How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to another

Changing a mobile device is always stressful, with the risk of losing important data. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often face the need to move the phone book when switching to a new model or simply having two gadgets. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the Android operating system offer many built-in tools for migrating data without losing information.

The synchronization process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour, depending on the number of records and the method chosen. Modern smartphones allow you to do this automatically using cloud storage, or locally, through special files and cables. The main thing is to choose the method that is most convenient in your particular situation, whether it is the presence of the Internet or not.

In this guide, we will look at all the current methods of transfer, assess their pros and cons, you will learn how to use the built-in tool “Mi Mover”, how to configure sync through a Google or Mi Account, and how to properly export data through a Google or Mi Account. SIM-We will also discuss common errors that may occur when transferring files and how to fix them.

Preparation of devices for data transfer

Before you start the active phase of migration, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps: make sure that both smartphones - both old and new - have sufficient battery power, preferably at least 50-60%.

Check the stability of your Internet connection if you plan to use cloud services. Google Contacts or Mi Cloud requires stable Wi-Fi, as it can take a lot of time and cost money to transfer large amounts of data through mobile traffic. If the Internet is unstable, you should choose a local method of transmission.

Clean up the memory of the old device from debris if necessary. Although transferring contacts takes up a little space, the presence of free space on both devices will reduce the risk of system failures. It is also recommended to update the operating system on both gadgets to the latest available version to eliminate compatibility bugs.

Synchronization through Google account

The most reliable and versatile way for Android owners is to use Google’s cloud service, which is ideal if you’re upgrading to a new phone or just want to have a backup available from any device, and all your numbers will automatically be saved to the cloud and downloaded to a new gadget immediately after you sign in.

To start, open the settings on your old phone and go to Accounts and Sync. Search your Google account in the list and make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated. If sync is disabled, turn it on and click Sync right now.

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Use the Clean and Sync feature in Google Contacts app on your old phone to combine duplicate entries before transferring.

Once synced on your new device is complete, log in to the same Google account, and the system automatically prompts you to restore data from the cloud, and if that doesn't happen, go to your account settings on your new phone and force sync.

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The main advantage of the method is the independence of the phone model: contacts will be available even if you decide to change Xiaomi to Samsung or iPhone.

It is important to understand that this method only works if the contacts are initially stored in the phone’s memory with a link to Google, not on the phone. SIM-If your numbers are in memory. SIM, First, import them into the phone book through the Contacts app».

Use of the Mi Cloud cloud service

Xiaomi smartphone owners have access to their own cloud storage, Mi Cloud, which is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell and often runs faster and more stable than third-party services within the brand ecosystem.

Go to the settings of your old phone, select "Mi Account" and log in. In the cloud menu, search for the "Sync" section and make sure the Contacts slider is blue. Click "Sync" to send all records to Xiaomi servers.

On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account. When you first set up, the system will ask if you need to restore data from the cloud, agree. If the phone is already configured, just turn on sync in your account settings, and all the numbers will appear in the phone book automatically.

This method is particularly convenient because it stores not only numbers, but also additional fields such as subscriber photos, email addresses and notes that may be lost when transferring through the Internet. SIM-map.

Transfer through the Mi Mover app

The Mi Mover app is perhaps the fastest way to transfer data between two Xiaomi phones without using the internet. It creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices and transfers files at high speed. The app is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder, but it can be downloaded from GetApps.

Run the app on both smartphones. On the old device, select "I send" and on the new one, "I receive." The old phone scans. QR-code that will appear on the screen of a new one, or you can pair them manually through device search.

After the connection, select Contacts (or System Data if you want to migrate everything at once) and the process will go automatically, the advantage of the method is that it does not compress data and retains the entire structure of the record intact.

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If Mi Mover doesn’t see the device, make sure both phones have GPS and location permissions enabled, as the app uses them to find devices nearby.

Remember, Mi Mover works best when both devices are close by and not overloaded with other tasks.

Export and import via VCF file

Sometimes cloud-based methods are not available, or the Internet is too slow, and then the old-fashioned method of backing up.vcf is a standard format for phone books and is supported by all smartphones.

On an old phone, open the Contacts app. Click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select "Import/Export Contacts." Select "Export to Storage" or "Export to.vcf." The system will create a file that will be saved in the phone's memory.

Now you have to transfer this file to a new device, and you can do it via Bluetooth, messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), email, or just throw the file through the phone. USB-cable to the computer and then to the new phone.

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File. VCF Universal: it can be opened even on a computer through the Notepad program or on any other smartphone, regardless of the operation.--system.

On the new device, open the file you receive. The system automatically prompts you to import the contacts you find, choose where to save them (to your Google account, Mi Account, or phone memory), and confirm the action. All the entries will be added to the phone book.

Use of the SIM-transmitter

The most conservative, but still relevant method is the use of SIM-It's suitable if you don't have Internet access, both phones don't support modern synchronization methods, or the number of contacts is small.

Extract. SIM-a card from an old phone (if contacts are stored on it) or copy data from the device memory. To copy, go to the Contacts app, select Import/Export and specify Import from your phone and Export to the device SIM-map».

After the export is completed, insert SIM-Go to the contact app on the new device, select Import/Export and click Import with SIM-Select your destination (preferably your phone memory or Google account) and start the process.

This method is good for its simplicity, but we recommend using it only as a temporary solution or for the most important numbers, since the storage format is not available. SIM-The map is very limited and does not support Cyrillic field names.

Comparison of methods and problem solving

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a method comparison table that will help you quickly navigate depending on your conditions and requirements for speed or quality of transfer.

If you have any errors during the transfer, try restarting both devices. Often the problem is a temporary failure of the sync service. Also check if the cloud storage is crowded (relevant to Google and Mi Cloud), as if there is a shortage of space, new data will not load.

In some cases, antivirus or power saving settings can block data transmission. Try temporarily turning off the power saving mode on both phones. If you use corporate Wi-Fi, it can block ports for synchronization, in which case you should use a mobile Internet or access point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)