Where to export and import contacts in Xiaomi: a complete guide with instructions

Shifting contacts between Xiaomi devices or backing up the phone book is a challenge that every user faces. Unlike other brands, MIUI hides these features in non-obvious menu sections, which causes confusion. For example, in Redmi Note 12, the path to export contacts is different from the POCO X5, and in older versions of MIUI (up to 14) the interface was completely different.

This article will not only show where Xiaomi is exporting and importing contacts, but also will analyze the nuances: what file formats are supported (.vcf,.csv), how to avoid duplication of records when importing, and why sometimes contacts are not transferred from the source of the data. SIM-We will also look at alternative ways – through Google Account, Mi Cloud and third-party apps – if standard methods don’t work.

Where Xiaomi is located on the Contact Export Menu

In the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (relevant to Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5), the path to export contacts is hidden in the Contacts app. Importantly, the appearance of the menu may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA).

To open the function:

1. Launch the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
3. Select Contact Management (or Contact Management in English).
4. Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section and click Export in the file.

The screen will display a choice of formats:.vcf (standard for Android) or.csv (for Excel), which by default offers to save the file to the Download/Contacts folder, but the path can be changed.

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If the menu does not include Export, update the Contacts app via Google Play. In older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), the export was available through Settings → System → Backup.

Supported formats: vCard vs CSV

Xiaomi smartphones support two main formats for export/import contacts, and the choice between them depends on the purpose:

• 📱 vCard (.vcf) is a universal format for Android/iOS. Stores all fields (photos, groups, notes), but may not display correctly in Windows.
• 📊 CSV (.csv) - tabular format for editing in Excel or Google Sheets, suitable for mass editing contacts, but loses photos and some tags.

Critical: When exported to.csv, Cyrillic characters in names can appear as "kraco cherries" because of the encoding. To avoid this, open the file in Notepad++ before importing and save with UTF-8 encoding.

Import contacts in Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

To import contacts from a.vcf or.csv file:

1. Place the file in the phone’s memory (for example, in the Download folder).
2. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Import from the file.
3. Select a file and specify where to save contacts: on the Device, SIM-map or Google Account.
4. Confirm the import. When you duplicate the records, the system will suggest combining or skipping them.

If the import fails:

• 🔄 Check if the file is 10 MB (limit) MIUI).
• 📱 Make sure that the contacts are exported in vCard 3.0 format (not 2.1).
• 🔧 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with the error “File corrupted".

Check the file format (.vcf or.csv)

Copy the file into your phone memory

Close all background applications

Make sure there is enough space on the device.

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Exports and imports through SIM-map

The method is suitable for fast transfer of contacts between phones, but has limitations: SIM-The card only stores names and numbers (no email, addresses or photos) and the maximum number of records is 250 (depending on the operator).

How to export to SIM:

1. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to SIM.
2. Select contacts (or click Allocate).
3. Indicate. SIM-If you have two cards, then you can confirm them.

For import with SIM:

1. Put the SIM in the phone.
2. Go to Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Import with SIM.
3. Select your contacts and target storage (device or Google).

⚠️ Note: When importing with SIM contacts may be duplicated if they are already in the phone book. SIM or use.vcf.

Alternative ways: Google Account and Mi Cloud

If standard methods don't work, use cloud services, which not only transfer contacts, but also sync them between devices.

Through Google Account:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Turn on the synchronization of Contacts.
3. On the new device, log in to the same account – contacts will be downloaded automatically.

Through Mi Cloud:

1. Sign up for Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud).
2. Enable backup of contacts.
3. On the new Xiaomi phone, log in to the same account and recover the data.

The advantage of the Mi Cloud is that in addition to contacts, you can save SMS, notes and system settings, and the disadvantage is the link to the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Through the.vcf file

Synchronization with Google

Exports to SIM-map

Mi Cloud

Another way.-->

Problems solved: contacts are not imported or duplicated

Frequent mistakes when working with contacts in Xiaomi and their solutions:

• 🚫 File corrupted error: Check the integrity of.vcf (open it in the text editor - there must be readable code). If the file is broken, export the contacts again.
• 🔄 Duplicate contacts: Clear your phone book before importing or use the Contact Cleaner app from Google Play.
• 📵 Contacts are not displayed after import: Check if they are hidden in the display settings (Contacts) → Settings → Display contacts).
• 🌐 Problems with coding in CSV: Open the file in Excel, save it as CSV (comma separators) with encoding UTF-8.

If your contacts are not synced with your Google Account:

1. Delete your account from Settings → Accounts and add again.
2. Check your internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
3. Update the Google Play Contacts and Services app.

Third-party applications for contact management

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t suit you, consider alternatives:

• 📲 Contacts+: Can combine duplicates, reserve to the cloud and export to the cloud.vcf/.csv.
• 🔍 Simpler Contacts: Minimalist interface with mass editing.
• ☁️ My Contacts Backup: Automatically sends backups to email.

When using third-party apps, disable autosynchronization with Mi Cloud or Google to avoid data conflicts. For example, Contacts+ has an option to “ignore system contacts” – turn it on if you plan to manage your phone book only through this application.

Before installing, check permissions: the application should only request access to Contacts and Warehouse. If you request access to SMS or geolocation, it is suspicious.

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Third-party apps are useful for mass editing of contacts, but the risk of data leakage is higher. Use only proven programs that are highly rated on Google Play (4.5+).

FAQ: Frequent questions about export and import of contacts in Xiaomi