Transferring contacts from one Xiaomi to another via Bluetooth: the complete guide

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth is one of the easiest ways to synchronize data without using cloud services or cables. Despite the popular belief that Bluetooth is only suitable for file transfer, it is also great at exporting contacts, especially if both devices work on the Internet. MIUI. The main advantage of this method is the absence of the need for an Internet connection and the minimum risk of data loss.

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard method of transfer via Settings. → Bluetooth, but also alternative methods for cases where contacts are not displayed in the list available for sending. MIUI (12 to 14) and Xiaomi models, because the algorithm may vary depending on the firmware. If you encounter a "failed to send contacts" error or just want to speed up the process, here you will find solutions.

Why Bluetooth is not always the obvious choice for contact transfer

Many Xiaomi users are used to syncing contacts through Google Account or Mi Cloud, but Bluetooth has several significant advantages:

• 🔄 No dependence on the Internet – transfers occur directly between devices, which is critical in the conditions of poor communication.
• 🛡️ Security – data is not uploaded to third-party servers (unlike cloud services).
• ⚡ Speed: Transfer of 500+ Bluetooth contacts often run faster than cloud upload and back-sync.
• 📱 Universality – This method works even on older Redmi models 4A or Mi A1, where there may be no current versions MIUI.

But there are also pitfalls. MIUI 14, Bluetooth contact switches off by default, which you need to manually activate, and if one of the devices has custom firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience), the standard algorithm may not work. In such cases, you will need to use workarounds, which we will describe below.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi has dual functionality enabled SIM-maps, contacts can be linked to a specific SIM. Before transfer, check that all numbers are stored in the phone’s memory, not on the card – otherwise they will not appear in the list to send.

Preparation of devices: 5 steps before transfer

Before you start transferring, make sure both smartphones are ready for the procedure.Missing at least one point can cause a failure or loss of some contacts.

Pay special attention to the contact repository to check where your numbers are stored:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Contact Management. → Imports/Exports.
4. Check that the list shows contacts from the Phone section, not the phone. SIM-map.

If your contacts are spread across different accounts (Google, SIM, You need to put them together:

1. In the same contact settings, select Combine Contacts.
2. Follow the system's hints to drain duplicates.
3. Export all contacts to the.vcf file (just in case).

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If one of the devices is installed MIUI Global, and on another — MIUI China, update both firmware to the latest version before transfer. MIUI China has no option to send contacts via Bluetooth.

Step-by-step: how to transfer contacts via Bluetooth to Xiaomi

Now, let's get to the process. The manual is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO base MIUI 12-14 If you have a different firmware version, pay attention to alternative methods at the end of the article.

Step 1: Activation of visibility mode

On the original device (from which we will transmit contacts):

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and click on the Device Name (at the top of the screen).
3. Activate the option Visibly for all nearby devices for 2-5 minutes.

On the target device (where we will receive contacts):

1. Also turn on Bluetooth.
2. Click Device Search and wait until the original smartphone appears in the list.
3. Confirm pairing by entering the same code on both devices (usually 0000 or 1234).

Step 2: Sending Contacts

Return to the original device and:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Send Contacts (or Share in some versions) MIUI).
4. In the list of transmission methods, select Bluetooth.
5. Tick the required contacts (or click Select All).
6. Confirm the sending by selecting the target device from the list of conjugates.

The target device will receive a notification about the incoming file, and accept it, and the contacts will automatically be stored in the memory of the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you are sending an error, check if the target device is running a traffic saving mode in Bluetooth settings.This mode restricts the reception of large files (and contacts are transmitted as a.vcf file).

Step 3: Checking and Consolidating Contacts

After transmission:

1. Open Contacts on the target device.
2. Check that all numbers are displayed (sometimes a reboot is required).
3. If duplicates appear, use the function of Combine contacts in the settings.

Table: Compatibility of transmission methods with different versions MIUI

V MIUI 14, the Bluetooth contact option is hidden in the back of the menu. To activate it, you need to press the "Share" button in the Contacts app for 3 seconds, after which an additional Bluetooth menu will appear.

Alternative ways to do this if Bluetooth is not working

If the standard method didn't work, try one of these options, and they'll work for devices with non-standard firmware or Bluetooth failures.

Method 1: Export to.vcf and transfer via Bluetooth

This method is universal and works even on custom firmware:

1. On the source device, export contacts to the file: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
2. Select the.vcf format and save the file in the phone’s memory.
3. Open the file manager, find the contacts.vcf file and send it via Bluetooth as a regular file.
4. On the target device, open the received file through the Contacts app.

Method 2: Use Mi Cloud (if Bluetooth fails to work)

If both devices are linked to the same Xiaomi account:

1. On the original device: Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Contacts → Synchronize.
2. On the target device, log in to the same Mi Account and enable contact synchronization.
3. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: When synchronized via Mi Cloud, the contacts saved on the SIM-They need to be exported to the phone's memory.

Method 3: Data applications (for older models)

If you have a Xiaomi Redmi 3S Or an older model, try third-party apps:

• 📲 Send Anywhere – Wi-Fi Direct transmission without volume restrictions.
• 🔗 CLONEit – specializes in transferring contacts, messages and applications.
• 📎 SuperBeam is used by the QR-fast-transmission.

All of these apps are available on Google Play and do not require root rights, but make sure that both devices have the same version of the program installed.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes face problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: “I failed to send contacts”

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Low battery power – connect the device to charge (Bluetooth shuts down at a charge level below 15%).
• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal – reduce the distance between devices to 1 meter.
• 🔒 Firmware Restrictions - Update MIUI or use alternative methods.
• 📁 Too big file – break contacts into parts (200 pieces each) and send them separately.

Mistake 2: Contacts are transmitted but not saved

In this case:

1. Check if the memory on the target device is enough (at least 50 MB of free space is needed).
2. Open the.vcf file manually through the Contacts app.
3. Reboot your target smartphone – sometimes contacts appear after a reboot.

Error 3: No “Send Contacts” option is visible on the menu

It's typical of MIUI 14 or custom firmware. Solutions:

• 🔄 Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 📲 Install an alternative contact app (e.g. Simple Contacts).
• 🔧 Reset the settings of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes.

💡

If none of the methods worked, the most reliable way is to export contacts to a.vcf file and transfer them through the.vcf file. USB-cable.

Additional tips for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique features when transferring contacts, and here’s what owners of popular devices need to know:

For the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4

On these devices in MIUI 13/14 Bluetooth transmission is stable but can slow down with a large number of contacts (1000+). Decision:

• Break up contacts into groups of 300-400 pieces.
• Use Developer Mode to accelerate Bluetooth (enable Bluetooth debugging in the developer settings).

For Mi. 11/12/13 and flagship models

Xiaomi flagships sometimes have a conflict between Mi Cloud and local contacts to avoid duplicates:

1. Before transfer, turn off sync with Mi Cloud.
2. After the transfer, turn it back on and wait for the contacts to merge.

For older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1, Mi Max)

On devices with MIUI 9-11 or Android One, the standard method may not work:

• Use the Bluetooth File Transfer app from Google Play.
• Export contacts to.vcf and transfer via ES Conductor (there is a built-in option to send over Bluetooth).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions