How to copy contacts with Xiaomi 8T: All working methods (2026)

Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi Mi 8T On a new smartphone or backup storage, it seems like a simple task - as long as you don't face a lack of sync, duplicates or sudden loss of numbers. 8T (codename platina, issued in 2018 year, working on the base MIUI, And its firmware has features that can make it more difficult, like older versions. MIUI 10-12 There is no automatic synchronization with Google Contacts by default, and exporting in.vcf format sometimes leads to Cyrillic character encoding errors.

In this article, we will analyze 5 current ways to copy contacts - from classic export to the SIM-map to advanced methods using ADB We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with Xiaomi. 8T: How to circumvent restrictions MIUI, What to do if contacts don't show up after the transfer, and how to restore accidentally deleted numbers. MIUI 12.5–14 and relevant for 2026.

If you plan to sell or rent your phone for repair, be sure to delete contacts from the device after copying. Even after resetting to factory settings, they can be restored using specialized software - proven in practice. For reliability, use a combination of two methods, such as syncing with Google. + local backup in.vcf format.

1. Sync with Google account (recommended method)

The most reliable and versatile method is synchronizing contacts with a Google account, which works on any Android device, including Xiaomi. 8T, And it allows you to reset your phone even after you've completely reset your phone, and the main advantage is that contacts are automatically updated when you add new ones or edit old ones.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select your Google account (if not, add it through Add Account).
3. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
4. Press Sync (or More) → Synchronize now in new versions MIUI).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 8T firmware MIUI 10-11 sometimes comes up with a bug when the contacts aren't fully synchronized:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data (this will only remove local contacts synchronized with Google).
3. Re-enable synchronization in your account.

After sync, check the contacts on Google Contacts. If not all numbers are displayed, try an alternative method in the next section.

💡

If you have two Google accounts, make sure your contacts are saved in the correct. MIUI You can create duplicates in different accounts. To combine them, use the Combine and Correct function on Google Contacts.

2. Export contacts to the VCF file (for backup)

.vcf (vCard) is the standard way to export contacts that all smartphones support, and this method is suitable if you want to create a local copy of numbers or transfer them to a device without Google services (for example, on an iPhone or Huawei without Google services). GMS).

Instructions for Xiaomi 8T:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Export to File.
4. Choose which contacts to export (e.g. All or only with) SIM-map).
5. Specify the save path (we recommend choosing Internal Memory → Download for easy access).
6. The file will be called contacts.vcf or similar.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 10-12 when exporting Cyrillic names can be displayed by Krakozabras:

• 📱 Before export, change the system encoding: go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Encoding and select UTF-8.
• 📄 If the file is already corrupted, open it on your PC via Notepad.++ and re-save in encoding UTF-8 without BOM.

To import.vcf to your new phone:

1. Copy the file to a new device (for example, via Bluetooth, Telegram or other devices). USB-cable).
2. Open the Contacts app → Contact management → File-based import.
3. Select the contacts.vcf file and confirm the import.

Check that all contacts are displayed in the Contacts app"|Make sure there is enough memory on the phone (file) VCF can weigh up to 10MB)|Turn off battery savings for the Contacts app"|Take a screenshot of your contact list in case of an error-->

3. Transfer of contacts to SIM-Card (for old phones)

This method is convenient if you switch to a button phone or device without.vcf support. However, the method has limitations:

• 📵 SIM-The card stores only the name and number (without email, addresses, photos).
• 🔢 Number of contacts limited by capacity SIM (usually 200-250 rooms).
• 📱 Xiaomi. 8T You can’t export contacts to nano-SIM – you will need an adapter for micro-SIM.

How to copy contacts to SIM:

1. Put it in. SIM-map 8T (Use an adapter if necessary).
2. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to SIM-card.
3. Choose contacts for export (you can tick everything at the top).
4. Confirm the action. It'll take 1-2 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If after exporting to a new SIM-Contacts are not displayed on the map:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check that SIM-The card supports the storage of contacts (some operators block this function).
• 🛠️ Try to import contacts with SIM to another phone and then export back to.vcf.

Xiaomi. 8T firmware MIUI 14 export function to the SIM To get it back, install the Google Contacts app from Play Market and use it to export it.

4.Using Mi Mover (Official Xiaomi App)

Mi Mover is Xiaomi’s proprietary tool for transferring data between devices, copying not only contacts, but also messages, photos, apps, but it only works between Xiaomi phones (or even between them). Redmi/POCO).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (old Xiaomi) 8T You can download from the Play Market or through Settings. → The phone. → Update of the PO → Three points. → Mi Mover.
2. On the new phone, select I am a new user, on the old one, I am an old user.
3. Scan the scanner on your new phone QR-code that will appear on Xiaomi 8T.
4. Select data to transfer (mark Contacts) and click Start.
5. Wait until the process is completed (the process can take 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Warning: Mi Mover doesn't always correctly port contacts if the phone already has synchronized numbers:

• 📱 Before transferring, turn off sync with Google on your new phone.
• 🔄 After the transfer, check the contacts for doubles and combine them manually.

If Mi Mover does not find the device:

• 🔌 Make sure both phones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or enable an access point on Xiaomi) 8T).
• 📶 Turn it off. VPN Advertising blockers (e.g. AdGuard).
• 🔄 Restart the application on both devices.

5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to damaged firmware or lack of access to the menu), you can use the system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, or specialized applications, require technical skills but guarantee 100% data copying.

Method 1: Export through ADB

This will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Xiaomi 8T (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Teams for export contacts:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db


adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db-wal




adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db-shm

These files contain the entire contact database, including remote ones (they can be restored using programs like this). DB Browser for SQLite).

⚠️ Attention: To work with contacts2.db Root rights are required. If they are not available, use an alternative method with the Super Backup app (available from the Play Market).

Method 2: Super Backup Appendix

Super Backup & Restore is a free app that backs up contacts, messages and apps, and the advantage is that it runs without root and saves data in a readable format.

Instructions:

1. Install Super Backup from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and select Contacts.
3. Click Backup and specify a save path (such as Google Drive or internal memory).
4. The file will be saved in either.vcf or.xml format (for recovery via Super Backup).

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 📱 It works on any firmware, including custom.
• 🔄 You can set up an automatic backup on a schedule.
• 📤 Supports Exports to the Cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).

🔸 Cons:

• 📵 In the free version, a limit on the number of backups.
• 🛠️ To recover, you need to install Super Backup on your new phone.

💡

ADB Super Backup is the only way to copy your contacts with Xiaomi 8T, if the phone is not turned on or locked (provided that debugging was previously enabled) USB).

Comparison of Contact Transfer Methods with Xiaomi 8T

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users 8T They're facing common mistakes, and we're going to look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are not synced to Google.

🔹 Causes:

• 🔌 There is no internet connection.
• 📱 In the account settings, contact synchronization is disabled.
• 🔄 Conflict with another account (e.g. Mi Account).

🔹 Decision:

1. Check the connection to the network (disconnect). VPN).
2. Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google → your email → Synchronize and enable Contacts.
3. Delete other accounts that may block sync (e.g., Xiaomi Account).
4. Update Google Play Services in the Play Market.

Issue 2: Exports to the VCF Cyrillic symbols disappear.

🔹 Decision:

• 📱 Before export, change the system language to English (Settings) → Additionally. → Language and input).
• 📄 Open the.vcf file on your PC in Notepad++ and re-save in encoding UTF-8.
• 🔄 Use the Contacts app+ For export - it correctly processes the Cyrillic alphabet.

Problem 3: Mi Mover doesn't see the new phone.

🔹 Decision:

• 🔌 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network (or create an access point on Xiaomi) 8T).
• 📱 On a new phone, turn off battery savings for the Mi Mover app.
• 🔄 Reinstall Mi Mover on both devices.
• 🛠️ If you use custom firmware, check that it has Mi Mover (in some builds it is removed).

Problem 4: Contacts are duplicated after the transfer.

🔹 Decision:

1. Open Google Contacts in your browser.
2. In the left menu, select Combine and Fix.
3. Click Find the takes and combine them.
4. On your phone, go to Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data (this will remove local duplicates).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions