The transition to the new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to preserving important data. Contacts accumulated over the years cannot be lost: business correspondence, personal connections and even archival numbers that may be needed at the most unexpected moment. Fortunately, the MIUI ecosystem offers several reliable ways to transfer contacts between devices of the same brand, from automatic synchronization to manual export.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), port features on the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other popular devices. You will learn which method is the fastest, which is the most versatile, and how to avoid typical errors, such as duplicate recordings or loss of photos of contacts. If you have already tried to migrate data and encountered problems, at the end of this article there is an FAQ with solutions for common cases.
1. Transfer contacts through Xiaomi account (MI-account)
The easiest and most reliable way is to use built-in synchronization through MI-This method works on all devices with MIUI, Starting with version 8, it ensures that not only the numbers are safe, but also the photos, notes and groups associated with them.
Instructions:
- 📱 On an old Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Accounts and synchronization → MI-account.
- ☁️ Make sure the contact sync switch is active (green). If not, turn it on and wait until the process is complete (may take up to 5 minutes).
- 🔄 On the new Redmi, enter the same MI-Account through Settings → Accounts. → Add an account.
- 📥 After authorization, go to Contacts → Settings → Accounts and sync. Contacts will automatically appear.
☑️ Checking before synchronization
⚠️ Note: If the new Redmi already has contacts, they can overwrite data from the cloud. To avoid losses, pre-export existing contacts to a.vcf file (see section 4).
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Automatic updates when adding new contacts | It requires a stable internet. |
| Keeps photos and contact groups | Doesn't work. MI-account |
| Fast (1-2 minutes) | There may be duplicates in the merger |
2. synchronization through Google account
If you prefer Google Contacts or do not want to be associated with MI-So if you have an account, it's the best solution, and it's suitable for transferring to Redmi from any Android device, including Samsung or Huawei, and you have to use the same Google account on both phones.
Step-by-step:
- On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable Contact Sync.
- Wait for the process to be completed (check Contacts → Settings → Accounts – check the box opposite Google).
- On the new Redmi, add the same Google account through Settings → Accounts → Add an account.
- Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Import/Export → Import from Google.
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If contacts don’t show up, check if traffic savings are turned off in Settings → Connections → Data Use → Traffic Savings. Synchronization can be blocked by background restrictions.
Important: When you first log in to a Google account on the new Redmi, the system may offer to restore data from the backup. You can opt out of this step if you want to transfer only contacts, otherwise the entire history of calls, SMS and applications will be restored.
3. Transfer of contacts over Bluetooth
If you don’t have access to the internet or prefer direct transmission without cloud services, Bluetooth is an easy solution, and it’s suitable for carrying a small number of contacts (up to 500 records) as the process is manual and can take time.
How to move:
- 🔵 On both phones, turn on Bluetooth via notification panel or Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
- 📲 On your old phone, open Contacts, select the required entries (or tap Allow All).
- 📤 Press Share. → Bluetooth and select the new Redmi from the list of devices.
- 📥 On the new phone, confirm the file acceptance (usually a.vcf file).
- 📱 After transfer, open the received file - the system will suggest adding contacts to the phone book.
What if Bluetooth doesn’t find the device?
⚠️ Note: When sending a large number of contacts (more than one) 200) Bluetooth can break the connection, in which case break the list into parts by 50-100 record.
4.Export and import via VCF file
The.vcf (vCard) format is the universal standard for storing contacts supported by all modern smartphones, which is ideal if you want to back up or transfer contacts to a device from another OS (for example, from Xiaomi to iPhone).
Instructions:
- On your old phone, open your contacts. → Settings (⚙️) → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
- Select a save location (e.g., Internal Memory → Downloads) and confirm the export.
- Transfer the contacts.vcf file to the new Redmi via: 📁 Explorer (if both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi via Mi Drop) 💻 Computer (connect both phones by phone) USB) ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)
new
.vcf
🔹 The advantage of the method: the.vcf file can be edited manually (for example, delete duplicates or unnecessary entries) using a text editor or specialized programs such as: VCF Editor.
5. Transfer of contacts through SIM-map
The old but proven way is to use SIM-It is suitable for the base Redmi models (e.g. Redmi). 9A Redmi 8, where memory is limited, or when other methods are not available. SIM-The card only stores numbers and names – photos, email and other data will be lost.
How to move:
- 📱 Put it on the old phone. SIM-The map you will use in the new Redmi.
- 📞 Open Contacts. → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export on SIM.
- 🔄 Select contacts for export (usually limiting 250 entries per export) SIM).
- 📱 Move it. SIM-Map to the new Redmi, open contact → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.
| Model Redmi | Max. SIM contacts. | Supported fields |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13 | 250 | Name, number. |
| Redmi 10/11 | 200 | Name, number, number two. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | 150 | Name, number. |
⚠️ Note: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the recording of contacts on the Internet. SIM-If you don't have an option, try using it. SIM another operator or contact the communication salon.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The way you migrate depends on your priorities: speed, data security, or versatility. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine.
| Method | Speed. | Data stored | Internet is required | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MI-account | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Name, number, photo, group | Yes. | All models of Xiaomi/Redmi |
| Google account | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Name, number, email, photo | Yes. | Any Android devices |
| Bluetooth | ⭐⭐ | Name, number. | No. | Transfer of up to 500 contacts |
| VCF file | ⭐⭐⭐ | All data (depending on exports) | No. | Backup, cross-platform transfer |
| SIM-map | ⭐ | Name, number. | No. | Basic models, without the Internet |
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For most users, synchronization is optimal. MI-Account or Google: These methods ensure that all data is kept safe and automatically updated when new contacts are added.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have trouble.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:
- Contacts are not synchronized through MI-Check the account: 🔄 Is synchronization enabled in the settings → MI-account → Synchronization. 📶 Is there internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data). 🔄 Is it worth limiting the background for the Contacts app (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Battery → No restrictions).
- Duplicate contacts after transfer Use the merge function: Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Combine Doubles. Manually select repeating entries or click Combine All.
Contact photos not moved
Photos are kept separate from the main data, so that they can be saved:
- Export contacts to.vcf via Google Contacts (the web version on your computer).
- Or use the Mi Mover app (available from the Mi App Store).