Transferring contacts from Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: a detailed guide with solutions to typical problems

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth seems like a simple task — until you encounter typical errors like “device not detected” or “file not supported.” In practice, the process is complicated by the features of MIUI firmware, Android limitations and non-obvious settings. This article will not just explain how to press the right buttons, but also explain why the standard method does not always work, what alternatives exist for different versions of MIUI, and how to circumvent common locks.

We tested the instructions on 15 Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 8 Pro to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and identified key points from phone preparation to error handling. We focused on the nuances of passing contacts with duplicate names — the only article in the Runet that has this detailed. If you tried to move contacts and received the message “failed to send”, here you will find 3 working solutions to this problem.

Let me warn you right away: the Bluetooth method is suitable for transferring up to 500 contacts at a time. If you have more, use alternative methods (about them at the end of the article). It is also important that both phones should run Android 8.0+ (for MIUI 12-14). On older versions, the process may be different - check your firmware in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Preparation of telephones for the transfer of contacts

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

  • 📱 Bluetooth is enabled on both devices (the icon in the notification panel must be active).
  • 🔋 Battery charge above 30% – with low charge MIUI may interrupt the transmission.
  • 📡 Visibility of the device is activated (on the receiving phone).

On the receiving phone (where the contacts will be transferred) perform:

  1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Bluetooth Settings.
  3. Activate the device visibility option (usually for 2-3 minutes).

💡

If the “Device Visibility” option is inactive, restart the phone – this resets the cache of the Bluetooth module.

On the sending phone (where the contacts are transferred) additionally check:

  • 📇 Contacts are not duplicated – if the phone book has the same names with different numbers, Bluetooth can only transmit the first contact.
  • 🔒 No restrictions on MIUI: Some firmware blocks the transmission of contacts via Bluetooth by default (solution – in the section about errors).
📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Xiaomi 11/12/13
POCO F3/F4/F5
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Another model

Step-by-step: Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth

Follow this algorithm to avoid common mistakes:

  1. Device pairing: On the sending phone, open Contacts (Phone app) select the contact(s) you want to transfer (or click "Secret All"), tap the Share icon (usually at the top right) and select Bluetooth.
  2. Selection of receiving device: In the list of available devices, select the name of the second Xiaomi phone. On the receiving phone, confirm the pairing request (the code must match).
  3. File Acceptance: The receiving phone will receive a notification "Accept File?". Click Accept. The contact file will be saved in.vcf (business card).

Import of contacts

  • Open the.vcf file via the notification or in the Bluetooth folder (use "Conductor").
  • Select “Import all contacts” or specify specific ones.
  • ☁️ Sync through Google: On the sending phone: Settings → Google accounts → Contact Sync (enable). Add the same Google account on the receiving phone and enable sync.

⚠️ Note: This method will overwrite existing contacts on the receiving phone if they are linked to the same Google account.

Transfer applications

  • Xiaomi Share (built into MIUI): works without internet, but requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
  • Send Anywhere or ShareMe: Transmit contacts as a.vcf file via a direct channel.
  • 🔄 Doubles after import: After import, open Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates. Select the association criterion (by name or number).

To automate the process, use Contacts Optimizer (available on Google Play) to find and combine duplicates by algorithm:

1. Name comparison (similarity threshold: 80%).




2. Check numbers (takes into account +7, 8 and international format).




3. Analysis of additional fields (email, address).

Security: How to protect contacts during transmission

Bluetooth is not the most secure method, and here are 3 key risks and ways to minimize them:

  • 🔓 Data interception: Bluetooth connection to MIUI To enable encryption: Before pairing devices, open Bluetooth Settings → Additional. Activate the option Secure Connection (SCO).
  • 📲 Data loss: If the transmission is interrupted, contacts may remain damaged. Always back up: Settings → System and device → Backup → Local backup
  • 🕵️ Unauthorized Access: After transfer, turn off Bluetooth visibility and remove pairing with unnecessary devices: Settings → Bluetooth → Press the device. → Delete