Transferring contacts from Xiaomi Redmi to another Android phone via Bluetooth: the full guide

Shifting contacts between Xiaomi Redmi smartphones over Bluetooth is one of the easiest ways to share data without using the Internet or a computer. Despite the proliferation of cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Contacts, many users prefer local methods because of privacy or lack of stable connectivity. However, this method has nuances, from restrictions on the number of contacts transferred to compatibility problems between different versions of MIUI.

In this article, we will take a step-by-step guide to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other Android 11-14 devices, and how to avoid common errors. If you have encountered contacts that are not shared or not fully shared, here you will find solutions. For convenience, we have added a comparative table of alternative methods and FAQs with answers to frequent questions.

Bluetooth is suitable for transferring up to 250 contacts in one session (protocol restriction) OBEX into MIUI), But it is better to use large bases. QR-code or Mi Mover.

1. Preparation of telephones for the transmission of contacts

Before starting the transfer, make sure that both devices meet the following key requirements:

• 📱 Sender: Xiaomi Redmi with version MIUI 12+ (Older versions may not have the Bluetooth export function).
• 📲 Recipient: Any smartphone running Android 8.0+ (including other brands such as Samsung, Realme, etc.).
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% on both devices (low charge) MIUI may interrupt the transmission).
• 📶 Flight mode: turn it off - some versions MIUI Block Bluetooth in this mode.

On your sender phone (Redmi), check that the contacts are stored in local memory, not just in your Google or Mi Account.

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. If Export to memory is active, local contacts are available. If not, export them from the cloud first.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are synced only to Google, they cannot be transferred via Bluetooth. First export them to the.vcf file via Settings → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

2. Step-by-step instruction: Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth

Follow this algorithm to avoid errors:

1. Activate Bluetooth on both phones: On Redmi: swipe down the notification bar → hold the Bluetooth icon → turn on Visibility for All. On the second phone: do the same thing and start Device Search.
2. Device pairing: On Redmi, select the device found from the list → confirm the pairing code (usually 0000 or 1234).
3. Export of contacts: Open contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Send. Choose Bluetooth. → Check the contacts you want (or click Select All). Confirm the sending to the associated device.

Contact reception

• The second phone will be notified of the incoming contact.vcf file.
• Accept the file → select Save to Contacts.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Export function via Bluetooth is hidden. To activate it, update the Contacts app via Google Play.

4. Alternative methods of transferring contacts

If Bluetooth doesn’t work or isn’t suitable due to the large amount of data, consider these methods:

• 📤 Mi Mover (built-in Xiaomi software): Suitable for transferring all data (contacts, messages, photos). Works on Wi-Fi Direct (faster than Bluetooth). Limit: both phones must be from Xiaomi.
• ☁️ Google Contacts: Sync your contacts with your Google account on your old phone, then log in to the same account on your new phone. minus: requires the internet and can take time with a lot of contacts.
• 🔗 QR-code MIUI 13+): Open Contacts. → Choose a contact → Share. → QR-Scan the code with the second phone through the scanner or the camera, suitable for transferring individual contacts.
• 💾.vcf via messenger: Export contacts to file → Send it via Telegram, WhatsApp or email, plus: works between any devices.

For users of Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, we recommend Mi Mover – it transfers data 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth and supports large volumes.

Through Bluetooth|

Through Google Contacts |

Through Mi Mover|

Through QR-code|

Another way.-->

5. Features for different Redmi models

The process of transferring contacts may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI.

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 (MIUI 13/14): Supports Bluetooth 5.2+, There's a built-in Quick Transfer feature (similar to Google's Nearby Share).
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C (MIUI 12): Bluetooth version 5.0 — There may be delays in transferring large files.The Bluetooth export function can be hidden in the submenu.
• 📱 Redmi 8/8A (MIUI 11 and below: Wi-Fi Direct is not supported, so Mi Mover will not work. It is recommended to use Google Contacts or.vcf file.

On Redmi Note 10 and later, Bluetooth transmissions offer the option to Compress Data, which reduces the size of the.vcf file by 20-30%, activated in the contact export menu.

6. Security and confidentiality

Transferring contacts via Bluetooth is considered more secure than via cloud services, but there are risks:

• 🔒 Tracking: In theory, an attacker can intercept data if within Bluetooth range (up to 10 meters).
• 📱 Unauthorized access: If a phone is lost or stolen, the connected devices can automatically connect.
• 📄 Data Leakage:.vcf file contains not only numbers, but also email, addresses, notes.