Why the transfer of contacts between Xiaomi and Vivo is difficult
The transition from Xiaomi to Vivo is not just a brand change, but a transition between two different ecosystems with unique branded services. Whereas on Xiaomi, the default contacts are synchronized with Mi Account or Google, Vivo is actively promoting its own Vivo Cloud and integration with Funtouch OS. This difference is often a cause of confusion: users expect contacts to automatically appear on a new device, but face an empty phone book.
Adding to the complexity is that manufacturers have different ways of exporting/importing contacts, such as Xiaomi in the latest versions. MIUI 14+ Hide the export option in.vcf behind multiple menus, and Vivo in Funtouch OS 13/14 may not be able to import directly from SIM-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer, from the classic to the little-known, and also describe how to avoid data loss during the transition.
Method 1: Sync through Google Account (most reliable)
This method works on 100% of Xiaomi and Vivo devices if both phones support Google Services (and they do, even on Chinese firmware), the main advantage is that contacts are updated automatically, so you don’t have to repeat the transfer when you change your phone.
How it works: Xiaomi contacts are uploaded to your Google Account and then automatically pulled up to Vivo the first time you sign in. Importantly, if you haven’t previously synced your contacts with Google, they can only be stored locally on your phone – check this out in advance!
- 📱 On Xiaomi: Open Contacts → Settings (⚙️) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Sync with Google. Turn on the switch and wait until it's finished (can take up to 5 minutes with lots of contacts).
- 🔄 Check: Go to contacts.google.com and all your contacts should be displayed there.
- 📱 On Vivo: When you first turn on, select “Login to Google Account” or do it later in Settings → Accounts. → Add an account → Google. Contacts will be automatically downloaded.
⚠️ Note: If your contacts are saved in Mi Account on Xiaomi, you must first export them to Google. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Sync contacts and turn it off, then enable sync with Google.
Contacts are not duplicated in Mi Account and Google|Mobile Internet is enabled on Xiaomi/Wi-Fi|There is enough room for synchronization on Vivo (contacts take up little space, but checking will not hurt)|Google Account is the same on both phones-->
Method 2: Export/import via VCF file (for advanced users)
The.vcf file (or vCard) is a universal contact storage format that all smartphones support, and it works if you don't want to use cloud services or you don't have a stable Internet connection.+) File can "hang" when importing on Vivo.
Instructions:
- Export to Xiaomi: Open the Contact App. Tap on ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file: Choose which contacts to export (all or only with) SIM/Google). Save the file to your internal memory or SD-map (the name will be of the type) contacts_20260515.vcf).
- File transfer to Vivo: Connect Xiaomi to your computer and copy.vcf to any folder. Transfer the file to Vivo via cable, Bluetooth, or upload to the cloud (e.g. Google Drive).
- Import to Vivo: Open Contacts → ⚙️ → Imports/Exports → Import from the device. Select the.vcf file and confirm the import.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| File does not open on Vivo | Damaged in transmission | Repeat copying or check the file on PC |
| Imports interrupted | Too many contacts (> 1000) | Break the file into parts (use VCF Splitter) |
| Contacts are duplicated | They have already been synced with Google. | Before importing, clear contacts on Vivo or use the option "Combine duplicates" |
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If Vivo doesn’t see a.vcf file, rename it to contacts.vcf (without a date) and put it in the root folder of internal memory.
Method 3: Transfer through SIM-map (outdated but working)
This method is suitable for a small number of contacts (up to 250) and if you do not have access to the Internet: SIM-The card only stores basic information (name) + number), without mail, addresses or additional fields.
Step-by-step:
- 📌 On Xiaomi: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-Select your contacts and confirm.
- 🔄 Transfer SIM: Turn off both phones, remove them. SIM from Xiaomi and paste it into Vivo.
- 📱 On Vivo: Go to Contacts → ⚙️ → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-Choose where to save (to your phone or Google Account).
⚠️ Note: On some Vivo models (e.g. Vivo) V27 vivo X90) importation option SIM To see it, first add at least one contact manually to the SIM-Vivo card, then import option will appear in the menu.
Synchronization through Google|Exports/imports VCF file|Transfer through SIM-map|Bluetooth or local area network|Another way.-->
Method 4: Transfer over Bluetooth or local area network (without the Internet)
If you don't have a cable and you don't want to use the cloud, you can transfer contacts directly over Bluetooth or over Wi-Fi Direct, which is slower, but doesn't require any additional devices.
How to transfer over Bluetooth:
- On Xiaomi, open Contacts → Select the right contacts (long press) → Share → Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth on Vivo and make it visible to other devices (Settings → Bluetooth → Visibility).
- On Xiaomi, select Vivo from the list of devices and confirm the transfer.
- On Vivo, accept the file and save the contacts (usually offered automatically).
Alternatively, Wi-Fi Direct (faster than Bluetooth):
- 📶 Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both phones (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).
- 🔗 Connect devices to each other (Xiaomi may call it “Mi Share” or Vivo – “Fast Transfer").
- 📤 Send a.vcf file (if exported in advance) or contacts directly via the Share menu".
What if Bluetooth doesn’t see Vivo?
Method 5: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)
If standard methods don't work (like custom firmware or older models), specialized applications will help. We tested the 3 most reliable ones:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Contacts Backup | Export to VCF/Excel, backup to the cloud | Advertising, limit to 500 contacts in the free version | Google Play |
| Copy My Data | Wi-Fi transmission without cloud, supports contacts + calendar | We need to install both phones. | Google Play |
| CLONEit | Transfer of contacts, SMS, applications in 1 click | Requires root rights for full transfer | Google Play |
How to use Copy My Data (increased)
- Install the app on both phones.
- On Xiaomi, select Copy Data from This Device → Contacts.
- Select Copy Data to This Device on Vivo.
- Connect your phones to a single Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
- On Xiaomi, click “Start Copy” and select Vivo from the list of devices.
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The app side is convenient if you want to move not only contacts, but also SMS, photos or app settings, but for simple contacts transfer, you better use built-in tools, they are more reliable.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and we've collected some of the most common ways to correct them.
- 🔴 Contacts are not synced with Google: Check if sync is enabled in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact sync. Delete and add Google Account again. Update Google Contacts in Play Market.
- 🔴 Vivo does not see the.vcf file: Make sure the file is not corrupted (open it to PC via Outlook or Thunderbird). Try renaming the file to contacts.vcf (no spaces or Cyrillic). Use the file manager (e.g. Files by Google) to search for the file.
- 🔴 Duplicate contacts: Open Contacts on Vivo → ⚙️ → Combine duplicates. Before importing, delete all contacts on Vivo (take backup copy!).
Vivo models with Funtouch OS 13+ may not have the option of importing VCF through the standard menu, in which case use the file manager: find the.vcf file, tap it, and select "Import to Contacts."