How to transfer contacts from one Xiaomi Redmi to another: all ways 2026

The transition to a new smartphone Xiaomi Redmi is always a joyful event, but many users face the same problem: how to transfer all contacts from an old device without loss? MIUI, In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer contacts, from the simplest (through Mi Account) to the universal (through Google or Google). SIM-map).

Whether you’re changing the Redmi Note 12 to the Redmi K70 or transferring contacts from the POCO X5 to the Redmi 13C, the instructions are suitable for any Android 12-14 device with the MIUI 13-15 shell.

If you’ve never synced data between smartphones before, don’t worry: we’ll explain each step in detail, including hidden MIUI settings that even power users often miss. And for those who like automation, there’s a bonus way to use Mi Mover, Xiaomi’s proprietary data migration tool.

Before you start, check out two key points:

1. Both phones should be active. SIM-card (if you use the method of using the SIM).
2. Make sure your old phone has your contacts synced (at least with Google or Mi Account).

Method 1: Transfer through Mi Account (the fastest method for MIUI)

If you have been using Xiaomi smartphones for a long time, most likely you already have a Mi Account - a branded account that automatically synchronizes contacts, notes and even SMS. This method is the most reliable for devices on MIUI, since it does not require additional applications and works even without the Internet (if the data is already synchronized).

To transfer contacts through Mi Account:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Make sure the contact sync switch is active (green).
3. On the new phone, sign in to the same Mi Account when you first turn on or through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Add an account.
4. Wait for automatic synchronization (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the new phone already has contacts, they can merge with the old ones, creating duplicates. To avoid this, delete all contacts on the new device via Contacts before syncing. → Management → Delete everything.

Sign in to one account on both phones |

Check the contact synchronization enabled |

Remove duplicates on your new phone (if any)|

Connect to Wi-Fi to speed up synchronization-->

If no contacts appear, try to manually update the data:

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts → Synchronize

Method 2: Sync through Google Account (universally for all Android)

This is a good approach if you’re using Google services or if you’re planning to switch from Xiaomi to a smartphone from another brand (such as Samsung or Pixel), and the main advantage is cross-platform: contacts will be available on any device with your Google account.

Instructions for transfer:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account and make sure that Contact Sync is enabled.
3. On the new phone, add the same Google account when setting up or through Settings → Accounts.
4. Wait for the automatic download of contacts (can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If your old phone only stores contacts in the device’s memory (not Google), you must export them first:

Contacts → ⋮ (menu) → Contact management → Export/Import → Export to.vcf file

Mi Account|

Google Account|

Both options |

I'm not synchronizing contacts.-->

If after synchronization part of the contacts is missing, check:

• 📱 On the old phone: are there any contacts saved on the SIM-map or local memory.
• 🔄 In Google Contacts: Some of the entries may have been in the “Other Contacts” folder (opens via contacts.google.com).
• 🚫 Synchronization locking: some versions MIUI limit background activity of Google services. To fix this, add the Google Contacts app to Settings → Battery → No restrictions.

Method 3: Transfer through SIM-card (if there is no internet)

This method is outdated, but still relevant in two cases:

1. You do not have access to the internet (for example, when moving or roaming).
2. You want to transfer only the most important contacts (SIM-The card holds a limited number of records).

How to transfer contacts via SIM:

1. On your old phone, open your contacts. → ⋮ (menu) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
2. Select contacts for export (or click Allocate).
3. Put it in. SIM-card.
4. On the new device, go to Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Import with SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: This method has serious limitations:

• 📞 SIM-The card only stores the name and number – photos, mail and addresses will be lost.
• 🔢 Number of contacts limited by capacity SIM (usually 250-500 record).
• 📱 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) the function of exporting to the SIM If you can't find it, try the path: Contacts → Settings → Exports/imports.

Method 4: Using Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi App)

Mi Mover is a Xiaomi-branded tool designed to migrate data across the brand’s devices, and it can transfer not only contacts, but also SMS, photos, apps, and even system settings.

• ✅ It works without the Internet (data is transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct).
• ❌ Does not support transfer to devices of other brands.
• ⚠️ New models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) You may need to update through the settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Mover on both phones from the Mi App Store (or through GetApps).
2. On the old phone, choose I am the sender, on the new phone, I am the receiver.

Important: Mi Mover may not port contacts saved on third-party accounts (such as WhatsApp or Viber) and will require separate exports.

1. whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both phones.

2. Disable VPN or proxy in Settings → Connections → VPN.

3. Restart the application and try to connect again.-->

Method 5: Manual export/import via.vcf file

It’s a versatile method that works on any Android device, including Xiaomi.

• 📄 Stores all contact data (names, numbers, mail, addresses, photos).
• 🔄 You can transfer between different brands (for example, from Xiaomi to iPhone).
• 💾 The.vcf file can be stored as a backup.

How to export and import contacts:

1. On your old phone, open your contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to.vcf file.
2. Select a save location (e.g., Internal Memory → Download).
3. Transfer the file to your new phone (via Bluetooth, USB cable, or cloud).
4. On the new phone, open contact → ⋮ → Management → Import from a.vcf file and select the downloaded file.

⚠️ Note: If there is an error when importing "File corrupted", try it:

• 📂 Restore the file in format UTF-8 (via PC).
• 📱 Use a third-party app, such as Contacts Backup from Google Play.
• 🔄 Break up a large.vcf file into smaller ones (some versions) MIUI Do not support importing files larger than 10 MB).

Comparison of ways to transfer contacts to Xiaomi

To choose the best method, compare them by key parameters:

For most Xiaomi users, Mi Account or Google Account is the best option. If you want to transfer contacts to another brand’s device, you’d better use export to.vcf or Google sync.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Contacts are not synchronized with Mi Account: 🔄 Check if synchronization is included in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Contacts. 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data). 🔄 Restart the device and repeat synchronization.
2. Duplicate contacts after transfer: 🧹 Use the Merge function in Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Combine duplicates. 📱 Before transferring, delete all contacts on the new phone.

Mi Mover can't find the device:

• 🔄 Update the Mi Mover app to the latest version.
• 📶 Enable Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB (rarely helps).