Transferring contacts with Xiaomi to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: the complete guide

Introduction: Why Transfer Contacts Over Bluetooth and When It Matters

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi smartphones via Bluetooth is one of the easiest ways to sync when you don’t have internet or cable at hand, a technique that is especially popular in situations where you need to quickly transfer numbers to a new device without resorting to cloud services or complex settings, for example, if you bought a Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and want to migrate data from an old Poco X5, and there is no Wi-Fi connection.

However, this method has nuances: not all Xiaomi models support direct transfer of contacts over Bluetooth without additional applications. In some cases, you may need to use third-party software or workarounds through MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from the standard procedure to solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that Bluetooth does not always guarantee the transfer of all information: sometimes lost photos of contacts or additional fields (for example, birthdays).

Preparation of devices for the transmission of contacts

Before syncing, make sure that both Xiaomi smartphones meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Both devices are working MIUI 12 or later (older versions may not have a contact function).
• 🔋 Battery charge not lower than 30% – interruption of the process due to discharge will lead to data loss.
• 🔄 Both devices have Bluetooth enabled and detection mode (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth).
• 📇 Contacts on the source device are stored in local memory or on the SIM-Map (Google or Mi Account cloud contacts will not be transferred).

If contacts are linked to a Google or Mi Account, they are easier to sync through the cloud, which is more reliable and faster. Bluetooth transmission is only relevant for locally stored numbers.

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Before transferring, export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export. This will create a backup in case of a crash.

Step-by-step: Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth

Follow this algorithm to move your contacts from one Xiaomi to another:

1. Activate Bluetooth on both devices Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on the feature. Click Device Search on both smartphones.
2. On the original phone (from which you transmit contacts), select the target Xiaomi from the list of found devices. Confirm pairing on both devices by entering the same device. PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).
3. Start contact transfer Open Contacts app on the original device. Press three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Import/Export → Send contacts. In the list of methods of transmission, select Bluetooth.
4. Select contacts and confirm sending Check the desired contacts (or click Select all) and confirm sending. A notification of the incoming file will appear on the target device - accept it.

Both devices see each other on the Bluetooth | list.

Contacts are not tied to the cloud (Google/Mi Account)|

There is enough memory on the target phone to receive the file.|

Conjugation confirmed on both vehicles-->

If at the sending stage there is an error "Can not send contacts", check:

• 🔌 On the target device enabled file reception mode over Bluetooth (Settings) → Additionally. → Receiving files).
• 📶 The devices are no more than 10 meters apart (wall-type obstacles weaken the signal).
• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both phones (turn off/on the feature).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users face typical problems, and below is a table of the most common errors and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the target device already has contacts with the same names, they will be overwritten without warning. → System system → Backup.

Alternative methods of communication

If Bluetooth didn’t work, consider these methods:

• 🌐 Sync through Google Account: Export contacts to Google Contacts on the original device, then log in to the same account on the target Xiaomi and sync the data.This method saves all fields, including photos.
• 📁 Transfer via.vcf: Export contacts to the file via Contacts → Settings → Export, then transfer it to the second phone via cable, Mi Share or messenger.
• 🔄 Annex MI Mover: Built-in MIUI Data migration application: Supports the transfer of contacts, messages and photos over Wi-Fi Direct (without the Internet).

Bluetooth |

Through Google Account|

File.vcf|

Annex MI Mover|

Another way.-->

Important: When using MI Mover, both devices must run MIUI 10 or later. On older firmware, the app may not detect the target smartphone.

Features of transmission on different models Xiaomi

The functionality of Bluetooth contact transfer depends on the model and version of MIUI. Below are the key differences:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12/13, Poco X5/F5:

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3) contacts may be duplicated after transfer. Before synchronization, clear the contact list on the target device or use the "Combine duplicates" option in the Contacts app settings.

Security and confidentiality in the transfer

Transferring contacts over Bluetooth is considered relatively safe, but there are risks:

• 🔒 Data interception: In theory, an attacker can intercept a transmitted file if he uses specialized hardware. To minimize the risk, turn off Bluetooth immediately after transfer.
• 📱 Unauthorized access: If the target device is connected to a public network (such as a cafe), someone may try to connect to your phone.Always confirm pairing only with trusted devices.
• 🗑️ Residual data: After importing contacts, the.vcf file may remain in the device's memory. → Downloads.

For maximum protection:

1. Use Bluetooth only in a trusted environment (home, office).
2. After transfer, turn off the visibility of the device in Bluetooth settings.
3. If contacts contain sensitive information, transfer them through encrypted channels (for example, MI Mover with a password).

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Bluetooth is convenient for fast migration, but not for sensitive data. For critical contacts, use cloud services with two-factor authentication.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer