?
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The most reliable and complete way to transfer is a combination of methods: the main dataset is better transferred via Mi Mover or Google Sync, and the critical contacts are duplicated manually or through a VCF file for warranty.