Where to import contacts in Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Transferring contacts to the new Xiaomi smartphone is a task that every user faces when buying a device or after resetting. MIUI, The contact import function is not always prominent, and its location may vary depending on the firmware version and phone model. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to import contacts to Xiaomi, including transferring contacts from the company to the company. SIM-Maps, Google accounts,.vcf files, and synchronization via Mi Account.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi is that the manufacturer regularly updates the shell. MIUI, by changing the menu layout. MIUI 14 The route to importing contacts is different from MIUI 15, and on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5) We have taken into account all the nuances and prepared up-to-date instructions for 2026, which will be suitable for both flagships (Xiaomi 14) and budget devices (Redmi). A2).

If you’ve used smartphones from other brands (Samsung, iPhone), the import process on Xiaomi may seem unobvious. Unlike Android in its pure form, there are some features: for example, duplicate contacts when synchronizing with multiple accounts or restrictions on importing from the Internet. SIM-To avoid errors, we have described each method in detail, indicated possible problems and ways to solve them.

1. Where is the import of contacts in the standard "Contacts" appendix

The main way to import contacts on Xiaomi is through the standard Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background). MIUI. Below are the latest instructions for the latest versions of the firmware.

V MIUI 14/15 algorithm:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Contact Management (or Settings in some models).
4. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
5. Select the source: SIM-map, file. VCF, Google or Mi Account.

On older versions (for example, MIUI 12) the path may look like this:

Contacts → Settings (⚙) → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM

If you do not have the Import/Export item, check:

• 📱 Phone model: on some devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) this section is hidden deeper - you need to first click More or Additional.
• 🔄 App Update: Go to Google Play and update the Contacts app to the latest version.
• 📎 Access Rights: Make sure the application is allowed access to contacts and storage (check Settings). → Annexes → Contacts → Permits).

2. Import of contacts from SIM-card: step-by-step instructions

Transfer of contacts with SIM-maps are one of the easiest ways, but they have limitations. SIM Usually only the name and number are saved (no photos, email, or other fields) and secondly, not all Xiaomi models support this feature – for example, some eSIM devices may not have the option.

To import contacts with SIM-map:

Insert SIM-card in the slot (if not already inserted)

Open the Contacts app

Push. ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports

Select Import from SIM-card

Specify your account for saving (Google, Mi Account or local storage)

Confirm imports

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Important nuances:

• 🔢 One on one. SIM-The card usually stores no more than 250 contacts (depending on the operator).
• 📵 If contacts don't show up, try restarting your phone or inserting it. SIM (a) in the other slot (if two of them are in the).
• 🔄 After importing, check duplicates: Contacts → ⋮ → Connecting contacts.

3. Import contacts from the VCF file (vCard)

The.vcf file (or vCard) is a universal format for storing contacts, and can be created on an old phone, in Google Contacts, or even in Excel (using converters), and the advantage of this method is to save all contact fields (phones, email, addresses, photos).

To import contacts from.vcf to Xiaomi:

1. Copy the.vcf file to your phone (via Bluetooth, email, Telegram or cable) USB).
2. Open the Contacts app.
3. Press. ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
4. Select Import from the file.
5. Specify the path to the.vcf file (usually saved in the Downloads or Downloads folder).
6. Select an account to save (we recommend Google for backup).

If the.vcf file does not appear in the list, check its extension: sometimes when you send it through messengers, it changes to.vcf.txt. Rename the file back to.vcf through any file manager (for example, Files by Google).

Benefits of importing via.vcf:

• 📁 All contact data (including photos and notes) is stored).
• 🔄 You can import multiple files at once (for example, if contacts are divided into groups).
• 🌐 Supported by most devices and platforms (including iPhone and Windows).

💡

If you have many contacts, break them down into multiple.vcf files. 500-1000 This will speed up the import process and reduce the risk of errors.

4. synchronize contacts through Google account

The most reliable way to transfer contacts is through Google account sync, which not only imports existing contacts, but also automatically updates them when you add new ones, and will be available on any device where you log into your Google profile.

To import contacts through Google:

1. Make sure that your old phone has your contacts saved to Google Contacts (check out contacts.google.com).
2. On Xiaomi go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
3. Add your Google account (if not already added).
4. Enable contact synchronization (the slider next to Contacts must be active).
5. Open the Contacts app and wait for the sync to complete (may take a few minutes).

Frequent problems and solutions:

If you’ve previously used an iPhone, you can transfer your contacts to Google via iCloud:

1. On iPhone, go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud and turn on Contacts.
2. On iCloud.com, export your contacts to a.vcf file.
3. Import this file to Google Contacts (via contacts.google.com).
4. Sync your Google account with Xiaomi.

5. Import contacts via Mi Account (Xiaomi account)

Mi Account is a Xiaomi branded account that allows you to synchronize contacts, notes, photos and other data between the brand’s devices, which is convenient if you have previously used another Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone and want to transfer contacts without using Google.

To import contacts through Mi Account:

1. On an old Xiaomi phone, make sure that the contacts are saved in the Mi Account:
2. On the new phone, log in to the same Mi Account:
3. Turn on the synchronization of contacts and wait for the process to be completed.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔒 Contacts will only be available on Xiaomi devices (not synced with Google or other brands).
• 📱 If you reset your phone to factory settings without being tied to your Mi Account, your contacts will be lost.
• 🔄 Syncing can be slower than Google.

💡

Use Mi Account only if you are constantly using Xiaomi devices. For universal backup, it is better to choose a Google account or export to.vcf.

6. Alternative methods of importing contacts

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party apps or services, and let's look at the most reliable options.

6.1.Contact transfer via Bluetooth

This is a good option if you do not have access to the internet or USB-cable:

1. On an old phone, turn on Bluetooth and make contacts available for transfer.
2. On Xiaomi, also turn on Bluetooth and find an old device.
3. Confirm pairing and select Send Contacts (or Export Contacts) on your old phone.
4. Accept the file on Xiaomi and save your contacts.

Disadvantages:

• 🐢 Slow transmission (especially if there are many contacts).
• 📵 Not all contact fields can be transmitted (e.g. photos).

6.2.Import through management applications (e.g. Copy My Data)

Apps like Copy My Data (available on Google Play) allow you to transfer contacts, messages, photos and other data from one phone to another via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

1. Install Copy My Data on both phones.
2. On the old phone, select Transfer from This Device.
3. Select Transfer to This Device on Xiaomi.
4. Connect your devices to a single Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions.

Pros:

• 🔄 Fast transfer of large amounts of data.
• 📱 Almost all smartphone models (including iPhone) are supported).

Transfer via computer (by Mi) PC Suite)

Official Mi software PC Suite allows you to manage contacts, messages and files on Xiaomi via a computer:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB.
3. In the program, go to the Contacts section.
4. Click Import and select the.vcf file or sync with Outlook.

💡

If Mi PC Suite does not recognize the phone, try to enable File Transfer mode (MTP) in the notification curtain Xiaomi.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When importing contacts to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.

Mistake 1: Contacts are not imported from SIM-map

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) import function (c) SIM It can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Permits and enable access to SIM-map.

Error 2: Duplicate contacts after synchronization

This happens if the contacts are saved in multiple accounts (for example, on Google and on the Internet). SIM). To correct:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Connecting contacts.
2. Select duplicates and click Combine.
3. Turn off synchronization of unnecessary accounts (Settings) → Accounts and synchronization).

Error 3: The.vcf file won't open

If an error occurs during importation, the file is not supported:

• Check the file extension (should be.vcf, not.txt or.csv).
• Open the file on your computer via Notepad++ — If it is damaged, the first lines will be unreadable.
• Try creating a new.vcf file through Google Contacts.

Error 4: Contacts are not synced with Google

⚠️ If sync with Google is frozen, check it out: 🔌 Internet connection stability (switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi). 🔄 Updates to Google Play Services (Go to Google Play and update the app). 📅 Date and time on your phone (if they are lost, sync may not work). If the problem does not resolve, delete and re-add your Google account.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions