Redmi 8T owners often have to move or save their phone book when they change devices or when they reset their system, a critical process because losing numbers can lead to serious communication problems. In modern MIUI smartphones, data retention has its own characteristics that distinguish it from standard Android.
There are several proven ways to back up numbers: through a Google account, export to a file for internal memory or save to a file for internal memory. SIM-Each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation, for example, cloud storage provides instant synchronization, and a local file gives you complete control over the data.
In this article, we will take a look at all the options available so you can choose the one that suits you best. We will look at the nuances of working with the.vcf format and explain why cloud binding is the most reliable solution for long-term storage.
Basic methods of data backup
Before you start doing any specific things, you need to know where your data will be stored. MIUI 11, which is installed on Redmi 8T out of the box (or an updated version), offers a flexible storage architecture. Local storage involves writing a file directly into the device's internal memory.
The alternative is cloud storage, which requires a stable Internet connection, using Google Contacts or Mi Cloud, so you don't have to worry about the physical safety of the file on your phone, and if the device is lost or broken, the data will remain secure on the company's servers.
- 📂 Local file. VCF — Full control and independence from the Internet.
- ☁️ Google Account – Automatic Synchronization and Cross-platform.
- 💾 SIM-map - a universal, but limited in functionality method.
⚠️ Attention: When maintaining on SIM-The card may be shortened with long names and no additional fields such as email or address are saved.
The choice of method depends on your goals. If you plan to just transfer the numbers to another phone right now, export to the file is fine. For constant use, you better set up automatic synchronization.
Export contacts to VCF file on Redmi 8T
Backing up.vcf (vCard) is the most versatile way, supported by almost all modern smartphones, tablets and computers. To get started, open the standard Contacts app on your Redmi 8T.
In the application interface, find the settings menu, which is usually hidden behind a three-dot icon or gear icon. You will need to select "Import / Export contacts", and the system will prompt you to select a source of data to copy.
Once you select a source (usually a Phone or a SIM), the system will prompt you to confirm the action. The default file will be saved in the root directory of internal memory or in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder. It is important to remember the path so that you do not lose the file later.
☑️ Pre-export verification
You can copy the file to your computer or send it to your messenger for security, and this action will create a static copy of your phone book at the moment, and any changes made after you created the file will not get into it.
Synchronization through Google Account
The most modern and convenient way is to link contacts to a Google account, which allows you to restore numbers even when you completely replace your device by simply entering your username and password. On Xiaomi Redmi 8T, this process is deeply integrated into the system.
To activate the feature, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Make sure your Google account is added to the list. If there are more than one, select the one that is the main one.
Inside your account settings, find Contacts and activate the sync switch. The system will automatically upload all numbers to the cloud. You can check the result by going to contacts.google.com from any browser.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Interval | Frequency of update | Automatically. |
| Volume | Storage limit | 15 GB (total) |
| Access. | Wherever. | Internet everywhere. |
| Security | Data protection | Two-factor |
The main advantage of this method is that you don't have to manually create backups, and all the changes in the phone book are instantly reflected in the cloud, which is especially true if you change devices often or fear data loss.
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Use the “Clear duplicates” feature in the web version of Google Contacts to remove duplicate numbers after sync.
Using Mi Cloud for reservation
Xiaomi owners have access to their own cloud service Mi Cloud. On the Redmi 8T model, it can be pre-installed or require activation through Mi Account. This service allows you to save not only contacts, but also SMS, notes and system settings.
To use this method, log into your Mi Account through the settings menu. In the "Mi Cloud" section, activate contact sync. Free 5GB of space is provided to the user, which is more than enough for thousands of numbers.
The Mi Cloud feature is the ability to recover data even without access to Google services, which may be relevant in some regions.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your settings to factory and then activate your phone via Mi Account, the system will prompt you to recover data from the cloud.
If you are actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem (tablets, laptops), this will be the most organic way, and the data will be available on all devices authorized under the same identifier.
Transfer of contacts from SIM-card
Users often switch to Redmi. 8T It's from push-button phones or old smartphones, where the numbers are stored on a SIM card, and in that case, the first step is to import the data into internal memory. SIM-slot.
Open the Contacts app and go to the import menu. Select the option "Import with" SIM-The system will prompt you to choose your destination: phone, Google account or Mi Cloud.
The copying process takes a few seconds. Once completed, be sure to check the list of numbers for encoding errors. Sometimes names may not appear correctly if the old character encoding was used.
What to do if the names are displayed by the Krakozabras?
After successful importation, it is recommended to remove the contact with SIM-To avoid confusion in the future, all your data is now digitally stored inside the Android operating system.
Recovery of contacts from backup
When you need to recover data, you have to do it when you buy a new phone or when you crash. If you follow the above recommendations, it will take a minimum of time.
To recover from the.vcf file, go to the Contacts app, select Import/Export and specify the path to the file. The system will suggest selecting an account to which numbers will be added. Once confirmed, the process of adding records will begin.
If you used Google or Mi Cloud sync, just add the corresponding account in the settings of the new device. Auto boot will occur in the background when you have the Internet.
- 🔄 Open the synchronization settings.
- 👤 Add your Google or Mi Account.
- ✅ Wait for the loading to end.
It is important to keep the synchronization process on the first turn on, to avoid databases being out of sync, and give the phone a few minutes to process the information after logging in.
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Regularly checking cloud storage ensures that your backup is up to date and error-free.