How to quickly and safely transfer contacts to a new Xiaomi phone

Moving to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but many users face the same challenge: how to move contacts from an old device to avoid losing important numbers? The transfer methods depend on which model you used before (Android, iPhone or even a button phone), which sync services were connected, and whether you want to save your call history.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of transferring contacts – from standard (via Google Account or Mi Account) to alternative (using the help of the Internet). VCF-We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often overlooked: for example, why photos of contacts can be lost when syncing via iCloud on Xiaomi or how to avoid duplication of records. You will also find a unique table comparing methods for speed, reliability and compatibility with different devices.

1.Move contacts via Mi Account (the fastest way for Xiaomi)

If your old phone is also Xiaomi (or Redmi/Poco), syncing through Mi Account will take less than 5 minutes, a method that not only stores numbers, but also photos, notes, and even call history associated with them (assuming the feature was activated earlier).

How it works:

• 🔄 On your old phone: Open Settings → Xiaomi account → MI Cloud → Synchronize contacts and make sure the switch is active. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (the cloud icon in the status bar should disappear).
• 📱 On new phone: when you first turn on, log in to the same Mi Account. If the device is already configured, go to Settings → Xiaomi account → MI Cloud and enable contact synchronization.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 minutes – contacts will appear automatically in the Contacts app.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone was switched off MI Cloud or you haven't logged in in a while, the data may not be saved.

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Before transferring, check if there is enough space in the MI Cloud: only 5 GB is available for free, and contacts with photos can take up to 100-200 MB.

2. Synchronization through Google Account (universal method)

This is a good way to go from any Android device (including Samsung, Huawei or even iPhone with pre-export), and the main advantage is cross-platform: contacts will be available on any phone where you log into a Google Account.

Instructions:

1. On an old phone: 📲 Android: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts (turn on the slider). 🍎 iPhone: Install Google Contacts from the App Store and export data to your account.

Xiaomi

Google

Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Add an account

✅ Wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone contacts were only stored in iCloud, you should export them to your iPhone first. VCF-file via iCloud.com → Contacts → Settings (cogs) → Exports vCard.

3. Transfer by means of SIM-Cards (for old phones)

If you have a button phone or an outdated Android model (before version 5.0) that does not sync with the clouds, you can use the device. SIM-This method is limited to: SIM No more than 250 contacts (without photos and additional fields) are available, but it does not require Internet access.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 On your old phone: Open Contacts → Settings (or ⋮) → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-Select the right contacts.
• 🔄 Move it. SIM-map to the new Xiaomi.
• 📲 On the new phone: Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: On modern Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi) 13T) plug-in SIM It can be paired with nanoSIM – make sure your card is sized or trim it with an adapter.

4. Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

This is convenient if you don’t have internet access, but both phones support Bluetooth 4.0+ or Wi-Fi Direct. It’s suitable for transfer between any Android device, including Xiaomi and other brands.

How to move:

1. 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones and pair them (enter the same one) PIN-code, if required).
2. 📱 On your old phone: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Send. → Bluetooth and select the new Xiaomi from the list of devices.
3. ✅ Confirm the file on the new phone (usually this is the case) VCF-A file that is automatically imported into your contacts).

For Wi-Fi Direct, use apps like Send Anywhere or Xender:

• 📲 Install the app on both phones.
• 🔗 On the old phone, select Send. → Contact and generate QR-code PIN.
• 📱 On the new Xiaomi, scan the code or enter PIN file-producing.

Turn on Bluetooth on both phones | Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged | Turn off power saving mode | Check the free space on the new phone (at least 10 MB)

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5. Exports and imports through VCF-file (for backup purposes)

VCF (Virtual Contact File) is a universal contact storage format that all modern phones support, and is convenient to use if you want to back up or transfer contacts to your computer.

Ways to work with VCF:

• 📤 Exports from old phone: Android: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Export (select.vcf format). iPhone: Use iCloud.com (as described above) or the Contacts app → highlight → Share. → Exports vCard.
• 📥 Import to the new Xiaomi: Copy the file to your phone (via the phone) USB, Bluetooth or cloud. Open contact. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports → Choose. VCF-file.

⚠️ Attention: If VCF-A file weighs more than 10MB (e.g., contains thousands of contacts with photos), break it into multiple parts using services like vCard Splitter or an archiver. 7-Zip.

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VCF-The file is the only way to transfer contacts with photos and additional fields (such as dates of birth) without loss if sync through the cloud is not available.

6. Features of transferring from iPhone to Xiaomi

Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi requires additional steps due to Apple’s closed ecosystem.

1. 🔵 Through iCloud: On iPhone: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts (turn on sync) On your computer: go to iCloud.com, export contacts to VCF And transfer the file to Xiaomi.

Through Google Account:

Google Contacts

Using the "Move to iOS" app (reverse method):

Google Account

⚠️ Note: When transferring from iPhone to Xiaomi, the attached photos of contacts are often lost. VCF Check that iCloud settings have enabled the option “Sync Contact Photos".

Comparison of Contact Transfer Methods on Xiaomi

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi