Changing to a new smartphone or replacing a device is often accompanied by the fear of losing important data, and the first thing users worry about is the safety of the phone book. Contact synchronization on Xiaomi Redmi devices is a fundamental process that ensures continuity of communication and access to the numbers of friends, colleagues and services at any time. Modern technology allows you to perform this operation in a few minutes using cloud storage or local copying, which makes the procedure accessible even for inexperienced users.
Owners of the Mi ecosystem have the unique advantage of deep service integration, but standard Android tools also work flawlessly. It is critical to back up before resetting or flashing your device, as this is the only way to guarantee that you can keep your number database. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to transfer data, from cloud solutions to manual file import.
Preparation for data transfer and choice of method
Before you start the active synchronization phase, you need to evaluate the current state of your phone book and choose the most appropriate scenario (migration). If you move from another Android smartphone, the process will be as simple as possible due to the versatility of the platform. If you change your iPhone or use a notebook, the algorithm of actions will differ and will require the use of intermediate formats or special applications.
Make sure both the old and new Xiaomi Redmi have sufficient battery power, preferably at least 60%. Interrupting the sync process due to battery drain can cause damage to the database file or partial loss of records. Also check for a stable Wi-Fi connection, especially if the volume of data transferred is large or the cloud method is used.
- 📱 Make sure that both devices are on screen and unlocked.
- 📶 Check the quality of the Internet connection for cloud synchronization.
- 🔋 Connect the devices to charge if the charge level is below 50%.
- 💾 Free up space in the memory of a new smartphone if it is full.
There are three main ways to solve the problem: using a Google account, working with a branded Mi Cloud service and local transfer through the Internet. SIM-The choice depends on your preferences regarding privacy and usability of a particular cloud.
Synchronization through Google account
The most common and reliable way to save contacts is by linking them to a Google account, a de facto standard for the Android operating system that allows you to automatically restore records when you log in on any device, and on Xiaomi smartphones, this mechanism works natively and does not require the installation of additional software.
To activate the function, go to the system settings. Open the Settings menu, find the Accounts and Sync section (the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS). Select your Google account from the list and make sure that the switch opposite the Contacts item is active.
⚠️ Please note: Make sure your contacts are stored in your Google account, not in your phone’s memory or on your phone. SIM-Records stored locally in the memory of the Phone device will not be synchronized with the cloud.
If you just bought a new Redmi, just enter your Google account login and password when you first set up.The system will automatically prompt you to restore data from the backup.Otherwise, you can force the sync to start by clicking on three dots in the corner of the account screen and selecting Sync.
💡
Use the contacts.google.com web interest to check which contacts are saved in the cloud before you reset your old phone.
Using Mi Cloud for Xiaomi Owners
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own cloud service, Mi Cloud, which is often ignored by users but is a highly effective tool, and the main advantage of this method is the ability to synchronize not only numbers, but also the structure of folders, notes and even the location of icons on the desktop, if the appropriate theme is used.
To use this method, log into your Mi Account through the settings menu. Go to the Mi Cloud section and find Contacts. Activate the Contact Sync switch. After that, all new records will be automatically sent to the company's servers.
When switching to a new phone, you just need to log in to the same Mi ID, and the system will offer to combine local data with cloud data or completely replace it, which is ideal for those who change devices within the Redmi or POCO brand.
The limits of Mi Cloud
Transfer of contacts through SIM-map
Although this method is considered obsolete due to the limitations on the number of characters in the name and the absence of additional fields (email, address), it remains a universal lifeline". SIM-The card allows you to transfer the basic list of numbers from any phone, even without a touch screen or Internet access, to a modern Xiaomi.
The process of importing on Redmi is as follows: insert SIM-Open the standard Contacts app. Click on the menu (usually three horizontal bars or dots) and select Settings. Next, find Import/Export Contacts and select Import from SIM-map.
The system will suggest you choose an account to which the data will be stored, and it is recommended to choose your Google account or phone memory, but not the phone itself. SIM-Once confirmed, the copying process will begin, which will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the number of records.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Google Account | Mi Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limit of name symbols | Up to 20-30 characters. | No restrictions. | No restrictions. |
| Photo preservation | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Access to PC | No. | Yes (via browser) | Yes (via i.mi.com) |
| Network dependency | Not required | Wi-Fi/4G is required | Wi-Fi/4G is required |
☑️ Checklist before importation with SIM
Mi Mover app for quick migration
For users who change one Android smartphone to another Xiaomi, the company has developed a specialized application Mi Mover.This tool creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between devices, allowing you to transfer data at high speed without using Internet traffic.
Run the app on both devices. On the new Redmi, select Receiver and on the old one, Sender. Scan. QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone, and after you connect, you can select the category "Contacts" among other data to transmit.
The thing about the app is that it copies data as is, storing all the metadata, call rings and correspondence history if you choose the appropriate app, and it's the most complete way to clone a phone that minimizes the time it takes to set up a new gadget.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Mover, both phones must be close by, do not leave the app or lock device screens until the process is complete, or the connection may break.
Solving (Frequent Problems) in Synchronization
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where contacts are not displayed or duplicated. Most often the problem lies in the display filter. In the Contacts app, click on the menu and select Contacts to display. Make sure that the tick is opposite All Contacts or the appropriate accounts are selected.
Another common problem is desynchronization. If changes made on one device don't appear on another, try clearing the Contacts app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts → Memory → Clear cache. Note: Clearing the data (not the cache) can delete the local call history, so be careful.
💡
Regularly checking the web version of Google Contacts or Mi Cloud helps to detect sync errors in time and recover deleted entries from the shopping cart.
If duplicates do appear, modern MIUI and HyperOS shells have built-in unification. In the contact app, find the Contact Management menu and select Combine Repeats. The system will automatically analyze the database and suggest that the same records be merged.