Transfer contacts from Xiaomi smartphone to computer via USB-cable is a challenge that many users face when changing a device, backing up or synchronizing data, and while it seems simple, the process can cause complications ranging from the lack of visibility of files on a PC to problems exporting in the desired format. In this article, we will discuss three working methods – from standard export through the MIUI before using hidden functions ADB for advanced users.
Xiaomi phones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) are unique in their proprietary MIUI shell, which restricts direct access to system contact files. However, workarounds exist, and we’ll describe them in detail. Importantly, the methods are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14 devices, but may differ for older versions (before MIUI 11).
Before you start, make sure you have: USB-cable (preferably original, since cheap analogues often do not support data transmission), debugging mode is allowed USB (There's enough space on the PC for backup, and if contacts are synced to a Google Account, you can download them through the web interface, but we're not going to consider this, because it doesn't require you to. USB-connection.
1. Method: Export contacts through the built-in MIUI menu
The simplest method, which does not require additional software or technical knowledge, is suitable for users who want to get a.vcf file with contacts for further import into Outlook, Thunderbird or other services.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open the Contact App on your Xiaomi.
- 🔍 Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
- 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Export to device.
- 📁 Select a folder to save (such as Downloads) and confirm export.
Then connect your phone to your PC via USB file transfer (MTP). The contact file will have a.vcf extension and a type name. contacts_YYYYMMDD.vcf. It can be opened by any text editor (for example, Notepad).++) or import into the mail client.
⚠️ Note: If the Export to Device option is not in the menu, check if it is hidden in the display settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Permits and enable access to storage.
Make sure that contacts are not duplicated|Select the right folder to save|Connect USB-port USB 3.0 (blue connector)|Disable screen locking during transmission-->
2. Method: Copying a contact database through a file manager
This method is suitable for users who want to get a complete contact database in.db (SQLite), a file that contains not only names and numbers, but also additional fields: birthdays, notes, categories and even call history (if it is linked to a contact), but a program like DB Browser for SQLite will be required to read it on a PC.
Instructions:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Open Windows Explorer and go along the way: Internal Memory → Data → Data → com.android.providers.contacts → databases Note: The data folder can be hidden – turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.
- Copy the contacts2.db file to your computer.
If the data folder is not available, then there are no root rights on your device. ADB-commands (described in the next section) or go back to the first method.
| File format | Advantages | Deficiencies | Opening programmes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .vcf | Universal, supported by all customers | No call history and additional fields | Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird |
| .db (SQLite) | Contains all data, including hidden fields | It requires special reading software | DB Browser for SQLite, SQLiteStudio |
| .csv | Convenient for editing in Excel | It may lose formatting when importing | Excel, LibreOffice Calc |
.vcf (standard)|.db (full base)|.csv (for Excel)| I don't know what it-->
3. Method: Using ADB for Advanced Users
If the first two methods fail (for example, due to limitations) MIUI If you have no root rights, you can extract contacts using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires installation ADB-Drivers and enable debugging mode on USB, It works on all Xiaomi devices.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- 📱 On the phone go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on this item to activate the developer mode.
- 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (Windows: cmd, macOS/Linux: Terminal) execute: adb devices If the device appears in the list, type: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
Critical detail: on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the path to the contact database may be different. If the command returns a No such file or directory error, try an alternative path:
adb pull /data/user_de/0/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Do not interrupt the copying process, which can damage the contact database. If the phone suddenly shuts down, restart it and try again.
💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers via Mi PC Suite or manually specifying the path to drivers in Device Manager (ADB Interface).
4. Converting contacts into a convenient format
Once you have copied contacts to your PC, you can convert them to other formats for ease of use, such as.vcf can be imported into Google Contacts, and.db can be converted to.csv for editing into Excel.
Instructions for conversion:
- 📋 From.vcf to Google Contacts: Open contacts.google.com. click Import → Select the downloaded.vcf. Wait for the import to be completed (may take up to 5 minutes for 1000)+ contact).
From.db to.csv:
- Open the contacts2.db file in DB Browser for SQLite.
- Go to the Data Review tab → select a table raw_contacts.
- Export data to CSV via the File → Export menu.
However, USB remains the fastest and most reliable method for large contact bases.