The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always a joyful event, but many users face the same problem: how to transfer contacts from an old device to a new one without losing any number? This task is especially relevant if both phones are from Xiaomi, because the brand offers unique tools for data synchronization.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to import contacts between Xiaomi devices, from classic (through the use of the same method) SIM-Map or Google Account before branded solutions such as MI Cloud and Mi Mover, each method illustrated in detail and adapted to the latest versions MIUI (including MIUI 14/15). You can choose the best option depending on the availability of the Internet, free time and the technical capabilities of your devices.
Important: If you plan to sell or transfer an old smartphone, be sure to delete them from the deviceโs memory through the Contacts menu before transferring contacts. โ Settings โ Contact management โ Delete everything to avoid personal data leakage.
1. Transfer of contacts through MI Cloud (the fastest way to do it)
MI Cloud
Xiaomi
Mi Account
To move contacts through MI Cloud:
- On the old Xiaomi smartphone, open Settings โ Accounts and synchronization โ Mi Cloud.
- Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. If not, turn it on and wait for the sync to complete (the cloud icon in the status bar should disappear).
- On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account (if not already logged in) and enable contact synchronization in the new device. MI Cloud.
- Go to Contacts app โ all numbers will appear automatically within 1-2 minutes.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the new phone already has contacts, they will not be replaced, but will be combined with those downloaded from the cloud. To avoid duplicates, export existing contacts to a.vcf file before synchronizing (see section 4).
Both phones are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet
The old device is enabled synchronization of contacts in MI Cloud
The new device uses the same Mi Account.
There is plenty of free space in the cloud (contacts are used) ~1-5 MB)-->
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ Automatic update: contacts synced in real time โ the number added on one device will immediately appear on another.
- ๐ฑ Cross-platform: works not only between Xiaomi smartphones, but also with other devices (e.g. Redmi or Xiaomi). POCO).
- ๐ Security: Data is encrypted during transmission and stored in a secure cloud.
Disadvantages:
- ๐ Requires a stable connection to the Internet.
- ๐ If your Mi Account was not linked to your old phone, you will need to export your contacts to the file first (see Section 4).
2.Use of Mi Mover (official migration application)
Mi Mover
Xiaomi
Direct Wi-Fi connection
Instructions for using Mi Mover:
- Install the Mi Mover app on both smartphones (unless preinstalled) from Google Play or the App Gallery.
- On the new phone, select I am a new user, on the old one, I am an old user.
- Scan on the old device. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone.
- Select data for transfer - tick Contacts (you can also transfer) SMS, Photos, videos and applications).
- Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed (time depends on the amount of data).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the new phone already has contacts, Mi Mover will offer to either combine them with portable ones or replace existing ones. Choose the option carefully - when replacing the old contacts will be deleted without the possibility of recovery!
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Before using the Mi Mover, charge both phones to at least 50% โ the transfer process can take up to 30 minutes and consumes battery.
Advantages of Mi Mover:
- ๐ถ No Internet: Data is transmitted over a local Wi-Fi Direct network.
- ๐ Selective transfer: Only contacts can be selected without affecting other data.
- ๐ Maintains structure: Contact groups (e.g., โFamilyโ, โWorkโ) are transferred unchanged.
Limitations:
- ๐ฑ It only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO base MIUI.
- ๐ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Redmi Note 11 may require an update to the latest version of the Mi Mover.
3. Export and import of contacts via file VCF (universalism)
A file with the.vcf extension (vCard) is the standard format for storing contacts that all modern smartphones support, and it is suitable if you want to back up contacts or transfer them to a device of another brand.
How to export contacts to.vcf file on your old phone:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Press three points (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management โ Import/Export of contacts โ Exports to the vault.
- Choose which contacts to export (e.g. only with the SIM-card).
- Specify a folder to save (e.g. Downloads) and confirm export. The file will have a type name. contacts_20260515.vcf.
How to import a.vcf file on a new phone:
- Copy the.vcf file to a new device (e.g. via Bluetooth, Telegram or other devices). USB-cable).
- Open the Contacts app and go to Contact Management โ Import/Export of contacts โ Imports from storage.
- Select the copied.vcf file and confirm the import.
โ ๏ธ Note: If there are duplicate contacts in the.vcf file (e.g., the same number is saved with different names), MIUI I'll suggest you combine them. Check the result of the import manually to avoid data loss.
What if the VCF file is not imported?
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ Universality:.vcf can be imported to any device (Android, iOS, computer).
- ๐ Backup: The file is a reliable copy of contacts in case of losing your phone.
- ๐ Flexibility: You can edit contacts in a file before importing (e.g., delete unnecessary numbers).
Disadvantages:
- โณ Requires manual actions (copying a file, selecting a folder).
- ๐ It does not sync automatically โ when you add a new contact on one device, it will have to be exported again.
Through MI Cloud
With the help of Mi Mover
Export/import of VCF file
Through Google Account
Another way.-->
4. Sync through Google Account (for Android users)
If you use a Google Account on both Xiaomi smartphones, it takes only a few minutes to move your contacts, a method that is suitable for those who are actively using Google services (Gmail, Drive, Calendar).
How to transfer contacts through Google Account:
- On your old phone, open Settings โ Accounts and Sync โ Google.
- Select your account and make sure the Contact Switch is on, and if not, activate it and wait for the sync (the spinning circle icon in the status bar).
- Add the same Google Account (if it doesnโt already exist) and enable contact sync.
- Open the Contacts app โ the data will appear automatically.
โ ๏ธ Note: If your new phone already has contacts linked to another Google Account, they will not be merged with new ones.To avoid confusion, export your existing contacts to a.vcf file before syncing (see Section 3).
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ Cross-platform: Contacts will be available on any device with a Google Account (including an iPhone via Gmail).
- ๐ Automatic Update: Changes on one device instantly appear on another.
- ๐ฑ Integration with other services: contacts sync with Google Drive, Calendar and Gmail.
Limitations:
- ๐ Requires a stable connection to the Internet.
- ๐ If you use two-factor authentication in Google Account, you will need to enter a confirmation code when you add an account to a new device.
5. Transfer of contacts through SIM-map (for older models)
way SIM-The card is one of the oldest, but still relevant for devices with limited memory or no Internet access. SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts, and fields for additional information (e.g. email or address) are often cropped.
How to transfer contacts via SIM-card:
- On your old phone, open the Contacts app.
- Go to Contact Management. โ Import/Export of contacts โ Exports to SIM-map.
- Choose contacts for export (you can mark all or only the necessary ones).
- Wait for the copy to be completed and extract SIM-map.
- Put it in. SIM-Card to new phone and go to Contacts โ Contact management โ Import/Export of contacts โ Import with SIM-map.
- Choose where to save contacts (for example, in your phone memory or in your Google Account).
โ ๏ธ Warning: When exported to SIM- the card is lost:
- ๐ง E-mail addresses.
- ๐ Accommodation addresses.
- ๐ Birthdays and other additional fields.
- ๐ฅ Contact groups (e.g. โFamilyโ or โColleagues").
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ถ No Internet: Transfers via physical media.
- โก Fast: The process takes less than a minute.
Disadvantages:
- ๐ Limited number of contacts (usually up to 250).
- ๐ Loss of data (photos, notes, additional fields).
- ๐ฑ It does not work with eSIM (physical only). SIM-map).
6. Alternative methods: Bluetooth, QR-code
If none of these methods are right for you, you can use alternatives, which are less popular, but in some cases may be useful.
Transfer via Bluetooth:
- On your old phone, open Contacts, select the numbers you want and tap Share โ Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the new device and accept the incoming file.
- Contacts will be saved in.vcf format and can be imported via the Contact Menu. โ Contact management โ Imports from storage.
โ ๏ธ Note: Bluetooth has a limit on the size of the file to be transferred (usually up to 1-2 MB.
Transfer through QR-code:
Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) support exporting contacts to the market. QR-That's the code:
- Open the contact you want to move.
- Press three points (โฎ) and choose to share. โ QR-code.
- Scan the code with the new phoneโs camera โ the contact will be saved automatically.
This method is convenient for transferring individual contacts, but is not suitable for mass migration.
Party of annex:
Google Play has specialized tools for transferring contacts, for example:
- ๐ฒ Copy My Data โ Transfers Contacts, Calendars and Photos over Wi-Fi.
- ๐ฒ CLONEit โ Copies data between Android devices without the Internet.
- ๐ฒ My Contacts Backup โ Creates.vcf backups and sends them via email.
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If you use third-party apps to move contacts, be sure to check reviews and rankings on Google Play.Some utilities may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to a website). SMS geolocation).
Comparison of Contact Transfers between Xiaomi
To choose the best method, read the comparative table:
| Method | Speed. | Internet is required | Groups/photos retained | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI Cloud | โก Quickly (1โ2 minutes) | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | Requires a Mi Account account |
| Mi Mover | โณ Average (5-30 min) | โ No. | โ Yes. | It only works between Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO |
| VCF file | โณ Average (depending on the mode of transmission) | โ No. | โ Yes. | Manual import/export |
| Google Account | โก Quickly (1โ2 minutes) | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | Requires a Google Account |
| SIM-map | โก Quickly (less than 1 minute) | โ No. | โ No. | 250 contacts are restricted, data is lost |
For most users, Xiaomi is the best solution. MI Cloud or Mi Mover. If you prefer universal methods, Google Account or file is the right fit. VCF. SIM-Bluetooth and maps are only relevant in extreme cases.
Frequent mistakes and their solution
When moving contacts between Xiaomi smartphones, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Contacts are not synced through the MI Cloud.
- ๐น Check if synchronization is included in Settings โ Mi Cloud โ Contacts.
- ๐น Make sure that both devices use the same Mi Account.
Problem 2: Mi Mover doesn't find the old device.
- ๐น Make sure that both phones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- ๐น Restart the Mi Mover app on both devices.
- ๐น If used VPN or firewall, disable them - they can block the connection.
- ๐น Some models (such as Xiaomi 11 Lite) may need to manually select a Wi-Fi Direct network in Wi-Fi settings.
Problem 3: When importing a.vcf file, duplicate contacts appear.
- ๐น Before importing, export your existing contacts to a separate file (backup copy).
- ๐น Use duplicate removal apps like Contacts Optimizer or Simpler Merge.
- ๐น Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) has a built-in tool to find and combine duplicates.
Problem 4: Contacts are not transferred through a Google Account.
- ๐น Check if synchronization is included in Settings โ Accounts. โ Google โ Synchronization of the account.
- ๐น Make sure there is enough free space on the device to sync.
- ๐น Update Google Play Services to Settings โ Annexes โ Google Play Services โ Update.
Problem 5: On SIM-The card does not have enough space for all contacts.
- ๐น Break the contacts into pieces and export them in turn.
- ๐น Use it. SIM-A larger card (e.g., a nano-SIM with 500 support)+ contact).
- ๐น Move the most important contacts and export the rest to a.vcf file.
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If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings on your new phone: go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Contacts โ Warehouse โ Clear the data. Re-import the data.