How to Transfer Contacts with Sony Xperia to Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

The transition from Sony Xperia to Xiaomi smartphone is not only a brand change, but also the need to transfer important data, among which contacts occupy the first place. Many users are afraid of losing their phone book when changing devices, especially when switching between different operating systems (albeit based on Android). In practice, the process of transferring contacts from Xperia to Xiaomi can be performed in several ways - from classical (via a Google account or a Google account). SIM-map) up to modern (using specialized applications).

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods that will work for any Sony Xperia model (including the Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5). IV, Xperia 10 IV) and Xiaomi (Redmi series, POCO, Each method has its own nuances: somewhere you will need a stable Internet connection, and somewhere - only Bluetooth or other devices. USB-Choose the best option depending on your conditions and follow unique data security guidelines that will help you avoid loss of information.

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

Google account sync is a universal method that works on all Android devices, and its main advantage is that data is stored in the cloud and automatically updated on all associated gadgets. If you have already used Gmail on Sony Xperia, then your contacts are likely already synced.

To check this out, follow the following steps:

  • πŸ“± Open the Contact App on Xperia.
  • πŸ”„ Press three dots (menu) β†’ Settings β†’ Contact management.
  • ☁️ Check if Google sync is enabled (the switch next to your account should be active).

If the sync is disabled, turn it on and wait until the process is complete.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Synchronization.
  2. Add the same Google account as you do on Xperia.
  3. Turn on contact sync.

Check Wi-Fi connection on both devices

Make sure that Xiaomi has enough memory space.

Use the same Google account

Do not interrupt the synchronization process.-->

⚠️ Note: If you delete your Sony Xperia contacts before the transfer, they will disappear from your Google account if sync is enabled.We recommend exporting the backup first (more on this in the next section).

2. Export and import of contacts via VCF file

The.vcf (vCard) format is the standard way to store contacts that all modern smartphones support, and the convenience is that you can save a file to a computer. SD-map, USB-Sending a drive or sending an email and then importing it to Xiaomi.

Instructions for Sony Xperia:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Click on three points β†’ Import / Export β†’ Export to the device.
  3. Select contacts for export (you can note everything) and confirm the save of the contacts.vcf file.

Now transfer the file to Xiaomi (for example, via Bluetooth, email or other means). USB-debugging) and import:

  • πŸ“² Open Contacts on Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”„ Press three points. β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/exports.
  • πŸ“„ Select the contacts.vcf file and confirm the import.
What if Xiaomi doesn’t see a VCF file?
If the file does not appear in the list for import, check: 1. File Location (should be in the root folder or in the Download folder). 2. File extension (sometimes the system hides it - rename it to contacts.vcf). 3. Try to open the file through the File Manager and select Open with β†’ Contacts.

⚠️ Note: When importing.vcf to Xiaomi, contacts may be duplicated if they have already been synced through Google. Before importing, we recommend clearing the contact list on the new device or using apps to remove duplicates (for example, Contacts Optimizer).

3. Transfer of contacts through SIM-Card (for small telephone books)

If you have few contacts (up to 250) and no internet or cable at hand, you can use the service. SIM-This method is suitable for older Sony Xperia models (e.g. Xperia). Z3 Xperia M4 Aqua, where other methods may not work.

Step-by-step:

  1. On Sony Xperia, open your contacts. β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/exports β†’ Exports to SIM-map.
  2. Choose your export contacts (be aware that you are in contact with them). SIM-The card only stores the name and number, without additional fields).
  3. Confirm the retention.
  4. Move it. SIM-map.
  5. On Xiaomi go to Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Import / Export β†’ Import from SIM-card.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🚫 No photos of contacts, email addresses and notes are saved.
  • πŸ“΅ SIM-The card has a limit on the volume (usually up to 250 contacts).
  • ⚠️ With frequent use of this method SIM-map may be damaged.

πŸ’‘

If you have Xiaomi’s nano-SIM and Sony Xperia uses a micro-SIM, use an adapter or transfer contacts to an intermediate device (like an old phone with both formats).

4.Use of Bluetooth for the transmission of contacts

Bluetooth is a wireless method that doesn't require the Internet or any additional applications. It's suitable if you don't have one. USB-cable SD-Both devices support Bluetooth 4.0.+ (And this is almost all models of Sony Xperia and Xiaomi in the last 10 years).

How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Bluetooth).
  2. Connect Sony Xperia and Xiaomi (enter the same confirmation code if required).
  3. On Xperia, open Contacts, select the contacts you want (or click Allow).
  4. Click Share β†’ Bluetooth and select Xiaomi from the list of devices.
  5. On Xiaomi, confirm the file acceptance and import contacts.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method:

PlusesCons
βœ… No need for internet or cable❌ Slow transmission (about 10 contacts per minute)
βœ… It works on all versions of Android❌ Can't send photos of contacts
βœ… Secure (data is not transmitted through servers)❌ Requires manual confirmation at each stage

⚠️ Note: When transferring a large number of contacts over Bluetooth, Sony Xperia can automatically split them into multiple files.Make sure to accept all parts on Xiaomi, otherwise some contacts will be lost.

5. Data portability applications (Mi Mover, SHAREit, Send Anywhere)

If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized applications. Xiaomi offers its own solution, Mi Mover, as well as universal tools like SHAREit or Send Anywhere, which allow you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, messages and applications.

Mi Mover (official app from Xiaomi):

  • πŸ“± Install Mi Mover on both devices from Google Play.
  • πŸ”— On Xperia, select Send, on Xiaomi – Get.
  • πŸ“‹ Mark Contacts in the Data Transfer List.
  • πŸ”„ Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct (no router required).

SHAREit or Send Anywhere:

  • 🌐 Install the app on both phones.
  • πŸ“€ On Xperia, select Send β†’ Contacts.
  • πŸ“₯ On Xiaomi, select Get and Scan QR-code.

Through a Google account

With a USB cable.

Bluetooth.

Through apps (SHAREit, Mi Mover)

In other ways.-->

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications (SHAREit, Send Anywhere), disable access to contacts after the transfer is complete.

6. Transfer of contacts through USB-cable (for experienced users)

If you prefer a wired connection, you can transfer contacts through USB-cable ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or manually copy the contacts.db file.This method requires a little more technical skills, but guarantees complete control over the process.

Instructions for manual copying:

  1. Connect Sony Xperia to your computer via USB (in File Transfer mode).
  2. With the File Manager, find the contact folder (usually /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts.db).
  3. Copy the file to your computer, then transfer it to Xiaomi in the same folder (root rights will be required).

An alternative way to do this with ADB:

adb backup -f contacts.ab -apk com.android.providers.contacts


adb restore contacts.ab

⚠️ Note: Manual copying of the contact database (contacts.db) can cause malfunctions in the application Contacts on Xiaomi, if the Android versions on the devices are very different.

πŸ’‘

For most users, synchronization through a Google account or export to a VCF file is the best solution. These methods do not require technical knowledge and guarantee the safety of data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer contacts with Sony Xperia to Xiaomi without the Internet?
Yes, the following methods will be suitable for this: πŸ“‡ Transfer through SIM-card (limited to 250 contacts). πŸ”΅ Bluetooth transmission. πŸ“ Export to.vcf and transfer through USB-cable SD-If you have a lot of contacts, export to.vcf and physically transfer the file is the best option.
Why did photos of contacts disappear after the transfer to Xiaomi?
Contact photos are kept separate from the main information and may not be transferred: πŸ“‡ Exports on SIM-card (it only retains names and numbers). πŸ”„ Sync through some third-party apps (e.g. Mi Mover doesn't always port photos) Solution: use Google sync or export contacts to.vcf via Contacts app+, photo-container.
How to avoid duplicate contacts on Xiaomi?
Duplication occurs when: ☁️ Contacts are already synced through Google, and you import them again from.vcf. πŸ“± Xiaomi has enabled sync with multiple accounts (e.g. Google and Mi Account).To delete duplicates: Open Contacts on Xiaomi.Click on three dots β†’ Contact management β†’ Combine the takes.
Can I transfer contacts from Sony Xperia to Xiaomi if the old device is broken?
Yes, if: ☁️ Xperia has been enabled to sync with Google – just add this account to Xiaomi. πŸ’Ύ You have a backup of contacts (a.vcf file or contacts.db) on your computer or in the cloud. If the phone is not turned on and sync has not been configured, you can only restore contacts through the service center (if only the screen or battery is damaged).
Which app is better for transferring contacts: Mi Mover or Shareit?
Comparison: Mi Mover Shareit Transmission Speed ⚑ Quickly (via Wi-Fi Direct) ⚑ Very quickly Data Support Contacts, messages, photos, applications Contacts, photos, videos, files Security β˜‘οΈ Official Xiaomi app ⚠️ Requires additional permits Convenience β˜‘οΈ Simple interface β˜‘οΈ Supports cross-platform transfer (including iOS) Conclusion: to transfer only contacts between Sony Xperia and Xiaomi, it is better to use Mi Mover. If you need to transfer additional data (photos, videos), SHAREit will do.