How to transfer contacts from phone to phone Xiaomi

The transition to a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone always starts with the most important thing: saving the phone book. Losing the numbers of colleagues, friends or delivery services is extremely unpleasant, so the issue of data portability comes first. Fortunately, the Android ecosystem and the MIUI shell (or HyperOS) offer many tools for migration, from cloud services to local file transfer.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current methods that will help you quickly and losslessly sync your address book, learn how to use the built-in Mi Mover app, how to export data through a Google account and what to do if your old phone is running on iOS. We will also touch on the issues of cleaning duplicates that often arise when databases are merged.

Whether you’re changing your budget model to a flagship or switching from a different operating system, the algorithms below are universal, and the key is to choose the method that is most convenient in your situation, given the state of the old device and the presence of a stable Internet.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick migration

The most efficient and quick way to transfer data between Xiaomi smartphones or from any other Android device is the proprietary Mi Mover utility. This application is already pre-installed on most of the brand’s new gadgets and allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and system settings via Wi-Fi Direct.

To get started, you need to run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Receiver and on the old phone, Sender. QR-If you have a code or manual connection to the network you've created, you'll have to choose the types of data you want to copy».

The process is local, without the use of operator traffic, making it ideal for carrying large amounts of information. The algorithm will automatically determine the structure of your phone book and correctly record numbers in the memory of the new device, storing all additional fields such as email addresses and posts.

  • 📱 Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled for detection.
  • 🔋 Charge batteries to at least 50% as active data transfer consumes energy.
  • 🚫 Do not switch between applications during the process to avoid breaking the connection.
  • ✅ Check that the new phone has enough free memory to receive files.

Once the operation is complete, the system will report the successfully transmitted elements, and if the process is interrupted, Mi Mover allows you to resume it from the stoppage, which is a great advantage in unstable connection.

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If you don’t have the Mi Mover app on your old phone, you can quickly download it from the built-in GetApps store or scan it. QR-code that appears on the screen of the new device when the program is launched.

Syncing through Google Account: Cloud Method

The most reliable way, independent of the physical proximity of devices, is synchronization through the Google Contacts cloud. This method is considered the “gold standard” in the Android world, since your contacts are stored on the corporation’s servers and are tied to your mailbox. When you enter an account on the new Xiaomi, the entire phone book will be automatically loaded.

On an old device, you need to go to your contacts settings and make sure that sync is enabled. The path usually looks like: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. If you just bought a phone, you can skip this step by simply logging in to your account when you first set up the system.

The advantage of this method is that you can restore deleted numbers at any time. Google keeps a contact history for 30 days, allowing you to roll back the status of the phone book to the previous date in the event of an error or accidental deletion of important records.

☑️ Checking Google Syncs

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It is worth noting that this method requires a stable Internet connection to work, and if you have thousands of numbers, it can take a few minutes to load initially, but all changes will happen instantly and unnoticed by the user.

Transfer of contacts through SIM-map

The SIM-transfer method is the oldest and most versatile, suitable even for push-button phones or devices without the support of modern cloud services, its main advantage is the independence of the operating system and the presence of the Internet.

To transfer numbers, you need to export contacts to the old phone. SIM-This is usually done through the Contacts app: select the management menu, then Import/Export and Export to SIM-After that, move the SIM card to the new Xiaomi and perform the reverse operation – import into the memory of the phone.

⚠️ Attention: SIM-The card has a limited amount of memory and often crops long names, and does not save additional fields (addresses, multiple numbers per contact, photo.

Modern Xiaomi smartphones can have a combined slot where a second SIM card shares space with a memory card. Be careful when removing the tray so as not to damage the contacts or the card itself. After importing, be sure to check the phone book for cropped names.

This is good in emergency situations where other methods are not available, but to fully use the full capabilities of MIUI and Android, it is better to resort to digital copying methods that preserve the full structure of the data.

Import and export through VCF-file

VCF (vCard) is a universal standard for storing contact information that is supported by almost all devices. A.vcf file can contain one or more contacts, including photos and detailed information, which is ideal if you want to transfer contacts to a computer or send them via a messenger.

On the old device, open the contact app, select the export function and specify the format. VCF. The file will be saved in the phone’s memory. Transfer it to the new Xiaomi in any convenient way: via Bluetooth, USB-On a new device, you just open a file and the system will suggest importing the records contained in it.

Feature of working with VCF Xiaomi is about choosing where to save, and when you import it will ask you where to save the numbers: in memory, in memory. SIM-Google card or account: It is recommended to select a Google account for automatic sync in the future.

ParameterVCF FileSIM-mapGoogle Sync
Photo preservationYes.No.Yes.
Several rooms.Yes.No (usually 1)Yes.
Network dependencyNo.No.Yes (for synchronization)
Complexity of the processMediumLow.Low.

Use of the VCF-You can also back up your files on an external medium, so you can save the file to your computer or flash drive and make sure that even if your smartphone is completely broken, your data will remain safe.

Transferring data from iPhone to Xiaomi

iPhone owners who decide to switch to Xiaomi do not have to worry about data loss. Xiaomi has developed a special application Move to iOS (although in the context of the transition to Xiaomi, more often used built-in migration tool on the first turn on or the Mi Mover app in the iOS version), the process requires installing the corresponding application from the App Store on the iPhone.

When you initially set up the new Xiaomi, select the option to get data from iOS. the phone will offer to scan. QR-code or connect to a special Wi-Fi network that the new smartphone will create. After connecting, select Contacts from the data transfer list. Android correctly converts the iOS format to understandable for you.

It’s important to understand that some specific fields that are unique to the Apple ecosystem may not be migrated or converted to standard text format, such as notes tied to contacts in iOS, may not appear in the standard Android call app.

What if contacts are not displayed after transferring from the iPhone?
Often, contacts are successfully transferred but hidden by a display filter. Go to the Contacts app, click on three dots (menu) → Settings → Displayed Contacts and select All Contacts.

After a successful transfer, it is recommended to immediately enable sync with the Google account on the new device, so that in the future it does not depend on physical methods of transfer and has access to numbers from any device.

Solving Duplicate Contact Problems

Frequent problem when changing phone or using multiple sync sources (e.g, SIM-map + Google + Social media) is the emergence of duplicates. The phone book may appear two or more of the same entries, making it difficult to find and making the list sloppy. Xiaomi provides built-in tools to address this issue.

In the Contacts app, go to the settings and find the option “Combine Repeated Contacts” (or similar, depending on the version of MIUI), the system will analyze the database, find records with the same numbers or names, and suggest combining them into one card, a secure operation that summarizes all available data about the person.

It is also worth manually checking the Favorites section and contact groups, as after migration, some numbers may fall out of previously created mailing lists or quick calls. Regular cleaning of the phone book helps to maintain the speed of the application and usability.

  • 🧹 Use the Cleanup feature in Xiaomi’s Security app regularly.
  • 🔗 Join contacts immediately after import to avoid future confusion.
  • 📂 Create backups before mass recordings are combined.

If the automatic unification didn’t work properly, you can use the web version of Google Contacts (contacts.google.com).There’s a powerful “Combine and Fix” tool that often works more accurately than mobile apps.

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Automatic pairing of duplicates is a standard MIUI function that does not require the installation of third-party software and works directly in the Contacts app in the settings section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I transfer contacts via Bluetooth without installing apps?
Yes, it is possible. In the standard Contacts app, select the menu, then Import/Export → Send Contacts. Select the numbers (or All) you want and as the transfer method, specify Bluetooth. The receiving device must confirm the receipt of the file.
Which is better to keep contacts: on the phone or on Google?
It is strongly recommended to keep your contacts in your Google account, which ensures that they are safe when your phone breaks, your device is lost or stolen, and when you log in to your account on any new smartphone, all numbers will automatically appear in the phone book.
Why did the photos of the contacts disappear after the transfer?
Photos are often linked to a specific account (e.g. Google or social media) if you choose to save on your import. SIM-card or phone memory without account link, photos may not be transferred. Check the display settings and make sure that sync with Google is enabled.
How to transfer contacts if the screen of the old phone is broken?
If the sensor is not working, but the image is, you can connect it. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter to control: If the screen is black but the phone is turned on, try connecting it to your computer and copy the contact database file (root rights or previously enabled debugging are required), or extract it. SIM-card if the numbers are stored on it.