Moving contacts from Xiaomi phone to external drive is a challenge that users face when changing devices, resetting settings or backing up data. Despite cloud services like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud, many prefer to store backups locally. USB-This guarantees access to numbers even without the Internet and protects against accidental loss during synchronization.
In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to export contacts to the flash drive for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).
Preparation: What to do before exporting contacts
Before you save contacts to the flash drive, follow a few critical steps to prevent data loss and ensure the correct export:
- 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 30%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can damage the backup file.
- 📱 Update. MIUI In the old firmware (for example, in the latest version, MIUI 11 and below) may not have export options in modern formats.
- 🔍 Check contacts for duplicates. Use the built-in merger function in the Contacts app (Management) → Connecting contacts).
- 💾 Format the flash drive into FAT32 or exFAT (via PC or file manager of the phone). NTFS Not supported by most Xiaomi smartphones.
If you use a USB-C/OTG adapter, make sure it is compatible with your model. For example, any USB 3.2 adapter will work for the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5, and only USB 2.0 for the budget Redmi 10A. You can check compatibility in the Settings → Connected Devices menu.
⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with Mi Account but disabled this feature, some numbers can only be stored in the cloud. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Contact and wait for the process to be completed.
Method 1: Export through the standard Contacts app (without PC)
The easiest method that does not require a connection to a computer is suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12-14, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 12T. Exported contacts will be saved in the.vcf (vCard) format, which is supported by most devices.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
- Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Export to the device.
- Check the accounts from which contacts are to be exported (for example, Google or Phone).
- Click Export and confirm the action. Contacts.vcf will be saved in internal memory along the path /storage/emulated/0/Download/.
- Connect the flash drive through OTG-Adapter, open any file manager (such as Google Files or Mi File Manager) and move the contacts.vcf file to the drive.
If the file does not appear on the flash drive, check:
- 🔌 Connection OTG-Adapter (try reconnecting).
- 📁 Permissions for File Manager (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Memory).
- 🗃️ Flu-fix format (should be) FAT32 exFAT).
☑️ Checklist before export through "Contacts»
⚠️ Note: In some regional firmware MIUI (For example, for India or China, the export option may be called Backup contacts or hidden in the Settings menu. → Additional settings. If you don't find the item, update the Contacts app via Google Play.
Method 2: Using a Google Account and Manual Exporting
This is a good way to sync your contacts with your Google Account, and the advantage is that you can choose the export format (.vcf or.csv) and filter out unnecessary numbers, and the disadvantage is that you need access to a PC or laptop.
Instructions:
- On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google and make sure the Contacts switch is active.
- On PC, go to Google Contacts and log in under the same account.
- On the left menu, select Export.
- Specify which contacts to export (All, Selected Groups or Last 30 Days).
- Select the format: Google CSV for import to other services (for example, Yandex or Outlook), vCard (for iOS) for porting to iPhone or other phones.
Exports
contacts.csv
contacts.vcf
If you need to transfer contacts back to Xiaomi from a flash drive, use the reverse procedure: import through Google Contacts or the standard Contacts app (Import from the device).
| File format | Advantages | Deficiencies | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| .vcf (vCard) | Supports photos of contacts, groups, notes | Large file size with a large number of contacts | All smartphones, Outlook, iCloud |
| .csv (Google) | Smaller size, easy to edit in Excel | Does not save photos, possible encoding errors | Google Contacts, Yandex, CRM-system |
| .vcf (for iOS) | Optimized for iPhone | It may not be properly displayed on Android | iPhone, Mac |
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If Cyrillic characters are displayed in.csv, open the file in Excel and save with UTF-8 encoding (in the File menu → Save as → Tools → Web page settings).
Method 3: Third-party backup applications
If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, use specialized utilities that offer advanced features: automatic backup on schedule, file encryption, export to the cloud.
Super Backup & Restore
A popular solution with support for Xiaomi, Samsung and other brands, allows you to save contacts, SMS, call log and applications.
How to use:
- Install the app from Google Play (link).
- Open Super Backup and provide all the permissions you have requested.
- Select Contacts → Backup.
- Specify the save path (select the flash drive if it is connected).
- Press Backup and wait until it is completed.
⚠️ Note: If you exported contacts to.csv and plan to import them back to Xiaomi, pre-delete all existing numbers on your phone. Otherwise, duplicates will appear. → Management → Delete all contacts (first make a backup copy!).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the optimal method, we evaluate each according to the key criteria:
| Criteria | Standard Exports (MIUI) | Google Account + PC | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2-3 minutes) | ⭐⭐⭐ (PC required) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the application) |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PCless) | ⭐⭐ (need a computer) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (backup) |
| Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (localization) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Data is passed through Google) | ⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the application) |
| File formats | .vcf | .vcf, .csv | .vcf, .xml, .bak |
| Additional functions | No. | Contact filtering | Encryption, cloud backup |
If you need a one-time backup without unnecessary manipulation, choose a standard export through the Contacts app. For regular backups or work with large databases (for example, for business), third-party utilities like Super Backup will suit.
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For maximum compatibility, use the.vcf (vCard) format. It is supported by all modern smartphones and services, unlike.csv, which can lose data when imported.