How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi: all working methods of 2026

Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not only about changing the ecosystem, it's also about moving important data. Contacts are often a top priority: losing them can take hours of manual recovery. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to migrate, and most of them don't require special skills.

Many users mistakenly believe that third-party programs or a computer are necessary to transfer contacts, but in fact Apple and Google offer built-in tools that can be done in minutes. The key is to choose a method that is appropriate to your technical capabilities and the amount of data you have, for example, if you have thousands of contacts with photos and additional fields, it is best to avoid transferring through the data. SIM-The card supports the limited format vCard 2.1.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to transfer contacts, including nuances for different versions of iOS and MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to synchronization via iCloud without losing data – this method often raises questions among users due to two-factor authentication of Apple ID.

1. Transfer contacts via iCloud (the most reliable way)

The iCloud method is suitable for those who already use the service for backup, and its main advantage is to keep the entire contact structure, including attached photos, notes and several phone numbers, but it will require a computer or a second smartphone with Internet access.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Open on iPhone Settings β†’ [Your name] β†’ iCloud and make sure the Contacts switch is active. If not, turn it on and wait until the sync is complete.
  • πŸ’» On your computer, go to iCloud.com, log in and select Contacts.
  • πŸ”„ Click on the gear in the lower left corner and select Export vCard..vcf file will be saved to your PC.
  • πŸ“² Transfer the file to Xiaomi (for example, via Google Drive or Google Drive). USB-Cable and open it – the system will automatically prompt you to import contacts.

⚠️ Note: If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need a confirmation code sent to a trusted iPhone or Mac to sign in to iCloud from a new device. SMS different room).

Make sure iCloud syncs the latest changes|Check the free space on the PC for the.vcf file|Shut down. VPN (Can block access to iCloud)|Remember the password from Apple ID-->

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If contacts are not exported, try updating your browser page or using incognito mode – sometimes extensions block iCloud.

2. Synchronization through Google Account (universal method)

This is ideal for those who already use Google services, which does not require a computer and works directly between smartphones, and the main advantage is that contacts are automatically updated on all devices associated with a single account.

Instructions for iPhone:

  1. Install Google Contacts from the App Store.
  2. Open it and log in to your Google account.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Contact Import β†’ iCloud and confirm sync.
  4. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes with a large amount of data).

Instructions for Xiaomi:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Google accounts β†’ Synchronization.
  • πŸ”„ Turn on the Contact switch and wait until synchronization is complete.
  • πŸ“ž Open the Contacts app – all data should be displayed.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced your contacts with iCloud on your iPhone, they will be duplicated after transferring to Google. To avoid chaos, make a backup to Settings before importing. β†’ Contacts β†’ Exports (on iPhone).

πŸ“Š What contact synchronization method do you use more often?
iCloud
Google Account
SIM-map
Third-party annexes
Never put up with it.

3. Transfer through SIM-Card (for a small number of contacts)

method SIM-The card is the simplest, but has serious limitations:

  • 🚫 Supports only name and phone number (no email, addresses, photos).
  • πŸ“ Limitation on the number of contacts (usually up to 250-500, depending on the operator).
  • ⚠️ Risk of data loss in case of incorrect map extraction.

If you are satisfied with these restrictions, follow the instructions:

  1. On iPhone go to Settings β†’ Contacts β†’ Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
  2. Select contacts for export (or highlight all) and click Export.
  3. Extract. SIM-Map and paste it into Xiaomi.
  4. On Xiaomi, open contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) Requires rebooting after inserting a new SIM-If the contacts don't show up immediately, restart the device.

Why not transfer all your contacts via SIM?
SIM-The cards use an outdated contact storage standard (vCard 2.1) that does not support modern fields (e.g., "Birthday" or "Social Networks.

4. Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use specialized applications.

  • πŸ”Ή My Contacts Backup (exports contacts to.vcf and sends them to email).
  • πŸ”Ή Copy My Data (transfers data over Wi-Fi directly between devices).
  • πŸ”Ή SHAREit (a cross-platform solution for file transfer, including contacts).

Let’s look at the example of Copy My Data:

  1. Install the app on both smartphones (iPhone and Xiaomi).
  2. On your iPhone, select To Another Device and watch for code.
  3. On Xiaomi, enter this code to pair devices.
  4. Select Contacts and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in settings MIUI (Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start otherwise, the connection may be interrupted during transmission.

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Third-party applications are convenient for one-time transfer, but not suitable for constant synchronization. After transferring data, it is better to delete them so as not to burden the system.

5. Computer Transfer (for full control of data)

This method is suitable for those who want to have full control of the process or transfer not only contacts, but also other data (photos, notes). Lightning/USB-C.

Steps for Windows:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your PC and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS).
  2. In the Review section, select Synchronize Contacts with β†’ Google Contacts.
  3. Log in to your Google account and wait for the sync to complete.
  4. Connect Xiaomi and copy the.vcf file (if exported manually) or sync through Google.

For macOS, the process is simplified:

  • πŸ–₯️ Open the Contacts app and export all records through the File β†’ Exports β†’ Exports vCard.
  • πŸ“ Transfer the file to Xiaomi in any convenient way (for example, via AirDrop). + cloud).

⚠️ Note: When connecting an iPhone to Windows, you sometimes need to install the Apple Mobile Device Support driver. If your computer does not recognize the device, download the latest version of iTunes from the official website.

Comparison of methods of transfer of contacts

To choose the best way, read the comparative table:

MethodSpeed.Data retentionPC requiredLimitations
iCloud⭐⭐⭐⭐Full (photos, notes)Yes.You need to authenticate Apple ID
Google Account⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Complete.No.It requires a stable internet.
SIM-map⭐⭐Only name + numberNo.Limitation on quantity
Third-party annexes⭐⭐⭐Depends on the app.No.Risk of data leakage
Through the computer⭐⭐⭐Complete.Yes.Requires additional software

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems. Consider typical situations:

  • πŸ”΄ Contacts are not exported from iCloud: Make sure your iPhone settings enable iCloud contact sync. If the problem persists, try logging out and logging in again.
  • πŸ”΄ Xiaomi does not display imported contacts: Check if they are hidden in the display settings (Contacts) β†’ Settings β†’ Display contacts. They may be linked to another account.
  • πŸ”΄ Duplicate contacts: This happens when synced with iCloud and Google.Use the Google Contacts merge tool (More) β†’ Find and combine duplicates).
  • πŸ”΄ Google authentication error: If you sync up with a message that says "failed to log in", check if two-factor authentication is enabled.

⚠️ Note: If photos of contacts are missing after transfer, this is due to the fact that MIUI To restore images, use the Google Contacts app on Xiaomi and enable the option to Show photos in the settings.

How to Recover Lost Contacts?
If contacts are lost after transfer, check: 1. Recycle Bin in Google Contacts (data is stored there for 30 days). 2. Backup in iCloud (Devices section). 3. Local backups on Xiaomi (MIUI/Backup/Contacts folder). If nothing helps, try using recovery services such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.

Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, this is the right method through Google Account, SIM-A computer is only required for export via iCloud or iTunes.
Why isn’t all contacts displayed on Xiaomi after syncing with Google?
Most likely, the Google account settings on Xiaomi have disabled contact sync. Go to Settings β†’ Google Accounts β†’ Sync and switch on the appropriate switch. Also check if contacts are hidden in the Contacts application filters.
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi if iCloud is blocked?
If access to iCloud is restricted (for example, due to two-factor authentication), use alternative methods: Export contacts to a.vcf file via Google Contacts on iPhone. SIM-card (if the number of contacts is small) Install My Contacts Backup and send the file to email.
Can I transfer my phone history with my contacts?
No, the call history is not synced through standard methods (iCloud, Google, SIM). To transfer it, you will need specialized programs such as MobileTrans or Dr.Fone. Note that these applications may require root access on Xiaomi, which voids the warranty.
What if the contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics after transfer?
This problem arises from encoding incompatibility Solutions: Repeat exporting contacts by selecting UTF-8 encoding (available in most backup applications). Open the.vcf file in the text editor and save it with the correct encoding. Use Google Contacts for import - the service automatically corrects the encoding.