How to transfer contacts to the new smartphone Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Why Moving Contacts to Xiaomi Needs Attention

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always an exciting moment, but many users face an unexpected problem: how to transfer contacts from an old device without losing a single number, POCO or Mi has at least 5 proven ways – from classic copying through SIM-The map is to the Mi Cloud and Google Account cloud services, but not all methods are equally reliable: some can duplicate records, others can skip the numbers associated with messenger accounts.

In this article, we will explore the unique nuances of transferring contacts to Xiaomi smartphones, including the features of MIUI 14/15 firmware, working with Chinese versions of devices and solutions for cases when an old phone is lost or broken, you will learn which way is the fastest, which is the safest, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as losing contact photos or synchronization failures.

Before you start, check two key points: 1) The new Xiaomi should have a primary Google account or Mi Account set up (depending on the method chosen). 2 On the old phone, contacts should not be tied to only the user. SIM-Card – these numbers are often lost when the card is moved.

Method 1: Sync through Google Account (universal method)

This method works for any Android smartphone, including Xiaomi, Samsung or even iPhone (with some reservations), the main advantage is that contacts are automatically updated on all devices associated with a single account, but there are pitfalls: if on an old phone contacts are stored only in the device’s memory (not in Google), they will have to be exported first.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 On your old phone: Open Settings → Accounts. → Google, select your account and enable contact sync. If you already have an option, click on Sync Now».
• ☁️ Check in the cloud: go to contacts.google.com from your computer or new phone.
• 🆕 On the new Xiaomi: when you first turn on, log in to the same Google account. Contacts will be automatically downloaded within 5-10 minutes. If this does not happen, check Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone used a Mi Account to store contacts (such as the previous Xiaomi), you can’t transfer them via Google).

Method 2: Copying contacts through SIM-card (for emergency cases)

This method is suitable if you do not have access to the Internet or your old phone is broken or discharged. SIM-The card is in good condition, but it has serious limitations: 1 SIM-The card only stores numbers and names (no photos, mail or additional fields). 2 The maximum number of contacts is usually 250-500 (depending on the operator). 3 The process takes a long time with a large number of records.

How to transfer contacts via SIM:

1. Put it in. SIM-card.
2. Open the Contacts app, click on three dots (menu) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
3. Select contacts for export (or click “Select all”) and confirm.
4. Extract. SIM-Map and paste the new Xiaomi.
5. On your new phone, repeat the path: Contacts → Management → Import with SIM-map.

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If SIM-You already have contacts, back up before exporting, back them up to your phone or the cloud, and when you import, new records can erase old records!

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) export option SIM To find it, press the filter first. → SIM-Contacts, then open the menu.

Method 3: Transfer over Mi Cloud (for owners of previous Xiaomi)

If your old phone was Xiaomi, the most reliable way to use the branded Mi Cloud. It saves not only contacts, but also messages, notes, settings and even data of some applications. However, the service has two key nuances: 1) On the old phone should be enabled synchronization with the Mi Cloud before switching to a new device. 2) In the Chinese versions of Xiaomi (for example, for the Chinese market), the Mi Cloud can work unstable.

Instructions for transfer:

• 🌐 On the old Xiaomi: go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud and enable contact sync. Wait until it's finished (the cloud icon turns green).
• 📲 On the new Xiaomi: when you first turn on, log in to the same Mi Account. Contacts will be automatically downloaded. If the phone is already set up, go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Synchronize and activate the option.
• ⏳ Forced Sync: If no contacts appear, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the Mi Cloud screen and select Sync Now».

⚠️ Note: If you have used dual sync (both Google and Mi Cloud), the new phone may have duplicate contacts. To avoid this, turn off sync in one of the services before transferring.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (SHAREit, Xender)

If you need to move contacts without clouds or without clouds SIM-The main advantage of these apps is the high speed (data is transmitted over a local Wi-Fi Direct network) and the ability to transfer additional data (contact photos, call history), but there are also risks: Some apps request excessive permissions or display ads.

Step-by-step instructions for SHAREit:

1. Install SHAREit on both phones from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. On your old phone, open the app, select Send → Contacts and mark the required entries.
3. On the new Xiaomi, click “Get” and scan. QR-screencode.
4. Confirm the data transfer. Contacts will be stored in the memory of the new device.

🔹 Important: Once you migrate, check where the contacts are stored. Sometimes they end up in Local Contacts (not in sync with the clouds). To avoid loss, export them to Google or Mi Cloud:

Settings → Applications → Contacts → Contact Warehouse → Import / Export

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The side of the application is convenient for one-time transfer, but not suitable for constant synchronization. After transferring data, configure a cloud backup (Google or Mi Cloud) to avoid future losses.

Method 5: Transfer from iPhone to Xiaomi (features and life hacks)

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi is a separate story, because Apple doesn't provide a direct way to export your contacts to Android, so you'll have to use workarounds, and the most reliable way to do that is sync through Google Account or iCloud, and let's look at both.

Option 1: Google Account (recommended)

• 🍎 On iPhone, open Settings → Contacts → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.
• Enter your Google account details and enable contact sync.
• 📱 Log in to the same account on Xiaomi – contacts will be automatically downloaded.

Option 2: Through iCloud (if Google is not suitable)

• 🌍 On your computer, go to iCloud.com, log in to your Apple. ID Export your contacts to a.vcf file.
• 📩 Send this file to your email or upload it to Google Contacts (via Import).
• 📲 On Xiaomi, sync Google contacts (see Method 1).

⚠️ Note: When transferring from the iPhone, call and group melodies tied to the contacts (for example, “Family” or “Work”) are often lost.

What to do if contacts are not transferred or duplicated

Even with proper portability, there can be problems: contacts don't show up, duplicate or appear without names. Here's how to solve them:

Problem 1: Contacts didn’t appear on the new Xiaomi

• 🔄 Check if synchronization is enabled: Settings → Accounts. → Google/Mi → Synchronization of contacts.
• 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes synchronization occurs with a delay.
• 🔧 If you use Mi Cloud, try logging out and logging in again.

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts

This happens if contacts are synced from multiple sources at the same time (e.g. Google). + SIM-map + Mi Cloud. To clear out the doubles:

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.

Problem 3: No contact photos

Photos may not be transferred if:

• 📱 Contacts were kept on SIM-map (photo on) SIM persist).

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If your contacts are missing, try to restore them from a messenger backup. For example, on WhatsApp: Settings → Chat → Backup → Restore.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi