Transferring contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi via Bluetooth: a complete guide to error solutions

Why Bluetooth is not always the best choice for moving contacts

Transferring contacts between iPhone and Xiaomi smartphone via Bluetooth seems like a logical solution: both devices support this protocol, no Internet or cables are required. However, in practice, users face limitations: iOS does not allow sending contacts in a packet over Bluetooth, and MIUI often does not recognize the.vcf format exported from the iPhone. This article reveals all the nuances of the process, from preparing devices to alternative ways if Bluetooth refuses to work.

We tested the method on iPhone 12/13/14/15 (iOS 16–17) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T (MIUI 14–15), and found that successful transfer depends on three factors: firmware version, number of contacts (up to 50 pieces are more stable), and the correct configuration of the device visibility. If you need to move the entire phone book (200+ contacts), you better immediately consider the alternatives, we will describe them too.

Preparation of devices: what to check before transfer

Before syncing, make sure that both smartphones meet the minimum requirements:

  • 📱 On iPhone: Bluetooth enabled (Settings) → Bluetooth, the device is visible for other gadgets, installed the latest version of iOS.
  • 🤖 On Xiaomi: Bluetooth activated (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth, detection mode enabled, Bluetooth energy saving restrictions disabled.
  • 🔋 Battery charge: both devices are charged at least 30% – interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to the loss of some contacts.
  • 📡 Distance: smartphones should be no further than 1 meter from each other, without physical barriers (walls, metal surfaces).

Pay special attention to the MIUI settings: by default, the system limits the background activity of Bluetooth to save energy.

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find Bluetooth in the list of system applications.
  3. Choose the Battery. → No restrictions.
  4. Reboot your Xiaomi smartphone.
📊 What kind of contact transfer you have tried before?
Bluetooth
Email/VCF-file
Google Account
SIM card.
Never put up with it.

Step-by-step: how to send contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi

Unlike Android, iOS doesn't support mass-sending contacts over Bluetooth, you'll have to send them in one or a few groups.

  1. Activate Bluetooth on both devices and pair: On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → [Name of your Xiaomi. On Xiaomi: Confirm the connection by entering the same PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).
  2. Export contacts to iPhone: Open the Contacts app. Select contact → Share contact → Bluetooth. From the device list, select your Xiaomi.

Take the file to Xiaomi:

  • On the screen Xiaomi will appear a notification about the incoming file.vcf.
  • Click Accept and select Save to Contacts.
  • 📧 Email (VCF-File: On iPhone, select contacts → Share. → Post → On Xiaomi, open the letter and save the.vcf attachment.

Synchronizing applications:

  • Copy My Data (App Store/Google Play) is a Wi-Fi transmission.
  • SHAREit is the rapid transfer of large amounts of data.

💡

If you use SIM-Contact transfer card, note: iPhone supports only format SIM 1 (not) SIM 2), and Xiaomi may not recognize the numbers stored in the memory of cards older than 5 years.

Tips for optimizing contacts after the transfer

After a successful transfer, check the phone book on Xiaomi for:

  • 🔍 Duplicates: Use the built-in merge function in Contacts → Management → Combine duplicates.
  • 📇 Empty fields: iOS sometimes loses additional data (e.g. birth dates) Check key contacts manually.
  • 🔄 Syncs: If contacts are tied to iCloud, set up automatic updates via Settings → Accounts. → iCloud (requires installation of iCloud app for Android).

If the problem persists, use Google Contacts – they handle the Cyrillic alphabet correctly.

Can I transfer contact groups (e.g., “work” or “family”)?
With Bluetooth, groups are not transferred — only individual contacts. To maintain structure: Use iCloud or Google Contacts — they support groups. Manually create groups on Xiaomi after transfer (Contacts → Groups → Create). Alternative: export groups to.csv via Mac (Contact app), then import to Xiaomi via Google Contacts.
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi if Bluetooth does not work at all?
If Bluetooth is disabled or does not detect devices, try: Reset network settings on both devices: On iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Transfer/Dumping → Reset your network settings. On Xiaomi: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset the network settings. Use USB-Cable: Connect iPhone to Xiaomi via OTG-Copy the.vcf file from your iPhone (via Files) → iCloud Drive) on Xiaomi. Restore contacts via backup: Create an iPhone backup in iCloud or iTunes. Use third-party tools (e.g. iMazing) to export contacts to.csv.
Will this method work on older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi 4A)?
Xiaomi devices older than 2018 (e.g. Redmi 4A/5A, Mi A1) may experience problems: MIUI 9 and below does not support automatic import of.vcf via Bluetooth. Solution: send a file to email and open it manually. Memory restriction: if the device is less than 1 GB of free space, contacts may not be saved. Clear the cache before transfer. No support for UTF-8: Cyrillic names will appear in cracos. Use Google Contacts. For older models, we recommend alternative methods (see section above).