Changing your smartphone, especially the Xiaomi ecosystem, is always accompanied by a desire to make it as painless as possible for the user. The most critical element, the loss of which can be a real problem, is the phone book. Modern models of Redmi and Poco are equipped with powerful tools for data migration, but often users do not know where to start.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the current methods of transferring contacts, from cloud sync to local utilities, learn how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if the numbers do not appear after import.
Preparing devices before data migration
Before you start any manipulation, make sure that both the old and the new devices are ready to go. Charge both smartphones to at least 50-60%, as active data transfer over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can significantly consume energy. Also check that both devices are on Bluetooth module and Wi-Fi is available.
Make sure that the contacts are actually stored in memory on the old device. SIM-Open the Contacts app and check the display settings by selecting "All Contacts".
If you plan to use cloud-based methods, make sure that your old phone is logged in to Google. Without authorization, server sync is not possible. Local methods like Mi Mover require you to install the app on both devices.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Method 1: Use the Mi Mover application
The most efficient and quick way for Xiaomi owners is to use the Mi Mover branded tool. This utility is pre-installed on all new smartphones of the brand and allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and system settings. For Android devices of other brands, the application is available on Google Play.
Run the app on both smartphones. On the new Redmi device, select Recipient and on the old one, Sender. QR-code or find the device through Wi-Fi search. After the connection, select the category "Contacts" and click the start button.
⚠️ Note: Do not block smartphone screens during the transfer process, as this can break the connection and interrupt the data copying.
The speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data and the quality of the wireless connection. Usually the process takes from 30 seconds to several minutes. Once completed, the new phone will receive a notification of success, and all the records are automatically integrated into the local ledger or account selected by default.
What if the Mi Mover can’t see the device?
Method 2: Sync through Google Account
The classic and most reliable method that works on any Android device is that contacts are not stored in the phone’s memory, but in the Google Contacts cloud. When you sign in to your account on the new Xiaomi, the phonebook will load automatically.
On an old smartphone, go to settings, look for Accounts or Users and Acca, select your Google account. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. Press the menu button (three dots) and select Sync. Wait for the process to end.
Now take the new Redmi. When you first set up or through the Settings menu → Accounts, add the same Google account. The system will automatically pull up all saved numbers. If that doesn't happen, go to the Contacts app, open the settings, and select Import/Export → Import from Google account.
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Synchronization through Google is the “gold standard” that guarantees the safety of data even in the event of complete loss or breakdown of a physical device.
Method 3: Export and import via VCF file
If you don't have access to the Internet or prefer to store data locally, you can use a.vcf file. This format is a universal standard for business cards and is supported by all operating systems, USB-cable.
On the old device, open the Contacts app, go to settings, and select Import/Export Contacts. Specify Export to Device Memory or Export to Storage. The system will create a file commonly called contacts.vcf or 00001.vcf.
Transfer this file to the new Xiaomi. Open the file on the new device when you receive it. The system automatically prompts you to import the contacts you find. You will have to choose the location of the save: in memory of the phone, in memory of the phone. SIM-map or Google account.
| Method | Speed. | We need the Internet. | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Mover | Tall. | No (locally) | Low. |
| Google Sync | Medium | Yes. | Minimum |
| VCF File | Low. | No. | Medium (human factor) |
| SIM-map | Low. | No. | Tall (name circumcision) |
Solving Duplicate Contact Problems
A common problem after data transfer is the appearance of duplicate records, which occurs when the same number is stored in different sources (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram and a local ledger). Xiaomi has a built-in tool for cleaning, but sometimes manual intervention is required.
Open the Contacts app on Redmi, click three dots in the corner, and select Clean or Combine Duplicates. The system will analyze the list and suggest combining the repeated entries, which will optimize the database and simplify the search.
If the automatic cleaning didn't work, you can use third-party crawler apps or export all contacts to a file, clean them on your computer through a text editor or Excel, and then import back the clean base. MIUI They usually do the job effectively.
⚠️ Note: Before mass deletion or contact combinations, it is strongly recommended to back up so that you can roll back changes in the event of an error.
Display and sorting in MIUI
Once successfully migrated, it is important to properly configure the list display, and in the MIUI (and HyperOS) shell, you can flexibly manage which contacts to show. Go to the Contacts settings and find the Contacts to Display section.
Here you can choose to show only contacts from your phone. SIM-You can also customize the sorting by name or surname, and for Russian-speaking users, the option "Sort Order" is relevant, which can be changed to "Surname, Name".
Make sure that the Contacts and Phone apps have access to memory and phone. Without that, new calls may not be logged and database searches may not work properly. Check this in Settings → Apps → All apps.
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Use the Favorites feature for the most important numbers. After transferring, add key contacts to your favorites so that they are always on the first screen of the dial widget.