How to transfer contacts from the old Xiaomi to Xiaomi 9: all ways with detailed instructions

Transferring contacts when changing a smartphone is one of the most common tasks faced by Xiaomi users, especially when switching to a new model, for example, from the Redmi Note 8 or Mi A2 to the Xiaomi 9. Despite the fact that both devices are based on MIUI, the synchronization process can cause difficulties due to differences in firmware versions, lack of backup or incorrect account settings.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to transfer contacts – from standard (via Mi Cloud and Google Account) to alternative (export to.vcf file or use of the Internet). SIM-Each method is illustrated with step-by-step instructions, taking into account the nuances of the Xiaomi 9, including possible errors and their solutions. If you are afraid of losing important numbers or faced problems in previous attempts, here you will find the answers to all the questions.

1.Moving contacts through Mi Cloud: the fastest way for Xiaomi

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically synchronizes contacts, messages and other data between devices on MIUI. This method is ideal if both phones are tied to the same Mi Account and have Internet access.

To move contacts through Mi Cloud, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On the old Xiaomi go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure the switch opposite Contact is on. If not, activate sync and wait until the process is complete.
• ☁️ On the new Xiaomi 9, sign in to the same Mi Account (if you haven’t already done so when setting up). → Mi Account and log in.
• 🔄 Return to Mi Cloud on your new device and enable contact sync. Data will start to load automatically.

Usually, the process takes from a few seconds to 2-3 minutes depending on the number of contacts and the speed of the Internet.

• 🔌 Internet connection stability (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Updates to Mi Cloud (sometimes you need to update your app through Play Market).
• 📵 No restrictions on background activity (check in Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).

⚠️ Note: If your old phone is disabled syncing with Mi Cloud, contacts can only be stored locally, in which case, be sure to export them to a.vcf file before transferring (see method 4).

2. Sync through Google Account: a universal method for Android

If you use Google services (such as Gmail or YouTube), your contacts could be automatically saved to your Google Account, which is suitable even when you switch from Xiaomi to smartphones of other brands (such as Samsung or Huawei).

Instructions for transfer:

1. On the old Xiaomi, open Settings → Accounts → Google and select your profile. Make sure the Contact option is enabled. If not, activate it and wait for sync.
2. On Xiaomi 9, add the same Google Account through Settings → Accounts → Add an account.
3. After logging in, go to Contacts (Google Contacts app or standard Xiaomi Contacts app) and update the list – the data should appear automatically.

If contacts are duplicated or displayed incorrectly, merge:

• 🔍 Open Google Contacts in your browser (contacts.google.com).
• 🧹 In the menu on the left, select Duplicates and click Unite.
• 📱 On Xiaomi 9, update your contacts by pulling the list down.

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If you use two Google accounts (for example, personal and work), check which one your contacts are linked to before transferring. Open Google Contacts and look at the account address in the upper right corner.

3. Transfer of contacts via SIM-card: reliable, but with restrictions

way SIM-It's one of the oldest cards, but it's still relevant if you don't have access to the Internet or the cloud:

• 📏 Number limit: per one SIM-The card usually fits no more than 250-300 contacts.
• 📇 Data restriction: only names and numbers are retained (no photos, addresses or notes).
• 🔄 Process Duration: Copying takes longer than cloud synchronization.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On the old Xiaomi, open the Contacts app, click on three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Import/Export → Exports to SIM-map.
2. Select the right contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the export.
3. Extract. SIM-Map and paste it into Xiaomi 9.
4. On the new phone, repeat step 1, but select Import with SIM-map.

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-A nano-SIM card, and the old phone used a micro-SIM, and you'll need an adapter or a card trimming. Be careful, if you don't trim it properly, you can damage the chip!

This method is suitable for emergencies when other methods are not available, but for permanent use, you should choose Mi Cloud or Google Account.

Check the format SIM-map (nano/micro)

Free up space on SIM (remove old contacts)

Make sure that the numbers are kept in an international format (+7...)

Charge both phones (the process may take time) 10-15 minute)-->

4. Export and import contacts via.vcf file

The.vcf file (or vCard) is a universal contact storage format that all modern smartphones support, and it’s useful if you want to back up or transfer contacts to a different brand.

How to export contacts on the old Xiaomi:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
3. Choose where to save the file (for example, internal memory or SD-map).
4. Name the file (for example, contacts_backup.vcf) and confirm the export.

How to import on Xiaomi 9:

• 📁 Transfer the.vcf file to your new phone (via Bluetooth, USB-cable).
• 📱 Open Contacts. → three-point (⋮) → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
• 🔍 Select the downloaded.vcf file and confirm the import.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 All contact data (photos, addresses, notes) are stored).
• 📦 The file can be stored as a backup or transferred to other devices.
• 🛡️ No Internet connection is required (except file transfer).

⚠️ Note: If you have a file corrupted error when importing, try opening it on your computer via Outlook or Google Contacts and re-exporting it.

5. Transfer contacts through third-party applications (e.g. CLONEit)

If the standard methods don’t work, or you want to transfer not only contacts, but also other data (messages, photos, apps), you can use specialized utilities. One of the most popular is CLONEit from Xiaomi.

Benefits of CLONEit:

• 🚀 High transfer speed (data transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📲 Support for different types of data (contacts, SMS, callbook, photos).
• 🔗 No need for Internet or cloud services.

Instructions for use:

1. Download CLONEit to both phones from the Play Market or Mi App Store.
2. On the old Xiaomi, select Sender, on Xiaomi 9 – Recipient.
3. Click Start on both devices and wait for Wi-Fi Direct connection.
4. Select Contacts in the data list for transfer and confirm the transfer.

Alternative annexes:

• 📱 Xender – supports cross-platform transfer (from Android to iOS and back).
• 🔄 Send Anywhere – transferring data through a unique code or QR.
• 📎 Samsung Smart Switch – Suitable if you are switching from Xiaomi to Samsung.

When using third-party applications, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Permissions: App needs access to contacts, storage and Wi-Fi.
• 📶 Connection Stability: Do not interrupt transmission until the process is complete.
• 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: After the transfer, delete unnecessary files to free up space.

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The application side is convenient for complex data transfer, but for contacts alone it is better to use built-in tools (Mi Cloud or Google Account), as they are more reliable and do not require additional software installation.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users sometimes encounter problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your contacts:

1. On Xiaomi 9, go to Settings → Applications → App Management.
2. Find Contacts and click Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone and repeat the sync.

Important: Before resetting, be sure to back up your contacts through export to.vcf!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions