How to Transfer Contacts from One Xiaomi to Another: All Ways to Go in 2026

Why moving contacts to Xiaomi requires a special approach

Xiaomi Android phones offer users a unique combination of standard Google features and branded solutions from the manufacturer, including contact management, which includes universal synchronization methods through a Google account, as well as exclusive tools like the Mi Cloud. However, many owners face problems when trying to transfer phone numbers between devices – especially when it comes to switching from the old model to the new one.

The main challenge is the variety of formats for storing contacts. On Xiaomi, they can be stored in the device's memory, on the device. SIM-map, in a Google or Mi Account, with some models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 series and the other two models). POCO X5) The default suggestion is to save new contacts to Mi Cloud, not Google, which creates confusion when syncing. In addition, when using third-party applications (such as Truecaller or Sync.ME), contacts can be duplicated or lost due to accounts.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer numbers between Xiaomi smartphones, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14).

Method 1: Sync through Mi Cloud (the fastest method for Xiaomi)

The branded Mi Cloud storage is the best option for Xiaomi owners, since it is integrated into the MIUI firmware and does not require the installation of additional applications. This method is suitable for transferring not only contacts, but also SMS, notes, photos and even system settings. The main condition is the presence of a Mi Account (if you do not have one, register in advance).

Step instructions:

• 📱 On an old smartphone: open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and turn on the slider opposite Contact. Wait for the sync to complete (the cloud icon will turn green).
• 🔄 On a new smartphone: log in to the same Mi Account when you first turn on or through Settings → Accounts. Then go to Mi Cloud and activate contact sync.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 minutes, contacts will appear in the phone book automatically. If this does not happen, restart the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Instant transfer without cables and third-party programs.
• 🔒 Data is encrypted and stored in the cloud (you can recover it even if you lose your phone).
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO regardless MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Access to the Mi Cloud can be restricted without VPN. In this case, use the alternative methods from this article.

Method 2: Export and import through Google Account (all Android)

If you prefer not to be attached to the Xiaomi ecosystem or plan to switch to a smartphone from another brand in the future, syncing through a Google account will be the best choice.This method ensures that your contacts are available on any Android device or even the web version of Google Contacts.

How to transfer contacts:

1. On your old phone, open Settings. → Accounts. → Google and select your profile. Make sure the Contact slider is on. If contacts have been previously stored in your device's memory, export them to Google: 📋 Open the Contacts app → ⋮ (menu) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. 📄 Select the.vcf format and save the file to your device or the cloud. ☁️ Import the file to Google Contacts via the web version (contacts.google.com).

Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has contacts saved SIM-You can't directly sync them to Google. First, export them to your device's memory through Contacts. → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.

Sign in to Google account on both devices

Check the activated contact synchronization

Export contacts from your phone/SIM to Google (if necessary)

Remove duplicates in Google Contacts (contacts.google.com/merge)

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Method 3: Transfer through SIM-map or Bluetooth (without internet)

If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or mobile network, you can use classic methods — SIM-These methods are suitable for transferring a small number of contacts (up to 250 numbers) and do not require registration in the cloud services.

Through SIM-map:

• 📱 On an old phone: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM. Choose the right contacts (or all) and confirm.
• 🔄 Move it. SIM-map.
• 📲 On the new phone: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.

Through Bluetooth:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
• 📋 On your old phone, open Contacts, select the numbers you want (or click on) ⋮ → Select everything) and click Share → Bluetooth.
• 📲 On the new phone, confirm the file acceptance (usually a.vcf file) and import it to the contacts.

Limitations of methods:

• 🚫 SIM-The card stores only names and numbers (without photo, email and additional fields).
• ⏳ Bluetooth Slowly Transmits Large Contact Lists (from 5 Minutes to 200 Numbers).
• 📵 Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) do not support exports to SIM.vcf format – only in outdated.adn.

💡

If, when importing from SIM-Contact cards are displayed without names (numbers only), try saving them first in your phone’s memory and then exporting them to Google or Mi Cloud.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a large amount of data or the need to transfer additional information such as call history), you can use specialized applications.

• 📱 My Contacts Backup – Exports contacts to.vcf and sends them to email.
• ☁️ Super Backup & Restore – Supports contact backup, SMS and call logs.
• 🔄 CLONEit – transfers data over Wi-Fi directly between devices (including contacts, photos and apps).

Instructions for CLONEit (recommended for Xiaomi):

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play or APKMirror (if Play Market is not available).
2. On the old phone, select the sender, on the new one, the receiver.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point on an old device.
4. Select Contacts in the data list for transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start, otherwise the transmission may be interrupted.

Method 5: Manual transfer via.vcf file (for those who like control)

If you prefer to manually manage a process or want to back up your contacts on your computer, exporting to a.vcf (vCard) file is the ideal solution, and it is supported by all modern devices and services, including Outlook, Yandex.Mail and iCloud.

Step-by-step:

1. On an old phone: 📱 Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. 📄 Select the.vcf format and specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads). 📎 Move the file to a new phone via Bluetooth, email or USB-cable.

• 📲 Open the.vcf file (usually opened automatically in the Contacts app).
• 🔄 Confirm the import and wait for the process to be completed.

Advantages of the method:

• 💾 A.vcf file can be stored on a computer or in the cloud as a backup.
• 🔧 Allows you to edit contacts before importing (e.g., delete unnecessary numbers).
• 🌍 Compatible with any device, including iPhone, Windows Phone and even old Nokia.

💡

The.vcf file is the only universal format for transferring contacts between different operating systems, and always back it up before you reset your phone to factory settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following instructions, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter errors when transferring contacts, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are not synced with Mi Cloud

• 🔌 Check your internet connection (sync only works via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Reboot the device and re-enable synchronization in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Make sure the latest version is installed on the device. MIUI (Update to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts after importation

• 🧹 In Google Contacts (contacts.google.com), use the Find and Combine Duplicates tool.
• 📱 Open Contacts on the phone → ⋮ → Settings → Connecting contacts.
• 🚫 Before importing, remove old contacts from the device’s memory to avoid overlapping.

Problem 3: I don't see any export options SIM-map

• 📌 On some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F4) This feature is hidden. Try using the Google Contacts app instead of the standard one.
• 🔧 Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (Some devices support export only to the main card).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions