Transfer of contacts from Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: video + step-by-step analysis

Shifting contacts between Xiaomi smartphones over Bluetooth is one of the easiest ways to sync when you don’t have internet or cable at hand. Despite the prevalence of cloud services like Mi Cloud, many users prefer local methods because of the speed and lack of dependence on the network. However, this method has nuances, from restrictions on the amount of data transferred to possible errors when pairing devices.

In this article, we will not only look at the standard Bluetooth transfer algorithm, but also at alternative methods (including hidden MIUI features) that work even on older Redmi or POCO models. You will also find timecode video instructions, a comparison table of transmission methods, and answers to frequent questions – for example, why contacts are duplicated or not displayed after transfer.

Why Bluetooth is not always the best choice for mobile

At first glance, Bluetooth contact transfer seems like the perfect solution: no wires, no Wi-Fi connection, and the process takes only a few minutes.

• 📵 Data Limit: Bluetooth 4.0-5.0 on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to transfer files up to 16-32 MB in one session. If your phone book contains thousands of contacts with photos, the transfer may be interrupted.
• 🔄 Encoding problems: When transferring between devices with different versions MIUI (For example, with the Redmi Note 8 on Xiaomi 13, Cyrillic characters can appear as Cracosabras.
• ⚡ Battery discharge: Continuous data transfer over Bluetooth drains the battery 10-15% faster than usual. 4X) That could be a problem.

In addition, some users are faced with the contacts being stored in the device’s memory as.vcf files rather than being integrated directly into the phone book, which means they will have to be imported manually, an additional step that is often forgotten.

⚠️ Note: If one of the devices is power-saving, Bluetooth can automatically shut down after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. → Battery → Energy saving regime.

Preparation of devices for transfer: checklist before the start

To avoid errors in the transfer of contacts, both Xiaomi smartphones must be properly configured. Missing at least one item from the list below can lead to pairing failure or data loss.

Make sure that both phones are Bluetooth enabled (in the notification panel or in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth)

Check that the devices can see each other (no more than 10 meters away, no obstacles)

Turn off VPN and power saving modes on both phones

Remove old paired devices in Bluetooth Settings → Saved devices

Update MIUI to the latest version (relevant for models older than 2020)

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Pay special attention to the MIUI update item. In older firmware versions (e.g. MIUI 10 and below), the Bluetooth contact function may not work stable or at all. To check the version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

We also recommend temporarily disabling antivirus applications (such as Avast or 360 Security) as they can block Bluetooth data exchange, perceiving it as a potential threat.

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If one of the phones previously used another user's Mi Account, reset Bluetooth settings to factory: Settings → System → Resetting → Network settings Reset. This will eliminate conflicts when pairing.

Step-by-step: how to transfer contacts via Bluetooth to Xiaomi

Now, to the process itself, the following is a general guide that is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except for Android Go devices, where functionality may differ).

Step 1: Export contacts to.vcf file on source phone

Open the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon). Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Contact Management → Import/Export → Export to the device. The system will suggest saving the file in.vcf format - select Downloads or Bluetooth folder for convenience.

Step 2: Connecting devices over Bluetooth

Activate Bluetooth on both phones. On the source device (from where ported), click Device Search and select the target smartphone. Confirm pairing on both screens. If requested. PIN-Enter the standard code for Xiaomi: 0000 or 1234.

Step 3: Transfer of the.vcf file

Go back to the.vcf file you saved in the first step. Click on it and select Send → Bluetooth. Select your target phone from the device list. The receiving device will notify you of the incoming file, confirm acceptance.

Step 4: Import contacts on a new phone

Once you download the file, open it through a notification or find it in the Bluetooth folder. The system will suggest importing contacts — select Import All. If contacts don't show up, restart the phone.

Video instructions (timecodes for convenience):

• 🎥 Watch YouTube (00:00 – preparation, 01:23 – export of contacts, 02:45 – Bluetooth transmission, 04:10 – import).

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after import, check if they are synced with both Google Account and Mi Cloud. → Accounts.

Alternative ways to transfer contacts to Xiaomi

If Bluetooth is out of order or the transmission is interrupted, consider alternative methods, and below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each method.

For example, if you need to move your contacts from Xiaomi Mi 9 to Redmi Note 11 and Bluetooth refuses to work, the most reliable option is Mi Cloud:

1. On the old phone: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contact Synchronization.
2. On a new phone: Log in to the same Mi Account and enable sync.

Bluetooth

Mi Cloud

Google Account

Cable or flash drive

Another option-->

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔴 Bluetooth does not find the device: Make sure both phones are visible to everyone (Bluetooth Settings) → Visibility. On some models POCO Visibility shuts down after 2 minutes – re-activate it.
• 📥.vcf file won't open: Check if the file is corrupted. Try exporting contacts again or use a third-party app like Contacts Backup.
• 🔄 Contacts are duplicated: This happens if they are already synced to Google or Mi Cloud. disable autosynchronization before importing.
• ⚡ Transfer interrupted: Reduce the distance between devices to 1-2 meters and turn off other Bluetooth devices (e.g. headphones).

If contacts are missing after transfer, this is because MIUI does not export images to the.vcf file by default. To save photos, use the My Contacts Backup app (available on Google Play).

Tips for moving contacts on old Xiaomi models

If you are using a device older than 2018 (such as the Redmi 4A, Mi A1 or Mi Max 2), standard export contacts via.vcf may not work due to the outdated version of MIUI.

1. Install a third-party backup app like Super Backup & Restore.
2. Export contacts to the file and save them to the SD-card (if there is a slot).
3. Transfer the memory card to a new phone and import contacts through the same app.

For Android One models (e.g. Mi A2, Mi A3), the Bluetooth transfer algorithm may be different, as they lack proprietary MIUI features.

1. On your old phone: Open Contacts → Settings → Export.
2. On a new phone: import the file through Google Contacts → Settings → Import.

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On older Xiaomi models (before 2017), the Bluetooth contact function may not be available, in which case the only reliable way is to use a Google Account or third-party apps.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions