Shifting contacts between Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter nuances. Some users lose some numbers when synchronizing, others can not find the export feature in new versions of MIUI, and still others face duplication of records. This article will help to avoid all the pitfalls and choose the best way depending on your situation.
We’ll look at 5 working methods, from the fastest (via Mi Account) to the universal (via Google account), which will work even if one of the phones is not from Xiaomi. Particular attention will be paid to the problems with transferring contacts to devices with MIUI 14+, where the interface of synchronization settings has changed. All instructions are relevant for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
If you are in a hurry, use methods 1 or 2 (takes 2-3 minutes). If reliability and complete control are important, choose methods 3-5. At the end of the article, you will find a table of methods comparison and answers to frequent questions, such as why some numbers are not portable or how to restore lost contacts.
1. Transfer via Mi Account (the fastest way)
This method only works between Xiaomi devices and requires both phones to be tied to the same Mi Account. The main advantage is speed: contacts sync automatically when a new device is first turned on. However, there are nuances with MIUI 14+, where the function is hidden deeper in the settings.
On an old phone:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
- Make sure the switch opposite the Contact is active (green).
- Click Sync Now (in the upper right corner).
On the new phone:
- When you first enable, select Restore from backup and log in to the same Mi Account.
- If the phone is already set up, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Restore and select the latest backup.
Check that the old phone is on contact sync
Make sure there is enough space in the Mi Cloud on the new phone (free 5GB)
Connect both devices to Wi-Fi to speed up synchronization
Do not log out of your Mi Account until the transfer is complete.
-->
Important point: if you are using MIUI 14/15, the path to sync settings may be different. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13T), you need to go to Settings → Memory → Backup → Mi Cloud Settings.
⚠️ Note: If you previously disabled contact sync in Mi Cloud, some numbers could only be saved locally, in which case, before transferring, be sure to export the contacts to the file. VCF (see method 4).
2. Transfer through SIM-map (for older models)
This method is suitable if you have Xiaomi Redmi 4A, Redmi 5 or other models before 2019, which still supports export to SIM. Modern smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 Pro) often limit the number of contacts saved on the SIM (usually up to 250), and the fields for additional information (email, address) are cropped.
Instructions:
- Put it in. SIM-card.
- Open the Contacts app → Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
- Select contacts for export (or click Allocate).
- Confirm the export and wait until it is completed (may take 1-2 minutes).
- Move it. SIM-card.
- In the Contacts app, select Imports with SIM-map.
Limitations of the method:
- 📵 Nana SIM Only the name and number are saved (without photo, email, notes).
- 🔢 Maximum of 250 contacts (depending on operator).
- ⏱️ Slower than cloud-based methods (up to 5 minutes at 200)+ contact).
What if your phone doesn’t see your SIM contacts?
3. Sync through Google account (universal method)
This is the most reliable method that works between any Android device, including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and others. Contacts are saved in the Google Contacts cloud and automatically synced when you add an account to a new phone, the main plus is that you get a full copy with all the fields (photos, email, birthdays).
Step-by-step:
- On your old phone: Open Settings → Accounts → Google. Select your account → Sync your account. Activate the Contacts switch. Click More → Sync now.
new phone
- When you first turn on, select Copy Data → From the Cloud and log in to the same Google account.
- If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync and turn on Contacts.
Challenges and solutions:
- 🔄 If contacts are not synced, check your internet connection (better use Wi-Fi).
- 📱 If the new phone has duplicate contacts, go to Google Contacts (via browser) and delete duplicates manually or use Find and combine duplicates.
- 🔒 If contacts are not displayed, check that the Contacts app settings are selected to Display Contacts. → All contacts, not just from the phone).
💡
Before transferring through Google, it is recommended to clear old unused contacts. Go to [Google Contacts](https://contacts.google.com), select Contact Management → Combine and fix and delete duplicates or blank entries.
4. Local transfer via VCF file (for full control)
This is a good way to back up your contacts or migrate them selectively. The VCF file (vCard) contains all the contact information and can be imported to any device. Especially useful if you're switching from Xiaomi to an iPhone or another brand.
