Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is a crucial step that requires transferring all the important data. Contacts are one of the most valuable pieces of information, and losing them can be a serious inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to transfer contacts from iOS to the Internet. MIUI, Each of which is suitable for different situations: from fast export through the cloud to manual copying on the Internet. SIM-map.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of 2026, including synchronization via iCloud and Google Account, the use of specialized applications, as well as data exchange over Bluetooth or Google. QR-You will learn which method is the fastest, which keeps the maximum number of details (photos, notes, birthdays), and how to avoid typical errors when transferring.
1. Transfer contacts via iCloud (the most reliable way)
The iCloud method is considered the most versatile, since it does not require physical connection of devices and works even if the iPhone and Xiaomi are in different cities, the main condition is the presence of an active Apple ID account and a stable Internet connection.
Algorithm of action:
- π± Open on the iPhone Settings app β tap your name at the top. β Choose iCloud.
- βοΈ Make sure the switch opposite Contact is on (green). If not, activate it and wait until sync is complete.
- π On your computer or directly from Xiaomi, go to iCloud.com and log in.
- π₯ Select Contacts, click on the gear in the lower left corner and click Select All β Export vCard.
- π₯ Save the.vcf file to your device, then import it to Google Contacts or directly to the Xiaomi phone book.
Make sure your iPhone is synchronizing your contacts with iCloud|
Check if there is enough space in the cloud (free β 5 GB) |
Use Chrome or Safari browser to avoid errors |
Turn off VPN β it can block access to iCloud|
The downloaded.vcf file must weigh at least 1 KB (empty file = error)
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If you see a message that says βIt is impossible to export contactsβ when exporting, the problem is likely to be with Apple ID security settings.
- Sign in to Settings β Apple ID β Password and security.
- Enable two-factor authentication if it is disabled.
- Update your Apple ID password (sometimes helps to reset restrictions).
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If you have more than 500 contacts, break the export into parts of 200-300. Large.vcf files may not be imported correctly into Android.
2. sync through Google Account (for Gmail users)
If you're actively using Google services (like Gmail or Google Drive), this is the most convenient way to do this, not only to move contacts, but also to automatically sync them in the future between Xiaomi and other devices, and the main advantage is that you don't need to download intermediate files, everything happens in the cloud.
Instructions:
- π± On iPhone, install the Google Contacts app from the App Store.
- π Sign in with the same Google account you use on Xiaomi.
- βοΈ In the application settings, enable Contact Sync and wait until the process is complete (can take up to 30 minutes with a large amount of data).
- π² On Xiaomi go to Settings β Accounts and sync, add the same Google Account and activate contact sync.
| Parameter | iCloud | Google Account |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | 5-10 minutes | 10-30 minutes. |
| Preservation of photo contacts | Yes. | Yes (but sometimes shrinks) |
| Internet is required | Yes. | Yes. |
| Automatic synchronization | No (manual export only) | Yes. |
| Suitable for large databases (>1000 contacts) | Yes. | Yeah (but it can slow down) |
Important: If you previously synced contacts with iCloud on your iPhone and now add a Google Account, you may be able to duplicate records. Before transferring, it is recommended to clear Google Contacts of old data via the web version of contacts.google.com.
Through iCloud|
Through Google Account|
With help. SIM-map|
Through third-party apps (e.g. Move to iOS)|
I haven't decided yet.
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3. Copying of contacts on SIM-map (for older models)
This method is suitable if you donβt have access to the Internet or use very old iPhone models (before the iPhone 5) and Xiaomi.
- π« SIM-The card only stores the name and phone number (without email, addresses, photos).
- π Limitation on the number of contacts β usually 250-500 (depends on the operator).
- β οΈ When copying on Xiaomi, there may be problems with encoding (Cyrillic characters are displayed as "???").
How to move:
- On iPhone: Settings β Contacts β Imports SIM-Contacts (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
- Put it in. SIM In Xiaomi, open the Contacts app β Settings β Imports/Exports β Import with SIM-map.
- Choose where to save contacts (on your device or in your Google Account).
β οΈ Attention: If yours SIM-Nano-SIM card, and Xiaomi uses micro-SIM or vice versa, will require an adapter. Some Xiaomi models (such as Redmi Note 12) only support nano-SIM, so check the compatibility in advance.
