How to copy contacts on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways with step-by-step instructions

Shifting contacts to the new Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a challenge that every user faces when buying a device or resetting settings. Even if you’ve been using the brand’s technique for a long time, copy algorithms can vary depending on the version of MIUI, the phone model (such as the Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 9A) and the way you synchronize. Mistakes when transferring often lead to loss of important numbers, duplication of records, or problems with displaying names in Chinese characters.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Topical ways to copy contacts on Xiaomi Redmi, including nuances for devices with MIUI 12/13/14 We'll focus on the hidden export settings in the format. VCF, They're not advertised by the manufacturer, but they're saved when you don't have the Internet or access to your Google account, and you'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, like why your contacts aren't copied to your Google account. SIM-map 128 How to recover lost numbers through Mi Cloud.

1. copying contacts through a Google account (the most reliable way)

Sync with Google Contacts is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, regardless of the version of MIUI. The main advantage is that contacts are automatically reserved in the cloud and are available on any device after logging in.

• 🔄 Two-way sync: Changes to the phone will be reflected in Google and vice versa. It's convenient, but if you accidentally delete a contact on one device, it will disappear everywhere.
• 📶 You need the Internet, you don't have to sync without the network, you can't sync if you have a weak signal, you can take a long time.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for global version) option hidden in the depth of the menu.

To copy your contacts via Google:

1. Open the Contacts app on your Redmi.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Export to Google.
4. Select a Google account (if there are more than one) and confirm the export.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Google services can be disabled by default. To activate them, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services and enable auto-run.

Sign in to Google account on your phone

Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) enabled

Google Account Settings Enable Contact Synchronization

Free space in the cloud (check at [google.com/contacts](https://contacts.google.com)

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2. Transfer of contacts to SIM-map: when appropriate

Export of contacts to SIM-Maps are an old, but sometimes the only way you can do this if you don't have access to the Internet or a Google account:

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Launch the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
4. Tag the contacts to copy (or click Select All) → Export.
5. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes with a lot of contacts).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) export option SIM To find it, first tap on any contact. → Edit → More (⋮) → Exports to SIM.

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Before exporting to SIM, check its space: insert the card into another phone and try adding a test contact. If you don't succeed, the SIM is full.

3.Use Mi Cloud for backup

Mi Cloud is a cloud storage from Xiaomi that automatically backs up contacts if the feature is enabled.

• 🔒 Encryption: Contacts are stored in a secure form (as opposed to SIM-map).
• 📱 Cross-platform: You can restore contacts even on other brands’ devices through the web version [i.mi.com](https://i.mi.com).
• 🔄 Automatic update: When you change the contact on your phone, it syncs to the cloud for 5-10 minutes.

How to copy contacts via Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Make sure that the Contact Sync function is enabled (the slider must be green).
3. For manual backup, tap on Contacts → Sync.
4. To export contacts to another phone, log in to the same Mi Cloud account and enable sync.

If the contacts are not synchronized:

• 🔌 Check your internet connection (Mi Cloud requires a stable connection).
• 🔄 Update the Contacts app on Google Play.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes helps with synchronization hanging.

4. Export contacts to VCF file (for PC backup)

VCF (vCard) is a universal standard for storing contacts that is supported by all modern smartphones and email clients. On Xiaomi Redmi, export to VCF allows:

• 💾 Create a backup copy on a computer or flash drive.
• 📤 Transfer contacts via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 🔄 Import contacts to iPhone or other Android devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Contacts. → press three points (⋮) → Contact management.
2. Select Import/Export Contacts → Export to File.
3. Mark your contacts for export (or click Select All).
4. Specify a save path (e.g., Internal Memory → Download) and confirm.
5. A file with the.vcf extension will appear in the folder you select, and you can copy it to your PC or send it to yourself by mail.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) export option VCF If you don't have one, update the Contacts app to the latest version.

Google account|SIM-map|Mi Cloud|File. VCF|Another way.-->

5. Transfer of contacts via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

If you want to quickly copy contacts to another Xiaomi Redmi without the Internet, you can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.This method is suitable for transfer between two phones of the brand, but has limitations:

• 📱 Compatibility: Both devices must be supported MIUI 11 or newer.
• 🔗 Number limit: up to 100 contacts can be sent in one transfer.
• 🔋 Battery charge: process can drain a phone by 5-10% with a large amount of data.

How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. On the sender phone, open Contacts → select the contacts you want (holding your finger on the first).
3. Slip on Share (arrow icon) → Bluetooth.
4. Select the target device from the list and confirm the transfer.
5. On the receiving phone, accept the incoming file and save the contacts.

For transmission via Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both devices (Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. Connect the phones to each other (code confirmation is required).
3. In the Contacts app, select Import/Export → Send via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select contacts and confirm the transfer.

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Bluetooth is suitable for transferring a small number of contacts, and Wi-Fi Direct is suitable for mass copying (faster and without data loss).

6.Recover lost contacts on Xiaomi Redmi

If contacts are missing after resetting settings, updates MIUI shift SIM-The way to do this depends on whether the synchronization has been activated:

If the contacts are missing after the MIUI update:

1. Check the Internal Storage → MIUI → Backup → AllBackup folder – sometimes the system creates an automatic backup.
2. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (if the update occurred recently).
3. Contact Xiaomi with error logs (you can get them through Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → multiple clicks on the logo).

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If contacts are displayed as empty entries (no names only), try resetting the Contacts: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear the data. After rebooting, sync the contacts again.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When copying contacts on Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🚫 Contacts are not copied to SIM-card: check if the card memory is full, delete old numbers or use another SIM.
• 🔍 Search does not find contacts after import: update the contact index in the Contacts settings → Settings → Update the index.
• 🌐 Cyrillic is displayed by Krakozabra: before exporting to the SIM Rename your contacts Latin or use them VCF.
• ⚡ Google sync freezes: disable battery optimization for Google Contacts app (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Google Contacts → No restrictions).

If you are using Redmi with Chinese firmware (China ROM), consider:

• Google services can be disabled – they need to be manually activated through Settings → Additionally. → Google.
• Mi Cloud only works with a Chinese account (Mi Account), so it is better to use Google for global synchronization.
• When exported to VCF, the contact names may be stored in the format of "Family Name" (as in Chinese tradition).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions