How to Transfer Contacts from Xiaomi to Samsung: Everything from Fast to Reliable

The transition from Xiaomi to Samsung is not only about changing the interface, but also about transferring personal data. Contacts are often a major headache: they are easy to lose with careless manipulation, and difficult to recover. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transmitting contacts - from automatic (via the cloud) to manual (via the cloud). SIM-map, taking into account the nuances of both operating systems: MIUI on Xiaomi and One UI Samsung.

The main problem with portability is ecosystem differences: Xiaomi is actively promoting its own services (for example, Mi Cloud), and Samsung is focused on Samsung Account and Google. We tested each method on real devices (including the Redmi Note 12 and Galaxy). S23) and highlighted the only way that guaranteed to save all contact fields (including photos and additional numbers) – details below.

If you are in a hurry, use the quick method through Google Account (Section 2). If 100% accuracy is important, read about Smart Switch (Section 4). SIM-map VCF-file (sections 3 and 5).

1.Preparation: what to check before transferring contacts

Before you start the transfer, make sure your contacts are not scattered across different accounts.

• 📱 Local phone memory (see in contact settings as "Device")
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (if you are a member of Xiaomi account)
• 🔗 Google Account (if synchronization has been enabled)
• 📇 SIM-card (if you have manually stored the contacts there)

To avoid losses, follow these steps:

Make a backup copy of your contacts in MIUI|Check if syncing with Google is enabled|Make sure you're on SIM-There is enough space for the card (if you plan to use it)|Write down or take pictures of important contacts on paper (in case of a crash)

-->

Pay special attention to duplicates: Xiaomi often creates copies of contacts when synchronized with multiple accounts.

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Connecting contacts.
3. Follow the system's hints for merging duplicates.

⚠️ Note: If you used Mi Cloud to store contacts, after transferring to Samsung, they will automatically disappear from Xiaomi when you delete your account. VCF-file (section 5).

2. Method 1: Sync through Google Account (fastest)

This method is suitable if you have already used Google Contacts on Xiaomi, it takes less than 5 minutes and does not require additional programs, the main condition is a stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Google)
2. Select your Google Account (if not, add it).
3. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
4. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (a notification will appear in the top panel).

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Turn on your new phone and log in to the same Google Account.
2. Go to Settings. → Accounts and backups → Account management.
3. Select your Google account and enable contact sync.
4. Open the Contacts app – the data will appear automatically.

Pros of the method:

• ⚡ Instant transfer (if synchronization has already been enabled).
• ☁️ Contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud.
• 🔄 It is easy to update data on both devices.

Cons:

• 🚫 Not all fields can be transferred (for example, photos of contacts are sometimes lost).
• 📶 Requires an Internet connection.
• 🔒 If you don’t remember your Google password, it’s hard to restore access.

⚠️ Note: If your contacts were only stored in Mi Cloud on Xiaomi, you should first transfer them to Google Contacts. VCF (Section 5, and then import it to Google.

Method 2: Transfer through SIM-map (without internet)

This method is suitable if you do not have access to Wi-Fi or mobile network, or you want to transfer only the main contacts (numbers and names). SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts and does not save photos, emails or additional fields.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
3. Select contacts for export (or click Select All).
4. Confirm the export and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Put it in. SIM-card.
2. Open Contacts. → three-point (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
3. Choose where to save contacts (we recommend Device or Google).
4. Confirm the import.

Tips for SIM-transference:

• 📌 If there are more than 250 contacts, break them into pieces (for example, first A-M, then H-Y).
• 🔄 Before exporting, check if there is enough space for SIM-card (in the phone settings).
• 📱 Samsung recommends that you synchronize your contacts with Google immediately after importing them so as not to lose them when changing. SIM.

💡

If SIM-Old format card (mini-SIM), use the adapter for nano-SIM in Samsung. You can buy it in any communication salon for 50-100 rubles.

Method 4: Using Samsung Smart Switch (most reliable)

Samsung Smart Switch is the official Samsung app that transfers all data from one phone to another, including contacts, messages, photos and even app settings.This method is guaranteed to save all contact fields (photos, additional numbers, addresses, etc.), but requires a physical connection of phones or Wi-Fi Direct.

Option 1: Cable transfer (recommended)

1. Download Smart Switch on Xiaomi from Google Play.
2. Connect both phones to charge (the process can take 10 to 30 minutes).
3. Connect Xiaomi and Samsung through OTG-cable USB-C → USB-C).
4. On Samsung, run Smart Switch and select Get Data → Android.
5. On Xiaomi, allow data access and select Contacts (you can also transfer other data).
6. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the cable!).

Option 2: Wi-Fi portability (if no cable)

1. Install Smart Switch on both phones.
2. On Samsung, select Get Data → Wireless.
3. On Xiaomi, select Send Data and connect to Samsung’s hotspot.
4. Select Contacts and confirm the transfer.

Advantages of Smart Switch:

• 🔄 Transfers all contact fields without loss (including photos and notes).
• 📱 It works even if your Xiaomi account is disabled.
• 🔌 You can transfer other data (messages, photos, applications).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires additional software installation on Xiaomi.
• 🕒 Longer than Google sync (especially with a lot of data).
• 🔌 You need to use the original cable (cheap). OTG may not work).

💡

Smart Switch is the only way to ensure that you can transfer all your contact data (including photos, additional numbers and notes) without loss.

5. Method 4: Export/import through VCF-file (universal)

The.vcf (vCard) file is the standard contact storage format that all smartphones support, and it’s a good method if you want to back up or migrate contacts to multiple devices.

Export of contacts with Xiaomi:

1. Open Contacts. → three-point (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Export to File (or Export to Device).
3. Specify which contacts to export (e.g., only from Google or Devices).
4. Click Export and save the file to a convenient location (such as Downloads).

Transfer of the file to Samsung:

• 📁 Through Bluetooth: Send a.vcf file from Xiaomi to Samsung.

Import contacts to Samsung:

1. Open the.vcf file on Samsung (it will open in the Contacts app).
2. Click Import and select where to save (we recommend Google or Device).
3. Confirm the import.

When to use VCF:

• 🔄 If you want to have a backup of contacts in case of a failure.
• 📱 If you transfer contacts to multiple devices (for example, to a phone and tablet).
• 🚫 If other methods fail (for example, you can’t log into your Google Account).

Method 5: Transmission over Bluetooth (for individual contacts)

This is a convenient way to move a few contacts, not the entire phone book, and it doesn't require the Internet, but it takes a long time with a lot of records.

Instructions:

1. On Xiaomi, open Contacts and select the contact you want.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Send (or Share).
3. Select Bluetooth and turn it on on on both phones.
4. On Samsung, confirm the file acceptance.
5. After transfer, open the received.vcf file and save the contact.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ Long term if you have a lot of contacts (you have to send one at a time).
• 📵 It may not work if the phones have different versions of Bluetooth (for example, Xiaomi with Bluetooth 5.0 and Samsung with 5.2).
• 📎 Sometimes additional fields are lost (for example, a second phone number).

If Bluetooth does not find the device:

• 🔄 Reboot both phones.
• 📱 Make sure Samsung has enabled Visible for All (in Bluetooth settings).
• 🔌 Check if the transmission is blocked by the energy saving mode.

7. Problems in the transfer of contacts and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have a problem, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

Additional advice:

• 🔍 If contacts disappear after the transfer, check the folder Archive or Remote in the Contacts app on Samsung.
• 🔄 If sync with Google is frozen, turn it off and turn it back on in your account settings.
• 📱 On Samsung, only contacts from Samsung Account can be displayed by default. To see everything, open Contacts. → three-point (⋮) → Settings → Display contacts and select All contacts.

8 How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid problems with the next switch to a new phone, follow these rules:

1. Use one primary storage source:

• ☁️ Google Contacts is the most versatile option (works on any Android).
• 📱 Local Memory – Only if you regularly make backups.

2. Set up automatic backup:

• On Xiaomi: Settings → The phone. → Backup → Enable Automatic Backup.
• On Samsung: Settings → Accounts and backups → Backup and restoration.

3. periodically export contacts to VCF:

Do this every 3-6 months, especially before you upgrade your firmware or change your phone. Store your file in the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) or on your computer.

Check the duplicates:

Both phones (Xiaomi and Samsung) have built-in tools to find and combine duplicate contacts. Use them every six months.

💡

The most reliable way to never lose your contacts is to store them in your Google Account and export your backup to your Google Account every six months. VCF-file.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions