Transferring contacts to Xiaomi’s new smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when buying a device, even if you have saved all the numbers on your Google account or on your phone. SIM-map, the copying process can cause difficulties due to the features of the firmware MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transferring contacts - from standard system functions to workaround solutions for older Redmi models or other devices. POCO.
It is important to consider that the methods differ depending on the original device. For example, transferring from an iPhone requires other actions than copying from another Android smartphone. We will look at options for all scenarios, including cases where the old phone does not turn on or is lost.
If you use Xiaomi on MIUI 14/15, some of the features may be located in other menu sections — we will specify alternative paths. For owners of dual SIM devices, a separate section with port nuances on each card has been added.
1. Transfer contacts through a Google account (the most reliable way)
Sync with Google is a universal method that works on all Android devices, including Xiaomi, and the main advantage is that contacts are automatically updated on all associated devices.
- On an old phone: 📱 Open the Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google 🔄 Make sure the switch next to Contacts is active (if not, turn on) 💾 Wait for sync to complete (check the time of the last update)
On the new Xiaomi:
- 📱 When you first turn on, select Sign in to Google and use the same data.
- 🔄 If the phone is already configured: Settings → Accounts. → Add an account → Google
- 📥 After authorization, the contacts will be downloaded automatically (may take up to 10 minutes)
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+, the path to import may be different: Contacts → Profile → Settings → Import / Export. If the option is inactive, check:
- 📌 SIM-The card is correctly inserted and recognized by the system
- 📌 There is a free space on the map (contacts take up memory). SIM)
- 📌 Card not blocked PUK-code
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If SIM-card numbers are stored in format "+7(9XX)XXX-XX-XX", After importing, they can be displayed without formatting. To fix, open each contact and click "Edit" → "Number format" → Choose "Russia".
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No import options visible | SIM-map not recognized | Restart your phone or try another slot |
| Not all contacts are imported | SIM memory restriction (usually 250 contacts) | Move some of the numbers to Google, then re-import. |
| Numbers are displayed without names | Data damage on SIM | Check the contacts on your old phone before transferring |
3.Moving contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi
Moving from iPhone to Xiaomi requires additional action, as Apple uses a closed ecosystem, and the most reliable way is to sync through iCloud or Google account.
Method 1: Through iCloud (recommended)
- 📱 On iPhone, open Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and Enable Contacts
- 🌐 On your computer, go to iCloud.com, log in and export contacts: Select Contacts → ⚙️ → Export vCard Save the.vcf file to your computer
Google Contacts
- Go to contacts.google.com
- Click Import → Select a file and download.vcf
- 🔄 Add the same Google account to Xiaomi (see section 1)
If Mi Mover does not find the device:
- 📌 Check that both phones have Wi-Fi Direct enabled (Settings) → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct)
- 📌 Turn it off. VPN firewalls
- 📌 Reboot both devices
🔹 Nuance: If the file is large (over 1,000 contacts), break it down with services like VCF Splitter, otherwise. MIUI You may not be able to import all the data.
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VCF-A file is the most reliable way to back up contacts, and store it in the cloud (like Google Drive) in case your phone is lost or your settings are reset.
6. Transfer of contacts using third-party applications
If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party tools, and we tested some of the popular solutions and selected the most reliable ones.
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy My Data | Fast Wi-Fi transmission, supports iOS and Android | Limit the number of contacts in the free version | Google Play |
| CLONEit | Transfers contacts, messages, photos without loss | Advertising requires permission to access SMS | Google Play |
| My Contacts Backup | Export to VCF and send by email | No Russian language, limited functionality | Google Play |
⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications:
- 🔒 Check the permissions (don’t give access) SMS geolocation without necessity)
- 📡 Use only proven programs from Google Play or AppGallery
- 📱 After the transfer, delete the application if it is no longer needed.
7. Features of transfer to phones with dual SIM
If your Xiaomi supports two of your SIM-Cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO X5 Pro, when you import contacts, you can choose which card to save numbers to:
- 📶 Put both in. SIM-card
- 📱 When importing (through SIM, VCF Google will then ask you to choose a location: SIM 1 / SIM 2 – numbers will be linked to a specific card Phone – contacts will be stored in the memory of the Google device – synced with the account
SIM
- 📌 Only the number is stored on the card (without photo, email and other fields)
- 📌 Limitation on the number of contacts (usually 250-500)
If the problem persists, try:
- 📌 Reset the cache of the Contacts app (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache)
- 📌 Update MIUI last-minute
- 📌 Use an alternative contact application (e.g. Simple Contacts)