What to do if your SIM contacts are not readable?
4.Use the Move to iOS app (official way from Apple)
The Move to iOS app was designed by Apple specifically to transfer data from Android to iPhone, but it also works in the opposite direction, from iPhone to Xiaomi. The main advantage is that it transfers not only contacts, but also messages, photos, bookmarks and even some settings.
- π It works only when the initial setup Xiaomi (if the phone is already configured, you will have to reset to the factory).
- πΆ Requires Wi-Fi connection (not working via mobile internet).
- β³ The process can take up to 1 hour with a large amount of data.
Step-by-step:
- Download Move to iOS from the App Store on iPhone.
- On Xiaomi, select Data Transfer when you first enable it β iPhone/iPad.
- On your iPhone, open the app, follow the instructions, and enter the code displayed on Xiaomi.
- Select the data for transfer (be sure to check Contacts) and wait for completion.
β οΈ Note: If the transfer is interrupted during the Preparation phase, do not try to start over again, this may lead to duplicate contacts:
- Reboot both devices.
- Make sure your iPhone has Flight Mode turned off and Wi-Fi enabled.
- Repeat the process, but this time turn off the VPN on both devices.
5. Alternative methods: Bluetooth, QR-code
If standard methods don't work, alternatives can be used, which are less versatile, but sometimes they can be helpful in non-standard situations.
5.1. Bluetooth portability
Suitable for transferring 10-20 contacts (for example, if you need to urgently copy only the most important numbers), Cons: slow speed, limit on the number of records per send, possible encoding errors.
How to do this:
- On iPhone, open Contacts, select the contact you want β Share Contact β Bluetooth.
- On Xiaomi, turn on Bluetooth in Settings and confirm the file acceptance.
Scanning. QR-code
Some applications (e.g, QR Code Contact Scanner allows you to generate data QR-code with contact data and scan it with a Xiaomi camera. 1-2 contact, but not suitable for mass transfer.
Third-party annexes
Popular data migration programs:
- π² Copy My Data β Transfers Contacts, Calendars and Photos over Wi-Fi.
- π² My Contacts Backup β Exports contacts to.vcf and sends them to email.
- π² SHAREit β transfers data without the Internet (via a local network).
π‘
When using third-party apps, always check reviews and ratings in the App Store/Google Play. Some programs may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS).
6. Problems in the transfer of contacts and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts are not exported from iCloud | Not enough cloud space or two-factor authentication disabled | Clean iCloud or enable 2FA in Apple ID settings |
| Contact photos not moved | Google Contacts compresses images | Use iCloud or transfer photos separately through Google Photos |
| Duplicate contacts on Xiaomi | Sync with multiple accounts (iCloud + Google) | Turn off sync with iCloud after transfer |
| Contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics | Problem with encoding when importing from SIM-card | Use a.vcf file instead of a SIM |
If you find that some of your contacts are missing or damaged after the transfer, try the following:
- Check the Archive folder in Google Contacts β sometimes βlostβ records get there.
- Use the Undo Changes feature in Google Contacts (available within 30 days).
- If youβve moved through Move to iOS, repeat the process, but pre-clean Xiaomiβs memory of unnecessary files.
7.How to keep contacts in the future: backup tips
To avoid losing contacts the next time you upgrade to a new phone, set up automatic backups. On Xiaomi, you can do this in a number of ways:
- βοΈ Sync with Google Account: Settings β Accounts and synchronization β Google β Synchronize contacts (enable automatic synchronization).
- π± Local Backup: Settings β The phone. β Backup and reset β Local backup (saves contacts in phone memory).
- π Export to.vcf: Open Contacts β Settings β Export and save the file to Google Drive or flash drive.
For additional protection:
- π Set up two-step authentication for your Google Account (this will prevent unauthorized access to your contacts).
- π Every 3 months, check the integrity of your backups by opening a.vcf file on your computer.
- π« Avoid storing contacts only on the SIM-The map is the most unreliable way.
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If you change phones frequently, create a separate email (e.g. contacts.backup@gmail.com) specifically for backups, so you avoid confusion when syncing with your personal account.