Transfer of contacts to Android Xiaomi: all ways in 5 minutes

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always accompanied by the question: how to transfer all contacts from an old Android device without losing a single number? This is especially true for users who have been saving up a phone book for years and are afraid that something will go wrong when synchronized. In fact, the process of transferring contacts between two Android devices is easier than it seems if you know all the methods available.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer contacts - from standard (via Google Account and Google Account). SIM-maps) to less obvious (using Bluetooth, third-party apps, and even MIUI-Each method is suitable for different situations: for example, if you don't have access to the Internet or your old phone is dead, and we will also tell you why you should never trust to transfer contacts through the Internet. SMS-Messages โ€“ This method is outdated and can lead to data loss.

Whether youโ€™re switching from Samsung, Huawei or another Xiaomi, the instructions are universal for all Android 8.0 and newer devices, and the key is to follow the step-by-step recommendations and not miss important nuances that weโ€™ll warn you about in advance.

1. Transfer contacts through Google Account (the most reliable way)

Google sync is the gold standard for connecting Android devices, and it works even when phones are in different parts of the world, and most importantly, all data is automatically backed up in the cloud.

On an old phone:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Accounts and synchronization (on some firmware, the path may be called Users and accounts).
  2. Select your Google Account (if not, add it).
  3. Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. If not, turn on manual synchronization.
  4. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes with a large number of contacts).

On the new Xiaomi:

  1. When you first turn on, select the Restore from backup option and log in to the same Google Account.
  2. If the phone is already set up, go to Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Google and enable Contact Sync.
  3. Open the Contacts app and wait for all records to appear (a reboot may be required).

Stable connection to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet

Adequate battery charge (minimum 30%)

The same Google Account on both devices

No restrictions on background activity (check in battery settings)-->

โš ๏ธ Note: If the old phone only has the contacts saved SIM-In your card or device memory (not in your Google account), you need to import them first. Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Contact Management. โ†’ Imports/Exports โ†’ Import with SIM-map.

2. Transfer of contacts via SIM-card (if there is no Internet)

This method is suitable for emergency situations where there is no Wi-Fi at hand and mobile internet is limited, but it has significant limitations:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Nana SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts (depending on the operator).
  • ๐Ÿ”ค Only names and numbers are saved โ€“ photos, mail, addresses and notes will disappear.
  • ๐Ÿ•’ The process takes longer than cloud synchronization.

Instructions:

  1. On your old phone, open your contacts. โ†’ Settings (โ‹ฎ) โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Exports to SIM-map.
  2. Choose contacts for export (all possible) and confirm the action.
  3. Extract. SIM-Map and paste it into the new Xiaomi.
  4. On the new device, go to Contacts โ†’ Settings โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Import with SIM-map.

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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, insert SIM-Slot 1 card โ€“ Some models only import contacts from the main slot.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota, block the recording of contacts on SIM-In this case, you'll have to use another method or contact the communications salon to unlock.

3. Fast Bluetooth transmission (without internet and SIM-map)

Bluetooth is a universal protocol that is available on any smartphone, including older models, which is suitable if both phones are working and are close by, the main advantage is that you do not need the Internet, and the disadvantage is that transfer can take up to 10 minutes with a large amount of data.

Step-by-step:

  1. On both phones, turn Bluetooth on in the Quick Settings Panel or through Settings โ†’ Connected Devices.
  2. On an old phone, open Contacts, click on three dots and select Send โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select the contacts for the transfer (you can mark everything) and confirm the sending.
  4. Xiaomi will receive a notification about the incoming file โ€“ accept it and save contacts in the device memory.
ParameterGoogle AccountSIM-mapBluetooth
Transmission speedInstantly.1-2 minutes5-10 minutes
Internet is requiredYes.No.No.
Photos preservedYes.No.Yes.
Limitation on quantityNo.200-250No.

โš ๏ธ Note: When you send your contacts via Bluetooth, you save them in.vcf format. After importing, check if the duplicates appear in the phone book, which is a common problem with this method. You can delete the duplicates manually or using applications like Cleaner for. MIUI.

Through Google Account

Through SIM-map

Bluetooth.

With third-party applications

Another option-->

4.Use of Xiaomi's proprietary tools (MI Mover)

Xiaomi has developed its own data migration solution, the MI Mover app, which is pre-installed on all of the brand's smartphones, and allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, messages, applications.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ It only works between Xiaomi devices (if the old phone is a different brand, youโ€™ll have to use alternative methods).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Requires cable. OTG Direct Wi-Fi (Bluetooth not supported).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ An application should be installed on the old phone. MI Mover (you can download it from Google Play).

How to transfer contacts via MI Mover:

  1. On the new Xiaomi, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer or open MI Mover manually.
  2. On the old phone, run MI Mover and select the role of Sender.
  3. Scan the scanner on the new device QR-code from an old phone.
  4. Select Contacts in the data list for transfer and confirm the beginning of the process.
What if MI Mover can't see the old device?
1. Make sure both phones are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. 2. Restart both devices. 3. Check if the antivirus or optimizer is blocking MI Mover (e.g. Clean Master or 360 Security). 4. If you use an OTG cable, try another connector or cable - sometimes a problem with the physical connection.

5. Third-party applications for contact transfer

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, there is no Google Account or SIM-The map is damaged, and there's a special application that comes to the rescue, and we tested a few, and we selected the top.-3:

1. CLONEit (๐ŸŒŸ Recommended)

  • ๐Ÿ”น Transferring contacts, SMS, Photos, apps and even call history.
  • ๐Ÿ”น It works with Wi-Fi Direct (no internet required).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Supports cross-platform transmission (Android) โ†’ iOS and back).

Download the app on both phones, select the old Sender, the new Recipient, and follow the instructions on the screen.

2. Copy My Data

  • ๐Ÿ”น Simple interface, suitable for beginners.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Transfer over Wi-Fi or over the cloud.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Free version is limited to 500 contacts.

3. Samsung Smart Switch (Yes, it works with Xiaomi!)

  • ๐Ÿ”น Developed for Samsung, but compatible with most Android devices.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Supports transmission via cable or wireless network.
  • ๐Ÿ”น It can even transfer the settings of some applications.

โš ๏ธ Note: Before using third-party apps, read reviews carefully on Google Play. Some programs (such as Super Backup) may contain advertising modules or request unnecessary permissions. We recommend installing only apps with a rating above 4.5 and downloads of 1 million or more.

๐Ÿ’ก

Apps like CLONEit or Smart Switch often handle portability better than standard Android tools, especially if you need to transfer not only contacts, but also other data.

6. Manual export/import via VCF file

The.vcf (vCard) format is the standard for storing contacts that all modern smartphones support, and it works if you want to have a backup of contacts on your computer or flash drive.

Exports on old phone:

  1. Open Contacts. โ†’ Settings (โ‹ฎ) โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Exports.
  2. Choose the format VCF-file and specify a folder to save (for example, Downloads).
  3. A file with the.vcf extension will appear in the deviceโ€™s memory.

Imports to the new Xiaomi:

  1. Transfer the file to a new phone (via Bluetooth, cable, cloud, or other devices). SIM-map).
  2. Open the file and the system will prompt you to import contacts.
  3. Select an account to save (we recommend Google Account for automatic sync).

๐Ÿ’ก Useful tip:.vcf can be opened on your computer using Outlook, Excel or even a notebook (although in the latter case, the data will be in an inaudible format.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often face problems.-5 errors and ways of solving them:

1. Contacts are not synced with Google Account

  • ๐Ÿ” Check if synchronization is enabled in your account settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

2.When importing from the SIM-card, empty contacts appear

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ This means that on SIM-You can try importing contacts to another phone and repeat exporting.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง If the problem persists, contact the operator for a replacement. SIM-map.

3. Bluetooth transmission is interrupted

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Make sure both phones have enough charge (minimum 20%).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Disable other wireless devices (earphones, fitness bracelets) that may interfere.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart Bluetooth on both devices.

4.MI Mover doesn't see old device

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot both phones.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Make sure the latest version is installed on your old phone. MI Mover.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ If you use a cable, try another connector or cable.

5.Duplicate contacts after import

  • ๐Ÿงน Use the built-in merger function in the Contacts app (Settings) โ†’ Contact management โ†’ Combine the takes).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install Duplicate Contacts from Google Play for automatic cleaning.

๐Ÿ’ก

If contacts are not displayed correctly after transfer (for example, phone numbers instead of names), check the display settings in the Contacts app. Perhaps the primary field is not Name, but Phone.

Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi?
Yes, but not directly. First export your iPhone contacts to iCloud, then log in to iCloud.com from your computer, export the contacts to a.vcf file and import it to Xiaomi. Alternatively, use the Move to iOS app (it works backwards).
Why did the photos of the contacts disappear after the transfer?
Contact photos are stored separately from the main data and are not always transmitted through standard methods. To save them: Use Google Contacts (photos are synced with other data); Move photos manually via Bluetooth or MI Mover; install the Sync.ME app, which automatically adds photos from social networks.
How to transfer contacts if the old phone is broken or not turned on?
If the phone doesnโ€™t respond to charging or doesnโ€™t turn on, but the screen is working: Connect it to your computer and copy the contacts.vcf file from the folder /sdcard/ (If it's there, take it out. SIM-If the phone is completely dead: Contact the service center to retrieve data from memory. If you have a Google Account enabled, contacts can be restored via contacts.google.com.
Can you transfer contacts without losing quality (for example, with formatting)?
Yes, if you use export to a.vcf file or sync through a Google Account, these methods save: Formatting names (e.g., "Ivanov I.P."); additional fields (email, address, birthday); Notes and contact categories; and here is the transfer through SIM-map SMS usually cuts off part of the data.
How to protect your contacts from accidental loss in the future?
To avoid worrying about moving contacts: Enable automatic sync with your Google Account (Settings โ†’ Accounts โ†’ Google โ†’ Contact Sync). Export contacts to a.vcf file regularly (once a month) and save them to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Drive). Use backup applications like Super Backup or Titanium Backup (requires root rights). Set up two-step authentication for your Google Account to protect your data from hacking.