How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi: all ways with detailed instructions

Switching from iPhone to Xiaomi smartphone is a crucial step that requires transferring important data, including contacts. Many users face difficulties when trying to synchronize phone books between devices on different operating systems (iOS and other operating systems). MIUI). In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transferring contacts – from standard methods through cloud services to alternative solutions using the use of the Internet. SIM-card.

The peculiarity of the process is that Apple and Xiaomi use different ecosystems: the first is tied to iCloud, the second is tied to a Google Account or Mi Cloud. This creates additional difficulties, but they are easy to avoid if you know the nuances of each method, we also pay attention to typical errors (such as duplicate contacts or data loss) and give recommendations for their prevention.

Important: Before you start porting, make sure both devices have enough battery power (at least 50%) and the internet connection is stable - this minimizes the risk of crashes. If you use an iPhone with iOS version below 12.0 or Xiaomi on MIUI older than 14, some ways may work differently - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Transfer contacts via iCloud and Google Account (the most reliable way)

This method is suitable for users who are already using iCloud on iPhone and plan to sync data with Google Account on Xiaomi. its main advantage is to save all information (including photos of contacts, notes and groups) without loss.

Instructions:

• 📱 On iPhone: Open Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. If not, turn it on and wait until sync is complete (may take up to 5 minutes).
• 🌐 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.
• 📂 Import to Google: Open Google Contacts, log in under the same account as you did on Xiaomi. → Select a file and download the saved.vcf. Wait for the process to be completed.
• 📲 On Xiaomi: Go to Settings → Google accounts → [Your account] → Contact sync and enable the option. Contacts will appear in the phone book within 1-2 minutes.

If the contacts are not displayed on Xiaomi, check:

• 🔄 Is Google account correctly selected in sync settings.
• 📵 Are there any restrictions on background activity of the Contacts app (check in Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔌 Internet connection stability (better to use Wi-Fi).

Contact sync enabled in iCloud on iPhone

Exported.vcf file saved on your computer

Google account on Xiaomi added and active

Contact synchronization enabled in Xiaomi settings-->

⚠️ Note: If you use two-factor authentication in iCloud, you will need a confirmation code from a trusted device to log in. Prepare your iPhone, Mac, or trusted phone number in advance.

2. Direct transmission of contacts via SIM-card (without the Internet)

This is suitable if you do not have access to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet, and also in cases where cloud services are not available (for example, when blocking iCloud).

• 📵 SIM-The card must support the storage of contacts (most modern cards support up to 250-500 contacts).
• 📇 Only basic data: name, phone number (without photos, email and additional fields) are transferred).
• ⏳ The process takes longer if the contacts are many (up to 10-15 minutes).

Step-by-step:

1. On iPhone: Go to Settings → Contacts → Imports SIM-Contacts (if no option, use the phone path) → Contacts → Groups → Exports to SIM). Select the contacts to transfer and confirm the action.
2. Transfer SIM-maps: remove the card from your iPhone (use a clip or a special key) and paste it into Xiaomi. SIM Selected correctly (some Xiaomi models have a separate slot for nano-SIM and microSD).
3. On Xiaomi: Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Import/Export → Import with SIM-Indicate where to save contacts (for example, in a Google Account or Device).

⚠️ Note: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the recording of contacts on the Internet. SIM-If you see a message "Operation not supported", contact operator support or use another transfer method.

Sync via Bluetooth: fast but with limitations

Bluetooth is one of the easiest ways to communicate, but it doesn't work on all Xiaomi and iPhone models.

• 🔄 Only contacts with phone numbers are supported (without email, addresses and photos).
• 📱 On iPhone with iOS 13.0 and later may require additional confirmation of transfer.
• ⚡ Transmission speed: ~5-10 contacts per minute (depending on device model).

How to transfer contacts:

1. Activate Bluetooth: On both devices, enable Bluetooth in the notification panel or via Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Device pairing: On Xiaomi, click Device Search, select your iPhone from the list and confirm pairing (on the iPhone, a connection request will appear – click Confirm).
3. Contact Transfer: On iPhone, open the Contacts app, select the contact you want (or multiple, holding your finger on the first and marking the rest) and click Share → Bluetooth. Select your Xiaomi from the list.
4. Reception on Xiaomi: on the Xiaomi smartphone will appear a notification about the incoming file – confirm the reception and save contacts in the phone book.

