Changing smartphones, especially to the popular Xiaomi model, often puts users in need of quick transfer of personal information. Despite the ubiquity of cloud services and Wi-Fi Direct, classic Bluetooth remains one of the most versatile and affordable ways to synchronize data between devices of different generations. This wireless protocol is built into the vast majority of mobile gadgets, making it an ideal tool for rapid migration of contacts.
While the process of transferring a phone book may seem trivial, the MIUI and HyperOS ecosystems have their own nuances of access rights and file formats. Unlike direct synchronization via a Google account, the Bluetooth method requires manual file selection or visibility adjustments, but ensures that data is copied locally without the Internet.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of preparing, configuring and direct data transfer, and also pay attention to possible errors that can occur when pairing devices, learn how to properly export contacts to.vcf format and why sometimes a new phone does not “see” the old device, even if Bluetooth is on both devices.
Preparation of devices for pairing and data transmission
The first and most important step is to properly prepare both devices – both the old one that will be transmitting and the new Xiaomi that will receive the data. Make sure that both smartphones are activated with the Bluetooth module and they are in close proximity to each other, preferably no more than one meter away for a stable signal.
On the transmitting device, you need to open your Bluetooth settings and make the gadget visible to all surrounding devices. Often, the default smartphone is hidden for security purposes, so without this step, Xiaomi simply will not be able to detect the source of the data in the list of available devices. Once visibility is turned on, start a search on the receiving phone.
⚠️ Warning: When you try to pair, a confirmation code may appear on the screens of both devices. Make sure the numbers match before you click "Confirm" or "OK", otherwise the connection will not be established and the transfer process will interrupt.
Special attention should be paid to operating system versions and updates to Bluetooth drivers if this option is available through system updates. Sometimes outdated software on older Android models can cause conflicts when trying to connect with modern encryption protocols used in new Xiaomi.
If you plan to transfer not only contacts, but also other files, make sure that the receiving device has enough free space in memory. Although the contacts themselves take up a minimum of space, the system clipboard may require additional resources to process the request.
Export of contacts to VCF format on the original device
Before sending data by air, it needs to be packaged properly. In the world of mobile operating systems, the de facto standard for storing contact information is the VCF (vCard) format, which allows you to save not only phone numbers, but also additional fields such as email addresses, posts and photos of subscribers.
To start exporting, open the standard Contacts app on your current smartphone. In the management menu (often indicated by three dots or by the More button), look for Import/Export or Contact Management, which is where the function needed to create a file for transfer hides.
- 📲 Select the option “Export to device memory” or “Export to file.vcf».
- 💾 Specify a save path if the system requests it manually, although most often the file is created in the root folder.
- 🔍 Wait for the completion of the file creation process, which will be notified by a pop-up message.
It's important to understand that some Android shell manufacturers may call this feature different names: On Samsung devices, it can be Contact Management, on pure Android it can be Settings, and in custom firmware it can simply be Export. The main thing is to find a mention of the.vcf format or "contact file."
After a successful export, you will have a file on your hands (or rather, in your phone’s memory) usually called 00001.vcf or contacts.vcf. This is the object we will transfer via Bluetooth to your new Xiaomi, which is usually small, even if the phone book has thousands of numbers, which ensures high transfer speeds.
Step-by-step instructions for transmitting contacts via Bluetooth
Now that the contact file is formed, you can start direct transfer, which requires careful attention, since the Android security system can request confirmation of actions from the user several times.
☑️ Checklist before transfer
Open the file manager on your old phone and find the previously created.vcf file. Click on it and hold your finger until the context menu appears. In the list of available actions, select Share, and then from the proposed data transfer options, specify Bluetooth.
The system will start searching for available devices. In the list, find the name of your new Xiaomi. It can appear as a device model (e.g., Redmi Note 12) or as the name given by the user9el in the settings. Click on the device name to start transfer.
| Phase | Action on an old phone | Action on Xiaomi | Status of indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Search. | Select a file and click "Share" | Enable visibility in settings | Blinks blue. |
| 2. The pairing | Select a device from the list | Accept the request for conjugation | It's burning all the time. |
| 3. Transfer | Send the file. | Accept the file | Blinks fast. |
| Completion | Wait for notification of success | Open the file received | Not active. |
On the screen of the new Xiaomi phone will appear system notification about the incoming file via Bluetooth. you must press Accept, otherwise the transfer will be interrupted by timeout.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the screen or go into power saving mode while transferring large contact files, as this may break the Bluetooth connection before the process is complete.
Import contacts to Xiaomi from the received file
Once the file has been successfully migrated to your Xiaomi memory, the system will automatically prompt you to open it. The standard MIUI file handler will recognize the.vcf format and prompt you to import the data contained in it into the phone book.
When you start a file, you'll see a screen with a preview or a choice of save location. It's critical to choose the right account to save. If you want to sync your contacts with Google, select your Gmail account. If you want a local copy, select Phone or «SIM-map (although the latter option is less reliable).
- 📂 Click on the “Import” or “Save” button».
- ☁️ Select your target account (Google or Local Storage).
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for contacts to appear in the list.
In some cases, if there are too many contacts, the import process can take seconds or even minutes, during which time the Contacts interface may not be available, do not attempt to interrupt the import process or force the application to close, as this may damage the phone book database.
If you don't automatically import, you can do it manually. To do this, open the Contacts app on Xiaomi, go to settings and select Contact Import. Specify the path to the file (usually in the Bluetooth or Download folder) and start the procedure.
Solving Visibility and Connection Problems
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face a situation where devices simply can’t see each other. One of the most common reasons is that one device is already connected to another Bluetooth gadget, such as headphones or a car stereo, in which busy mode the smartphone may no longer be visible to new connections.
It’s also worth checking your privacy settings. Current versions of Android and HyperOS require location permission to operate Bluetooth. If you previously blocked the Contacts or File Manager app from accessing geolocation, the transfer function may not work properly.
Why is the transmission slow?
Another cause of failure can be a crowded cache of the Bluetooth service, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the Bluetooth system application through the Apps menu -> All Apps -> Show System -> Bluetooth -> Memory -> Clear. After this procedure, the phone must be restarted.
If the problem is that Xiaomi doesn’t accept the file, check if the restriction on file reception is worth only from “Adjoined Devices.” In Bluetooth settings, look for “Visibility” and make sure that there is a “See for All” mode.
Alternative methods and utility Mi Mover
While the issue was Bluetooth, it’s worth mentioning that there are far more efficient tools for Xiaomi and Redmi owners: The built-in Mi Mover app allows you to transfer contacts, photos, apps and settings over Wi-Fi Direct, which is ten times faster than classic Bluetooth.
The Mi Mover doesn’t require internet, but installs the app on both phones (the new Xiaomi has it built into the system) and takes minutes for gigabytes of data, whereas Bluetooth can take hours to transmit.
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Use Mi Mover to initially set up your new phone.This app automatically recognizes the type of old device (Android or iOS) and suggests the best data transfer scenario.
Bluetooth remains relevant in situations where you need to quickly throw one or two contacts, and deploy full synchronization or install additional applications there is no time or opportunity.
If your contacts are saved to a Google account, just enter your login and password on the new Xiaomi and the entire phone book will load automatically in the background, without any manual file transfer actions.
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Bluetooth is ideal for fast transfer of small amounts of data without the internet, but for a full migration to a new phone, it is better to use Mi Mover or Google Sync.