Transferring contacts from Xiaomi Redmi 8 to your computer is a challenge that every user will face sooner or later. Whether you plan to reset your phone to factory settings, buy a new gadget or just want to back up important numbers, you can’t do without a reliable way to export. In this article, we will discuss 5 current methods, including synchronization through Google account, exporting to.vcf, using MIUI Backup and even manual copying through ADB for advanced users.
Feature Redmi 8 - work on the basis MIUI (Even on current firmware, which puts a nuance on the process, such as standard export contacts in this shell is hidden deeper than in “pure” Android, and some functions (such as Bluetooth transmission) can work unstable. We have taken into account all the pitfalls and prepared instructions that will work even if you do not have access to Google services or services. USB-debugging off.
1. Exporting contacts through a Google account (the most reliable way)
Google Contacts sync is a universal method that works on any Android device, including Redmi 8. Its main advantage is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and accessible from any device where you are logged in under the same account.
To copy contacts on the PC:
- 📱 Open the Redmi 8 app "Contacts" (icon with a human silhouette).
- 🔧 Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Contact management.
- ☁️ Select Contact Sync and turn on the switch for your Google account.
- 💻 On your computer, click on contacts.google.com, log in and export contacts to.csv or.vcf.
⚠️ Note: If the phone is enabled with the option "Show only contacts with the SIM-Maps" (in contact settings), sync with Google will not work.
For users who don’t have Redmi 8 tied to Google (for example, after resetting or using Chinese firmware), this method won’t work.
2. Manual export to.vcf file (without internet)
The.vcf (vCard) format is the standard for storing contacts that all modern devices support. Redmi 8 allows you to create a file directly from the contact menu and send it to your PC via USB, Bluetooth or messenger, which does not require an Internet connection and works even on phones without Google services.
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app → three points → Contact Management → Contact Import/Export.
- Select Export to File → Check the appropriate accounts (for example, phone or phone). SIM-map).
- Click Export and save the file in the phone’s memory (Download folder or root directory).
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode) and copy the contacts.vcf file.
Make sure your phone has enough memory (.vcf file weighs ~1-5 MB)
Disable the filter "Show only contacts with SIM"
Check that USB-The cable supports data transfer (not just charging)
Save the file to an easily accessible folder (e.g. Download)
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If you see an error when exporting, “Not able to export contacts”, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📁 Free up space in memory (at least 10 MB of free space is needed).
- 🛠️ Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
3. Transfer via MIUI Backup (full backup)
MIUI has a built-in backup tool called MIUI Backup, which saves not only contacts, but also SMS, call logs, application settings, but it has a nuance: backup is created in a proprietary Xiaomi format, and you'll need additional software to retrieve contacts on your PC.
How to make a backup:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
- Select Contacts (and other data if necessary) → Backup.
- Wait until the process is complete. The backup file will be saved along the path /MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
To extract contacts from the backup on the PC:
- 🖥️ Download the MiuiTools program (free).
- 📂 Connect your phone to your PC and copy the AllBackup folder.
- 🔍 In MiuiTools, select the backup file → Remove contacts in.vcf format.
⚠️ Attention: Backups MIUI If you haven't set it, try leaving the field blank or type 123456 (the standard password for older versions) MIUI).
| Method | Internet is required | Keeps formatting | Suitable for large bases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Contacts | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, up to 25,000 contacts) |
| Exports to.vcf | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Up to 10,000 contacts |
| MIUI Backup | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB (for Advanced) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
4. Bluetooth Contact Transfer (if USB is not working)
If you don't. USB-The cable or computer does not recognize Redmi 8, You can transfer contacts over Bluetooth. This method is suitable for small bases (up to the Internet). 500 Contacts, as the transfer takes a long time and can be interrupted, and note that not all PCs support receiving.vcf files via Bluetooth (especially on Windows). 10/11 driverless).
Step-by-step:
- On your phone, export your contacts to a.vcf file (as in Section 2).
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC, pair devices.
- On the phone, open the file manager (for example, "Conductor"), find the contact.vcf file.
- Slip on file → Share → Select Bluetooth and send to PC.
1. Reboot both devices.
2. Remove all previously saved pairings in Bluetooth settings.
3. Use a Bluetooth 4.0 adapter+ (Older versions may not support file transfers).-->
On Windows, the received file is usually saved in the C:\Users\[Your name]\Documents or Downloads folder. If the file is not opened double-click, import it through Google Contacts or People (the standard Windows contact app).
5.Using ADB for Advanced Users
If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to damaged firmware or lack of access to the contact menu), you can extract contacts via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires the switched on USB-Debugging and basic knowledge of working with the command line, but guaranteed to work even on “broken” phones.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS.
- 📋 Installed drivers ADB for Redmi 8.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Archives with ADB Tools (download from Android site).
Instructions:
- Put it on your phone. USB-debugging: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode → Additionally. → For developers → USB-debugging (turn on)
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute: adb devices (should display your device).
- Copy contacts on PC: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db Contacts2.db file will appear in the folder with ADB.
- To read the database, use the DB Browser for SQLite program.
⚠️ Attention: Extraction contacts2.db may not work on MIUI 12+ due to restrictions on access to /data. Use the command: adb backup -f contacts.ab com.android.providers.contacts A backup request will appear on the phone - confirm and wait for completion. Contacts.ab file can be converted to.vcf via android-backup-extractor.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your tasks and technical capabilities.
- 🔹 For most users: Google Contacts (Section 1) – the easiest, automatic updates, access from any device.
- 🔹 If there is no Internet: export to.vcf (section 2) + transmission USB Bluetooth.
- 🔹 For a full backup: MIUI Backup (Section 3) – not only stores contacts, but also other data.
- 🔹 If the phone is "glutting": ADB (Section 5) is the only way to extract contacts from a broken device.
If you’re planning to sell or drop Redmi 8, we recommend using a combination of methods: first sync with Google, then create a local.vcf file, which ensures that contacts are not lost even when the cloud service crashes.
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Do not keep your contacts only on SIM-Format, map, format. SIM limited to 255 characters per record, does not support contact or group photos. Always duplicate important numbers to the cloud or on PC.