If the transmission does not begin:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices (turn off and turn on again).
• 📵 Make sure that the distance between the devices does not exceed 10 meters (optimally 1-2 meters).
• 🔋 Check if the battery is discharged (when the charge is low, the iPhone can block data transmission).

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If you want to move all contacts at once, create a group in the Contacts app on your iPhone, add all the records, and send the entire group via Bluetooth.

4.Use of third-party applications: SHAREit, Xender, Send Anywhere

Specialized data transfer applications (e.g. SHAREit, Xender or Send Anywhere) allow you to transfer contacts without cloud services and SIM-The benefits of maps:

• 🚀 High speed (up to 20 Mb/s when connected to a single Wi-Fi network).
• 📎 Support for additional data (contact photos, notes).
• 🔒 Encryption of transmitted data (Send Anywhere is used) 256-bit AES).

Step-by-step instructions on the example of SHAREit:

1. Install: Download SHAREit from the App Store (for iPhone) and Google Play (for Xiaomi).
2. Connection: Open the app on both devices and select Send to iPhone and Receive on Xiaomi. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network or use the Hotspot feature.
3. Contact Selection: On your iPhone, click Contacts, tick the required records, and click Send. On Xiaomi, confirm the file's acceptance.
4. Save: After transfer, open the resulting.vcf file on Xiaomi and import the contacts into the phone book.

Comparison of popular applications:

⚠️ Warning: When using SHAREit or Xender, turn off mobile data on Xiaomi and connect only to Wi-Fi. Otherwise, the application may consume traffic to display ads, which will slow down the transfer.

5. Transfer over iTunes (for Windows/Mac users)

If you have a computer with iTunes installed (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later), you can export contacts to a file and then import them to Xiaomi.This method is suitable for mass data transfer, including contact groups and additional fields.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect iPhone: Connect iPhone to computer via USB-If you want permission to access the cable, open iTunes, confirm it.
2. Contact Export: In iTunes, select your iPhone, go to the Information section and tick Sync Contacts → Windows Contacts. Click Apply.
3. File Search: On your computer, open the C:\Users\[Your username]\Contacts folder. This will be Contacts.csv or.vcf.
4. Import to Xiaomi: Send the file to Xiaomi (e.g. via email or Bluetooth) and import it to Google Contacts or Contacts app.

For macOS (Catalina and newer):

• 🖥️ Connect your iPhone to your Mac and open the Finder.
• 📁 Select the device in the side menu, go to the Information section and enable Contacts Sync (formerly Address Book).
• 📤 Export contacts via File → Exports → Contact archive (.abbu format) and convert it to.vcf using online services (e.g. iCloud).

Alternative methods: email, QR-code and Mi Mover

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternative options:

• 📧 Email: export contacts to a.vcf file (as described in the iCloud method) and send it to yourself by mail. On Xiaomi, open the email, download the attachment and import contacts.
• 🔲 QR-code: some applications (e.g. Mi Mover) allow you to generate QR-Scan it with a Xiaomi camera to transfer data.This method only works for contacts without photos and is not supported on all Xiaomi models (tested on Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi) 12T).
• 📱 Mi Mover: Xiaomi's official app for transferring data from other devices. Install it on both smartphones, connect to the same Wi-Fi network, and follow the instructions on the screen. Supports transfer of contacts, messages and photos.

Advantages and disadvantages of alternative methods:

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Mi Mover is the best choice for users who want to migrate not only contacts, but also other data (photos, messages, notes).However, before using the app, update to the latest version, as older versions may not support new iPhone models.

7. Solving typical problems when transferring contacts

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are not synced with Google Account on Xiaomi

• 🔄 Reason: Background synchronization or incorrect account settings are disabled.
• 🛠️ Solution: Go to Settings → Google accounts → [Your account] → Sync your account. Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sync Now.

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts after transfer

• 🔄 Reason: Contacts already existed in Xiaomi’s phone book (e.g., from an old one) SIM-map).
• 🛠️ Solution: Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi. Click on three dots → Contact management → Combine and fix. Select Find duplicates and follow the instructions on the screen.

Problem 3: Mistake “failed to import contacts” on Xiaomi

• 🔄 Causes: A damaged.vcf file. There's not enough memory on the device. Restrictions MIUI Import large files (more than 1000 contacts).
• 🛠️ Solution: Check the.vcf file on your computer (open it in the text editor - if the data is displayed correctly, the file is not corrupted); break the large file into several parts (you can use online services like SplitVCF). Clear the cache of the Contacts application (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi