Transferring contacts from Google Account to Xiaomi smartphone (including Redmi, POCO, Mi models) seems to be an easy task – until you encounter nuances. Some users are faced with the fact that contacts are not synchronized automatically, others lose some numbers when manually exported, and still others can not find the necessary settings in MIUI. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods of transferring contacts, including hidden features of Google Contacts and features of Xiaomi firmware.
The main problem is that MIUI It can block background sync by default to save battery life. Also, if you have previously used another account (such as Mi Account), the system can ignore Google Contacts as the main source. → Accounts, but also alternatives – from export through VCF-file before using third-party applications like My Contacts Backup.
It is important to consider the version of MIUI: in firmware older than MIUI 12, the sync algorithm differs from current versions (MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14). If your Xiaomi runs on Android 10 or lower, some steps may require additional actions - we will mention this too.
1. Automatic synchronization through Google Account
The most reliable way is to enable automatic contact sync through Google Account, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires a stable Internet connection and the right settings in MIUI.
Here's how to do it:
- 📱 Open Settings on your phone and go to Accounts and Sync (in some versions) MIUI — just accounts).
- 🔍 Find your Google Account on the list and tap it. If you don't have an account, add it through Add Account. → Google.
- 🔄 Turn on the slider opposite Contact (or Contact Sync). If there is no slider, click Sync Account manually.
- ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes. Contacts will appear in the Contacts app (a person's silhouette icon).
If no contact is made:
- 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI block out background processes.
- 📶 Check your internet connection (better via Wi-Fi, as mobile internet may restrict synchronization).
- 🔧 Make sure that in the settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode Disabled Background Limitation for Google Contacts.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously used Mi Account to store contacts, the system may conflict with Google Contacts. To avoid duplication, export contacts from Mi Cloud to your computer before synchronization. VCF Delete them from your Xiaomi account.
2. Manual export of contacts through Google Contacts
If automatic synchronization does not work (for example, due to MIUI restrictions or corporate policies), you can export contacts to a VCF file and upload it to Xiaomi manually.
Instructions:
- Open the web version of Google Contacts on your computer or phone and log in.
- Click on the icon. ⚙️ Settings → Exports.
- Choose which contacts to export: 📂 All contacts if you need to move everything; 👥 Selected groups – if only certain categories are required (e.g. Work or Family); 📅 Contacts for the last month – for partial transfer.
Google CSV
vCard (VCF)
Xiaomi
Exports
Now transfer the.vcf file to Xiaomi:
- 📎 Through Bluetooth, email or instant messenger (for example, Telegram).
- 📁 Through cable. USB file transfer (MTP).
- ☁️ Google Drive (Mi Cloud) and Mi Drive (Google Drive).
Then open the.vcf file on your phone, and the system will suggest importing contacts to Google Contacts or Local Contacts. Choose the first option to avoid duplication.
☑️ Preparation for manual export
3. Transfer contacts through the "Contact" app to Xiaomi
If you don’t want to use the web version of Google Contacts, you can export and import contacts through the standard Contacts app on Xiaomi.
Steps:
- Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.
- Tap it on. ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
- Select Export in the file and specify where to export: 📱 Contacts SIM-Cards (if they are stored there); ☁️ Google Contacts (if already synced); 📁 Phone contacts (local).
.vcf
Import from the file
VCF
This method is useful if you want to combine contacts from different sources (for example, with the help of a different source). SIM-Maps and Google Accounts are all in one file, but be careful: duplicates may occur when importing if contacts already exist in Google Contacts.
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10) the export option is hidden behind the optional menu.If you don't find Import/Export, try keeping your finger on any contact → More. → Contact management.
4.Use of third-party applications for portability
If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to synchronization errors or MIUI limitations), third-party applications can be used, offering additional features such as combining duplicates, backing up to the cloud, or migrating between accounts.
Top.-3 apps:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Contacts Backup | Fast export to VCF, send by email | Advertising, limiting the number of contacts in the free version | Google Play |
| Contacts Optimizer | Remove duplicates, restore lost contacts | A complex interface for beginners | Google Play |
| Simpler Contacts | MIUI support, Google Drive integration | Paid functions for backup | Google Play |
Use of My Contacts Backup:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and press Backup – the program will create a VCF file.
- Send the file to your email or save it to Google Drive.
- On Xiaomi, download the file and open it – contacts are imported automatically.
⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with a Google corporate account (e.g., through Google Workspace), the administrator may restrict contact synchronization. IT-department or use manual export through VCF.
💡
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear Data) and then re-sync.