How to transfer contacts to Xiaomi: all the ways with instructions and nuances

Transferring contacts to a new Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when buying a device or resetting settings. Even if you have never synchronized data before, the process can be done in 5-15 minutes by choosing the right method. The main thing is to understand in advance where and where you need to move contacts: from another Android smartphone, iPhone, SIM-card-backup.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts to Xiaomi in 2026, including official methods from the manufacturer and universal solutions. For example, why contacts may not show up after syncing through Mi Account, or how to avoid duplication of records when importing from iCloud. FAQ-block.

If you are switching from iPhone to Xiaomi, the most reliable way is to use a file. VCF Or sync through Google Contacts, and it's easiest for owners of other Android devices to use the built-in feature. MI Mover or cloud service MI Cloud, and for those who keep contacts on SIM-The card, the classic import through the phone menu, then the detailed instructions for each scenario.

1. Transfer contacts through Google Account (universal method)

Google Contact Sync is the most reliable and cross-platform method that works on any Android device, including all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models. The main advantage is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on any device after authorization.

To transfer contacts from another Android smartphone:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Make sure the switch opposite Contact is on (if not, manually activate synchronization).
3. On the new Xiaomi, when you first enable, select Sign in to your Google account and use the same data.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

If you are switching from an iPhone:

• 📱 On iPhone, open Settings → Contacts → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.
• 🔄 Enter Google Account details and enable contact synchronization.
• 📲 Sign in to the same account on Xiaomi – contacts will be automatically connected.

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone contacts were only stored in iCloud, you should export them in format first. VCF via iCloud.com web version and then import to Xiaomi via Contacts → Imports/Exports.

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If after synchronization, some contacts did not appear, check the group filter in the Contacts app (click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Display contacts → select All contacts).

2.Using Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

Mi Account is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud service that allows you to sync not only contacts, but also messages, notes, photos. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco elsewhere.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On an old Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization.
2. Turn on the slider opposite Contacts and wait for the backup to be completed.
3. On the new device, sign in to the same Mi Account when you first enable or through Settings → Xiaomi Account.
4. Activate contact synchronization – the data will be downloaded automatically.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Automatically update contacts when changing on any device.
• 📱 It works without a Google Account.
• 🔒 Data is encrypted and stored on Xiaomi servers.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Account for the first time, be sure to attach an email or phone number to it to restore access. Without this, if you lose your password, you will lose access to all synchronized data.

3. Import of contacts from SIM-card

If your contacts are saved to SIM-These can be easily transferred to Xiaomi via the standard Contacts app, which is suitable for owners of old phones or those who prefer to store data on the mobile phone. SIM.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SIM-map.
2. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
3. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are several) and mark the contacts for import.
5. Click Import and select where to save contacts: to your Google account, Mi Account or phone.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Nana SIM-Only the name and number are stored (without photos, email and other fields).
• 📏 Usually. SIM No more than 250-300 contacts.
• 🔠 Contact names may be displayed in incorrect encoding (manual editing is done).

4. Transfer via VCF file (vCard)

VCF (or vCard) is the universal standard for export/import contacts, supported by all modern smartphones, including Xiaomi, iPhone and even some landline phones, and the VCF file can be transferred via Bluetooth, email, messenger or cloud storage.

How to export contacts to VCF:

• 📱 On Android: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Export to file → VCF. The file will be stored in internal memory.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Go to iCloud.com, select Contacts → ⚙️ → Exports vCard.
• 💻 From the computer: If contacts are stored in Outlook or Gmail, export them through the web-based mail interface.

How to import VCF to Xiaomi:

1. Copy the.vcf file to your smartphone (for example, via Bluetooth, Telegram or Google Drive).
2. Open the file through Files or Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
3. Select an account to save (Google, Mi Account or phone).

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The VCF file is the only way to transfer contacts from your iPhone to Xiaomi without losing data (photos, emails, notes) if you are not using a Google Account.

5. MI Mover app (to switch from Android to Xiaomi)

MI Mover is Xiaomi’s official app for transferring data between devices, allowing you to move not only contacts, but also messages, photos, apps and even Wi-Fi settings. The app works on Wi-Fi Direct, so it doesn’t require an internet connection.

How to use MI Mover:

Install MI Mover on both devices (available on Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS)

On the old phone, select I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.

Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or use an access point

Select data for transfer (check Contacts)

Wait until the process is complete (don’t interrupt the connection!)

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Features of MI Mover:

• ⚡ Faster than cloud synchronization (data is transmitted directly).
• 📦 Supports the transfer of call history and SMS.
• 🔌 Requires that both devices have enough battery power (minimum 20%).

⚠️ Note: If you are moving through MI Mover contacts are duplicated, delete duplicate entries through Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Combining and correcting.

6. Problem Solving: Contacts not moved or duplicated

Sometimes, once you've moved, the contacts may not show up, duplicate, or disappear, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: Contacts are not synced through your Google Account.

• 🔍 Check your internet connection (synchronization only works with a stable connection).
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google → your email → Synchronize contacts and turn it on manually.
• 📱 Make sure that the Contacts app selects all contacts (not just from your phone).

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts after importation.

Problem 3: Contacts are displayed without names (numbers only).

• 📇 This can happen when importing from SIM-Solution: Open every contact and save it again.
• 🔤 If the problem is massive, export contacts to the VCF, edit the file on your computer (e.g., in Excel) and import back.

Important: If you reset your smartphone to factory settings and the contacts were only stored in your phone's memory (not in Google or Mi Account), it will be impossible to restore them. Always back up before resetting!

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi