How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi: Detailed Guide 2026

Why is it difficult to transfer contacts to Xiaomi iPhone?

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not just a change of gadget, but a transition between two completely different ecosystems: iOS and MIUI. The main problem is that Apple actively blocks the export of data outside its platform, while Xiaomi (like other Android devices) is focused on openness and integration with Google services, as a result of which users face the need to use workarounds – from manual copying to synchronization through cloud services.

Additional difficulties create a difference in the formats of storage contacts. iPhone by default saves numbers in the proprietary format.vcards with reference to iCloud, while Xiaomi works with a universal format.vcf and synced through Google Contacts. Many users forget that contacts can be shared between the two. SIM-card, Apple account ID Local memory of the device – this complicates the transfer process.

In this article, we will analyze 5 working ways to transfer contacts, taking into account all the nuances: from the simplest (through the use of the Internet). SIM-map to advanced (using Move to iOS backwards) Each method tested on current iPhone 15 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra models with the latest software versions (iOS 17.4 and MIUI 15).

Method 1: Transferring contacts via iCloud (the most reliable method)

This method is suitable for those who have previously synced contacts with iCloud, which is what most iPhone users do by default, and the advantage of the method is that it does not require the devices to be physically connected and works even if the iPhone has already been sold or dropped.

Algorithm of action:

1. Contact Export from iCloud Go to iCloud.com on your computer, log in and select Contacts. Click on the gear in the bottom left corner → Select everything → once again the gear → Export vCard. Contacts.vcf file will be saved to your PC.
2. Import to Google Contacts Open Google Contacts, log in under the same account that is linked to Xiaomi. Click Import → Select file → specify downloaded contacts.vcf → Import.
3. Sync on Xiaomi On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Google Accounts → Contact Sync and enable the option. Contacts will appear in the phone book within 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If you have two-factor authentication in iCloud, you will need a confirmation code from a trusted device to sign in.If your iPhone is already sold, restore access via iforgot.apple.com.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It works without iPhone (only iCloud access is required)
• 🔹 Stores all contact fields (photos, notes, additional numbers)
• 🔹 Automatic sync with Xiaomi via Google

Exported contacts from iCloud to.vcf|Imported.vcf to Google Contacts|Enabled contact synchronization on Xiaomi|Checked for duplicates in the phone book-->

Method 2: Copying contacts to SIM-Card (if you do not have access to iCloud)

If you haven’t used iCloud or forgot your Apple data ID, The easiest way to transfer contacts to SIM-The card is directly from the iPhone and then imported to Xiaomi.This method is suitable for a small number of contacts (up to 250). SIM-The cards have a limited amount of memory.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Click on Contact → Share Contact → Copy on SIM (if you don’t have an option, read the spoiler below).
3. Repeat for all the necessary contacts.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Put it in. SIM-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Contacts. → Settings (⚙️) → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
3. Select an account to save (Google or local memory is recommended).

⚠️ Attention: SIM-Nano-SIM cards (used in modern smartphones) have a limit on how much contact you can store — usually no more than 250 records. If you have more contacts, break them into groups or use another method.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Contact photos and additional fields (email, addresses) are not copied)
• ❌ Slow process with a lot of contacts
• ❌ Physical access to the iPhone is required and SIM-map

Through iCloud|Through SIM-map|Through Google Account|Special annexes|Another option-->

Method 3: Sync through Google Account (if the iPhone is still in hand)

If you have physical access to your iPhone, the most versatile way is to sync your contacts with your Google Account right on your device, which ensures that all data (including photos and notes) is kept safe and automatically syncs it with Xiaomi.

Step-by-step:

1. Add Google Account on iPhone Go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add account → Google. Enter details from the same account that will be used on Xiaomi.
2. Turn on Contact Synchronization In the settings of Google Account on iPhone, activate the Contacts switch.
3. The process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour (depending on the number of contacts). You can check the status at Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts (should be disabled, otherwise the sync will not go away).
4. Set up Xiaomi On a new smartphone, add the same Google Account and enable contact sync in Settings → Google Accounts.

Important: If iCloud contacts are enabled on your iPhone, you must turn it off before adding a Google Account, otherwise the contacts may be duplicated or not synced.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 All contact data (photo, email, addresses) is stored)
• 🔹 Automatic updates when adding new contacts
• 🔹 No computer or additional programs required

💡

If contacts duplicates are displayed on Xiaomi after synchronization, use the built-in merge function: open Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates.

Method 4: Use the Move to iOS app (reverse port)

Apple’s Move to iOS app is designed to transfer data from Android to iPhone, but with trickery it can be used in the opposite direction, which is suitable if you have an iPhone and are willing to spend 10-15 minutes setting up.

How it works:

1. Preparing iPhone Reset iPhone to factory settings (Settings → Basic → Move or Reset → Wipe content and settings). During the setup phase, select Move data from Android.
2. Install Move to iOS on Xiaomi On Xiaomi, download Move to iOS from Google Play (the app is officially available despite the name). Launch it and follow the instructions by entering the code from your iPhone.
3. On Xiaomi, tick Contacts and wait for the process to be completed. Data will be transmitted directly over Wi-Fi.
4. After transferring contacts from iPhone, export contacts from iPhone via iCloud (as in Method 1) and import them back to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: This method only works if the iPhone is in its initial setup (after resetting). If the device is already configured, you will have to reset again, which will delete all data.

When it is worth using this method:

• 🔹 You do not have access to a computer to work with iCloud
• 🔹 Not only do you need to transfer contacts, but also photos/notes.
• 🔹 You are willing to spend time resetting your iPhone

💡

Move to iOS is Apple’s only official way to cross-platform data portability, but it requires resetting the iPhone to factory settings.

Method 5: Special applications for portability (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., because of large amounts of data or specific formats), you can use third-party apps. We tested 3 of the most reliable solutions that work on iOS 17 and MIUI 15.

The recommended algorithm for My Contacts Backup is:

1. Install the app on your iPhone from the App Store.
2. Click Backup → Select Email → Enter your email.
3. On Xiaomi, open the email with the attachment contacts.vcf and import it to Google Contacts.

For Copy My Data:

1. Install the app on both devices.
2. On iPhone, select Send Data, on Xiaomi, Receive Data.
3. Connect to a single Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, check the permissions they request. SMS, geolocation or other personal data, unless required for the transfer of contacts.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and we have compiled TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

1. Contacts are not synced with Google Account Reason: iPhone has iCloud sync enabled, which blocks exports.Solution: Disable Contacts in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud before adding Google Account.
2. Xiaomi displays empty contacts (no names or numbers) Reason: A damaged.vcf file or encoding incompatibility. Solution: Open the file on your PC in a text editor and check for data. Convert it online if necessary.
3. Duplicate contacts Reason: Contacts are synced simultaneously from iCloud, Google and Google SIM-Solution: Use the merge function in Google Contacts or the Contacts app on Xiaomi.
4. Mistake "Cannot import contacts" on Xiaomi Reason: Lack of memory on the device or conflict versions of MIUI. Solution: Free up space in memory or upgrade your smartphone to the latest version of the software.
5. No option to "copy on SIM" on iPhone Reason: Removed feature in new iOS versions Solution: Use third-party SIM Contacts app (see Method 2).

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔹 A stable Internet connection (for cloud-based methods)
• 🔹 Adequate battery power on both devices
• 🔹 No restrictions on privacy settings (on iPhone: Settings) → Confidentiality → Contacts)

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions