How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to iPhone: proven methods

Changing the Android ecosystem to iOS often causes users to fear losing important data, especially the phone book. Moving from a Xiaomi device (which runs on MIUI or HyperOS) to an iPhone requires a careful approach to synchronization, since direct cable connection is impossible, but Apple and Google have provided several reliable migration routes that allow you to keep the numbering without errors.

There are many nuances that depend on the version of the operating system and how the data is stored on the old device. The key to success is to properly prepare the original file or account before starting the procedure. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods, from official utilities to manual import, so you can choose the most suitable for your situation.

Preparing devices before data migration

Before any transfer operation is started, you need to make sure that both smartphones are ready to work. Xiaomi should check exactly where your numbers are stored: in memory of the phone, on the phone. SIM-For successful import, it is best if all records are synchronized with Google Contacts, as this is the universal standard.

The new iPhone will require a stable Wi-Fi connection, as cloud sync can consume significant traffic.Also make sure that both devices are Bluetooth enabled if you plan to use Apple's proprietary app.

⚠️ Warning: Do not start transferring if the battery charge on one of the devices is below 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to partial data loss or damage to the contact database.

It is recommended to update the software on both devices to the latest available versions in advance, which minimizes the risk of software conflicts when transferring.vcf files or working through cloud services.

Using the Move to iOS app to migrate

The official method from Apple is considered the most convenient for new users who have just bought an iPhone. the Move to iOS app allows you to throw not only contacts, but also photos, messages and Wi-Fi settings. To work the method, the Xiaomi device must be at the initial setup stage (welcome screen).

The process begins with downloading the app on an Android smartphone from the Google Play store, and once the program is running, you need to enter the same security code on both devices, and the system will create a secure Wi-Fi network through which data transfer will go.

• 📲 Launch the application on Xiaomi and accept the terms of the agreement.
• 🔗 Enter the code displayed on the iPhone screen in the appropriate field on Android.
• 📂 Select the “Contacts” item in the list of transmitted data and start the process.

It's important to understand that this only works if the iPhone is in factory settings, and if the phone is already in use, it's going to have to be reset, which is not always a good idea, and then you'd better use cloud synchronization.

Synchronization through Google account

The most reliable and most commonly used way is to sync through Google’s cloud, because Xiaomi is based on Android, all the default contacts are often saved there. You just need to add the same account to the new iPhone.

First, check on Xiaomi to see if sync is enabled. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google and make sure the slider opposite the Contacts item is active.

On an iPhone, the actions are as follows:

1. Open Settings → Contacts → Accounts.
2. Click “Add Account” and select the Google logo.
3. Enter the login and password from the account where the numbers are stored.
4. Turn on the "Contacts" switch to start synchronization.

In a few minutes, the entire phonebook will appear in the standard Contacts app on iOS, which also allows you to see changes in real time: if you add a number to Xiaomi, it will appear on your iPhone if the sync is not disabled.

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Syncing through Google is the only way to provide a two-way update of the number database between Android and iOS in real time.

Import contacts via vCard file (VCF)

If you don’t have access to the Internet or prefer local storage, you can use a.vcf file. This universal format is supported by all modern smartphones and allows you to transfer records batchwise.

On Xiaomi, open the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots or bars) and select Import/Export. Next, select Export to Device Memory. The system will create a file that is usually called 00001.vcf or contacts.vcf.

The file you receive must be transmitted to your iPhone, and you can do this by:

• 💾 Sending via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) to chat with yourself.
• 📧 Sending an email and opening a letter on iPhone.
• ☁️ Download to cloud storage (Yandex.Disk, Dropbox) and download on iOS.

Once the file is opened on the iPhone, the system will suggest adding all the contacts found. Unlike cloud sync, this method creates a static copy at the time of export, and changes to Xiaomi will not affect the iPhone.

Transfer from SIM-card: limitations and features

Many users still keep numbers on the SIM-But when switching to an iPhone, it is important to consider the technical limitations of the format of data storage on the SIM.

Standard SIM-The card often does not support long-term names (more 10-12 e-mail addresses, multiple numbers for a single contact or photos. SIM All additional information will be permanently lost.

For import on iPhone:

1. Put it in. SIM-card in iPhone (if form factor matches) or use adapter.
2. Go to Settings → Contacts.
3. Find the button “Import contacts from SIM-card”.

If you use eSIM or switch from micro-SIM to nano-SIM, this method may not be available without physically rearranging the card, in which case it is easier to export the data from SIM to the phone’s memory to Xiaomi, and then use the method with Google or vCard.

Solving duplicate problems after the transfer

A common problem with changing phones is the appearance of duplicate records. This happens when contacts are stored simultaneously in iCloud memory, Google account and locally on the device. iOS has a built-in merge mechanism, but it doesn’t always work perfectly.

If you see repeating names, open the Contacts app on your iPhone. In some versions of iOS, when you find duplicates at the top of the list, a "Few Contacts Found" plaque appears, suggesting that they be combined. Click on it and confirm the action.

For manual cleaning:

• 🔍 Find a recurring contact and open it.
• ✏️ Click "Edit" and scroll down to the "Link Contacts" button».
• 🔗 Select a duplicate entry from the list to combine fields.

⚠️ Warning: Before mass deletion or consolidation, make sure you have a backup. Mistakingly combining different people with the same names (e.g. two "Alexanders") will lead to confusion in calls.

Also, check your display settings. In the Contacts app, click Groups (or Lists) in the top left corner and make sure you don’t tick off any extra sources if you only want to see a local ledger.

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To quickly clear duplicates, you can use iCloud.com from your computer. In the Contacts section, select all entries (Cmd+A) and use the action menu to search for duplicates if this option is available in your version of the web interface, or delete unnecessary accounts in the Accounts tab on your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)