How to copy contacts from Xiaomi phone to your computer: all working ways

Transferring your contacts from Xiaomi to your computer is a challenge that every user will face sooner or later. Whether you’re buying a new phone, wanting to back up or just organizing an address book on your PC, it’s important to choose a reliable method that won’t lead to data loss. Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi models offer several built-in tools for exporting contacts, but not all of them are equally convenient or secure.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to copy contacts, from cloud backup via Mi Cloud to manual export via vCard files. You’ll learn which method is faster, which is more reliable, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as duplicate records or loss of formatting. And if you use Xiaomi with custom firmware or without access to Google services, we’ll provide alternative solutions.

Before you start, make sure your phone has enough battery (at least 30%) and your computer has free backup space, and check if your contacts are synced to your Mi Account or Google account, which will make it easier.

Method 1: Export contacts via Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

The easiest way to copy contacts is to use the built-in Mi Cloud, which is suitable for Mi Account holders and ensures that data is kept safe even when you lose your phone, with the main advantage of automatic synchronization, which updates the backup with each change in the address book.

To export contacts through Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Contacts app on your phone.
2. Slip on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Export to File.
4. Select the.vcf (vCard) format and confirm the export. The file will be saved in the Downloads or MiCloud folder.

Now you have to transfer the file to the computer, and you can do this.

• 📁 Using Mi Cloud in your browser: log in to i.mi.com, find the Contacts section and export them to the file.
• 🔌 Po Po Po USB-Cable: Connect your phone to your PC, find the.vcf file in your device’s memory and copy it.
• ☁️ Google Drive: Upload a file to the cloud and then download it to your computer.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Mi Cloud for the first time, make sure that your phone settings enable contact sync. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contact and activate the slider.

Sign in to Mi Account on your phone

Check the activated contact synchronization

Free up space in the cloud (if necessary)

Download the.vcf file to your computer-->

Method 2: Sync with your Google account

If your Xiaomi is linked to a Google account, you can transfer contacts to your computer via Google Contacts. This method is universal and works even on devices without the Mi Cloud (for example, on POCO F1 with custom firmware), the main advantage is access to contacts from any device through the browser.

Synchronization instructions:

1. Open the settings on your phone.
2. Go to Accounts and Synchronization → Google.
3. Select your account and enable Contact Sync.
4. Wait until the process is completed (may take a few minutes).

Now export your contacts to your computer:

1. Open in the browser Google Contacts.
2. On the left menu, click Export.
3. Select the Google CSV format (for import to Gmail) or vCard format (for general use).
4. Click Export and save the file to PC.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously synced contacts with multiple accounts (e.g. Mi Account and Google), there may be duplicates when exporting. Before transferring, check the address book for repeated entries via the Combine and Correct option in Google Contacts.

Mi Account

Google

Both

I'm not synchronizing.

Other-->

Method 3: Transfer through USB-cable (no clouds)

If you prefer local copying without using cloud services, connecting your phone to your computer via USB is a reliable option. This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) and new ones (Xiaomi 13, POCO X5).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer Mode: File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open the Explorer on your PC and go to the phone folder (usually This Computer → [Xiaomi Model]).
4. Find the contacts file: If you have previously exported manually, look for.vcf in the Downloads or MiCloud folder. If not, export the contacts now (see Method 1).

Copy the file to the computer.

If the.vcf file does not open on your PC, install one of the following programs:

• 📊 Microsoft Outlook (import via File) → Open and export → Imports/Exports).
• 🌐 Google Contacts (upload the file to contacts.google.com).
• 📱 MyPhoneExplorer (free tool for managing contacts with Android).

1. Reboot both devices.

2. use another cable (preferably the original one).

3. Enable Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).-->

Method 4: Transfer of contacts over Bluetooth

The method is suitable for fast transfer of a small number of contacts (up to 100 records), it does not require Internet or cables, but has limitations: for example, not all contact fields can be transmitted correctly (photos, notes), best of all, this method works between Xiaomi and computers with Bluetooth 4.0+ module (most modern PCs and laptops).

How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
2. Connect devices: On a PC, find the phone in the list of available devices and connect (you may need to enter a confirmation code).
3. On the phone, open the Contacts app.
4. Select a contact, click Share and select Bluetooth.
5. Accept the file on your computer (usually saved in the Downloads or Documents folder).

To transfer all contacts at once:

1. Export them to the.vcf file (see Method 1).
2. Send the file via Bluetooth as a normal document.

⚠️ Note: When transmitting via Bluetooth, Cyrillic contact names may be displayed by Krakozabras. To avoid this, rename the file to Latin before sending (e.g. contacts.vcf instead of contacts.vcf).

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in methods don’t fit (for example, the phone is broken) USB-You can use third-party utilities to port or disable Mi Cloud, and they offer additional features like backup. SMS, We recommend proven programs that are compatible with Xiaomi:

• 📱 MyPhoneExplorer is a free contact management software, SMS It works through files. USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• 🔄 SyncDroid – syncs contacts with Outlook, Google Contacts and iCloud. Supports automatic backup.
• ☁️ AirDroid – allows you to control your phone via a browser, including exporting contacts to.vcf or.csv.

Example of transfer via MyPhoneExplorer:

1. Install the program on your computer and the client application on your phone.
2. Connect devices via USB or Wi-Fi (in the phone settings, enable USB debugging).
3. In the program, select the Contacts section.
4. Click File → Export and select the format (.vcf or.csv).
5. Save the file to the computer.

Important: When using third-party software, always download them from official websites. Fake versions may contain viruses or spyware, especially if they offer "hacked" features for Xiaomi.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you copy your contacts with Xiaomi to your computer, users often encounter common errors, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative approach:

• 📸 Take a picture of the screen with contacts (suitable for a small number of recordings).
• 📧 Send the.vcf file to your phone and then download it to your PC.
• 💾 Use a memory card: export contacts to a microSD and then paste it into your computer via a card reader.

💡

Before any contact transfer method, check that the phone has enabled the "Show all contacts" option in the Contacts app settings, otherwise only entries from the selected group (for example, only "Phone" or "Google") are exported.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions