How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to another Android: all ways

Why Transferring Contacts to Xiaomi Redmi Needs a Special Approach

Transferring phone numbers from one smartphone to another seems like a trivial task – as long as you don’t encounter the features of the firmware. MIUI Unlike pure Android, where contacts are synced through a Google account by default, Redmi and other devices of the brand often use their own personalized device. MI-The account, and the sync settings are hidden deep in the menu, which causes users to lose contacts after resetting or switching to a new phone, without even knowing that the data was simply not exported correctly.

Another trap is duplicate contacts, if you've previously synced numbers with both Google and Google. MI-When you move to a new device, you may see repeated records. 5 Proven ways to transfer contacts with Xiaomi Redmi (including Note models) 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others) to avoid data loss and duplication. MIUI 12–14 and relevant to Android 10–14.

Method 1: Sync through Google account (the most reliable method)

This method is suitable if you plan to transfer contacts to another Android smartphone (not necessarily Xiaomi), the main advantage is that you automatically update your contact list when you add new numbers. However, on Redmi, sync with Google is often disabled by default, so you first need to check the settings.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app on your Redmi.
• 🔧 Press three dots (menu) → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts.
• ☁️ Select Google Sync and log in to your account if required.
• 🔄 Turn on the Autosynchronization switch and wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes with a large number of contacts).

After that, the contacts will appear on the new phone if you log in to the same Google account. To check if the sync is successful, go to contacts.google.com, where all your numbers should be displayed.

Log in to a Google account on an old phone

Make sure autosynchronization is enabled in your account settings

Check a stable Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection

Wait for notification of successful synchronization

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⚠️ Please note: If you have previously used MI-If you were to back up your contacts, they could only be saved in the Xiaomi cloud, and then you had to export them to Google or to the Xiaomi cloud. SIM-map (see Method 3).

Method 2: Export contacts to a VCF file (for manual transfer)

The.vcf (vCard) format is the universal standard for storing contacts that all modern smartphones support, and this method is useful if you want to save a backup or transfer numbers to a device without Internet access (for example, via a phone or a phone). USB-cable).

How to export:

• 📄 Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 📤 Select Export to File and specify a folder to save (e.g. Downloads).
• 📋 The file will be called contacts.vcf. Copy it to a new phone via Bluetooth, email or USB.
• 📥 Open the file on the new device – the system will prompt you to import contacts.

If the contacts.vcf file doesn’t open on a new phone, try importing it through the Contacts → Import from the file app. Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13) may need to install a third-party app, such as Contacts Backup & Restore.

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Before exporting, sort contacts into groups (e.g., Work, Family) to make it easier for the user to manage them on the new device.

Method 3: Transfer through SIM-Card (for older models or without internet)

This method is suitable for entry-level Xiaomi Redmi (e.g. Redmi A1, Redmi 8A) or if you don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

• 🚫 SIM-The card only stores the name and number (without photos, email or other fields).
• 📏 It usually contains no more than 250 contacts.
• ⚠️ When moving to a new one SIM Data on the old card is deleted (unless you make a backup copy).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SIM-map.
2. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to SIM.
3. Select the contacts to transfer (you can note everything) and confirm the export.
4. Move your SIM to your new phone and import contacts through the same menu.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 11 Pro) have an export option SIM In this case, use Method 2 (file) VCF) or install an app SIM Card Contacts from Google Play.

Method 4: Use MI-Account (for Xiaomi owners)

If you are transferring contacts to another Xiaomi smartphone (for example, with the Redmi Note 10 on the phone). POCO X5), conveniently MI-This method not only stores numbers, but also tied notes, birthdays and other tags that are not synced with Google.

Step-by-step:

• 🔑 Make sure you are on your old phone. MI-Account (check in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• ☁️ Enable Contact Synchronization: Go to Settings → Sync and activate the switch next to Contacts.
• 📱 On the new phone, enter the same MI-account and wait for automatic synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes).

The advantage of this is that it's fully compatible with the Xiaomi ecosystem, for example, if you use the Mi Band or Mi Home, contacts will be available on these services, but there's a caveat:

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MI-Your account is not synced to Google.-Xiaomi Device in the future, duplicate contacts in Google (Method) 1).

To avoid conflicts, disable contact synchronization with MI-Post-transfer account, unless you plan to use it:

Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Synchronization → Contacts (disable)

Method 5: Third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, due to a MIUI failure or a large amount of data), you can use specialized applications. We tested the 3 most reliable ones:

Recommendations for use:

1. Download the app on both phones (old and new).
2. On an older device, create a backup (usually a Backup or Export button).
3. Save the file to Google Drive or toss it over Bluetooth/USB.
4. On a new phone, import data through the same app.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require super-user (root) rights to back up SMS And call logs. On Xiaomi, that could lead to a reset. DRM-Keys (for example, Widevine will be lost) L1 for Netflix HD).

Synchronization with Google|Export to file VCF|Transfer through SIM-map|MI-account|Third-party annexes|Never had to endure.-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi Redmi users face common mistakes.

1. Contacts are duplicated after transfer

The reason: the same numbers are synced with both Google and Google MI-account:

• Open Contacts → Contact Management → Combine Duties.
• Turn off sync with one of your accounts (e.g. MI if you use Google).

2.The new phone does not display all contacts

Reason: contacts were only saved on SIM or in the phone's memory.

• Check if synchronization is included in Settings → Accounts.
• Import data from a.vcf file if you have previously exported it.

Error "Cannot import contacts"

The reason: corrupted.vcf file or version incompatibility.

• Try opening a file on your PC via Outlook or Thunderbird.
• Break the large file into a few smaller ones (500 contacts).

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If contacts are missing after the MIUI update, check the /sdcard/MIUI/backup/Contacts folder – there may be an automatic backup.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions