How to transfer contacts from Samsung to Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Switching from a Samsung smartphone to Xiaomi is always exciting: a new interface, different chips, but also a data-transfer headache. Contacts are the most valuable information you can't lose. Luckily, you have at least 5 working ways to migrate them without making mistakes, even if you've never done it before.

Many users mistakenly think that this requires special programs or root access. In fact, 90% of tasks are solved with standard Android tools that are already built into your Galaxy S23, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5. The main thing is to choose the method that is right for you: whether you want to sync contacts automatically, back up manually or use Xiaomi's proprietary utilities.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current ways of 2026, including the nuances for the new MIUI 14/15 and One UI 5/6. You’ll learn how to avoid duplicates, why some contacts may not be transferred, and what to do if Mi Account blocks sync, starting with the most reliable method, through a Google account.

1. Transfer contacts through Google Account (the most reliable way)

If you've ever set up a Samsung account with a Google Account, your contacts can already be synced automatically, and this method works on 100% of devices and ensures that data is safe even when you drop your phone, and the main advantage is that contacts are updated in real time, so you don't have to repeat the transfer when you buy a new smartphone.

To check if sync is enabled on Samsung:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Account Management.
2. Select your Google Account (usually your email @gmail.com).
3. Click Account Sync and make sure the slider opposite Contact is active.

If sync is disabled, turn it on and wait for the process to complete (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

• 📱 When you first turn on, select Sign in to Google and use the same data.
• 🔄 If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Memory and synchronization → Google and activate contact sync.
• ⏳ Wait 5-15 minutes – Contacts will appear in the Contacts app (sometimes you need to reboot).

⚠️ Note: If you used a Samsung Account to store your contacts, they will not be in Google. In this case, export them to a.vcf file (see section 3) or transfer them to Google Contacts manually via the web version of contacts.google.com.

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Google sync is the only way that works even if you lose both phones.Contacts will be available on any device once you log in.

2.Use of the proprietary utility Mi Mover (official method from Xiaomi)

Xiaomi has developed its own data porting solution, the Mi Mover app, which works on the principle of Samsung’s Smart Switch, but is optimized for MIUI. The main advantage is that not only contacts are transferred, but also SMS, photos, applications (if they are compatible).

• 🔌 Cable required OTG (adapter USB-C to USB-C, If you're on Samsung Type-C connector).
• 📶 Both phones must be charged at least 20% (otherwise the process will be interrupted).
• 🚫 It doesn’t work on Android 12 phones.+, If Samsung has one, UI 4.0 and later (an alternative is needed).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Mover on both phones: Samsung: Google Play. Xiaomi: usually preinstalled (if not, download from the App Store MIUI).

Xiaomi

I'm getting data.

Samsung

I'm sending data.

Connect the phones with a cable and confirm pairing on both devices.

Contacts

Call magazine

Text

Move over

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If Mi Mover doesn’t work, try turning on the developer mode on Samsung and activate Debugging over USB in Settings → About Phone → Build Number (click 7 times).

3. Export contacts to the VCF file (universal method)

A.vcf (or vCard) file is a standard contact storage format that all smartphones support, and it's suitable if you want to back up or migrate contacts to multiple devices.

• 💾 The file can be saved to Google Drive, USB drive or sent by mail.
• 🔄 Supports photo contacts and additional fields (dates of birth, addresses).
• 🛠️ It works even on phones without internet access.

How to export your contacts to Samsung:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management → Exports/Imports of contacts.
3. Choose Exports → Phone memory (or SD-map).
4. Mark your contacts for export (or click Allow) and confirm.
5. The file will be saved as contacts.vcf in the Download or Documents folder.

How to import to Xiaomi:

1. Transfer the.vcf file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Telegram or Google Drive.
2. Open the Contacts app → three-point (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Import from the device and specify the path to the.vcf file.
4. Confirm the import and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: If you have more than 500 contacts, break up the.vcf file into parts (200-300 contacts each). MIUI Large files are not properly processed, which leads to missing records.

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

If you have fewer than 250 contacts and don’t want to mess with accounts or files, you can use the app. SIM-This is a simple, but it has limitations:

• 📇 SIM-The card stores only the name and number (without photo, email, addresses).
• 📱 The maximum number of contacts depends on the model. SIM (usually 200-250).
• ⚡ The process takes longer than other methods.

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/Imports of contacts.
2. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
3. Mark the contacts you want (or click Allocate) and confirm.
4. Wait for completion — SIM-map ready for the penos.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Put it in. SIM-map.
2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Import with SIM-map.
3. Choose where to save your contacts (Google Account or Phone Memory).
4. Confirm the import.

If contacts are not moved:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and repeat the import.
• 📶 Check that SIM-card correctly inserted (sometimes helps retrieval and re-installing).
• 🛠️ If SIM old, try using another (modern nano-SIMs support more contacts).

SIM-The card is formatted for contacts (not all operators support this function)

Nana SIM enough free space (check the settings) → SIM-map)

Contacts on Samsung are stored in your phone’s memory (not Google/Samsung Account)

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5. Bluetooth Contact Transfer (Fast but limited)

Bluetooth is the easiest way to do this if you don't have a cable or Internet connection, but it's only suitable for carrying a small number of contacts (up to 100-150).

• 🐢 Slow transmission speed (about 5-10 contacts per minute).
• 📵 It can be interrupted by a weak signal.
• 📇 No photos or additional fields (name only) + number).

How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth and make them visible to everyone.
2. On Samsung, open Contacts, select the required entries (or click Allow).
3. Click Share → Bluetooth and select Xiaomi from the list of devices.
4. On Xiaomi, confirm the file acceptance and wait for the completion.
5. After transfer, open the received.vcf file and import the contacts.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) automatically store your Bluetooth contacts in your phone's memory, but don't sync them to your Google Account. After importing, check where they're stored so you don't lose them when you reset.

If Bluetooth does not find the device:

• 🔄 Reboot both phones.
• 📱 Make sure that Xiaomi has Visible for All mode enabled (in Bluetooth settings).
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, Bluetooth may shut down.

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party solutions that are useful in non-standard situations, such as:

• 🔄 You need to transfer contacts from Samsung to Xiaomi without access to Google Account.
• 📱 Phones are located in different countries (remote transfer).
• 🛠️ Additional contact processing (duplicate removal, editing) is required).

Top.-3 service-tested:

If you choose a third-party app, watch out for:

• 🔒 Permissions: Applications must not request access to SMS or geolocation.
• 📌 Reviews: Check the rankings and comments on Google Play (avoid programs with a score below 4.0).
• 💰 Hidden payments: some 'free' utilities block exports after 50 contacts.

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Before using third-party software, back up your contacts to a.vcf file and save it to Google Drive. This will protect you from data loss if you crash.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with proper transfer, there can be problems.-5 mistakes and ways to correct them:

1. Contacts duplicated Reason: sync with multiple accounts (Google) + Mi Account + SIM). Solution: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Combine duplicates.
2. Photos of contacts not moved Reason: Mi Mover or Bluetooth do not support avatar transfer.Solution: Use Google Contacts or.vcf file.
3. Contacts are displayed without names (numbers only) Reason: Incorrect encoding when exporting/importing Solution: Check the.vcf file format (should be UTF-8).
4. Mi Mover is 99% overdue: Conflict between MIUI and One UI versions. Solution: Update Mi Mover or use Google Account.
5. Contacts are not synced with Google Reason: Auto Sync is disabled or there is not enough space in your account Solution: Check your sync settings in Settings → Accounts → Google.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings to Xiaomi:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset

This often helps with synchronization problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions