Changing your smartphone, even to a newer model from the same manufacturer, often becomes a stress test for your nervous system. You might think you're just buying a new gadget, but in reality you're faced with the task of migrating hundreds, sometimes thousands, of important records. A phone book is not just a list of numbers, it's your work tool, your personal connections archive, and access to services where numbers are tied to accounts. Losing that data when you switch to a new device is a scenario that should not be tolerated.
Fortunately, Xiaomi’s ecosystem and Android offer many built-in mechanisms to automate this process. You don’t have to manually interrupt numbers or search for complex programs to convert files. Modern methods allow you to copy the entire data array in minutes, even preserving the structure of names, subscriber photos and additional fields like email addresses and birthdays.
In this guide, we will break down all the current ways of transfer: from cloud synchronization Mi Cloud to classic export through the Internet. SIM-We'll look at the nuances of working with the map. MIUI And HyperOS, so you can choose the best option for your situation, and the key is to act consistently and not interrupt the data transfer process to avoid corrupting database files.
Preparing both devices for data migration
Before you start any transfer tools, you need to make sure that both smartphones are in good condition and ready to go. On the old device from which you will copy information, it is worthwhile to audit the records. Often, duplicates, old company numbers or records with names like "My job" are stored in memory, which are better combined or deleted before migrating, this will allow you to avoid transferring "digital garbage" to the new device.
Check the battery levels on both devices. Although the process of copying contacts does not require huge energy, suddenly turning off one of the devices can interrupt sync or cause an error when writing a file. Also make sure that both phones have an up-to-date firmware version or at least a version that is not a critically old beta version.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Special attention should be paid to the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to use cloud methods. For local methods such as Bluetooth or direct file sharing, having Wi-Fi is not critical, but it is necessary for the operation of accounts. Make sure you know the passwords from your accounts, as the system can request re-authorization when you log in to a new phone.
Synchronization method through Mi Cloud
The most naive and convenient way for Xiaomi owners to use their own cloud service manufacturer. Mi Cloud is deeply integrated into the shell MIUI and HyperOS, allowing you to synchronize contacts in the background without the user. If on the old phone this feature was enabled, then half the work is already done: your numbers are already on the servers of the company.
To activate or check sync status on your old device, go to the settings and find the section dedicated to your Mi Account. Usually the path is: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Here you need to make sure that the slider opposite Contacts is activated. If you see the status Synced with date and time, then the backup is relevant.
💡
Enable contact sync in Mi Cloud in advance so you don’t wait for hundreds of numbers to load when you set up your new phone.
On the new smartphone, the process is as simple as possible. When you first activate or enter the settings menu, log in to the same Mi Account. The system automatically prompts you to restore data from the cloud. If the phone is already configured, just turn on the contacts sync in the same cloud settings, and the phone book will fill in itself. This is especially convenient, since the numbers will immediately be distributed in the correct fields, and the avatars will be saved.
⚠️ Warning: Free storage capacity of Mi Cloud is limited (usually 5GB).If you have a lot of photos and videos, the contact space may run out, although the text takes up very little space.
Using Google Contacts for Cross-Platform Transfer
The universal standard in the Android world is Google Contacts, which is ideal because it doesn’t tie you to the Xiaomi brand. If you decide to change smartphone manufacturers in the future, your numbers will stay with you because they’re tied to your Gmail inbox, not your manufacturer’s account.
To use this method, open the Contacts or Phone app on your old device. In the app settings, look for Import/Export Contacts or Contact Management. You need to select the export option to your Google account. The system will prompt you to choose which contacts to transfer (all, only with the help of the user). SIM-Select "All contacts" and confirm the action.
Once you have finished downloading on your old device, take a new Xiaomi phone. When you set up Android initially, ask you to enter your Google account. Use the same email as the previous device. During the initial setup, the system will ask if you need to recover data from the Google cloud. You'll agree, and the phone book will pull up automatically. If the phone is already set up, just add an account in Settings → Accounts and Sync and enable sync.
The advantage of this method is that you can edit contacts from your computer, you can go to contacts.google.com, delete the redundant, combine duplicates and fix errors, and all the changes will instantly affect the phone after synchronization, which makes managing the database much more convenient than using a small screen of a smartphone.
Local Transfers via Mi Mover
If you don’t have access to the Internet or want to transfer not only contacts, but also applications, photos and system settings, use the proprietary Mi Mover utility.This application is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to create a direct Wi-Fi connection between two devices for data transfer at high speed.
Run the Mi Mover app on both devices. On the old phone, select Sender and on the new phone, Receiver, and the old device will scan the available networks and create an access point. On the new phone, you will need to select the network created by the old device and enter a password or scan. QR-code that will appear on the screen.
Once the connection is established, the system will suggest selecting data types to transfer. Be sure to tick "Contacts." You can also select "System Data" to move alarm settings, Wi-Fi passwords and the location of icons on the desktop. Press "Send" and wait for the process to be completed. The transfer speed depends on the amount of data, but the contacts are usually copied instantly.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | What's transferable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Tall. | Yes. | Contacts and calendar only |
| Google Sync | Medium | Yes. | Contacts, mail, photo |
| Mi Mover | Very high. | No. | Everything (contacts, photos, apps) |
| SIM-map | Low. | No. | Numbers and names only |
💡
M i Mover is the best choice for a full cloning of an old smartphone to a new one, as it copies not only contacts, but also the structure of the system.
Classic method: export via SIM-card
Although this method is considered outdated, it remains the only working option in situations where both phones do not have access to the Internet, and the Mi Mover function for some reason does not work. SIM-The card is convenient to carry a basic number list if you are switching from a notebook phone or a very old Android smartphone.
The main limitation of this method is the technical characteristics SIM-It usually only allows you to save your phone number and name up to the length of the map. 10-15 All additional fields, such as the second number, email, address and long name, will be lost or cropped, so you should only use this method as a backup or for a primary migration, after which you will still need manual editing.
The process is as follows: on an old phone, open the contact app, go to the settings and select "Import/Export." Click "Export on" SIM-The system will warn you of possible data loss, you'll agree. Once the export is complete, rearrange it. SIM-map to the new Xiaomi phone.
In the new device, repeat the path: Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Import with SIM-Choose which folder to save numbers (you should choose your Google account or phone memory right away, not again). SIM-After importing, be sure to check the list: most likely, many names will be cropped and will have to be restored manually.
⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM-The contact photo card is not saved. You will have to reassign the images to all subscribers on the new device.
Solution: duplicates and synchronization errors
Often, after transferring data, users are faced with the problem of duplication of records, this occurs when the contacts were stored in both the phone's memory and on the phone. SIM-And then you can sync all of these copies together into one long list. MIUI HyperOS has a built-in tool to solve this problem.
Open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or a hamburger menu) and select Tools or Contact Organization. Find the "Connect Duplicate Contacts" option. The system will analyze the database and suggest combining records with the same numbers or names. This is a secure operation that simply glues different cards into one.
Another common problem is name encoding: If you have moved contacts via a.vcf or Bluetooth file from a device on another platform (like an iPhone or an old Windows Phone), the names can turn into a set of incomprehensible characters, in which case it is best to reset contacts on the old device and export them again by selecting UTF-8 encoding, if such an option is available, or use the intermediate step through Google Contacts on a computer where the encoding can be corrected encoding en masse.
Also worth mentioning is the difference between shells: on global versions of MIUI and Chinese versions (CN ROM), menu paths may vary slightly, and item names may be written in English or Chinese. However, the logic of the work remains the same: look for sections with the words Import, Export, or Sync.