How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Shifting contacts between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing a gadget. Even if you stay in the ecosystem of one brand, the process can seem complicated due to the variety of methods, from cloud services to manual copying. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts between Xiaomi phones, including hidden MIUI features that will speed up the process significantly.

It's important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: the availability of the Internet, the version of MIUI, the phone model, and even the number of contacts. For example, to transfer 500+ records, the optimal use of Mi Account, and for 20-30 contacts will be enough Bluetooth. We analyzed each method according to the criteria of speed, reliability and convenience, so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

Special attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI function “Cloning of applications and data”, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also SMS, photos and even app settings in one step, this method works even on devices with different versions of Android, making it a universal solution for Xiaomi users.

1. Transfer contacts via Mi Account (the fastest way)

Synchronization with Mi Account is the standard and most reliable method recommended by the manufacturer itself, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 4A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The main advantage is automation: once set up, contacts will be synchronized between devices in real time.

To use this method, follow the following steps:

• 📱 On your old phone: Open Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and switch on the switch opposite Contacts. Wait until sync is complete (cloud icon turns green).
• 🔄 On a new phone: sign in to the same Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi account and enable contact sync in Mi Cloud.
• ⏳ Wait. 1-2 Minutes -- the contacts will automatically appear. If that doesn't happen, go to the Contacts app and pull the screen down for a forced update.

This works even if you have different versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12 on your old phone and MIUI 14 on your new phone), but there’s a caveat: if you haven’t used Mi Cloud before, contacts may not sync due to restrictions on new accounts (the limit of 500 contacts for free users).

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication in Mi Account, make sure you have access to a backup email or phone number before transferring. Otherwise, you may lose access to your account when you change device.

2.Use of the "Data Cloning" function in MIUI

The Mi Mover feature is an exclusive MIUI tool that allows you to migrate contacts, SMS, photos and even app settings in one step, ideal if you buy a new Xiaomi phone and want to transfer all data without loss. It works on all devices with MIUI 9 and above.

Instructions for use:

1. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select the option “Transfer Data from Another Device” (if the phone is already configured, go to Settings → About Phone → Data Cloning).
2. On your old phone, install the “Mi Mover” app from the Play Market (if it’s not on the system) and select “I’m the sender” mode.
3. Scan the scanner on your new phone QR-code that will appear on the old device.
4. Select the data to transfer (required to mark "Contacts") and confirm the beginning of the process.

The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data: 1000 contacts will take about 3-5 minutes. It is important that both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and have a battery charge of at least 50%. If the process is interrupted, it can be resumed, but some data can be duplicated.

Make sure there is enough space on both phones (at least 1GB free)

Connect both devices to charging

Turn off VPN and energy saving modes

Use a stable Wi-Fi network (not mobile internet)-->

This method also supports the transfer of:

• 📞 Contacts and call logs
• 💬 Communications (SMS and MMS)
• 📷 Photos and videos (up to 5GB)
• 📱 System settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness)

⚠️ Note: If the new phone already has contacts, they will not be deleted, but duplicates may occur. After transfer, we recommend checking the contact list and combining the repeated entries manually through the Contact Management menu. → Unite".

3. Transfer of contacts via SIM-card (for small volumes)

This method is suitable if you have less than 200 contacts and do not have access to the Internet. SIM-The card can store a limited number of records (usually up to 250), but does not require synchronization or additional applications.

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open the Contacts app.
2. Press three dots (menu) → "Imports/Exports" → "Exports to SIM-map".
3. Select contacts for export (you can note everything) and confirm.
4. Extract. SIM-A card and insert it into a new phone.
5. On your new phone, go to Contacts → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.

If you have duality SIM-Map (for example, in Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), Make sure you export your contacts to the same SIM, Some Xiaomi models allow you to select an export slot from the Settings menu. SIM-map".

If you SIM-The card does not support the required number of contacts, you can divide the export into parts or use alternative methods. SIM-The card is a memory that may be required for SMS or mobile.

4. Contacts over Bluetooth (without the Internet)

Bluetooth is a versatile method that works even on older Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 3S or Mi A1).It is suitable for transferring a small number of contacts (up to 100) and does not require a connection to Wi-Fi. The main disadvantage is the low speed and the need to confirm each contact manually.

How to transfer contacts via Bluetooth:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (Settings) → Connected devices → Bluetooth).
• 📱 On an old phone, open Contacts, select the contact you want (or multiple while holding your finger) and click Share".
• 📲 Select “Bluetooth” from the list of sending options and confirm pairing with your new phone.
• 📥 On your new phone, accept the incoming file (usually in.vcf format) and keep the contact.

To speed up the process, you can send contacts in packs of 10-20 pieces, but some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F3) limit the number of contacts sent simultaneously via Bluetooth to 5.

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If Bluetooth doesn’t find the device, try rebooting both phones or resetting Bluetooth settings to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Bluetooth settings.

This method is also useful if you want to transfer only a portion of contacts (e.g., only work numbers), unlike cloud synchronization, here you have complete control over what data is being transferred.

5.Export and import via VCF file (for backup)

The.vcf (vCard) format is the standard way to store contacts that all Xiaomi smartphones support, and this method is suitable if you want to back up contacts on your computer or transfer them to another brand device (for example, from Xiaomi to Samsung).

Instructions:

1. On the old phone, open "Contacts" → "Import / Export" → "Export to file".
2. Select the.vcf format and confirm the export. The file will be saved in the Download or Miui folder.
3. Transfer the file to your new phone via Bluetooth, email or USB-cable.
4. On the new phone, open the.vcf file and confirm the import of contacts.

The advantage of this method is to store all the data: names, numbers, email, addresses, and even photos of contacts. However, when importing a large file (for example, 2000+ contacts), the process can take up to 10 minutes.

If you have problems importing, check:

• 📁 The file file where the file was saved (sometimes) MIUI Creates a hidden folder.vcf").
• 📄 File size – If it exceeds 10MB, break it down with apps like "VCF Splitter".
• 🔧 Import settings - some versions MIUI Require confirmation for each contact at import.

6.Move over Google Account (for Android users)

If you use Google Contacts, it takes no more than 2 minutes to transfer between Xiaomi phones, which is universal and works even if you are switching from Xiaomi to a device of another brand.

How to sync your contacts through Google:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync.
2. Turn on the "Contacts" switch and wait for the synchronization to be completed.
3. On the new phone, add the same Google account and enable contact sync.
4. Open the Contacts app and pull the screen down for an update.

This also allows you to restore remote contacts within 30 days through the web version of Google Contacts, but there is a limitation: if the new phone already has contacts, they can be duplicated. To avoid this, export existing contacts to a.vcf file before synchronizing.

⚠️ Note: If you use multiple Google accounts on your old phone, make sure your contacts are saved to the correct account.To check this, open Contacts" → "Contact management" → Select an account that stores the numbers you need.

Comparison of synchronization methods:

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with proven methods, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Contacts are not synced through Mi Account

• 🔄 Check if synchronization is included in Settings → Mi Cloud → Contacts.
• 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the internet (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔑 Go to Mi Account: Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out, then come back in.

2. Upon importation VCF-File contacts are not displayed

• 📁 Check that the file is not corrupted (open it on your computer).
• 📱 Try importing a file through another application, such as Google Contacts".
• 🔧 Update the Contacts app in the Play Market.

3: Bluetooth does not find the second phone

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Make sure Bluetooth is enabled in detection mode (on some Xiaomi models, you need to activate the “Visibility for All” option").
• 🛠️ Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Bluetooth settings.

4.Duplicate contacts after transfer

• 🧹 In the Contacts app, select Contact Management → Unite".
• 📱 Use applications to clean up duplicates, such as "Cleaner for Xiaomi".
• 🔧 Turn off sync on one of your accounts (Mi or Google) if both are active.

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If none of the methods work, try resetting the Contacts app cache to Settings → Apps → App Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions