Import and export contacts on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways to transfer and backup

Transferring contacts from one phone to another or backing them up is a challenge that every Xiaomi Redmi user faces. Even if you’ve never lost a phone, the risk of accidentally deleting important numbers or crashing the system is always there. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to import and export contacts on Redmi smartphones (including the Redmi Note models). 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other shelled MIUI 12-14).

The process may seem simple, but each method has nuances. SIM-The map is limited to the number of memory cells, and syncing with a Google Account requires a stable Internet connection, and we will analyze each option in detail so that you can choose the best one, whether it is a transfer to a new Redmi, recovery from a reset or backup before selling your phone.

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What is import and export of contacts: key concepts

Contact export is the creation of a backup of a phone book in a format that can be saved on a device, SIM-Xiaomi Redmi supports.vcf (virtual business card) and synchronization with accounts. Google/Mi.

Importing contacts is the reverse process: uploading previously saved numbers to a phone book, which may be necessary when buying a new Redmi, after resetting, or when switching from a new phone book. iPhone/other Android device.

On Xiaomi smartphones, both processes are managed through the standard Contacts app (or Phone in global firmware).

• 📱 Local contacts are stored only on the phone and deleted when reset.
• ☁️ Cloud contacts (associated with Google or Mi Account) are automatically restored after logging in to your account.
• 📁 VCF-Files – a universal format for manual transfer between devices.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi with two SIM-cards, the contacts exported to it will be available only through the Contact menu SIM It will not appear in the main phone book.

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Ways to export contacts to Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

The choice of method depends on the purpose, for example, for backup is more convenient cloud, and for transfer to another phone — VCF-Let's look at all the options.

1.Export to file VCF (internal memory or SD-map)

The.vcf format is supported by all modern smartphones, including iPhone and Android. To create such a file on Redmi:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts.
3. Select Export to File → Check the appropriate accounts (such as Google or Phone).
4. Specify the folder to save (we recommend Downloads or Documents) and confirm.

The file will be called contacts.vcf (or similarly), and can be sent via email, Telegram, saved to Google Drive, or copied to a computer.

2. Sync with Google Account

The most reliable way to back up is to link your contacts to Google.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the switch opposite Contact.
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (check in Settings → About Phone → Account Status).

All contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and will be available on any device after you log in to the same Google Account.

Check the free space on the phone (minimum 100 KB for the phone) VCF)

Connect to Wi-Fi (for sync with Google)

Make sure SIM-The card is not blocked (if you export it to it)

Close other applications (to avoid crashes)

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3.Exports to SIM-map

This method is suitable for transferring contacts to another phone without the Internet, but has limitations:

• 🚫 Maximum 250-300 contact (depending on the SIM-map).
• 🚫 Only name and number are saved (without photo, email, addresses).
• 🚫 Cyrillic symbols are not supported in some firmware.

To export:

1. In Contacts, select Import/Export → Exports to SIM-map.
2. Indicate. SIM1 or SIM2 (two-card).
3. Select all contacts or select all → Exports.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) export SIM-The card may not support Russian letters. VCF-file.

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Synchronize with Google Account

Use it. VCF-file

Copying on SIM-map

Transfer it over Bluetooth.

Another way.-->

Import contacts on Xiaomi Redmi: from file to cloud

Import contacts when you buy a new Redmi, after resetting your settings or when you switch from another phone.

1.Import of VCF-file

If you have a backup in.vcf format (such as from a previous phone or computer), download it to Redmi:

1. Copy the file to the phone’s memory (for example, in the Downloads folder).
2. Open Contacts. → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
3. Choose. VCF-file and specify the storage location.
4. Confirm the import (contacts will appear in the Phone or Google section, depending on your account).

If the file is large (over 1,000 contacts), break it down with services like VCF Splitter.

2. Recovery from Google Account

When you first turn on Redmi, the system will prompt you to log in to Google Account and restore data.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on Contact Sync.
3. Wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

Contacts will appear in the phone book automatically. If they do not appear, check the filter in Contacts. → Settings → Display contacts (must be selected by Google).

3.Imports with SIM-map

To download the contacts from SIM-maps:

1. Put the SIM in the phone.
2. Open Contacts → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.
3. Choose. SIM1 or SIM2 → Make sure you have the right contacts (or choose all of them).
4. Click Import and specify an account to save (Phone or Google).

Imported numbers can be duplicated if they are already in the phone book. To delete duplicates, use the option to Combine Contacts in the Contacts settings.

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If, when importing from VCF-File contacts are not displayed, check the file extension - it should be.vcf, not.vcff or.txt. Rename the file if necessary.

