How to Transfer Contacts from Samsung to Xiaomi: A Complete Picture Guide

Why is it difficult to transfer contacts between Android smartphones of different brands?

The shift from Samsung to Xiaomi is not just a change of gadget, but a migration between two different ecosystems with unique branded services. Even though both brands run on Android, their approaches to data synchronization are radically different. For example, Samsung is actively promoting its own Samsung Account and Samsung Cloud service, while Xiaomi is betting on Mi Account and close integration with Google services.

The main problem is that contacts stored in Samsung phone memory (not in Google account) won’t automatically appear on Xiaomi after a simple paste. SIM-This is because manufacturers have different ways of storing local data, and many users have been accumulating contacts on their phones for years without even knowing they are out of sync with the cloud. As a result, when switching to a new smartphone, there is a risk of losing important numbers if you do not know the right ways to transfer the phone.

In this article we will analyze all current methods of transferring contacts - from classical (through the use of the traditional ones). SIM-map or Bluetooth) to modern (using Google Account or specialized applications). S23 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 Pro, where the interface may differ from the standard Android.

Method 1: Sync through Google Account (the most reliable method)

This method works on all Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones released after 2016, and ensures the safety of contacts even if you drop or lose your phone, the main condition is the presence of an active Internet connection and free space in Google Contacts (up to 25,000 contacts are free).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 On Samsung: Open the Contacts app, tap on three dots (menus) → Contact management → Contact sync. Make sure the switch is on opposite Google. If contacts haven't synced before, click Sync Now.
• 🔄 Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes depending on the number of contacts) and check the results at contacts.google.com, where all your numbers should be displayed.
• 🆕 On Xiaomi: When you first turn on your phone, the system will prompt you to log in to Google Account. Use the same account as you did on Samsung. If the phone is already set up, go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google and enable contact synchronization.
• 🔍 Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi – via 1-2 All numbers will appear automatically.

⚠️ Note: If your contacts are only stored in your phone memory (not Google) on Samsung, export before syncing: → Menus. → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to.vcf. Then import this file to Google Contacts via the web version.

Contacts are displayed at contacts.google.com

Xiaomi has enabled synchronization with Google

The number of contacts on both devices is the same.

Duplicates checked (combined if necessary)

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Method 2: Transfer through SIM-Card (for a small number of contacts)

This method is suitable if you have fewer than 200 contacts and no Internet access: SIM-The card only stores names and phone numbers (no photos, email addresses or notes) and is limited in scope (usually up to 250 records).

Step-by-step:

• 📇 On Samsung: Open Contacts → Menu (three dots) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-Select the contacts to transfer (or all) and confirm.
• 🔄 Extract. SIM-A map from Samsung and paste it into Xiaomi.
• 📱 On Xiaomi: Open Contacts → Menus. → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-Choose where to save contacts (Google Account or Device recommended).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) when imported with the SIM-The contacts can be duplicated before transferring, check if there are already stored numbers in the phone's memory, and if necessary delete them.

Through Google Account

Through SIM-map

Through Bluetooth or cable

Special annexes

Never had to.

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Method 3: Transmission via Bluetooth or via OTG cable

If you do not have access to the Internet, but you need to move contacts with additional data (for example, profile photos), you can use Bluetooth or other information. USB-cable OTG. This method is slower than syncing through Google, but saves more information.

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth and make them visible to other devices.
2. On Samsung, open Contacts → Select the contacts you want (or click Menu → Select Everything) → Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select your Xiaomi from the list and confirm the transfer on both devices.
4. On Xiaomi, accept the incoming file (usually.vcf) and import the contacts into your phone’s memory or Google Account.

For transfer through USB-cable OTG:

• 📲 On Xiaomi, open the files. → Find a connected Samsung device → Copy the.vcf file into your memory.

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If Bluetooth doesn’t find the device, try restarting both smartphones or enabling Device Search mode in the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional).

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of the large amount of data or the specific format of contacts), you can use specialized applications.

• 📲 Copy My Data (from Media Mushroom) – transfers contacts, calendars and photos over Wi-Fi without clouds.
• ☁️ Samsung Smart Switch (yes, it works for porting from Samsung) – exports contacts to a file that can then be imported to Xiaomi.

Example of transfer via CLONEit:

1. Install the app on both phones from Google Play.
2. On Samsung, select Send, on Xiaomi, Receive.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network or create an access point on Xiaomi.
4. Select Contacts in the data list to transfer and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes for 1000+ contacts).

⚠️ Note: Apps like CLONEit require permission to access contacts, SMS Install them only from the official store and disable access after transfer (in Settings). → Annexes → Permits).

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for backup)

This method is suitable if you want to back up your contacts on your PC before transferring, or if other methods have not worked. USB-cable and access to the phone file system.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the Explorer and go to the Internal Storage → Download folder (or any other).
3. On the phone, export contacts to a.vcf file (as described in method 1) and save it to that folder.
4. Copy the file to your computer, then plug in Xiaomi and transfer the file to its memory.
5. On Xiaomi, open the.vcf file through Contacts or Files and import the data.

For Mac users:

• 🖥️ Use Android File Transfer to access Samsung files.
• 📁 The exported.vcf file can be opened in the Mac Contacts app and then synced with iCloud or Google for further import to Xiaomi.

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Transferring over a computer is the safest way, since you back up contacts on your hard drive, which is especially important if Samsung has unique data (such as work contacts with notes).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have difficulties, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try the following algorithm:

1. On Samsung, export your contacts to a.vcf file.
2. Send this file to yourself by email (e.g. Gmail).
3. On Xiaomi, open an email, download an attachment, and import contacts through Files or Contacts.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions