Transferring contacts from Xiaomi to your computer seems like a simple task โ until you encounter the nuances MIUI. Unlike โpureโ Android, Xiaomiโs firmware hides some settings, and standard sync methods (such as through a Google Account) can work unstable. 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T, where MIUI 14/15 Adjustments to the data export process.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer contacts โ from classical copying through the Internet. USB-pre-sync cable via Mi Cloud and third-party services like My Phone Explorer, each method tested on current firmware versions and suitable for Android 11-14 devices. MIUI, which can block the export of contacts without additional settings.
If you need to move not only the numbers, but also the history of calls, SMS Or notes -- we'll tell you what the ways are that data is supported, and for those of you who are afraid of losing information, we'll give you a backup checklist before we start.
1. Preparation of Xiaomi phone for export contacts
Before you start the transfer, you need to make sure that the contacts on your Xiaomi are stored in the correct format and are available for export. SIM-card or in a closed Mi Account without synchronization.
Check the location of the contact:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap on three points (โฎ) top-right โ Contact management.
- Select Import/Export โ Export to file.
- If the option is inactive, then the contacts are tied to the SIM-card or Mi Account.
How to fix it:
- ๐ฑ S SIM-Maps: Go to Contacts โ Settings โ Imports/Exports โ Import with SIM and save numbers in your phone memory or Google Account.
- โ๏ธ From Mi Cloud: Enable synchronization in Settings โ Accounts. โ Mi Account โ Synchronization (authorization may be required).
- ๐ In Google Account: Add a Google account to Settings โ Accounts and enable contact synchronization.
Please note if you are using Redmi or POCO two-way SIM-In the cards, contacts can be shared between them. combine them in one place (for example, in Google Contacts) before exporting.
Check the location of the contacts (phone)/SIM/account)
Combine contacts in one source (Google Account is recommended)
Make sure there is enough memory on the phone to create a backup.
Turn off battery optimization for the Contacts app (Settings โ Applications โ Contacts โ Battery โ Without restrictions)
Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi network (for cloud-based ways)-->
Method 1: Exporting contacts via Mi Account (Mi Cloud)
The most reliable method for Xiaomi owners is to use the built-in cloud service Mi Cloud, which automatically synchronizes contacts, photos and notes, allowing you to download them to your PC in.vcf format (business card).
Step-by-step:
- On your phone, go to Settings. โ Accounts. โ Mi Account.
- Log in (if not authorized) and enable contact synchronization.
- On your computer, open your browser and go to i.mi.com.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
- Select the Contact section โ press three points (โฎ) โ Exports.
- Download the contacts.vcf file and save it to your PC.
Mi Cloud allows you to export contacts in batches (all at once) or selectively, but there are limitations:
- ๐ซ Maximum file size: 10MB (about 2,500 contacts).
- ๐ If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirmation will be required SMS.
- โณ Synchronization can take up to 10 minutes with a large amount of data.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you have previously used Mi Cloud on another device, contacts may be duplicated. Before exporting, check them on the site and delete the duplicate entries through the Find and Combine duplicates option.
๐ก
To speed up synchronization, restart your phone before exporting and turn off the power saving mode in the Mi Account settings.
Method 2: Transfer through USB-cable (for Windows and macOS)
The classical method using USB-And the cable is suitable for people who don't want to upload data to the cloud. MIUI restricts access to the default contact files, so additional settings will be required.
Instructions for Windows:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via the original cable (preferably from the kit).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
- Open This Computer โ Find a Xiaomi Device
- Go to Internal Storage โ MIUI โ Backup โ AllBackup.
- Find a file with the.vcf extension (for example, contacts_20260515.vcf) And copy it to a PC.
If the AllBackup folder is empty:
- ๐ฒ Create a backup of contacts on your phone: Settings โ The phone. โ Backup โ Local backup.
- ๐ Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (Table View) โ Hidden elements).
- ๐ Reconnect your phone if the folder doesnโt show up.
โ ๏ธ Note: MacOS may require Android File Transfer installation (official software from Google) and check that the phone allows access to files for PC: Settings โ Additionally. โ Developer โ Debugging by USB (Turn on if the option is available).
| computer OS | Required SOFTWARE | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Mi drivers PC Suite (optional) | Supports MTP without additional |
| macOS | Android File Transfer | Can not see.vcf files without access permissions |
| Linux (Ubuntu/Debian) | gvfs-mtp, mtp-tools | Requires manual installation of the device |
4. Method 3: Sync through Google Account
If your contacts are linked to a Google Account, they can be easily exported to your PC via the Google Contacts web interface.This method is universal and works even if the phone is lost or broken.
How to transfer contacts:
- On Xiaomi phone, make sure sync is enabled: Settings โ Accounts. โ Google โ Synchronization of contacts.
- On your computer, open your browser and go to contacts.google.com.
- Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
- Press More (โฎ) โ Exports.
- Select the Google format CSV (for import to other services or vCard (for backup).
- Click Export and save the file.
Advantages of the method:
- โ๏ธ Contacts are available on any device with access to an account.
- ๐ Automatic synchronization when adding new numbers.
- ๐ The ability to edit contacts directly in the browser.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you have previously used Mi Accounts to store contacts, you will need to transfer them to your Google Account first:
- Export contacts from Mi Cloud to.vcf (see Method 2).
- Import this file to Google Contacts via the web interface.
What if Google Contacts doesnโt show all your contacts?
5. Method 4: Using third-party software (My Phone Explorer, Mobogenie)
If standard methods do not work (for example, due to failures in the MIUI And if you don't have access to the cloud, you'll get some specialized tools, and one of the most reliable is My Phone Explorer, which supports Xiaomi and allows you to manage your contacts, SMS call-logs.
Instructions for transferring through My Phone Explorer:
- Download and install My Phone Explorer from the official website (free version is sufficient).
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB and select the File Transfer Mode.
- Run the program and wait until it determines the device.
- In the main menu, select Contacts. โ Exports.
- Specify the format (vCard or CSV) and folder.
Pros of the program:
- ๐ Supports the export of call logs and SMS (unlike standard methods).
- ๐ง It works even if the sync with the cloud is disabled.
- ๐ฑ Compatible with Xiaomi on Android 8-14.
Alternative programmes:
| Programme | Xiaomi support | Exports of contacts | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobogenie | Yes (requires) USB-debugging) | vCard, CSV | Application management, backup |
| Dr.Fone | Yes (paid version) | vCard, Excel, XML | Restore Remote Contacts |
| Syncios | Yes. | vCard, CSV, TXT | Transfer of music, video, photos |
โ ๏ธ Note: When using third-party software, disable the antivirus while you connect your phone. Some utilities (such as Mobogenie) can be blocked as potentially dangerous due to deep access to device data.
Method 5: Transfer of contacts over Bluetooth (for small lists)
If you have to move a few contacts (up to 50 to 100) and you don't have any cable or Internet, you can use Bluetooth, which is slower than the others, but doesn't require any additional software.
How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:
- On Xiaomi phone, turn on Bluetooth in the notification panel.
- On PC, turn on Bluetooth (for Windows: Settings) โ Devices โ Bluetooth).
- Connect devices (enter a confirmation code if required).
- On the phone, open Contacts, select the desired numbers (holding your finger on the first contact, mark the rest).
- Press Share. โ Bluetooth and select your PC.
- Accept the file on your computer (usually saved in the Download folder).
Limitations of the method:
- ๐ข Slow transmission (about 1-2 contacts per second).
- ๐ต Not all PCs support Bluetooth file reception (especially laptops without an adapter).
- ๐ Contacts are transmitted one file per number (many small.vcf).
Important: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The Bluetooth contact option may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Contacts โ Permits and enable Bluetooth access.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face problems exporting contacts, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: Contacts are not exported to.vcf
- ๐น Reason: Contacts are retained on SIM-card or closed account.
- ๐น Solution: Move them to your phone memory or Google Account (see Section 1).
Problem 2: Mi Cloud is not syncing contacts
- ๐น Reason: No Internet, power saving mode or outdated version MIUI.
- ๐น Solution: Check the connection to Wi-Fi/Mobile Internet. Turn off battery optimization for Mi Cloud in Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ Mi Cloud โ Battery, upgrade. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
Problem 3: Computer cannot see the phone USB
- ๐น Reason: Drivers are not installed or the wrong connection mode is selected.
- ๐น Solution: Reconnect the cable by selecting File Transfer Mode (MTP). Set up Mi. PC Suite from the official website. On Windows, update drivers through Device Manager (Portable Devices section).
Problem 4: Exported contacts are opened in hieroglyphics
- ๐น Reason: Incorrect encoding of the.vcf file.
- ๐น Solution: Open the file in Notepad, save with encoding UTF-8, Or import it through Google Contacts.