How to export contacts to VCF:
- Open the Contacts app on your old phone.
- Click on three points → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to file.
- Choose where to save the file (internal memory or storage). SD-map).
- Name the file (for example, contacts_backup.vcf) and confirm the export.
How to import on a new phone:
- Transfer the VCF file to your new phone (via Bluetooth, USB cable, or cloud storage).
- Open the Contacts app → Three Points → Contact Management → Import/Export → Import from File.
- Select the.vcf file and confirm the import.
Advantages of the method:
- 📄 Full control over data (you can edit the file before importing).
- 🔄 Works between any devices (Android, iOS, Windows Phone).
- 💾 You can store several backups (for example, contacts_2023.vcf, contacts_2026.vcf).
⚠️ Note: If you are editing the file VCF manually (for example, through a text editor), do not delete lines BEGIN:VCARD and END:VCARD — This will lead to an import error. For mass editing, use specialized software like VCF Editor.
5. Bluetooth Transfer (if there is no internet)
This method is convenient when there is no Wi-Fi or mobile Internet at hand, but both phones support Bluetooth 4.0+. minus the transfer speed (about 1-2 MB / s), so with 500+ contacts, the process can take 5-10 minutes.
Instructions:
- On an old phone: Turn Bluetooth on Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Open Contacts → Three Points → Contact Management → Send. Select contacts (or tap Allow). Select the Bluetooth sending method and confirm.
new phone
- Receive the incoming file via Bluetooth.
- After transfer, open the notification about the received file and select Import Contacts.
Nuances:
- 📶 Bluetooth transfer could be interrupted if phones go beyond 10 meters.
- 🔋 Make sure that both phones have a battery charge. >20%, otherwise the transmission may be interrupted.
- 📱 On some models (Poco) X3, Redmi 9) you need to first conjugate the device in the Bluetooth settings, and then send contacts.
💡
Bluetooth porting is suitable for a small number of contacts (up to 300). For large bases, it is better to use cloud services (Mi Cloud or Google) or a VCF file.
Comparison of methods of transferring contacts
To choose the best method, focus on this table:
| Method | Speed. | Supported data | Limitations | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | ⚡ Instantly. | Name, number, email, photo | Only Xiaomi requires the internet. | Quick transfer between Xiaomi |
| Google account | ⚡ Instantly. | All fields (including notes) | Requires a Google account | Universal portability to any Android |
| VCF file | 🐢 1-2 minute | All fields. | You need to manually transfer the file. | Backup, transfer to iPhone |
| SIM-map | 🐢 2-5 minute | Name and number only | 250 contact limit | Old Xiaomi models |
| Bluetooth | 🐢 3-10 minute | Name, number, email. | Slow transmission | Transfer without the Internet |
If you are in doubt about which way to choose, answer two questions:
- Do I need to transfer all the fields (photos, emails, birthdays) or just the numbers?
- Do you have stable internet access on both phones?
If the answer to both questions is yes, use a Google account. If you move between Xiaomi and want maximum speed, choose Mi Account. VCF is the right file for backup or porting to your iPhone.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you transfer it properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Contacts are not synced through the Mi Cloud.
- 🔌 Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi is preferred).
- 🔄 Manually update synchronization in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
- 📱 Reboot both phones.
- 🔑 Log out of your Mi Account and log in again.
Problem 2: Not all contacts are transferred.
- 📂 Check if the missing numbers are saved. SIM-In the local memory (not in the cloud).
- 🔍 In the Contacts app, click on three dots. → Display contacts and select All contacts.
- 📥 Export contacts to VCF Check the file for all records.
Problem 3: Duplicate contacts after transfer.
- 🔄 Come in. [Google Contacts](https://contacts.google.com) → Combining and correcting.
- 🧹 In Contacts on Phone, select Contact Management → Combine duplicates.
- 📱 If the duplicates appeared due to synchronization with multiple accounts (Mi) + Google, disable the synchronization of contacts in one of them.