How to Transfer Contacts from One Android to Another Xiaomi: 2026

The switch to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, but moving contacts can become a headache if you don’t know the nuances. Many users lose precious hours trying to manually rewrite hundreds of numbers or deal with broken synchronization methods. Meanwhile, the manufacturer has provided several official ways, and there are universal solutions that work on any Android device.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods of transferring contacts, from the simplest (via Google Account) to specific (using Mi Mover proprietary software), focusing on hidden MIUI settings that block automatic synchronization for 30% of users after a system update, and learn how to avoid duplication of records and why some numbers can “disappear” after a move.

Whether you’re switching from Samsung, Huawei or another Xiaomi, the instructions are right for all modern models: the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6, Xiaomi 14 Ultra and even the budget Redmi A3.

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

This method works on 99% of Android devices, including all Xiaomi smartphones, and ensures the safety of data even when a phone is reset. SIM-card or memory.

To check this out, open the Contacts app on your old phone, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Settings → Contact Management. Here you will see where your numbers are stored: if Google is selected, you can immediately switch to sync on the new Xiaomi.

• 📱 On your old phone: Open the settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google and make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. If not, turn on sync and wait until it is completed (may take up to 5 minutes).
• 🆕 On the new Xiaomi: When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to log in to Google Account - use the same one as on the old phone. If the phone is already configured, add an account through Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Add an account.
• 🔄 Forced Sync: After adding an account, return to Settings → Accounts. → Google → your e-mail@gmail.com manually press synchronize contacts.

⚠️ If the new Xiaomi contacts did not appear after 10 minutes, check:

🔌 Internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data). 📵 No restrictions on settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Permits (should include Warehouse and Contacts). 🔄 Update the Contacts app via Google Play (on some firmware) MIUI The old version blocks synchronization).

2.Use of SIM-Cards (for small number of contacts)

This method is suitable if you have less than 200 contacts and they are saved on the Internet. SIM-An important nuance: modern Xiaomi (starting with the map). MIUI 12) do not support the import of contacts with SIM in the standard application Contacts - this will require third-party software.

Instructions for older models (MIUI 11 and below) or through third-party applications:

1. On your old phone, export your contacts to SIM-map: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM Choose the right contacts (or all) and confirm.
2. Move it. SIM-map to the new Xiaomi.
3. Install ES File Explorer or Samsung Contacts (yes, it works on Xiaomi!).
4. In the app, select Import/Export → Import with SIM and follow the hints.

⚠️ Attention: SIM-Cards support a limited number of characters in one contact (up to 140 characters per number). + Long records will be cut off!

If the contacts are not imported, check them out: 📶 Format SIM-Nano-SIM does not support contact storage (use a micro-SIM adapter). 🔧 Security settings: on some firmware MIUI access to be allowed SIM In Settings → Annexes → Permits → SIM-map.

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Before exporting to SIM, disable double contacts in your phone’s settings – this will speed up the process and avoid duplication on the new device.

3. Bluetooth Transfer (without internet)

This is a good method if you don’t have Wi-Fi or mobile internet, but it requires patience: transferring 500 contacts can take up to 20 minutes, plus no need to connect to accounts or install additional programs.

Step-by-step:

• 📲 On your old phone: Open your contacts → press three points → Import/Export. Select Contacts → Please specify all contacts or select the ones you want. In the transmission method, select Bluetooth.
• 🤝 Device pairing: Turn on Bluetooth on both phones. On the new Xiaomi, go to Settings → Bluetooth and find the old device on the list. Confirm pairing (both phones should have the same code).
• 📥 Receive Xiaomi: On your old phone, click Send and Confirm Transfer. On the new Xiaomi, a notification will appear – click Accept. After transfer, open the received file (usually contacts.vcf) and import the contacts.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ Standard importation may not work. VCF-files via Bluetooth:

📎 Save the received contacts.vcf file to the Downloads folder. 📱 Open the Contacts app → three-point → Imports/Exports → Import from the file and select saved VCF.

4.Mi Mover proprietary utility (only for Xiaomi)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s official app for transferring data between brand devices, copying not only contacts, but also messages, photos, apps, Restriction: it only works between Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones (not suitable for transferring from Samsung, Huawei, etc.).

How to use:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones from Google Play or the official Xiaomi store.
2. On the old phone, choose I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.
3. Scan it. QR-code from the new phone on the old one (or enter it) PIN-manually).
4. Select data for transfer: mark Contacts (you can also select messages, photos, etc.).
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the connection is completed (do not interrupt the connection!).

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not work if you are not:

🔌 One of the devices is connected to VPN proxy. 📵 Different versions of phones MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 and MIUI 12). 🔒 New Xiaomi has enabled Data Protection in Settings → Special facilities.

If the transfer is 99% frozen, try:

• 🔄 Restart the app on both phones.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (or use a mobile hotspot).
• 🗑️ Clear the Mi Mover cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Mi Mover → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

5. Transfer through the VCF file (universal method)

The.vcf (vCard) file is the standard format for storing contacts that all modern smartphones support, with the advantage of being able to back up to your computer or cloud, and edit contacts before the perenosom.

Instructions:

1. 📤 Exports on old phone: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to the device File will be saved in the Internal folder Storage/Contacts or Downloads.
2. 📥 Transfer the file to Xiaomi: 📎 Through Google Drive./Mi Cloud: Upload the file to the cloud and download it to a new phone. 🔌 Through cable. USB OTG: Connect the old device as a flash drive and copy VCF. 📤 Telegram or WhatsApp: Send the file to yourself and save it to your new phone.

Imports to Xiaomi

Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Import from the file

Select the downloaded.vcf and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: If the error "File is corrupted" appears when importing, try it:

🔧 Restore the file on your old phone in vCard 3.0 format (usually there is a choice when exporting). 📄 Open up. VCF-file in a text editor (for example, Notepad)++) And make sure it starts with a line. BEGIN:VCARD. 🗑️ Remove from the file extra characters or empty lines (sometimes they appear when transmitted via messengers).

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A VCF file is the only way to transfer contacts between devices of different brands (for example, from iPhone to Xiaomi), if other methods do not work.

6. synchronization via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically backs up contacts if the feature is enabled. Importantly, this method only works between Xiaomi devices tied to a single Mi Account.

How to set up:

• 📱 On the old Xiaomi: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. Press Sync and wait until it's done.
• 🆕 On the new Xiaomi: Sign in to the same Mi Account when setting up or through Settings → Mi Account: Enable contact sync in Mi Cloud. wait for automatic import (can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If no contact appears, check:

🌐 Internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile network). 🔄 Update of the Mi Cloud app to Google Play. 📅 Date and time on the phone: if they are downed, sync won't work.

📊 Comparison of methods of transfer of contacts:

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users are faced with common errors, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are duplicated

This happens if the new Xiaomi already has contacts (e.g. from Google Account and Mi Cloud at the same time).

• 🧹 Open Contacts. → Settings → Contact management → Combine the takes.
• 🔍 Manually check the doubles in Contacts → Three points. → Settings → Exports/imports → Viewing duplicates.

Problem 2: Some contacts have not been moved

This is most often due to the fact that the numbers were not saved in Google Account, but in the memory of the phone or on the phone. SIM-The decision:

• 🔍 On your old phone, check where the missing contacts are stored: Contacts → Three points. → Settings → Contact management → Select an account
• 📤 Export them separately (e.g., with a SIM through VCF).

Problem 3: Mi Mover is 99% frozen

A typical mistake when you're moving a lot of data.

• 🔄 Restart the app on both phones.
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (or use a mobile hotspot).
• 🗑️ Clear the Mi Mover cache in the app settings.
• 📱 Transfer data in parts: first contacts, then messages, then photos.

Problem 4: Contacts are displayed without names (numbers only)

This happens if the encoding is lost or the VCF file is corrupted when you import it.

• 🔧 Re-export contacts on your old phone in vCard 3.0 format.
• 📄 Open up. VCF-file in the text editor and check the encoding (should be UTF-8).
• 📱 Import contacts via Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) in your browser and then sync with your phone.