How to copy contacts from phone to phone Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Transferring contacts between smartphones is one of the most common tasks when changing devices. Xiaomi owners (including the Redmi series, POCO Black Shark and Black Shark are particularly affected by this problem due to the closed ecosystem. MIUI, Unlike the iPhone, where contacts are automatically synchronized via iCloud, on Xiaomi, users have to choose between several methods, from classic export through the Internet. SIM-Map to cloud services like MI Cloud or Google Contacts.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer contacts, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models. Particular attention will be paid to the problem of duplicate contacts when syncing through Google – a common error that many users notice too late, and you will learn how to avoid data loss when resetting your phone to factory settings and why vCard files (.vcf) sometimes do not open on new devices.

1. Transfer contacts through Google Account (recommended method)

Google Contact Sync is the most reliable method, as data is stored in the cloud and automatically updated on all devices.

• 📱 You have an active Gmail account (or you are ready to create one).
• 🔄 You plan to use contacts on multiple devices (not just Xiaomi).
• 🔒 You need protection against data loss when your phone breaks.

To move contacts:

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Google Accounts → Sync and turn on the switch opposite Contact.
2. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (check in Contacts → Management → Synchronization settings).
3. On the new Xiaomi, add the same Google account to Settings → Accounts and Sync.
4. Turn on contact sync and wait for data to load (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Make sure your old phone has mobile internet or Wi-Fi on.

Check the space available in your Google Account (contacts take up little space, but there is a limit)

Disable battery optimization for the Contacts app (in MIUI this can block synchronization)

Check the number of contacts on your old phone and in the web version of Google Contacts (contacts.google.com)-->

⚠️ Note: If the new Xiaomi already has contacts, they may be duplicated. To avoid this, export your existing contacts to a.vcf file before synchronization (via Contacts). → More. → Export) and remove them and after synchronization import back.

2.Using MI Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

MI Cloud is Xiaomi’s proprietary cloud storage that automatically backs up contacts if the feature is enabled, a method that is convenient if both phones are from Xiaomi, but has limitations:

• 🌍 Data is stored on Xiaomi servers in China, which could raise privacy questions.
• 📴 It only works between devices with MIUI (Not suitable for porting to iPhone or Samsung).
• 🔄 Requires authorization through Mi Account (if not, you will have to register).

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, go to Settings → Mi Account → MI Cloud.
2. Enable Contact Backup and wait until the completion (cloud icon will turn green).
3. On the new Xiaomi, sign in to the same Mi Account.
4. In MI Cloud, enable contact sync and reboot your phone.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi sometimes blocks access to the site MI Cloud for devices with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware. If you see a Service Unavailable error, try another method.

3. Transfer through SIM-Card (for a small number of contacts)

This is a good way to do it if you have few contacts (up to 250) and no Internet access, but it has some serious limitations.

• 📇 SIM-The card stores only the name and number (without photos, email, addresses).
• 🔢 Limit on number of contacts (depending on operator, usually 200-300).
• 📱 It does not work on eSIM phones (physical only). SIM).

How to move:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts → More → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to SIM.
2. Select contacts for export (or click Select All) and confirm.
3. Move it. SIM-map to the new Xiaomi.
4. On the new phone go to Contacts → More → Management → Import with SIM.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a double SIM-Map on Xiaomi, make sure that contacts are exported to the same SIM, In some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The default contacts are saved to SIM1, even if active SIM2.

Through Google Account

Through MI Cloud

Through SIM-map

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct

Another way.-->

4. Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

Wireless transmission is convenient if you do not have access to the Internet or you are transferring contacts between Xiaomi and a phone of another brand (for example, Samsung or Huawei).

• 🐢 Slow speed (especially with lots of contacts).
• 🔋 High battery consumption.
• 📱 On some Xiaomi models, the function is hidden in the menu.

Step-by-step:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth and make them visible to other devices.
2. On your old phone, open Contacts → More → Send (or Share).
3. Select contacts to transfer and press Bluetooth.
4. Confirm the file acceptance on the new Xiaomi (the file will be in.vcf format).
5. Open the file and import the contacts.

1. On both phones, enable Wi-Fi Direct in your Wi-Fi settings.

2 Connect to a network created by one of the phones.

3. In the Contacts app, select the Send option and specify Wi-Fi Direct as the transfer method.

It works faster than Bluetooth and doesn’t require a password.-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 The Bluetooth contact sending function may not be available in the standard menu:

1. Install a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
2. Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → More → Export.
3. Send the file via Bluetooth as a normal document.

5. Manual export/import via.vcf file

A.vcf file (or vCard) is a universal format for storing contacts, and can be transferred via Google Drive, Telegram, email or even a single file. USB-The advantages of cable:

• 📄 Stores all data (names, numbers, email, addresses, photos).
• 🔄 It works on all devices (including iPhones and PC).
• 🔒 You can create a backup copy on the hard disk.

How to export and import:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts → More → Contact Management → Export.
2. Select the.vcf format and specify the location of the save (e.g., Internal Memory → Downloads).
3. Transfer the file to the new Xiaomi (via USB, Bluetooth or cloud).
4. On the new phone, open the.vcf file and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: If you import.vcf on Xiaomi, you get a file corrupt error, try it:

• Open the file on the PC and save it in UTF-8 encoding.
• Break up a large.vcf into multiple files (500 contacts each).
• Use an alternative application to import (e.g. Contacts+ from Google Play).

6. Transfer of contacts in case of resetting or breakage of the phone

If your Xiaomi has dropped to factory settings or broken, you can restore contacts in several ways, depending on whether synchronization was enabled:

If the phone is completely out of order and the sync is not set up, the chances of contact re-establishment are minimal.

• 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center – sometimes data can be extracted from damaged memory (paid service, ~3-5 thousand rubles.).
• 📞 Check if the contacts are still in place SIM-card (if yes, transfer it to another phone).
• 💾 If you used messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), some contacts can be saved in chats.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid losing contacts is to enable automatic sync with Google or MI Cloud in advance, not after your phone breaks, and even if you don’t plan to change your device, backing up in the cloud will save data when you steal, lose, or reset your settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi