How to transfer contacts from the phone Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Transferring contacts from Xiaomi’s smartphone to a new device is a challenge that every user faces when changing gadgets, even if you remain in the Mi ecosystem (for example, switch from Redmi Note 11 to a new device). POCO X6 Pro, or go to another brand's Android (Samsung, Realme), or even to the iPhone - the procedure has its nuances. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transferring contacts, including hidden functions. MIUI, Avoiding common errors and recommending specific scenarios.

The main problem of Xiaomi users is the fragmentation of contacts. SIM-If you don't know where the data is stored, you're at a much higher risk of losing it when you move it, and we structure the information so that you can choose the best method depending on which one you use:

• 📱 Xiaomi models (older versions) MIUI vs. new, for example, MIUI 14 vs. HyperOS)
• 🔄 Type of target device (Android, iOS, other Xiaomi)
• 📡 Internet access (means without connecting to the network)
• 🔒 Security level (export encryption, two-factor authentication)

Before you start, check where your contacts are stored. Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Contact Management. → Contact source. Here you'll see all the storage available. If the list is empty or not all contacts are displayed, then some of the data is hidden in another source.

1.Moving contacts through Mi Cloud (the most reliable way for Xiaomi ecosystem)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically syncs contacts, notes, photos and other data, and this method is ideal if you:

• 🔄 Switch from one Xiaomi device to another (e.g. from Mi 11 to Xiaomi 14)
• 📱 You want to keep a backup of your contacts in case your phone is lost.
• 🌐 You have a stable connection to the Internet

To move contacts through Mi Cloud, follow the following steps:

1. On an old Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Mi Account and make sure you are logged in. If not, log in.
2. Go to Mi Cloud. → Synchronize and turn on the switch opposite Contact.
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (a notification will appear in the top panel).
4. On the new Xiaomi device, log in to the same Mi Account and enable contact sync in the Mi Cloud.

An important point: if you are using MIUI 14 or later (e.g. HyperOS), the interface may be slightly different. In newer versions, the path to synchronization is: Settings → Memory. → Backup → Mi Cloud.

Sign in to Mi Account on both devices

Check for Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Enable contact synchronization in Mi Cloud

Wait for the process to be completed (the cloud icon will stop rotating)

Check contacts on the new device-->

⚠️ Warning: If you delete contacts from your phone before syncing with Mi Cloud, they will be erased from the cloud. Always check that data is uploaded to the cloud first (open Mi Cloud). → Contact and make sure the list is complete).

2. Export of contacts to file VCF (universal method for any device)

Format VCF (Virtual Contact File is a standard contact file that supports all modern smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices:

• 📲 Transfer contacts to another brand device (for example, with Redmi Note 12 on Samsung Galaxy)
• 💾 Want to create a backup copy on your computer
• 🔗 You need to send contacts by email or messenger

Export instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi’s phone.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management → Import/Export of contacts → Export to file.
3. Select the source of contacts (e.g., the Device or SIM-map).
4. Specify the folder to save (we recommend choosing Internal Memory for convenience).
5. The file with the.vcf extension will be saved, and you can now send it to another device via Bluetooth, email, or messenger.

For import on the new device:

• On Android: Open the.vcf file and select Import.
• On iPhone: Send the file to the mail, open the attachment and click Add all contacts.

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If the file VCF Too big (over 1,000 contacts), break it down into multiple parts. VCF Splitter (works in the browser without registration).

3. Sync through Google Account (the best choice for switching to a non-Google Account)-Xiaomi)

If you use a Google Account on a Xiaomi phone, contacts can be easily transferred to any Android device or even an iPhone.

• 🔗 He wants a universal solution that is not tied to MIUI
• 📱 Plans to change the brand of the smartphone
• 🔄 It already uses Google services (Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos)

Step-by-step:

1. On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and make sure the switch opposite Contact is enabled.
3. Click Sync Now (or wait for automatic sync).
4. On the new device, add the same Google Account and enable contact sync.

Important: if the contacts were previously stored only in the memory of the phone or on the phone SIM-You need to transfer them to your Google Account first:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points. → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts → Import with SIM-maps/Devices.
3. Select Google as your target account for import.

⚠️ Note: If you delete your Google Account from your Xiaomi phone without first exporting contacts, they will be lost from the device (but remain in the Google cloud.

4. Transfer of contacts through SIM-Card (rescue in the absence of the Internet)

way SIM-The card is the oldest, but still relevant if you have a:

• 📵 No Internet access
• 🔋 Battery discharged on the main device
• 📱 The outdated Xiaomi model (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi A1)

Limitations of the method:

• 📇 Nana SIM-The card can be placed with a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250).
• 📞 Only basic data are saved: name and phone number (without email, addresses, photos).
• 🔠 Contact names are limited 14-20 Symbols (depending on the operator).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi’s phone.
2. Press three points. → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
3. Choose contacts for export (you can mark all or select selectively).
4. After completion, remove SIM-map and insert it into the new device.
5. On your new phone, import contacts through Contacts → Import with SIM-map.

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SIM-The card is the only way to transfer contacts without the Internet and other devices, but due to format limitations, use it only as a backup option.

5. Transfer contacts over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct (quickly and wirelessly)

If both devices support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, you can transfer contacts directly.

• 📱 Both phones are nearby and you don't have a cable.
• 🔋 No internet access, but there is a charge on the devices
• 📲 Only a part of the contacts (e.g., work numbers) must be transmitted)

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi, open Contacts, select the contact you want (or multiple, holding your finger).
3. Click Share (arrow icon) and select Bluetooth.
4. Confirm the pairing of devices and wait for the transfer to be completed.

Wi-Fi Direct (faster than Bluetooth):

1. On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Connections and sharing → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Activate the function and connect the second device.
3. In the Contacts app, select contacts to transfer and click Share → Wi-Fi Direct.

Nuance: on some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO X3 or Redmi 9, the Wi-Fi Direct feature can be hidden. To find it, search the settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Note: When transmitting over Bluetooth, contacts are sent in.vcf format, but the receiving device must support automatic import.If the file does not open, save it manually and import through Contacts → Imports.

6. Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi to iPhone (features and pitfalls)

The transition from Xiaomi to iPhone requires a separate approach due to ecosystem differences.

• 🍎 iCloud does not support direct import from Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Contacts saved on SIM-card, not imported directly into the iPhone.
• 🔗 Google Account is the most reliable bridge, but requires customization.

Optimal algorithm:

1. Export your contacts with Xiaomi to a file VCF (see section 2).
2. Send the file to your iPhone via email or messenger (such as Telegram).
3. Open the file on your iPhone and select Add All Contacts.
4. Activate synchronization with iCloud (Settings) → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts).

Alternative way through Google Account:

1. On Xiaomi phone, sync your contacts with your Google Account (see Section 3).
2. On iPhone, add the same Google Account to Settings → Passwords and accounts → Add an account → Google.
3. Turn on the synchronization of contacts and wait for completion.
4. Export your contacts from Google to iCloud (via Settings) → Contacts → By default, select iCloud accounts).

7. backup of contacts via computer (for advanced users)

If you prefer complete control of data, you can back up your contacts on your computer, and this method is useful if you:

• 🖥️ You want to edit the contacts before the penos
• 🔒 You need maximum security (local storage)
• 📊 You have a large contact database (over 1000 records)

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Connect Xiaomi phone to your computer via USB-cable.
2. Select file transfer mode (File Manager or MTP).
3. On your phone, export your contacts to a.vcf file (see section 2) and save it to internal memory.
4. On your computer, copy the.vcf file to a secure location (for example, to your desktop).
5. If necessary, edit the file in a text editor (for example, Notepad).++ Windows or TextEdit for macOS).
6. Transfer the file to a new device and import contacts.

To work with large databases of contacts, you can use specialized programs:

• 🪛 Outlook (import/export) VCF, Integration with Exchange)
• 📊 Google Contacts (web version for mass editing)
• 🔧 MyPhoneExplorer (Advanced Contact Management for Android)

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If you often work with contacts on your computer, install Thunderbird with the CardBook plugin. VCF-files as a database, sort contacts into groups and export selectively.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face problems when transferring contacts.

Critical error: if you reset your Xiaomi phone to factory settings without backing up contacts, you can only restore them through previously created backups (Mi Cloud, Google Account or local files). VCF). Without them, data is lost forever.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔄 Keep your contacts in sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account (once a month).
• 💾 Create local backups in.vcf format and store them on your computer or flash drive.
• 📋 Check your contact sources before resetting your phone (Settings) → Contacts → Source).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts with Xiaomi