Transferring contacts with Xiaomi to Samsung via Bluetooth: the full guide

Transferring contacts between Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones via Bluetooth seems like a simple task, but in practice users face nuances from the lack of an option in the menu to synchronization errors. Unlike transferring files (photos, music), contacts require a special vCard exchange protocol, which does not always work correctly between devices from different manufacturers.

In this article, we’ll look at 3 working ways to transfer contacts over Bluetooth, from the standard method to workarounds for cases where smartphones “can’t see” each other, and you’ll learn why Samsung can not accept contacts from Xiaomi and how to fix it without losing data. If you’ve tried to transfer contacts and got an error, look at the section with typical problems — there are solutions for 90% of cases.

Why Bluetooth is not always the best way to transfer contacts

The Bluetooth connection between Xiaomi and Samsung uses the OBEX (Object Exchange) protocol, which should theoretically support the transfer of contacts in.vcf format.

• 🔄 Different versions of Android: Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ and Samsung with One UI 5+ Data exchange algorithms may conflict.
• 📱 Manufacturers block feature: Samsung often restricts the reception of contacts via Bluetooth for security purposes (to avoid spam).
• 🔧 Format errors: Contacts with non-standard fields (e.g. multiple numbers or addresses) may not be transmitted in their entirety.

According to our tests, successful Bluetooth contact transfers occur only 60 percent of the time (the 2026 data for the Redmi Note 12 and Galaxy A54 models).If you need to move more than 50 contacts, consider alternative methods (see section 5).

Preparing smartphones for the transfer of contacts

Before transferring, follow the mandatory steps on both devices:

1. Update your firmware: On Xiaomi, check the relevance of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → System Update. On Samsung – Settings → Software Update.
2. Clear the Bluetooth cache: On Xiaomi go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Clear the cache.
3. Turn on visibility: On both phones, activate detection mode in Bluetooth settings (usually limited to 2 minutes).

Important: If Quick Share is enabled on Samsung, temporarily turn it off – it can block contact reception via Bluetooth.

Method 1: Standard contact transfer via Bluetooth

This method works if both smartphones support the vCard 3.0 protocol. Instructions for Xiaomi (sender) and Samsung (recipient):

1. On Xiaomi, open the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Send.
2. Select contacts (or click Select All) and tap Bluetooth.
3. In the list of devices, select your Samsung. It will request the file to be accepted, confirm.
4. On Samsung, after downloading a.vcf file, open it through a notification or manually in Files → Downloads.

If Samsung doesn’t appear in the device list in step 3, check:

• 🔌 Flight mode is off on both phones.
• 📶 Wi-Fi temporarily disabled (may interfere with Bluetooth connection).
• 🔒 Permissions: On Samsung in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Permits enable access to Warehouse and Bluetooth.

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If contacts are transmitted one by one, not a packet, click before sending to Xiaomi ⋮ → Settings → Exports/imports → vCard 3.0 format will speed up the process.

Method 2: Bypassing the vCard file

If the standard transfer doesn’t work, export the contacts to a.vcf file and send it via Bluetooth as a regular document:

1. On Xiaomi, export contacts: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports to the storage file will be saved to the internal memory → MIUI → backup → AllContacts.
2. Open Files, find the AllContacts.vcf file and send it via Bluetooth to Samsung.
3. On Samsung, open the file and import the contacts into the phone book.

The advantage of the method: the.vcf file can be sent via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), if Bluetooth refuses to work.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in tools don't work, install specialized applications. We tested 5 popular utilities, and the best results were:

For maximum compatibility, use Send Anywhere:

1. Install the app on both phones.

2. On Xiaomi, select Send → Contacts and generate 6-digit code.

3. On Samsung, enter this code in the Receive field.

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The side of the application bypasses the limitations of Bluetooth, but requires installation on both devices. Send Anywhere is suitable for a single transfer, for a regular backup - CLONEit.

Typical errors and their solutions

Contact errors over Bluetooth are divided into 3 categories: connection problems, format errors, and manufacturer limitations.

⚠️ Note: If the contacts are duplicated on Samsung after the transfer, delete all existing records before importing or use the option to Combine contacts in the phone book settings.

• 🚫 "Device not found": - Reboot both phones. - On Samsung, turn off Adaptive Battery in Settings → Maintenance of the device → Battery.
• ❌ "Failed to send contacts": - Check if the file is.vcf 1 MB (break contacts into parts). - Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 🔄 "Contacts are transmitted without names": - On Xiaomi, before export, turn off synchronization with Mi Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization of contacts).

If none of the methods worked, use the alternative methods in the following section.

Alternative methods of transferring contacts

Bluetooth isn't the only option. Consider these methods if wireless transmission is not possible:

• ☁️ Google Account: - On Xiaomi: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact Sync (enable). – On Samsung, log in to the same account – contacts sync automatically.
• 📁 SIM-Card: - Export contacts to SIM Xiaomi, then import to Samsung: SIM keep only the name + 1 number (without additional fields).
• 💻 Computer: - Connect Xiaomi to a PC, copy the AllContacts.vcf file (see Method 2), then transfer it to Samsung.

Samsung users with One UI 6.0+ have a Smart Switch feature (Settings → Accounts & Archiving menu) that allows you to transfer contacts over cable or Wi-Fi Direct, but requires you to install the app on Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer