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:
- π Compatible with the latest versions of iOS 17+ and MIUI 14+
- π± Redmi 10 models (including Redmi 10 Prime, Redmi) 10C)
- π Data retention (without duplication or loss of fields)
- β‘ 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:
- On iPhone, open Settings β [Your name] β iCloud and make sure the Contacts switch is turned on.
- On your computer, go to iCloud.com, log in and select Contacts.
- Click on the gear in the lower left corner and select Export vCard... The.vcf file will be saved to your PC.
- Connect Redmi 10 to your computer via USB-cable (enable file transfer mode) and copy the.vcf file to the Download folder.
- 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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β οΈ 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.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| 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 donβt 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:
- π± On iPhone, install the Google Contacts app from the App Store.
- π Sign in with the same account you use on Redmi 10.
- βοΈ In the application settings, enable Contact Synchronization and wait for the process to be completed.
- π² On Redmi 10 when you first turn on or in Settings β Add the same Google Account to your account.
- π Enable contact synchronization in account settings.
π‘
If contacts donβt appear on Redmi 10, check in the Contacts app (three points β Settings β Display Contacts) and select your Google Account.
β οΈ Note: If your iPhone contacts are stored only in your phoneβs memory (not in iCloud or in your phoneβs 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 βold-fashionedβ but sometimes the only way (for example, if you donβt 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:
- On iPhone go to Settings β Contacts β Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
- Select contacts for export (usually only name and number are supported).
- Extract. SIM-Map from iPhone and paste into Redmi 10.
- On Redmi 10, open your contacts. β Settings β Imports/Exports β Import with SIM-map.
- Select an account to save (recommended by Google or Local on your phone).
What data is lost when transferring via SIM?
β οΈ 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)
Appleβs official Move to iOS app is designed to reverse-transfer from Android to iPhone, but there are alternatives to our challenge:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Copy My Data | Free, working on Wi-Fi. | Limiting 100 Contacts in the Free Version |
| My Contacts Backup | Exports to.vcf file with email | Advertising, no direct synchronization with Xiaomi |
| Xiaomi Mover (pre-installed on some models) | Optimized for MIUI | It works in an unstable way with iOS 17+ |
The following algorithms are used for Copy My Data:
- Install the app on iPhone and Redmi 10.
- 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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β οΈ 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 donβt have access to an iPhone (like itβs been repaired), but have a backup of contacts on messengers or social media.
Manual portability options:
- π 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.
- π₯οΈ Cloud Backups: If you have an iPhone backup in iTunes or Finder, extract contacts using programs like iMazing or AnyTrans (paid).
- π 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:
- Open Contacts. β + (Add).
- Click on the microphone icon next to the input field.
- Dictate the contact details (example: "Ivan Ivanov, phone 89123456789, email ivan@example.com").
π‘
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 10 | Incompatibility of formats or damaged SIM | Try another one. SIM-card or import via computer |
| Duplicate contacts after syncing with Google | Contacts have already been made on iCloud and Google | Use the tool to combine and correct in Google Contacts |
| .vcf file does not open on Redmi 10 | A damaged file or unsupported encoding | Open the file on your PC via Outlook or Thunderbird, then export it again. |
| The port app doesn't see the iPhone | Different Wi-Fi networks or firewall | Disable VPN, check connection to one network |
| Contacts are displayed without names (numbers only) | Error of coding during importation | Remove contacts and import again by selecting UTF-8 encoding |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Update. MIUI Redmi 10 to the latest version (Settings) β The phone. β Updating the system).
- π‘ Make sure your iPhone is on modem modem (if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
- π Temporarily disable the antivirus on both devices (sometimes it blocks data transmission).