The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is not only about changing the ecosystem, but also about transferring all the important data, and contacts are the number one factor: losing a phone book can result in hours of manual recovery or even loss of valuable connections. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to move contacts between these platforms, from standard iCloud and Google Account tools to alternative solutions through the use of a mobile phone. SIM-map or specialized applications.
In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of synchronization of contacts, compare them in speed, reliability and convenience, and give recommendations on choosing the best option depending on your situation. We will pay special attention to common errors (such as duplicate recordings or loss of contact photos) and how to avoid them.+, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or another model of the brand – this guide will help to make the transition as smooth as possible.
1.Preparation for the transfer: what to do on the iPhone
Before you start syncing, you need to prepare the data on the original device, the iPhone, which is often overlooked, which leads to incomplete portability or format errors.
- 📱 Update iOS to the latest version. Older versions (below iOS 15) may not have critical export features. → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
- 🔄 Sync your contacts with iCloud. Even if you plan to use another portability method, backing up in the Apple cloud will become insurance. → [Your name] → iCloud and switch on the switch opposite “Contacts».
- 🧹 Clean duplicates. On iPhone, duplicate contacts can be created when synced with multiple accounts (e.g. iCloud). + To combine them, open the Contacts app, click Groups in the top left corner and select Show duplicates».
- 📎 Export contacts to a file (optional). If you prefer manual control, you can create a.vcf file via iCloud.com: select all contacts → gear-plate → «Export vCard».
⚠️ Note: If you have used contacts from social networks (such as Facebook or Facebook) VK), They may not sync through standard methods, and then you have to migrate them manually or through export from the social networks themselves.
Also check if your iPhone has Contact Limits enabled, which can block data export. To turn it off, go to Settings. → Screen time. → Content and privacy restrictions → Contact and select "Allow changes».
2. Method 1: Transfer over iCloud (the most reliable method)
Using iCloud is the official and most stable way to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi, and it is suitable even for large phone books (10,000).+ And it stores all the additional information, photos, attached files, note fields, and the main condition is that you have an Apple account. ID and Internet access.
Algorithm of action:
- On iPhone, make sure that contacts are synced with iCloud (see Preparation).
- On your computer or directly on Xiaomi, open your browser and go to iCloud.com. Sign in to your Apple ID.
- Select the "Contacts" section. Press the Ctrl key combination+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to highlight all contacts.
- Click on the gear icon in the lower left corner and select "Export vCard." Contacts.vcf will download to your device.
- Transfer this file to Xiaomi (for example, via Google Drive, Telegram or cable). USB-C/Lightning).
- On Xiaomi, open the.vcf file and automatically prompt you to import your contacts into your phone book.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Stores all data (photos, notes, fields) | Requires a computer or ability to work with files |
| It works with even very large phone books. | Delays may occur in export/import |
| It doesn’t depend on the Xiaomi model (suitable for everyone) | You need to remember the password from Apple ID |
⚠️ Note: If some of the contacts are not displayed when importing to Xiaomi, check the encoding of the.vcf file. Sometimes Apple saves it in the format UTF-16, Solution: Open the file in a text editor (e.g. Notepad)++) And save it in encoding. UTF-8.
Synchronization of contacts with iCloud on iPhone|Download contacts.vcf file from iCloud.com|File transferred to Xiaomi (via cloud or cable)|Xiaomi opens file.vcf for import-->
3. Method 2: Sync through Google Account
If you already use Google services (like Gmail or YouTube), this method will be the most convenient, allowing you not only to transfer contacts, but also automatically sync them between all your Android devices, the main advantage is that you do not need to manually export / import files.
Step-by-step:
- On iPhone, open Settings → Contacts → Accounts and click "Add Account." Select Google.
- Enter your Google Account (if you don’t have one, create it here).
- Activate the Contacts switch and wait until the sync is complete, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour (depending on the number of records).
- On Xiaomi at first turn on or in settings (Settings) → Google Accounts – Add the same Google Account.
- Turn on contact sync. After that, all the records from the iPhone will appear on Xiaomi.
This is especially useful if you plan to use Xiaomi in the Google ecosystem, such as automatically accessing contacts on Gmail, Google Contacts and other services.
- 🔄 Contacts from iCloud and Google can be duplicated if both syncs are active Solution: Turn off sync with iCloud after transfer.
- 📸 Contact photos are not always portable. To save them, use the.vcf file method (see Method 1).
- 🔒 If the iPhone has two-factor authentication enabled for Google Account, you will need to enter a confirmation code.
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If not all contacts are displayed on Xiaomi after syncing, check the All Contacts group in the Contacts app. Sometimes the entries are hidden in the Other Contacts section (from Google).
Method 3: Transfer through SIM-Card (for a small number of contacts)
Use of the SIM-Cards are a classic method that is suitable for carrying a small number of records (usually up to 250 contacts), it does not require internet and works even on older iPhone models (e.g. iPhones). 6s) and Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi) 4A). However, this method has serious limitations:
- 🚫 No photos, notes and additional fields (name only) + number).
- 📏 Limitation on volume: on the majority SIM-The card can be placed no more than 250 contacts.
- 🔠 Names with Cyrillic or special symbols may be displayed incorrectly.
If these restrictions do not scare you, follow the instructions:
- On the iPhone, open the Contacts app.
- Click on the contact you want to move and select “Share Contact”.
- On the menu.-sharing Choose "Copy on" SIM-Repeat for all the necessary contacts.
- Extract. SIM-Map from iPhone and paste it into Xiaomi.
- On Xiaomi, open the Contacts app, click on three dots (menu) and select Import/Export. → Import with SIM-map».
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) importation option SIM-The card may be hidden, in which case use an alternative path: → System and device → Import/Export of contacts.
This method is useful only for emergency transfer of several critical numbers, and for a full migration, you should choose iCloud or Google Account.
What to do if Xiaomi does not see the contacts on the SIM-map?
5. Method 4: Using Bluetooth (for individual contacts)
Bluetooth is a convenient way to transfer individual records without using the Internet or cables, and is suitable if you only need to transfer a few numbers (such as colleagues or new acquaintances), but for mass transfer, this method is ineffective due to limitations:
- 🐢 Slow speed (transmission is carried out in one contact).
- 📵 There may be errors in the transfer of Cyrillic names.
- 📱 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Additional receiver confirmation is required.
How to transfer contacts via Bluetooth:
- On both devices, turn on Bluetooth (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth on Xiaomi and Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone).
- Make the devices visible for search and perform pairing.
- On your iPhone, open the contact you want to transfer and click on Share Contact.
- Select the “Bluetooth” option and confirm the transfer to Xiaomi.
- On Xiaomi, accept the incoming file and save it to your contacts.
This is a useful way to do things in the field, where you don't have a computer or Internet, for example, if you bought Xiaomi in a store and want to move the main numbers right away, but for a complete migration, it's better to combine it with other methods.
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Bluetooth is only suitable for transferring 1-2 contacts. For mass transfer, use iCloud, Google Account or third-party applications.
Method 5: Third-party apps (Move to iOS, My Contacts Backup)
If standard methods don’t work for some reason (e.g. blocking iCloud in your region or problems with your Google Account), you can use specialized applications that automate the process and often offer additional features such as transferring messages or photos.
Move to iOS (official app from Apple)
This app was developed by Apple specifically to move from Android to iPhone, but it can be used in the opposite direction with some caveats.
- Download Move to iOS on iPhone.
- On Xiaomi, when you first start, select the option “Import data from another device” (if the phone is already configured, you will have to reset).
- On your iPhone, open Move to iOS, follow the instructions, and enter the connection code generated on Xiaomi.
- Select data to transfer (enable Contacts) and wait until it is completed.
Limitation: The app only works when you initially set up Xiaomi. If the phone has already been used, you will have to reset it to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings).
My Contacts Backup (Universal Solution)
This app allows you to back up your contacts as a.vcf file and send them by email or upload them to the cloud, and the advantage is that you can work without being tied to the Apple or Google ecosystem.
- Download My Contacts Backup on your iPhone.
- Click Backup and wait for the.vcf file to be created.
- Send the file to your own mail or upload it to Google Drive./Dropbox.
- Download the file on Xiaomi and open it for import.
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Move to iOS | Apple’s official decision doesn’t just transfer contacts | It only works on the first launch of Xiaomi |
| My Contacts Backup | No resets required by Xiaomi, exports to universal format | Advertising in the free version |
| Copy My Data | Transfers contacts, calendars, photos over Wi-Fi | Sometimes Cyrillic symbols are lost. |
⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, check reviews and ratings in the App Store/Google Some programs (such as Super Backup) may request redundant permissions, which is risky for data security.
7 Problem Solving: What to Do If Contacts Are Not Moved
Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical problems and the ways you can solve them.
Problem 1: Contacts are duplicated
This happens if Xiaomi already had contacts and they matched those imported.
- Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.
- Press three dots (menu) → «Contact management» → «Combine duplicates».
- If you don’t have an option, use Contacts Optimizer.
Problem 2: Contact photos are not transferred
Standard methods (except iCloud) often ignore photos.
- Use iCloud (Method 1) to save photos.
- Manually export photos through Google Contacts: open contact at contacts.google.com, click on the photo → «Change» → download the new.
Problem 3: Contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics
This is a problem when moving through SIM-map or Bluetooth:
- Check the encoding of the.vcf file (should be) UTF-8).
- If the contacts are already imported incorrectly, delete them and repeat the transfer through Google Account.
Problem 4: Xiaomi doesn’t show Google contacts
This is often due to the disconnected synchronization:
- Open the Settings. → Google accounts → [Your account].
- Make sure the Contact Switch is on.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sync Now.