How to upload contacts from Google to Xiaomi Redmi Note: all working methods

Transferring contacts from Google Account to Xiaomi Redmi Note is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or after resetting. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by lack of synchronization, authorization errors or features of MIUI firmware. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to import contacts, including manual export / import through a.vcf file, automatic synchronization and recovery through backups.

The Redmi Note phones (from Note 7 to Note 13 Pro+) are deeply integrated with Google and Mi Account services, which means that contacts can be duplicated or conflicted if sources are not configured correctly. We will explain in detail how to avoid duplicates, why some contacts are not displayed in the Phone app, and what to do if sync is suspended.

Important: If you use a Redmi Note based on MIUI 14/15 with firmware preinstalled for China (without Google services), the process will be different – for such cases, we have prepared a separate section with alternative solutions.

Preparation: What to do before moving contacts

Before you start syncing, make sure your Google Account contains up-to-date data. Often users encounter a problem when contacts in the cloud are outdated or partially missing.

Open the Google Contacts page on your computer or other device and log in to the same account you plan to use on Redmi Note.

• 🔍 Number of contacts – if there are fewer than in the phone, then the synchronization did not work before.
• 📅 Date of last update – if contacts haven’t been edited in years, they’ll have to be updated manually.
• 🗑️ Doubles and empty records – it is better to remove them in advance, so as not to carry garbage.

Also check the sync settings on your old device (if you still have one):

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → [your email].
2. Make sure the contact switch is on.
3. Click Sync Now to update your data in the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you used a local contact store on your old phone (not Google, but Phone Contacts), you will have to export it to a.vcf file and then import it to Google via the web version.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization through Google Account

The easiest and most reliable method is to sync contacts directly from Google Account, which works on all Redmi Note models (including Note 10/11/12/13) with MIUI global firmware.

1. Turn on Redmi Note and connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
2. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Add an account → Google.
3. Enter your Google Account (the one where the contacts are stored).
4. After logging in, go back to Accounts and Sync, select your account and turn on the Contacts switch.
5. Click Sync (or More → Sync Now).

Contacts will appear in the Phone app within 5-10 minutes, if this does not happen:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check your internet connection (synchronization doesn’t work without a network).
• 🔧 Make sure to use the Contacts app settings (three dots in the upper right corner) → Settings → Contact management selected source "Google".

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note models with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) Google services are not available by default, in which case you will either need to install global firmware or use alternative methods (see section on Chinese firmware).

Method 2: Import contacts via.vcf file

If automatic synchronization does not work (for example, due to lack of Internet or account problems), you can manually transfer contacts through the.vcf file. This method is universal and suitable for all versions of MIUI, including Chinese ones.

For this:

1. Export contacts from Google: Open Google Contacts on your computer. Click Export on the left menu. Select the Google CSV or vCard format (for iOS) and click Export. Save the file to your computer (for example, contacts.vcf).
2. Transfer the file to Redmi Note: Connect the phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode). Copy the.vcf file to any folder on your phone (such as Downloads). Disconnect the phone from your computer.
3. Import contacts: Open the Contacts app on Redmi Note. Click on three dots in the top right corner → Contact management → Import/Export → Import from the device. Select the.vcf file and confirm the import.

Important: If a.vcf file weighs more than 50MB, break it up into multiple parts using services like VCF Splitter, otherwise the Contacts app may not be able to handle imports.

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If you import.vcf contacts duplicate, export your current contacts from your phone to a separate file before starting the process, and then delete them all through Contact Management → Delete all contacts.

Method 3: Transfer of contacts with SIM-map

If you do not have access to a Google Account or computer, you can temporarily save contacts to your website. SIM-A card and then import them to the Redmi Note.This method is suitable for a small number of contacts (usually a small number of contacts). SIM It can hold up to 250 records).

Instructions:

1. On your old phone: Open the Contacts app. Choose Export/Import. → Exports to SIM-Map. Mark the desired contacts (or click Allow) and confirm the export.
2. Move it. SIM-map.
3. On the new phone: Open "Contacts" → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-Select where to save contacts ("Google" or "Device"). Confirm the import.

Limitations of the method:

• 📵 Only names and numbers are saved (without photos, addresses, notes).
• 🔢 Number of contacts limited by capacity SIM-map.
• 🔠 Russian letters can be displayed as question marks (depending on the encoding). SIM).

Problem Solving: Why Contacts Are Not Synchronized

If after all the manipulations, the contacts did not appear on the Redmi Note, check the following points:

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Contacts app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
3. Reboot the phone and repeat the sync.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (In particular, the Contacts app can block access to.vcf files due to security restrictions, in which case use the file manager (e.g., Google Files) to open the file and select the Import Contacts option".

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If contacts are still out of sync, check to see if the power saving mode for Contacts or Google Play Services is on. In MIUI, these applications are often optimized by the system, which blocks background sync.

Method 4: Alternative methods for Chinese MIUI firmware

If your Redmi Note runs on Chinese firmware (MIUI China), Google services are not available by default.

Option 1: Installation of global firmware

The most reliable solution is to flash the phone with a global version of MIUI (for example, MIUI Global or EEA).

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Use the "Mi Flash Tool" (for PC) or "Air Update" (if available).
3. After firmware, add a Google Account and sync contacts.

Option 2: Use of third-party applications

If firmware is not an option, install alternative contact apps that support Google Sync:

• 📱 "Google Contacts (from APKMirror, if there is no Play Market).
• 🔄 "Sync for Redmi (Application for forced synchronization of Google on Chinese firmware).
• 📂 "Contacts+" or "Truecaller" (supports import.vcf).

To install.apk files:

1. Download the application file to your phone.
2. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications.
3. Open the downloaded file and install the application.

How to avoid losing contacts in the future

To avoid any more contact transfer problems, follow these guidelines:

• ☁️ Enable automatic sync in Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → [your email] → Synchronization of contacts (enabled)
• 🔄 Check backups regularly: In Google Contacts, click Settings → Cancel changes to restore deleted records. MIUI Create local backups: Settings → Memory. → Backup → Create a backup copy.
• 📱 Use one storage: Don't keep contacts in Google, Mi Account and Device at the same time - this leads to duplicates. Choose one source (we recommend Google) and specify it when you add a new contact.

It's also useful to set up a schedule for exporting contacts.

1. Install the application "Automate" or "Tasker".
2. Create a task that once a month exports contacts to a.vcf file and sends it to an email.

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If you change phones frequently, create a separate Google Account specifically for contacts, so you avoid login issues and accidental deletion of data when changing your main account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer