How to Transfer Contacts from One Xiaomi to Another: All Ways to Go in 2026

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi smartphones seems to be a simple task, while not faced with nuances: some users lose some numbers when synchronizing, others face duplicates, and still others can not find the desired function in MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from standard MIUI tools 14/15 to workaround solutions for older models such as Redmi 4X or Mi A1.

It is important to understand that the method of transfer depends on several factors: firmware version, presence of a Google account, type of software. SIM-We tested every way on real devices, from Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra to budget-friendly ones. POCO M6 Pro -- and you've highlighted the pros and cons of each, and if you need to save not just numbers, but also photos of contacts, call histories, or notes, look at the Mi Cloud and Google Contacts sections.

1. Transfer contacts via Mi Account (Mi Cloud)

The most reliable way for Xiaomi owners is if both phones are tied to the same Mi Account, which works even without the Internet on the new device (synchronization will occur when you first connect to the network), suitable for MIUI firmware 12 and later.

How it works: contacts are uploaded to the Mi Cloud and then automatically pulled up to the new smartphone, the main advantage of which is that all the additional information is saved: birthdays, addresses, attached photos and even call histories (if the appropriate setting is enabled).

• ✅ Pros: does not require cable, saves all data, works at any distance
• ⚠️ Cons: you need to remember the username / password from Mi Account, on old models (MIUI 10 and below) may not sync photos of contacts
• 🔄 Limitation: If the new phone already has contacts, they will merge with cloud (doubles are possible)

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active (green). If not, turn on and wait for the sync to complete (the status cloud icon should stop spinning).
3. On your new phone, when you first turn on, select Restore from Mi Cloud and log in under the same account. If your phone is already configured, go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts and enable sync.
4. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

⚠️ Note: If you used Chinese firmware on your old phone and your new phone has global (or vice versa), contacts may not sync due to different versions of Mi Cloud.

Both phones are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network

On the old phone enabled contact synchronization in the Mi Cloud

The new phone has the same Mi Account as the old one.

Enough free space in the cloud (contacts take up little, but if there are photos - check the limit)-->

2.Export/import via Google Contacts

A universal method that works on any Android device, including Xiaomi, is suitable if you do not want to be attached to the Mi Account ecosystem or have problems syncing through the Mi Cloud.

The advantage of this method is that contacts will be available not only on Xiaomi, but also on any other Android device or even through the web version of Google Contacts, and it is easier to manage duplicates and restore deleted numbers (within 30 days).

• 🌐 Works on: all versions MIUI (even the Mi A1 pure Android)
• 📱 Saves: numbers, email, addresses, birthdays, photos of contacts
• ⏳ Synchronization time: 1-5 minutes (depending on Internet speed)

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google Accounts → Account Sync.
2. Make sure the Contact slider is on. If not, turn on and wait for the sync (the icon spins → finished).
3. On the new phone, add the same Google account (Settings → Accounts → Add an account).
4. Enable contact synchronization in your account settings.
5. Open the Contacts app, click on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import from Google.

Mi Cloud (Xiaomi)

Google Contacts

Bluetooth/SIM-map

Another way.-->

3. Transfer through SIM-map (for older models)

If you have a Xiaomi Redmi 3S, Mi 5 or another model MIUI 8/9, Where problems with cloud services, you can use the good old method through SIM-This method is suitable for transferring basic information (numbers and names), but does not store photos, email or additional fields.

An important nuance: modern nano-SIMs have limited memory (usually up to 250 contacts), so if you have a large phone book, you will have to transfer contacts in parts or use another method, Tele2 or Iota, block the record on SIM-map.

Step-by-step:

1. On your old phone, open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-map.
3. Select contacts for export (all or selective) and confirm.
4. Wait until it is completed (may take 1-3 minutes).
5. Move it. SIM-card.
6. On the new phone in Contacts, select Import with SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: If you use eSIM (e.g., Xiaomi) 13T Pro, this method won't work - eSIM doesn't support the storage of contacts.

4. Transfer of contacts over Bluetooth

The method is for those who do not want to connect to the Internet or who have problems with cloud services. Bluetooth allows you to transfer contacts directly from one Xiaomi to another without intermediaries.

The method works on all versions of MIUI, but newer models (Xiaomi 14, POCO F6) may need to pre-enable the device's visibility in Bluetooth settings. Also make sure both phones have enough battery power - the process can take up to 20-30 minutes.

• 🔵 Pros: no Internet, works on any version of Android
• ⏱️ Cons: slow transmission (1 contact), no transfer of photos
• 📶 Tip: before transfer, turn off power saving for Bluetooth in battery settings

How to transfer contacts via Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. On your old phone, open Contacts, select the contact you want to transfer, and tap Share → Bluetooth.
3. Select a new phone from the list of devices.
4. On the new phone, confirm the file acceptance (usually a.vcf file).
5. Repeat for all contacts (or highlight several at once if the function is supported).

💡

To speed up the process, on your old phone, export all contacts to one.vcf file (Contacts → Import / Export → Export to file), and then send it via Bluetooth as a whole.

5. Use of the VCF file (for mass transfer)

One of the most versatile ways is to export contacts to a.vcf (vCard) file and then import them to a new phone, which is suitable if you want to back up your contacts on your computer or transfer them not only to Xiaomi, but also to an iPhone or other brand.

The VCF file stores ALL contact information, including photos, attached files and user fields (such as “Office” or “Company”). This is the only way that is guaranteed to carry 100% of the data without loss. Minus requires additional actions (transferring the file via cable, cloud or messenger).

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts → Import / Export → Export to file.
2. Choose where to save the file (internal memory or storage). SD-The file is usually called contacts.vcf.
3. Transfer the file to a new phone in one way: 📁 Through cable. USB-OTG computer ☁️ Through the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Telegram) 📲 Through the messenger (WhatsApp, Viber)

contacts.vcf

Contacts → Import / Export → Import from the file

💡

The VCF file is the only way to transfer contacts with 100% data storage, including photos and user fields. Suitable for transfer between different brands (Xiaomi → iPhone → Samsung, etc.).

6.Contact transfer when the new Xiaomi is first turned on

If you just bought a new Xiaomi (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ or POCO X6), The easiest way to move contacts is to use the original setup wizard, and the system will prompt you to copy the data from the old device, including the contacts, SMS and even some of the settings.

This works through Mi Mover, a built-in data migration application that supports not only the transfer of contacts, but also photos, videos, apps and even data from some messengers, the main condition is that both phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

• 🔄 What is transferred: contacts, SMS, Photos, videos, applications (without data), Wi-Fi settings
• ⚡ Speed: Depends on the amount of data (contacts are transferred in 1-2 minutes)
• 📱 Supported models: all with MIUI 10 and newer

How to transfer contacts at the first turn on:

1. Turn on the new Xiaomi and follow the instructions before the Data Transfer step.
2. Select Transfer from Old Device → Android.
3. On your old phone, download Mi Mover from Google Play (if it is not in the firmware).
4. Open Mi Mover on your old phone and select I give.
5. On the new phone, select I am receiving and scan. QR-code from the old device.
6. Select data for transfer (be sure to mark Contacts) and confirm.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone has a firmware below MIUI 10 (for example, Redmi Note 4 on the MIUI 9), Mi Mover may not find the device. In this case, use the method with a.vcf file or Google Contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi