Transferring contacts with Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: the complete guide

Introduction: Why transfer contacts over Bluetooth?

The transition to a new smartphone Xiaomi always accompanied by the need to transfer data, SIM-Now, with maps or cloud services, Bluetooth technology now allows you to do this wirelessly in minutes, but why Bluetooth, not more modern methods?

First, it's a universal protocol that works even on older Redmi or POCO models without internet access. Second, Bluetooth transfer eliminates the risk of data leakage to the cloud -- relevant for privacy-seeking users. Finally, it's the only way if you don't have cable or Wi-Fi on hand.

However, the method has nuances: a limit on the number of contacts transferred at a time, possible synchronization errors or incompatibility of Bluetooth versions on different devices. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to transfer contacts over Bluetooth for Xiaomi, including bypassing typical problems.

Preparation of devices for the transmission of contacts

Before you start the transfer, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI at least 10 (older ones may not have the function of exporting contacts)
• 🔋 Battery charge above 30% (interrupted due to discharge will result in data loss)
• 📶 Bluetooth version 4.0 or later (for stable transmission)
• 📇 Contacts are stored in the phone’s memory, not on the phone. SIM-The map (otherwise it will not be exported)

If your contacts are stored on SIM-First, transfer them to your phone memory:

1. Open the Contacts app
2. Press. ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map
3. Select all contacts and confirm the transfer to the Device

Also check if contacts are duplicated. ⋮ → Combine and correct. Duplicates can cause transmission errors.

⚠️ Note: If your old phone is synced to Google Contacts, turn it off before transferring over Bluetooth.

Step-by-step: transfer contacts via Bluetooth

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions strictly in steps to avoid data loss.

1. Activate Bluetooth on both devices: On your old phone: Settings → Connections & Sharing → Bluetooth → turn on the slider. On your new phone: do the same thing and make the device visible to everyone (option in the Bluetooth menu).

Conjugate the devices:

On the old phone, click Device Search, select a new Xiaomi from the list, and confirm pairing on both screens.

Export contacts:

Open Contacts on your old phone → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to.vcf. Choose Bluetooth as a transfer method.

Select the recipient device:

In the list of associated devices, tap on the new Xiaomi. It will request a file acceptance, confirm.

Import contacts on your new phone:

Once you receive the.vcf file, open it through a notification or manually in Files → Downloads. The system will prompt you to add contacts to the phone book.

If contacts don’t show up after importing, reboot a new phone or check the Contacts → Groups folder – sometimes they fall into the Other Contacts category.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users face problems, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try an alternative method:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may have a file file file error due to the limitations of the chipset, in which case use Mi Mover (the built-in data porting application).

Comparison of Contact Transfer Methods on Xiaomi

Bluetooth isn't the only way to transfer, but let's look at the alternatives and their features.

• 🔄 Mi Mover (built-in app): Faster Bluetooth, supports photo and message transfer, but requires cable OTG or Wi-Fi Direct.
• ☁️ Synchronization with MI Cloud: Automatic backup, but dependent on the internet and may conflict with Google contacts.
• 📱 SIM-Card: Suitable for basic contacts (name and number only), restriction ~250 records.
• 📎 Third-party applications (e.g. ShareIt): High speed but security risks when using untested software.

Bluetooth wins in two ways:

1. There is no internet or cable access.
2. You need to move the contacts selectively (for example, only work numbers).

💡

If you change phones frequently, set up automatic sync with your Google contacts or MI Cloud. This will eliminate the need for manual porting in the future. → Accounts. → Google/MI → Synchronize contacts and enable the option.

Data security in Bluetooth transmission

Many users fear that a Bluetooth connection could be intercepted, with minimal risks, but there are a few rules for added protection:

• 🔒 Use the latest version of Bluetooth (5.0 and higher) to support encryption).
• 🚫 Turn off the visibility of the device after pairing in Bluetooth Settings → Additionally.
• 📴 Do not pass on contacts in public places (airports, cafes) where there is a possibility of a “Bluejacking” attack".
• 🔄 Remove pairing after transfer: Bluetooth settings → ⚙️ → Remove the device.

For maximum privacy, check what data is stored in the contacts before transferring. For example, Xiaomi can save by default:

• Birthdays and events
• Addresses (home/work)
• Notes with personal information

To clear unnecessary data:

1. Open contact. → Edit.
2. Delete any additional fields (such as an Extra Number or Email Address).
3. Save the changes before exporting.

Transfer of contacts between Xiaomi and other brands

The instructions above are suitable for transferring between two Xiaomi smartphones. If you need to transfer contacts to a device of another brand (for example, Samsung or iPhone), consider the following nuances:

• 📱 On Android (Samsung, Huawei, etc.): The process is similar, but it may require confirmation of rights to access contacts.
• 🍎 On iPhone: iOS does not support importing.vcf via Bluetooth.Use email or iCloud.
• 🤖 From Android to iPhone: Export contacts to.vcf to Xiaomi. Send the file to the email open on iPhone. Save the attachment and import through Contacts → Groups → Imports.