Why USB is not always the obvious choice for moving contacts
When it comes to transferring your Xiaomi contacts to your computer, most users immediately think of cloud services like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud. USB-The connection remains valid for three key reasons: no internet, a desire to keep privacy, or the need to work with local backups, but here lies the catch: unlike photos or documents, contacts are not stored in the phone's memory like regular files. They must be exported to a readable format first.
In this article, we will discuss four proven methods of transferring contacts over USB, including hidden MIUI functions, workarounds for older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1) and solutions for cases where the phone is not defined as a drive. Importantly, the procedure differs depending on the firmware version - in MIUI 14 the path to export contacts has changed compared to MIUI 12.
If you've tried to just plug your phone into your PC and copy the Contacts folder before, you know it's not there. The contacts are stored in your Android database, and you need special actions to extract them. Then you have step-by-step instructions that take into account all the nuances.
Method 1: Export contacts to a VCF file via the Contacts app
The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 5 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) is exporting contacts to.vcf (vCard) format. This file can be opened on a PC in Outlook, Excel or even in a notebook.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app** on your phone (an icon with a human silhouette).
- 🔍 Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
- 📤 In the menu tap Import / Export contacts → Export to file.
- 📁 Choose where to save the file (for example, internal memory). → Download).
- 💾 Confirm export – a contact.vcf file will be created.
Now connect the phone to the PC through USB-In the notification menu Xiaomi select File Transfer mode (MTP). On your computer, open the phone folder, find the contacts.vcf file in the Download directory and copy it to your hard drive.
☑️ Preparation for export of contacts
⚠️ Note: If there are duplicates in the contact list, the exported.vcf file may contain repeating entries. Before export, it is recommended to combine duplicates manually: open the contact → Press More. → Unite.
Method 2: Backup via Mi Cloud followed by PC download
If direct export via USB is not available for some reason (for example, there is no export option on MIUI phones for POCO), you can use Mi Cloud as an intermediary method, which is suitable for Xiaomi account holders, but requires a stable Internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- 🌐 On the phone go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
- ☁️ Enable contact synchronization (slider must be active).
- 🔄 Wait for the synchronization to be completed (a message will appear in the notification curtain).
- 💻 On your computer, open your browser and go to i.mi.com.
- 🔐 Sign in with the same Xiaomi account as you do on your phone.
- 📥 In the Contacts section, click Export. → select the format VCF or CSV.
The file will be uploaded to a PC, and then it can be opened or imported into other services, an advantage of which is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud, and can be restored even after the phone is reset to factory settings.
What if Mi Cloud doesn’t sync your contacts?
| Method | Internet is required | Supported models | File format | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exports to VCF | ❌ No. | All models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO | .vcf | ⭐⭐ (simple) |
| Mi Cloud + Downloading | ✅ Yes. | Only with a tied Xiaomi account | .vcf, .csv | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | For experienced users | .vcf (manual export) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
| SIM card → PC | ❌ No. | Only for SIM contacts | .vcf (via phone) | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) |
Method 3: Use ADB to retrieve contacts (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or after resetting), you can extract contacts via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires installation ADB-Drivers on PC and enable debugging by USB on the phone, but gives access to raw data contacts.
Instructions:
- 🔧 On the phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI.
- 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB.
- 💻 Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- 📋 Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the adb.exe folder and execute the commands: adb devices (the name of your device should appear) adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
The contacts2.db file will be copied to a PC, which can be opened with programs like DB Browser for SQLite or converted to.vcf via online services, a method that is suitable for reconnecting after a phone breaks or when you switch to another brand (for example, from Xiaomi to iPhone).
⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB Incorrect commands can cause data loss or system failure. Do not use this method unless you are sure of your actions. For security, back up your phone through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Method 4: Transfer contacts via SIM card (for older models)
Xiaomi phones with MIUI 9 and older (such as Redmi 3S or Mi Max) sometimes do not have the option to export to.vcf. In this case, you can use the SIM card as an intermediate storage.
How to do this:
- 📶 Go to Contacts»** → press ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) export option SIM may be absent.
💡
If there is no slot on the phone SIM, but there is support for eSIM, use an adapter for microSIM → USB. Such adapters are sold on AliExpress and allow you to read data from the Internet. SIM-maps directly to PC.
Problem Solving: Phone is not detected via USB
A common problem with moving contacts is that the PC doesn't see Xiaomi as a drive.
1. Incorrect connection mode
When you connect your phone to the notification curtain, you'll see a USB Charge option. Tap it and select File Transfer (MTP).
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable (sometimes changing the port helps) USB PC-only).
- 🔧 Check the developer settings: turn on Debugging by USB and Configuration USB default → MTP.
2.Outdated drivers
On a Windows 7/10 PC, you may need to install Xiaomi drivers:
- 🖥️ Download Mi. PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi).
- 🔌 Connect your phone and wait for the automatic driver installation.
- 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.
3. Problems with cable or port
Cheap. USB-The cables often only support charging:
- 🔌 Try another cable (original from Xiaomi or certified) USB 2.0/3.0).
- 🖥️ Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit).
- 📱 Reboot your phone in Fastboot (keep Volume down) + Power when on) and check if it is determined by PC.
💡
If the phone is defined as an "Unidentified Device," remove it from Windows Device Manager (PCM → Delete) and reconnect it. This will reset the driver cache.
Alternative methods: when USB is not an option
If USB portability is not possible for some reason, consider these methods:
1. Wi-Fi transmission (via FTP or HTTP-server)
Apps like this FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer lets you run on your phone FTP-server. After exporting contacts to.vcf:
- 📡 Open the app. → Network → FTP-server.
- 🖥️ Enter the server address on the PC (for example, ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) In the conductor or Total Commander.
- 📥 Copy the contacts.vcf file to your computer.
2. Sending to email
After exporting contacts to.vcf:
- 📧 Open any email client (Gmail, Mi Mail).
- 📎 Attach the contact.vcf file to the email and send it to your email.
- 💻 On PC download the attachment from the letter.
3. Use of third-party applications
Apps like My Contacts Backup (available on the Play Market) automate the process:
- 📲 Install the app and press Backup.
- 📧 Send backup to email or upload to the cloud.
- 💻 Download the file to PC.
These methods are inferior to USB in speed, but they help if the cable is damaged or the port does not work.