The switch to a new Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is often accompanied by anxiety about the safety of personal information, and the key question is how to move contacts to avoid losing important numbers. Modern devices offer many built-in tools to make this process as simple and fast as possible, regardless of which operating system the owner used before. Data synchronization has become so advanced that manually interrupting hundreds of numbers has become a thing of the past, giving way to automatic algorithms.
In this article, weβll take a look at all the import methods available, from cloud storage to local files, so you can choose the most suitable option. MIUI and the new HyperOS provide flexible settings that allow you not only to copy a list of names, but also to structure them, combine duplicates and customize the display.
Whether youβre swapping your old Android for a fresh flagship or switching from an iPhone, the right sequence of steps ensures no loss. Letβs look at the basic scenarios that will help you quickly connect with loved ones and colleagues on a new device.
Preparation for data portability
Before you start moving records directly, you need to make sure that the original device is ready to transmit information. Often users forget to check where exactly the numbers are physically stored: SIM-In a card, in the internal memory of the phone or in a cloud account, localization of data is the first and most important step, because it depends on the choice of copying method.
If you plan to use cloud services, make sure that both devices have a stable Wi-Fi connection, as transferring a lot of data can require significant traffic. It is also recommended to charge both smartphones to a minimum of 50-60% so that at the most critical time one of the devices does not suddenly turn off.
β οΈ Note: Before any database move or merge operations are initiated, we strongly advise you to back up your contacts in.vcf format to have a rollback point in the event of a failure.
For users who have not previously used a single account, it is important to create or sign in to an existing Google account, which serves as the main link in the Android ecosystem and allows you to instantly restore a phone book on any new gadget after authorization.
Imports through Google account
The most reliable and common way to move contacts to Xiaomi is to use sync through Google services, which is ideal if you are switching from another Android smartphone, as it does not require the creation of additional files or the use of cables.
On the old device, you need to go to the settings of your Google account and force sync to make sure that all the latest changes are downloaded to the server. After that, on the new Xiaomi, you just add the same email address in the Settings β Accounts and Sync section.
Once you add an account, the system will automatically prompt you to sync your data, including contacts, calendar and email. Automatic update ensures that any changes made from your computer or tablet will instantly appear on your smartphone.
- π± Open the settings on your old phone and find the Accounts section".
- βοΈ Select your Google account and click on Sync".
- π Enter the username and password on the new Xiaomi in the settings menu.
- β Wait for the end of the data loading in the background.
It is important to understand that this method only works if the numbers were originally saved to Google, and not to Google. SIM-If the records are stored locally, they must first be exported to the account through the standard Contacts app on the old phone.
Transfer with Mi Mover
Xiaomiβs own utility, called Mi Mover, is a powerful tool for migrating data not only between phones of this brand, but also from any other Android and even iOS devices.
The process starts with running the app on both devices, and on the new Xiaomi smartphone, you choose the Receiver role, and on the old one, the Sender, and the system creates a temporary secure Wi-Fi network that the second device needs to connect to to start the transfer.
βοΈ Check before launching the Mi Mover
Unlike cloud sync, Mi Mover transmits data directly over a local channel, which provides high speed and does not consume Internet traffic. You can choose specific types of data to transfer, for example, leaving heavy video files in the old place, but taking all contacts and messages.
β οΈ Warning: Do not switch to other apps or block the smartphone screen during the transfer process, as this may break the connection and interrupt the copying.
Once the copy is complete, the system will suggest importing data into the phone book, which is especially useful when switching from the iPhone, since the utility can correctly convert Apple data formats into Android structure.
Use of the SIM-migration-card
Although this method is considered outdated due to name length limitations and no support for additional fields, it remains relevant for users of button phones or devices without access to the Internet.To move contacts to Xiaomi via SIM, you first need to copy them to a card in an old phone.
After the physical repositioning SIM-cards to a new smartphone Redmi or Poco, you should open the standard application "Contacts". In the settings menu or through the button "More" (three dots) select the option "Import / Export contacts".
The system will then select the source, in this case β SIM-Map, destination and it is recommended to save data directly to the Google account or phone memory to avoid losing information when you change the SIM again.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Google Account | VCF file |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Low. | Tall. | Medium |
| Symbolic limit | Got it (15-20) | No. | No. |
| Photo of contact | It doesn't last. | It's still there. | It's still there. |
| Network dependency | Don't need it. | We need the Internet. | Don't need it. |
The main disadvantage of the method is the circumcision of long names and the inability to transfer email addresses or addresses associated with a contact. SIM-This method is suitable only for basic telephone books without advanced information.
Working with VCF and Bluetooth files
The universal format for storing contact information is a file with the.vcf (vCard) extension. This format is supported by almost all operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, making it an excellent choice for cross-platform porting.
What you need to create such a file, just open the contact application on any device, select the export option and save the result to internal memory. The resulting file can be transferred to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or simply copied through the internal memory. USB-cable.
How to open a VCF file on your computer?
Once you transfer a file to a Xiaomi smartphone, you just click on it. The system automatically recognizes the format and suggests importing the entries contained in it. You can choose which account or which one to which. SIM-The map will be stored data.
This method is also convenient for making periodic backups that can be stored on a flash drive or sent to your own mail. VCF format retains the entire contact structure, including multiple numbers, photos and notes, unlike text files.
Solving duplicate problems
Often, after transferring contacts from different sources (for example, simultaneously with SIM and from Google), users face the problem of duplication of records, and two Ivans with the same numbers may appear in the phone book or one contact with different numbers divided into two entries.
The MIUI and HyperOS shells have a built-in cleanup function, so you open the Contacts app, go to the settings, and find the "Clear Repetitive Contacts" option, and the system will analyze the database and suggest that you combine similar records.
- π Click on the Contact Management button in the app.
- π Select the option "Combine duplicates" or "Clear repetitives".
- βοΈ Confirm the action for automatic card merger.
An alternative is to use the web version of Google Contacts, which is more advanced: you can manually drag and drop cards onto each other for mergers or use automatic search and error correction in the menu on the left.
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Check your phone book regularly for duplicates, especially if you are actively using different messengers that can create their own copies of contacts to display avatars.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to transfer contacts through third-party apps?
What if contacts are not synced after entering a password?
Can I transfer my phone history with my contacts?
Where are the contacts physically stored after importing to Xiaomi?
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The best way for most users is to sync through a Google account, as it provides automatic backup and access to data from any device.