Changing a mobile device is always stress associated not so much with the loss of the usual interface, but with the risk of losing important information.
The question of how to transfer contacts from Samsung to Xiaomi is especially acute, so as not to lose a single number during the migration to the new platform.
Fortunately, modern technology and the Android operating system offer a variety of built-in and third-party tools for secure data transfer.
Samsung owners are used to the One UI shell, while Xiaomi uses MIUI or HyperOS, which creates certain visual and logical differences in navigation.
However, at the system level, both smartphones are based on Android, which makes the process of transferring the phone book as simple and understandable as possible.
In this article, we’ll break down all the current synchronization methods, from cloud services to manual file import.
Preparation of devices for data transfer
Before you start any manipulation of the phone book, you need to make sure that both devices are ready to work and have enough energy.
It is recommended to charge Samsung and Xiaomi at least 50-60%, as the synchronization process can require significant CPU and radio resources.
It is also worth checking the availability of free space in the internal memory of the new device, although the contacts occupy a negligible amount.
Make sure that both smartphones have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct detection enabled, depending on the method chosen.
To work with cloud services, a stable Internet connection is needed, preferably via Wi-Fi, to avoid the consumption of mobile traffic.
It is not superfluous to update the system applications on both devices to the latest versions in advance.
☑️ Pre-migration checks
Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration
The most effective and “native” way for owners of Xiaomi equipment is to use the proprietary application Mi Mover.
This utility is preinstalled on most Redmi and Poco smartphones, and for Samsung it can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.
The main advantage of the method is the ability to transfer not only contacts, but also SMS, photos, applications and system settings in automatic mode.
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the data transfer process and do not turn off smartphone screens until the progress indicator reaches 100% to avoid damaging the data archive.
The process starts from a new device, where you need to select the role of Recieve, and on the old Samsung – the role of Send.
After the scan. QR-In the case of code or manual connection via Wi-Fi access point, the system will prompt you to select data types to transfer.
The list should include the “Contacts” item and wait for the copy to be completed, which usually takes a few seconds.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Synchronization through Google account
The most reliable and versatile method that works without installing additional software is synchronization through Google Contacts.
This is ideal if you have already used a Google account on Samsung to save numbers.
The essence of the method is that the phone book is stored in the cloud, not in the phone’s memory, which allows you to access it from any device.
To implement this method on Samsung, you need to go to the settings, find the Accounts section and make sure that the contacts synchronization is enabled.
On the new Xiaomi, you just need to log into the same Gmail profile when you first set up or through the Accounts and Sync menu.
The system will automatically pull up all saved numbers and distribute them in the appropriate fields.
| Parameter | Samsung (One UI) | Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) |
|---|---|---|
| The path to settings | Settings → Accounts | Settings → Accounts and Synchronization |
| Service name | ||
| Action. | Synchronize now | Enable synchronization |
| Location. | Phone / SIM / Google | Phone / SIM / Google |
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If contacts don’t appear immediately after you log in, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Settings → Contacts to Display, making sure that there is a tick opposite your Google account.
Export and import via VCF file
If the Internet connection is unstable or you prefer local storage, the best option is to use a.vcf file (vCard).
This method allows you to create a single file with all numbers, which can be transferred in any convenient way: via Bluetooth, messenger or USB-cable.
On Samsung, you need to open the contact app, select the menu, and click Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts → Export.
The file will be stored in internal memory, after which it must be transferred to Xiaomi.
On the receiving device, run the file and the system will prompt you to import the data into the phone book or Google account.
This is one of the fastest ways to do so without requiring authorization from cloud services during transfer.
⚠️ Note: When importing VCF Keep a close eye on where numbers are saved – select Google so they don’t disappear when you reset your phone in the future.
Transfer of contacts through SIM-map
The oldest, but still relevant method is the use of SIM-maps as physical media.
This is a good option if you have few contacts (usually up to 250-500 entries) and no internet access.
It is worth considering that when exporting to SIM, long names may be cropped or additional fields such as email or addresses may be cropped.
On Samsung, in the contact management menu, select “Import/Export” → “Export to SIM-card”.
After the operation is completed, we remove the SIM card (or switch the active SIM card in the settings if there are two) and insert it into Xiaomi.
Then in the contact app on the new phone select "Import with" SIM-map».
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Method SIM-The card is the most versatile “emergency” option, but is not recommended for regular use due to the limited storage functionality of the SIM card.
Solution: duplicates and missing numbers
After data transfer, users often face the problem of duplicate records, where one contact is displayed several times.
This happens if the numbers were stored in the phone memory and on the phone. SIM-in the cloud and in the map at the same time.
The MIUI shell and HyperOS have a built-in tool to combine such records.
To eliminate duplicates, open the Contacts app, go to the settings and find the “Combine duplicate contacts” item.
The system will automatically find and merge repeated records into one card.
It is also worth checking if any contacts are hidden: in the display settings, make sure that “All contacts” is selected.