How to Download Contacts with Google Account on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 Proven Ways

Moving to the new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone often involves transferring important data, and contacts from the Google Account are one of the first tasks to solve. Many users face problems: contacts do not sync automatically, duplicate or disappear after resetting. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts, taking into account the features of MIUI firmware and Android versions on Redmi devices.

It is important to understand that the process depends on several factors: whether the phone is using the same Google Account as the previous device, whether sync is enabled, and which version is used. MIUI established (beginning with the MIUI 12 algorithm changed. We'll look at both automatic methods (via phone settings) and manual methods for cases where synchronization is not working. SIM-map or reset to factory settings.

1. Automatic synchronization of contacts through Google Account

The easiest way is to use Google Contacts’ built-in sync feature, which works on all Xiaomi Redmi models (from Redmi 9A to Redmi Note 13 Pro+) and doesn’t require additional apps, but there’s a nuance: if you’ve previously disabled sync or used multiple accounts, contacts may not show up immediately.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open the settings on your Redmi.
2. Go to Accounts and Sync (in MIUI 14, the path may be called Passwords and Security → Google Accounts).
3. Select your Google Account (if not, add it through Add Account).
4. Activate the slider next to Contacts.
5. Click Sync Now (or More) → Synchronize in new versions).

If no contact is made within 5-10 minutes:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection (synchronization only works via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 📱 Make sure that your Contacts (or Google Contacts) app settings select a Google account display instead of a Google account display. SIM-map.
• 🔧 Reboot your phone – sometimes it speeds up the process.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi with MIUI Global and Chinese firmware, the path to account settings may be different, in which case, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

2.Exporting contacts from Google to VCF file and importing to Xiaomi

If sync doesn’t work (for example, sync is stopped due to an error), you can export contacts to a.vcf file and upload it to Redmi, a method that is suitable for transferring contacts between different accounts or devices without being tied to Google.

Instructions for export:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or previous phone and log in.
2. On the left menu, select Export.
3. Specify the format of Google CSV or vCard (for iOS/Android).
4. Click Export and save the file (e.g. contacts.vcf).

Imports to Xiaomi Redmi:

• 📎 Move the contacts.vcf file to your phone memory (via USB, Bluetooth or cloud).
• 📱 Open the Contacts app on Redmi.
• 🔽 Press three dots (menu) → Imports/Exports → Import from the device.
• 📄 Select the contacts.vcf file and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: When importing.vcf on Redmi MIUI 13+ Contacts can be duplicated if they already exist in your Google account. Before importing, it is recommended to clear the contact list or use the option to Combine duplicates in the Contacts app settings.

Delete duplicates in Google Contacts | Download contact.vcf|Transfer file to Xiaomi Redmi|Test free memory (minimum 10 MB)|Disable Google sync at import time-->

3.Contact transfer via Google’s Contacts app

If the standard Contacts app on Xiaomi is not suitable (for example, due to the limitations of MIUI), you can use the official Google Contacts app. It offers advanced management features and more stable synchronization.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the Google Contacts app from the Play Store.
2. Open the application and log in to your account.
3. From the menu (three lines in the upper left corner) select Settings → Import.
4. Specify the source: SIM-Map, Device or File VCF.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 📊 Ability to combine and correct duplicates.
• 🌐 Access contacts from any device via contacts.google.com.

However, there are drawbacks: the app can conflict with standard Xiaomi Contacts, especially on MIUI firmware for China, in which case it is recommended to disable the standard app (but not remove!):

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Disable

💡

If you have gone through Google Contacts, old contacts with SIM-maps, check the display settings: open the application → Menus. → Settings → Display contact → Choose. SIM-map.

4. Recovery of contacts from MIUI backup

If you have previously backed up through MI Cloud or local storage, contacts can be restored without connecting to Google, which is relevant for users who switch from one Xiaomi to another or after resetting.

Instructions for recovery:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup or MI Cloud (if the copy is saved in the cloud).
3. Find the latest backup with the date the contacts were up to date.
4. Click Restore and select only Contacts (to avoid erasing other data).

Features of the method:

• 🔒 Backup copies MI Cloud encrypted – you will need a password from your Mi Account to recover.
• 📅 Local copies are stored in a folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup (You can copy it to a PC for security).
• ⚠️ When restoring the MI Cloud Contacts from Google Accounts Not Affected.

⚠️ Note: If you restore contacts from backup MIUI on a phone with another firmware version (for example, with a MIUI 12 on MIUI 14), some fields (e.g., Additional Phones or Notes) may not be ported.

5. Transfer of contacts with SIM-Maps on Google Account

Many Xiaomi Redmi users keep their contacts on the site. SIM-To transfer them to Google Account and sync with the cloud, follow the following steps:

Exports from SIM to phone:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Click on three dots (menu) → Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.
3. Select contacts for import (or click Select All).
4. Specify your purpose: Google Account or Device (if you want to export to.vcf later).

Sync with Google:

• 🔄 After importing to your phone, enable contact sync in your Google Account settings (see Section 1).
• 📱 Check that the Contacts app in the Contact Management section has selected a Google account display.

On Xiaomi phones with two SIM-With cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) contacts can be shared between slots. To avoid confusion, turn off the second one before the penos. SIM-card in the settings or use the option "Import from all" SIM" (available MIUI 14).

6. Problem Solving: Contacts are not synchronized

If contacts are not automatically transferred, the reasons can vary from account errors to MIUI limitations.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear data

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi A1) firmware for China (China) ROM) Google may not support Google services, in which case, to sync contacts, you will need to install Google Play Services manually through the Internet. APK Or refashion the phone to Global ROM.

💡

Before resetting your phone, always check if your contacts are synchronized with Google. Even if you restore the data from your MIUI backup, contacts that are not stored in the cloud can be lost.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi Redmi