Transferring contacts with Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: the complete guide

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth is one of the most convenient ways to transfer data without using cloud services or cables. Despite the proliferation of cloud solutions like Mi Cloud or Google Contacts, many users prefer local exchange because of speed, lack of dependence on the Internet and maintaining privacy. However, in recent versions of MIUI (starting with the 12th), the standard Bluetooth contact function can be hidden or unstable - especially if we are talking about models with different versions of firmware.

In this article, we will explore all the current ways to transfer contacts between Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark devices, from classic exchange via Bluetooth menus to alternative methods using built-in MIUI tools. You will learn how to avoid common errors (for example, invisibility of devices or interruption of transmission), which settings should be checked in advance, and what to do if contacts are not transferred. Instructions adapted for MIUI 12/13/14 and are relevant for devices of 2019-2026 release.

Preparation of devices for the transmission of contacts

Before you start transferring, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones meet the key requirements:

• 🔋 Battery charge not lower than 30% – interruption due to discharge can lead to loss of data.
• 📱 Version. MIUI on both devices, preferably not lower than MIUI 12 (older versions may not have a contact sharing feature).
• 🔄 Bluetooth is enabled and visible for other devices (Visible for All or Visible for Contacts mode").
• 📡 Distance between devices - no more than 10 meters (optimally - 1-2 meters for a stable connection).

Pay special attention to permissions: both smartphones must allow Bluetooth for the Contacts app. You can check this in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Permissions. If Bluetooth is disabled, turn it on.

⚠️ Note: Some Poco models (e.g. Poco) F3/F4) The Bluetooth contact function can be disabled by default, in which case you need to activate it in Settings. → Additionally. → Laboratory → Transfer of contacts over Bluetooth.

It is also recommended to clear the Contacts app cache before transfer if errors have previously occurred. Go to Settings → Apps → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 1: Standard transmission via Bluetooth menu

This is the most direct method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14.The instruction is suitable for transferring both all contacts at once and sample recordings.

1. On the original device (from which you transmit contacts), open the Contacts application.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Import/Export → Send contacts.
3. Choose the transmission method - Bluetooth.
4. Tick the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All) and confirm the choice.
5. On the target device (where you transmit) turn on Bluetooth and make it visible in Settings → Bluetooth → Visibility.
6. On the original device, select the target smartphone from the list of available devices and confirm the transfer.
7. On the target device, accept the incoming file (usually a file with the.vcf extension).

Once transferred, the contacts are automatically imported into the Contacts app on the target device. If this does not happen, open the.vcf file manually and confirm the import.

Turn Bluetooth on both devices |

Make the target device visible to others|

Check permissions for the "Contact" app |

Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application (if earlier errors)|

Charge both devices to a minimum of 30%-->

Method 2: Transmission via the "Fast Transmission" function (Mi Share)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has integrated Mi Share (the equivalent of Google’s Nearby Share) into firmware, which allows files — including contacts — to be transferred between Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices without an internet connection, a method that often works more stable than standard Bluetooth.

Algorithm of action:

1. On both devices, enable Mi Share in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Mi Share.
2. On the source device, export contacts to a.vcf file (as in Method 1, but select Export to file instead of Bluetooth).
3. Open the file manager (Files) and find the saved file (usually in the Download or Miui folder).
4. Select the file, click Share and select Mi Share.
5. On the target device, accept the file via the Mi Share notification.
6. After downloading, open the.vcf file and import contacts.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Higher transfer speed compared to Bluetooth.
• 🔒 There is no limit on file size (unlike Bluetooth, where the limit can work).
• 📱 It works even if Bluetooth is disabled on the target device (Wi-Fi Direct is sufficient).

⚠️ Note: Some Poco models (e.g. Poco) F5) Mi Share can be called Quick Transfer or Xiaomi Share. If it is not in the settings, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware.

Method 3: Using the Google File Transfer App

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to different versions of MIUI or Bluetooth errors), you can use Google’s official Files by Google app, which supports contact transfer over Wi-Fi Direct, which is faster and more reliable than Bluetooth.

Instructions:

1. Install Files by Google on both devices.
2. On the source device, export contacts to the.vcf file (as in Method 1).
3. Open Files by Google, go to Share and select Send.
4. Select a.vcf file and wait for the application to generate QR-code.
5. On the target device, open Files by Google, select Receive and scan. QR-code.
6. Confirm the transmission on both devices.

Why is this method more reliable than Bluetooth?

• 🔄 There is no limit on file size (you can transfer thousands of contacts at a time).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct is 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth.
• 🛡️ Data is transmitted in encrypted form.

💡

If Files by Google doesn't see the device, check if Wi-Fi is on on both smartphones. Wi-Fi Direct works even without a network connection, but the adapter must be active.

Table of comparison of methods of communication of contacts

To choose the best way, compare their key characteristics:

On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), Mi Share transmission can be up to 30% faster thanks to the improved Wi-Fi 6E module.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when instructions are followed correctly, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 Devices can’t see each other: Check if visibility is enabled on the target device (Settings) → Bluetooth → Visibility. Reboot Bluetooth on both devices (turn off/on module) Make sure the distance between devices is less than 5 meters.
• 🔴 Transmission interrupts: Close all background applications that consume the Internet or Bluetooth (such as music players). Check battery power - at a level below 15%, the system can pause transmission. Switch to Mi Share or Files by Google if Bluetooth is unstable.
• 🔴 Contacts are not imported after transfer: Check if the.vcf file opens on the target device (if not, repeat export). Install an alternative contact app (like Google Contacts) and try importing through it. Clear the Contacts app cache on the target device.

Alternative methods of communication

If none of the above methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 📧 Export via email: Export contacts to.vcf. Send the file to your mail from the original device. Open the email on the target device and download the attachment. Import contacts from the file.

Cloud services:

• Mi Cloud: Sync your contacts with your Xiaomi account on the original device, then log in to the same account on the target device.
• Google Contacts: Export your contacts to your Google Account and sync them to your new device.

Local backup:

Create a backup of contacts through Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Local backup, transfer the file to the target device (for example, via USB-cable) and recover the data.

When should alternative methods be used?

• 🔄 If the target device has another OS (for example, iOS).
• 📱 If the number of contacts exceeds 2000 (Bluetooth may not be able to cope with the problem).
• 🔌 If you do not have physical access to the target device (for example, transfer contacts remotely).

💡

To transfer contacts between Xiaomi and iPhone, use cloud services (Google Contacts or iCloud) – direct transfer via Bluetooth between these OSes is impossible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer