Transferring contacts via Bluetooth on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of an option in the menu to connection errors. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to send contacts, but also alternative methods for different versions of MIUI, and explain why Bluetooth sometimes refuses to transfer data and how to fix it.
Xiaomi devices feature customized MIUI shell, which is regularly updated and repositioned features. If you tried to send contacts over Bluetooth on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 and didn’t find the right button, the problem is not with your phone, but with the firmware versions. We collected the current instructions for MIUI 12-14, including hidden settings and workarounds.
Important: the process of transferring contacts via Bluetooth is different from sending files or music. It involves system resolutions and the vCard data format, which not all devices correctly process. If your Xiaomi does not see the Send Contacts option, check the sync settings and the Contacts application rights.
Preparation of devices for the transmission of contacts
Before you send contacts, make sure both smartphones are ready to share data. On Xiaomi, this includes not only turning on Bluetooth, but also checking the device's visibility, the permissions of the Contacts app, and even battery settings (in some versions of MIUI, energy saving blocks background data transfer).
The receiving device (not necessarily Xiaomi) must also include:
- 🔵 Bluetooth in "Visible to All" mode"
- 📱 Receiving files via Bluetooth (in settings or through notification)
- 🔒 Permission to maintain contacts (if requested)
On Xiaomi, check out:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
- Make sure that your storage, contacts and Bluetooth permissions are enabled.
- In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode, turn off optimization for the Contacts app.
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If the receiving device does not receive a request for contact, try sending any file (such as a photo) over Bluetooth first, which will often “wake up” the connection to transfer contacts.
Standard method: sending contacts through the "Contacts" application
The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app, but in recent versions of MIUI, this feature can be hidden or ported over, and here's how to find it on different models:
For MIUI 14 (relevant to Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5):
- Open the Contacts app.
- Press three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management.
- Choose Import/Export → Send contacts.
- Mark the contacts you want (or click Select All).
- Click Send → Select Bluetooth.
For MIUI 12/13 (e.g. Redmi Note 10, Mi 11):
- 📌 Open the contact you want to send.
- 🔗 Press three points (⋮) → Share.
- 📲 In the list of ways, select Bluetooth.
- 🔵 Confirm sending to the target device.
Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices|
Check your Xiaomi visibility for other devices |
Open permissions for the "Contact" app |
Choose contacts in advance so you don’t waste time searching |
Battery charge of both phones > 20% (for stable transmission)
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If the menu does not have the option "Send contacts", try an alternative way:
- Open Settings → System and device → Additional → Wireless data transfer.
- Select Bluetooth → tap on the connected device.
- In some firmware, the option to Send contacts appears here.
Redmi Note series (Note 10/11/12) |
POCO (F/X/M series) |
Xiaomi number series (11/12/13)|
Other brand (specify in the comments)-->
Alternative methods of contact transfer
If the standard method doesn't work, use one of these methods, which will work for older versions of MIUI or devices with limited Bluetooth functionality.
Method 1: Export to vCard and send via Bluetooth
- In the app Contacts click ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
- Select Export to the storage (a.vcf file will be created).
- Open Files and find the exported file (usually in the Download folder).
- Click on the file → Share → Bluetooth.
Method 2: Use of the Files application
Some Xiaomi users have found that sending contacts is more stable through the Files system app:
- Export contacts to.vcf (as in Method 1).
- Open Files → Find the contact file.
- Hold the file. → Send. → Bluetooth.
Method 3: Third-party applications
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t work, install one of these apps from Google Play:
- 📱 SuperBeam – transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct (faster than Bluetooth).
- 🔗 Send Anywhere – Send Contacts via QR-code.
- 📧 Contapps – a specialized application for export / import contacts.
Why Xiaomi removed direct contact sending via Bluetooth?
Addressing common mistakes
Even with the right setup, you may encounter errors. Here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to send contacts" | Blocking permits or energy saving | Disable battery optimization for Contacts in the application settings |
| Bluetooth does not find the device | Device Hidden or Incompatible Protocol | Turn on “Visible for All” on both phones, reboot Bluetooth |
| Contacts are sent but not saved | No permissions on the receiving device | Check permissions for the Contacts app on the target phone |
| No “Send Contacts” option | Outdated or customized firmware | Use export v.vcf (see Alternative methods) |
A critical feature of MIUI 14 is that if you upgraded your smartphone from MIUI 12/13 to MIUI 14 via OTA, some Bluetooth features may not work properly. In this case, reset your network settings: Settings → Memory and Reset → Network Settings Reset.
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If contacts are sent but the receiving device does not see them, the problem is most often in the format.vcf. Try exporting contacts one at a time - some phones do not support batch transmission.
Features of transmission on different models Xiaomi
Bluetooth functionality and contact menus may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Here’s what owners of popular devices need to know:
For Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4/X5:
- 🔍 The “Send Contacts” option is hidden in Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Exports/imports.
- 📲 Multiple contacts may require confirmation of each.
- ⚡ Use the Quick Panel (Swipe Down) → Bluetooth to speed up connection.
For Xiaomi 11/12/13 series:
For older models (Redmi 9/Note 9, Mi A3):
- 📵 On Android One (like in Mi) A3) The option “Send contacts” may not be available – use export to.vcf.
- 🔄 V MIUI 11 and below, the transmission of contacts only works one at a time.
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On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro, to speed up the transfer, turn on Double Bluetooth in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
Security of contact transfer
Connections over Bluetooth are not the most secure way to communicate, and here's what to look at:
⚠️ Note:.vcf files contain not only names and phones, but also linked accounts (Telegram, WhatsApp), addresses and notes. Before sending, check what data is exported, through any text editor.
To minimize the risks:
- 🔐 Remove unnecessary fields from your exported contacts (e.g. birthday or email address).
- 📱 Use temporary contacts to transmit (create a copy of the contacts you need and send them only).
- 🔄 After transfer, delete the.vcf file from both devices.
If you share contacts frequently, consider alternatives:
- 🌐 Cloud sync via Mi Account or Google (configured in Settings) → Accounts).
- 📧 Export to Google Contacts followed by link.
- 🔗 QR-codes (applications such as QR & Barcode Scanner can encode contacts).