Changing a smartphone is always an exciting process, often marred by fear of losing important data, especially when it comes to a phone book that stores the numbers of colleagues, relatives and delivery services. When a user switches from a MIUI-based device to a Samsung One UI-enabled device, the question arises as to how to correctly and without loss, and fortunately, today's Android ecosystems offer many ways to migrate, but each has its own nuances.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible transfer options, from cloud synchronization to the good old days. SIM-You'll learn which method is the fastest and which is the most reliable to save all the recording fields, including photos and email addresses. Choosing the right tool will allow you to start using the new gadget immediately without spending hours manually entering numbers.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are at least 50-60% charged. It is also advisable to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network so that the process is not interrupted due to unstable mobile Internet.
Preparing devices for data migration
The first step before any data manipulation is to carefully prepare both smartphones. On a Xiaomi device, you need to check exactly where your current records are stored: in the phone's memory, on the phone, on the phone. SIM-This is a critical point, because the location of the source files determines the method of transferring the data.
If you plan to use cloud services, make sure both devices sign in to the same Google account.Redmi and POCO owners can also benefit from a Mi Account account, which allows you to create local or cloud backups through a proprietary app.
Be sure to make room on the new Samsung if the device's memory is filled with system files or heavy apps.The import process may require a temporary buffer, especially if you're recovering not only contacts, but also message history or calendar.
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Before you start the transfer, clear the duplicate list on your old phone so that you don’t clog the new phone book with repetitive entries.
Check the operating system version on both devices. While Android is highly compatible, too old versions of MIUI may not properly export.vcf files that the new Samsung will refuse to recognize. Updating to the latest available version minimizes the risk of compatibility errors.
Synchronization through Google account
The easiest and most reliable way to do this, which works 95% of the time, is to sync through the Google cloud, which doesn't require cables, special apps, or complex Bluetooth settings. All you need is a stable internet and a Gmail account.
On an old Xiaomi phone, go to settings and find Accounts and Sync. Select your Google account and make sure the slider opposite Contacts is activated. If sync is successful, all numbers will automatically upload to Google servers.
- 🔄 Open your settings on the new Samsung and sign in to the same Google account.
- 📲 Go to the "Accounts" section and click "Sync".
- ☁️ Wait until the download is complete, the contacts will appear in the phone book automatically.
This method is good because it stores not only numbers but also linked email addresses, posts and profile photos. Google Contacts skillfully combines duplicates if you accidentally created multiple entries for one person.
⚠️ Note: If you use multiple Google accounts, make sure to keep your contacts in the one that will be the main one on the new device, otherwise they won’t appear after you sign in.
Use of the Mi Mover app
Xiaomi has developed its own Mi Mover app, which was originally designed to move between the brand’s devices, but also works with other Android smartphones. To transfer data to Samsung, you will need to install this app on both devices, unless it is preinstalled.
Run an app on Xiaomi and select the role "Sender." On Samsung, launch the app and select "Receiver." Devices will find each other via Wi-Fi Direct, then you can choose the type of data to transfer, in addition to contacts, you can transfer photos, music and even installed applications.
The advantage of this method is that it can transfer data faster without using Internet traffic; direct connection between devices allows for the stable transfer of even large amounts of information; however, the application interface may not be fully adapted to the logic of One UI, which sometimes causes confusion.
☑️ Check before launching the Mi Mover
During the transfer, do not lock smartphone screens and keep them close to each other. Interrupting the connection can cause the contact file to be corrupted and cannot be read by the new device. Once the process is complete, be sure to check the data integrity in the Samsung phone book.
Export and import via VCF file
The universal way that works even without the Internet is to create a business card file in.vcf format, which is supported by all modern smartphones and allows you to transfer the entire phone book in one file, it is the most versatile format for cross-platform data exchange between different manufacturers.
On Xiaomi, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Import/Export Contacts. Select Export to Device Memory or Export to Internal Storage. The system will create a file that is usually saved in the root folder or Contacts folder.
You can then send this file to Samsung, and you can do it via Bluetooth, messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), or just copy it to your computer and flip it over. USB-On the new device, you just open the file and the system will suggest importing the records contained in it.
| Parameter | VCF File | Google Sync | SIM Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo preservation | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| We need the Internet. | No. | Yes. | No. |
| Symbolic limit | No. | No. | Eat (often circumcised) |
| Speed. | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
Using VCF is especially relevant if you are transferring contacts to a device that is not yet connected to the network or does not have a set up Google account.The file can be stored as a backup on a flash drive or in cloud-based file storage in case of losing your phone.
Transfer through SIM-map
The oldest and "old school" method that still has the right to life, especially if you need to transfer only the basic numbers without unnecessary details. SIM-The map is a physical medium, but there are some limitations to this.
On Xiaomi, go to Contact Management and select "Copy Contacts." Use "Phone" or "Google" as your source, and choose "Distribute" as your destination —"SIM-The system will warn you about the possible loss of some information, since the capacity SIM-card-bound.
- 📉 The name of the contact is often cut off if it is too long.
- 🚫 No photos and additional numbers are saved.
- 🔢 The limit of records is usually between 250 and 500 contacts.
After copying, insert SIM-Samsung card (or use the same if the phone is one). In the contact app, select the import menu from the SIM-All records will be copied to the device memory or to the Google account.
⚠️ Note: When copying the SIM-The second phone number card (if two of them are in contact) may be lost because the standard is not used. SIM-Cards often only support one number per record.
This method can only be recommended as a temporary solution or for very old phone models where other methods don’t work. For today’s Samsung Galaxy smartphones, it’s better to use digital methods that preserve the full contact structure.
What if the contacts are not displayed after import?
Solving and eliminating errors
Users may encounter various technical problems during data migration, and one of the common mistakes is crashing the Contacts app when importing a large VCF file. This can be due to a lack of RAM on the device.
If the process is stalling, try splitting the phone book into multiple parts or using cloud synchronization, which processes data portionedly, and text encoding can be a problem, especially if contact names use rare characters or emojis.
In cases where contacts have appeared but no photos, check the permissions for the Google Contacts app. It must have access to the device's media files. Sometimes photos are uploaded with a delay of several minutes after turning on the Wi-Fi.
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The most stable method for a complete migration with the preservation of all fields (photo, email, addresses) is synchronization through Google Account, since it does not depend on the physical state of the media and firmware versions.
If you encounter duplicates after transfer, use the built-in cleanup function. Google Contacts has a tool called Combine and Correct that automatically finds the duplicates and offers them to merge into a single card.