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Transfer contacts between Xiaomi Redmi and other devices

If you are switching from an iPhone, another Android phone, or even a feature phone, the process of transferring contacts will be different.

1. From iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi.

To transfer contacts from the iPhone to Redmi:

1. On iPhone, open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud and Enable Contacts.
2. Go to iCloud.com, log in to your account and export your contacts to VCF-file.
3. Copy the file to Redmi (e.g. via Email or Google Drive) and import it as described above.

An alternative way is to use the Move to iOS app (but it only works when you first set up Redmi).

2 From Android to Xiaomi Redmi

If you are switching from another Android device (such as Samsung or Huawei):

• 📲 Method 1: Sync your contacts with your Google Account on your old phone, then log in to the same Redmi account.
• 📁 Method 2: Export your contacts to VCF On your old phone and import the file to Redmi.
• 🔄 Method 3: Use data portability applications, such as Mi Mover (pre-installed on Redmi).

3.From the button phone on Xiaomi Redmi

To transfer contacts with Nokia, Samsung E-series or other feature-phone:

1. Export contacts to SIM-card (if the phone supports this function).
2. Put it in. SIM to Redmi and import contacts as described in the section above.
3. If SIM Does not support Russian symbols, transfer contacts to the computer through the PC Suite (for old phones), then export to VCF.

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Backup of contacts: how not to lose data

On Xiaomi Redmi contacts may disappear after resetting settings, updates MIUI Or physical breakdowns of the phone, and the only way you can guarantee that you can save them is by backing them up regularly.

1. Automatic synchronization with Google

The easiest way is to enable autosynchronization:

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google → Contacts.
2. Activate the autosynchronization option.
3. Check the latest sync in Settings → The phone. → Account status.

Contacts will now be backed up in the cloud every few hours (with internet access).

Manual export to VCF reminder

If you don’t trust the cloud, create local backups:

• 📅 Set a reminder in Google Calendar (for example, once a month).
• 📁 Export contacts to VCF Save the file to Google Drive or to your computer.
• 🔄 Check the integrity of the file by opening it on the PC (should open as a business card).

3.Use of Mi Cloud

Xiaomi offers its own cloud storage, Mi Cloud, to enable contact backup:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable Contacts and press Sync.
3. Make sure that in the settings → The phone. → Account status is displayed by successful synchronization.

Please note: only 5GB is provided for free, and Mi Cloud requires a Mi Account (not Google).

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Frequent problems and their solutions

When importing / exporting contacts on Xiaomi Redmi, there may be errors. Let's analyze typical situations and ways to fix them.

1. Contacts are not imported from VCF-file

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔴 File corrupted: Try opening it on your PC. If it doesn't open, restore backup.
• 🔴 Incorrect format: Make sure the file extension is.vcf, not.txt.
• 🔴 Lack of memory: Free up space on your phone or import the file piece by piece.
• 🔴 App Error: Reboot your phone or update the App Contacts via Play Market.

2. Contacts are duplicated after importation

Duplicates appear if you import contacts that are already in the phone book, to delete them:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Combine Contacts.
2. Select Find duplicates and follow the instructions.
3. For manual removal: click on the contact → Edit → Delete.

3. Contacts with Google are not synchronized

If your contacts are not updated in the cloud:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection.
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google → Contacts and click Sync Manually.
• 🔄 Delete your Google account and add it again.
• 🔄 Update Google Play Services to Play Market.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with custom firmware (not official) MIUI), synchronization with Google may not work smoothly. VCF-files or Mi Cloud.

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Before resetting your settings on Xiaomi Redmi, make sure to check that contacts are synced with Google or Mi Cloud. Local contacts (save only on your phone) will be deleted without recovery!

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Contact security: how to protect data from loss

Contacts are not just phone numbers, but also personal information (addresses, emails, notes) that can be a serious problem, and follow these tips to minimize the risks:

1. Multi-reservation

Don't rely on one method of storage.

• ☁️ Cloud: Sync with Google or Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Local copy: VCF-file.
• 📱 Additional: Exports to SIM-card (for emergency cases).

2. Encryption of backup copies

If you keep it VCF-files on your computer or in the cloud, protect them:

• 🔐 Use archives with a password (for example, 7-Zip WinRAR).
• 🔐 Upload files to encrypted cloud folders (like Google Drive with encryption or Cryptomator).

3. Data integrity verification

Check your backups regularly:

• 🔍 Open up. VCF-PC file (should open as a business card).
• 🔍 Check your contacts in Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) for errors.
• 🔍 Test recovery on a second device (e.g., tablet).

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FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions