How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 10: all methods with detailed instructions

Why migrating contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 10 requires a special approach

The transition from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 10 is not just a change of gadget, but a transition between two fundamentally different ecosystems: iOS and Android. If on devices of the same brand (for example, when switching from Redmi Note 9 to Redmi 10) contacts are transferred automatically through the Mi Account, then in the case of Apple, it is more difficult. The main problem is the closed Apple ecosystem: by default, contacts are stored in iCloud, rather than in universal formats like vCard or CSV.

The second nuance - features of firmware MIUI Unlike pure Android, it preinstalled the Xiaomi Contacts app, which can conflict with standard Google Contacts. SIM-Some fields (e.g., dates of birth or additional numbers) may not be saved, so the choice of transfer method depends not only on your preferences, but also on the version of the map. MIUI Redmi 10 (current data for 2026 β€” MIUI 14 and newer).

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer contacts, taking into account:

  • πŸ”„ Compatible with the latest versions of iOS 17+ and MIUI 14+
  • πŸ“± Redmi 10 models (including Redmi 10 Prime, Redmi) 10C)
  • πŸ”’ Data retention (without duplication or loss of fields)
  • ⚑ Process speed (from 2 minutes to 1 hour depending on the method)

Method 1: Transfer over iCloud (the most reliable method)

This is a good way to use iCloud on your iPhone, and its main advantage is to save all contact fields (including photos, notes, and associated accounts), but you will need a computer or laptop to work.

Algorithm of action:

  1. On iPhone, open Settings β†’ [Your name] β†’ iCloud and make sure the Contacts switch is turned on.
  2. On your computer, go to iCloud.com, log in and select Contacts.
  3. Click on the gear in the lower left corner and select Export vCard... The.vcf file will be saved to your PC.
  4. Connect Redmi 10 to your computer via USB-cable (enable file transfer mode) and copy the.vcf file to the Download folder.
  5. On Redmi 10, open the Contacts app, click on three points β†’ Import/Export β†’ Import from.vcf.

Contact synchronization is enabled in iCloud|Enough space on a PC for a.vcf file|USB-The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)|Redmi 10 has enabled the "File Transfer" mode" (MTP)

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⚠️ Note: If you have more than 500 contacts, the.vcf file may not be imported in its entirety, in which case, break it down using services like the.vcf file. VCF Splitter.

AdvantagesDeficiencies
All fields are saved (photos, notes, categories)Computer required
It works even if your iPhone is broken (iCloud is available).With a lot of contact, you need additional tools.
Free and unlimited.You need to remember the password from Apple ID

Method 2: Sync through Google Account (Universal)

If you don’t use iCloud or want to avoid your computer, Google Account will be a universal bridge between the iPhone and Redmi 10, a method that can be used to transfer not only contacts, but also calendars, notes (via Google Keep), and even some settings.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± On iPhone, install the Google Contacts app from the App Store.
  • πŸ”‘ Sign in with the same account you use on Redmi 10.
  • βš™οΈ In the application settings, enable Contact Synchronization and wait for the process to be completed.
  • πŸ“² On Redmi 10 when you first turn on or in Settings β†’ Add the same Google Account to your account.
  • πŸ”„ Enable contact synchronization in account settings.

πŸ’‘

If contacts don’t appear on Redmi 10, check in the Contacts app (three points β†’ Settings β†’ Display Contacts) and select your Google Account.

⚠️ Note: If your iPhone contacts are stored only in your phone’s memory (not in iCloud or in your phone’s memory) SIM), Before syncing with Google, export them to iCloud or to Google. SIM-map, otherwise they won't move.

This method has the advantage of automatically updating contacts on both devices, for example, if you add a new number to Redmi 10, it will appear on your iPhone (assuming active synchronization), but there is a risk of duplication if you have previously used iCloud.

Method 3: Use SIM-Cards (for small number of contacts)

Transfer through SIM-The card is the most β€œold-fashioned” but sometimes the only way (for example, if you don’t have access to iCloud or the Internet), it is suitable for a small number of contacts (up to 250), as it is the only way to get a card. SIM has limitations on the amount of memory.

Step-by-step:

  1. On iPhone go to Settings β†’ Contacts β†’ Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
  2. Select contacts for export (usually only name and number are supported).
  3. Extract. SIM-Map from iPhone and paste into Redmi 10.
  4. On Redmi 10, open your contacts. β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  5. Select an account to save (recommended by Google or Local on your phone).
What data is lost when transferring via SIM?
For export on SIM-- Contact name (up to 20 characters) - Main phone number (without additional fields like "work", "home") - No support for photos, addresses, email and notes.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 10s MIUI 14 when importing with SIM There may be a "failure to import" error:

  • Check that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (On some Redmi 10 models, import only works with the main slot).
  • Reboot your phone and try again.
  • If the error repeats, use the microSIM/nanoSIM adapter and connect the card via the card reader to the computer, then import the.vcf file manually.

Method 4: Applications for portability (Move to iOS and alternatives)

Apple’s official Move to iOS app is designed to reverse-transfer from Android to iPhone, but there are alternatives to our challenge:

AnnexPlusesCons
Copy My DataFree, working on Wi-Fi.Limiting 100 Contacts in the Free Version
My Contacts BackupExports to.vcf file with emailAdvertising, no direct synchronization with Xiaomi
Xiaomi Mover (pre-installed on some models)Optimized for MIUIIt works in an unstable way with iOS 17+

The following algorithms are used for Copy My Data:

  1. Install the app on iPhone and Redmi 10.
  2. On iPhone, select Send Contacts, on Redmi 10, select Receive Data.

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

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⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps, turn off battery optimization for them on Redmi 10 (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Battery optimization; otherwise, the process may be interrupted by background constraints. MIUI.

Method 5: Manual input and cloud services (for selected contacts)

If you only need to move a few important contacts, manually typing can be faster than setting up sync, which is also useful if you don’t have access to an iPhone (like it’s been repaired), but have a backup of contacts on messengers or social media.

Manual portability options:

  • πŸ“‹ Export from instant messengers: In WhatsApp or Telegram, open a chat with a contact β†’ press on the name β†’ Export contact β†’ Send yourself to email or Google Contacts.
  • πŸ–₯️ Cloud Backups: If you have an iPhone backup in iTunes or Finder, extract contacts using programs like iMazing or AnyTrans (paid).
  • πŸ“‡ Screen photography: Take a picture of your contacts list on your iPhone, then type them manually on Redmi 10 (fit 10-20 contact).

To speed up the process, use voice input on Redmi 10:

  1. Open Contacts. β†’ + (Add).
  2. Click on the microphone icon next to the input field.
  3. Dictate the contact details (example: "Ivan Ivanov, phone 89123456789, email ivan@example.com").

πŸ’‘

Voice input works only when you are actively connected to the Internet and the Google Assistant service is enabled (or XiaoAI for Chinese MIUI firmware).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Contacts are not imported from the SIM on Redmi 10Incompatibility of formats or damaged SIMTry another one. SIM-card or import via computer
Duplicate contacts after syncing with GoogleContacts have already been made on iCloud and GoogleUse the tool to combine and correct in Google Contacts
.vcf file does not open on Redmi 10A damaged file or unsupported encodingOpen the file on your PC via Outlook or Thunderbird, then export it again.
The port app doesn't see the iPhoneDifferent Wi-Fi networks or firewallDisable VPN, check connection to one network
Contacts are displayed without names (numbers only)Error of coding during importationRemove contacts and import again by selecting UTF-8 encoding

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI Redmi 10 to the latest version (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure your iPhone is on modem modem (if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
  • πŸ”’ Temporarily disable the antivirus on both devices (sometimes it blocks data transmission).
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to Redmi 10 without a computer?
Yes, there are three ways without a PC: Sync through Google Account (the most reliable). SIM-A card (suitable for a small number of contacts) using applications like Copy My Data (requires Wi-Fi β€” SIM-card.
Why did the photos of the contacts disappear after the Redmi 10 transfer?
This is a common problem when importing through SIM-Contact photos are stored separately from the main data and are not always automatically transferred.To recover them: Export contacts from your iPhone via iCloud in.vcf format with the option "Enable photos" enabled.+ (available for iOS and Android), which saves images. manually save photos of contacts on the iPhone (long press on the photo β†’ Share and transfer them to Redmi 10 via Google Photos.
How to transfer contacts if the iPhone is broken, but there is a backup in iTunes?
If you have a backup in iTunes or Finder (on a Mac), use one of these methods: Through iMazing: Install iMazing on your computer. Connect the device with a backup (or restore the backup to a temporary iPhone). Export contacts to.vcf or directly to Google Contacts. via iCloud (if backup is uploaded to the cloud): Restore data from the backup to a temporary iPhone or emulator (like iPadian). Export contacts to.vcf via iCloud.com. ⚠️ Important: Free version of iMazing allows only 50 contacts to be exported. Full export requires a paid license (~$40).
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to Redmi 10 via Bluetooth?
Technically, but it's extremely inconvenient. Bluetooth on iOS has strict data transfer restrictions: You can only send one contact at a time (no batch transfer). Not all fields are portable (for example, addresses or additional numbers may be lost). Redmi 10 requires you to confirm each contact manually. If you need to move 1-2 contacts, the method will do. For more, use other methods from this article.
How to combine duplicate contacts on Redmi 10 after the transfer?
Duplicates occur if contacts were transferred from multiple sources (e.g. iCloud and Google simultaneously).To clear the list: Open Contacts app on Redmi 10. Click three dots β†’ Contacts Management β†’ Combine duplicates. Select an account (Google, Local or SIM) where you want to look for duplicates. Confirm the combination (the app will offer merger options). If the built-in tool fails, use third-party apps: Simpler Merge (free but with advertising).