How to transfer contacts to the iPhone Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways 2026

Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a big step, and the main task is to save all the important data, especially contacts. Many users face the problem: how to transfer a phone book from iOS to Android without loss when the operating systems are fundamentally different? In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to migrate contacts, including cloud services, physical and other services. SIM-map and specialized applications - taking into account the features of the Redmi 9.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi uses its own MIUI shell, which can interact with data from iCloud or Google Account in different ways. We tested each method on current versions of the software (iOS 17+ and MIUI 14+) and highlighted nuances that will help avoid typical errors, such as why profile photos can disappear when synchronizing through Google Contacts or how to properly export data if iCloud Drive is disabled on the iPhone.

Regardless of the method chosen, before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices have enough battery power (at least 50%), and Redmi 9 is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network - this will speed up data transfer and reduce the risk of failure. If you use two-factor authentication in Apple ID or Google Account, prepare backup access codes in advance.

1. Transfer contacts via iCloud (the most reliable way)

iCloud sync is the best option if you’ve been using Apple’s services, which saves not only phone numbers, but also additional fields (email, addresses, birthdays), as well as attached photos of contacts, the main condition is that the iPhone must be enabled to sync contacts with iCloud.

To move the data:

• 📱 Open on iPhone Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and make sure that the slider opposite Contact is active (green).
• 🌐 Go to iCloud.com on your computer, log in and select Contacts.
• ⚙️ Click on the gear icon in the lower left corner and select Export vCard..vcf file will be saved to your PC.
• 📲 Send this file to Xiaomi Redmi 9 (for example, via Telegram or Google Drive) and open it – the system will prompt you to import contacts.

⚠️ Note: If you have more than 3,000 contacts, iCloud can break the export into multiple.vcf files. Import them to Redmi 9 in turn, otherwise duplicates or omissions may occur.

The advantage of this method is to maintain a complete contact structure, including groups (such as Family or Work).However, if you have never set up iCloud, you will have to wait until the first synchronization is completed before exporting, which can take up to 10 minutes depending on the amount of data.

2. Synchronization through Google Account (universal method)

If you plan to use Google services on Xiaomi Redmi 9, this is the most logical way to do this, not only to move contacts, but also to automatically sync them in the future between devices, and the main advantage is that data will be available in Gmail and other services of the ecosystem.

Instructions:

• 📱 On iPhone go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.
• 🔑 Enter your Google Account details (or create a new one) and enable Contact Sync.
• ⏳ Wait for synchronization to be completed (time depends on the number of contacts).
• 📲 On Xiaomi Redmi 9, add the same Google Account to Settings → Accounts and sync and enable contact sync.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced your contacts with Google on another device, new data from your iPhone may be duplicated. Before transferring, we recommend clearing your contacts in Google via the web version of contacts.google.com.

This method is especially useful if you plan to use Redmi 9 with other Google services (e.g. Google Photos or Calendar).However, note that MIUI can offer duplicate contacts from different sources (SIM, Google, local). To avoid confusion, select only Google Contacts in your contact settings on Xiaomi.

Make sure that the iPhone is enabled Wi-Fi or mobile Internet

Check the space available in your Google Account (contacts take up little space, but it is better to have a stock)

Disable two-factor authentication for synchronization time (if there are code issues)

Manually sync after adding an account to Redmi 9-->

3. Transfer of contacts through SIM-Card (for a small number of numbers)

If you have few contacts (up to 250) and no Internet access, you can use the Internet. SIM-This is a good way to migrate phone numbers, but does not store additional information (email, addresses, etc.) and also note that Redmi 9 supports nano-SIM, so if your card is of a different format, you will need an adapter.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 On iPhone go to Settings → Contacts → Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
• 🔄 Select contacts for export to SIM-Card (usually only name and number available).
• 📲 Put it in. SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 9, open the Contacts app and select Import/Export → Import with SIM-map.
• ✅ Confirm the import and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

The main disadvantage of this method is the restriction on the number of contacts (depending on the volume). SIM-maps, usually 200-250) and no support for extended fields, MIUI may not recognize the encoding of names (for example, Cyrillic), so after importing, check the correctness of the display.

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If, after importation, SIM-Some contacts are displayed as “Unknown”, try changing the encoding in the settings SIM. To do this, go to the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Coding → UTF-8.

4.Use the Move to iOS app (official way from Apple)

Apple’s Move to iOS app is designed specifically to migrate data from iPhone to Android, allowing you to migrate not only contacts, but also messages, photos, email accounts and even some settings. However, this method has important limitations: it only works when you initially set up Redmi 9 (not after launch) and requires you to connect to a single Wi-Fi network.

How to transfer data:

• 📱 Download Move to iOS from the App Store.
• 📲 On Xiaomi Redmi 9, select Data Transfer when you first turn on (if the device is already configured, you will have to reset!).
• 🔗 On your iPhone, open the app, follow the instructions, and enter the code that appears on Redmi 9.
• ✅ Select Contacts (and other data if necessary) and wait until the transfer is completed.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 9 has already been configured, using Move to iOS will result in a reset of all data on the device!

This method is convenient for complex transfer, but has a number of disadvantages:

Not all contact fields can be transferred correctly (for example, linked accounts in social networks).

The process takes a long time (up to 30 minutes with a large amount of data).

- Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi - if the connection breaks, the transfer will be interrupted.

5. Transfer through third-party applications (alternative solutions)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party apps like My Contacts Backup (for iPhone) or Copy My Data (a cross-platform solution), which often offer additional features like backup in Dropbox or Email.

Example of transfer via My Contacts Backup:

• 📱 Install the app on iPhone from the App Store.
• 📧 Click Backup and send backup to your email (file.vcf).
• 📲 On Xiaomi Redmi 9, open an email, download an attachment and import contacts.

Advantages of third-party applications:

Often support the transfer of additional data (notes, call histories).

It works even if iCloud or Google is disabled.

Some programs (such as Copy My Data) allow you to transfer data over Wi-Fi Direct without the Internet.

Be careful, though: some apps may ask for unnecessary permissions (such as SMS or geolocation access). Check reviews and in-store ratings before installing. Also avoid programs that require root access - it is not necessary to transfer contacts and may violate the security of Redmi 9.

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The app side is convenient for carrying additional data (such as call or note history), but always check their reputation before installing.+) and plenty of feedback.

6. Checking and cleaning of contacts after transfer

Once the transfer is complete, it is important to check the integrity of the data and fix any problems. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, open the Contacts app and:

• 🔍 Check for duplicates (especially if you have used multiple transfer methods).
• 📇 Make sure that all fields (phones, emails, addresses) are displayed correctly.
• 🖼️ Check contact photos – if they are not transferred, they can be added manually.

To remove duplicates:

1. Open Contacts on Redmi 9.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management → Combine and fix.
3. Follow the system's hints for merging repeating records.

If some contacts are not displayed correctly (for example, instead of Cyrillic - question marks), this may be due to encoding.

• Export your contacts back to the.vcf file.
• Open the file in a text editor (like Notepad++) and save it in UTF-8 encoding.
• Import the corrected file back to Redmi 9.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer