Transferring phone numbers between devices to Android seems like a simple task - until you come across the nuances. Some users lose some contacts during synchronization, others find duplicates, and still others cannot find saved numbers on the new phone at all. The reason most often lies in the wrong choice of method or ignoring the features of a particular model.

In this article we will examine 7 proven methods contact transfers - from standard (via Google Account i vCard) to alternative (using Samsung Smart Switch or third-party applications). You will find out which method is the fastest, which saves all additional information (photos, notes, birthdays), and which is suitable if you do not have access to the Internet. We will pay special attention to hidden settings Android 14+which can block the transfer of contacts without explicit notification to the user.

1. Transfer contacts via Google Account (the most reliable way)

Synchronization via Google Account remains the most universal method - it works on all devices with Android 5.0+, does not require additional applications and saves not only numbers, but also attached photos, email addresses and notes. The main condition: both phones must be connected to the same account Gmail.

How it works:

  • 📱 On old phone: contacts are automatically synchronized with the Google cloud (if the option is enabled in the settings).
  • 🔄 When you turn it on for the first time new phone the system offers to restore data from a backup copy.
  • ☁️ If the new phone is already configured, synchronization can be started manually in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contacts synchronization.

☑️ Check before synchronization

Completed: 0 / 4

⚠️ Important nuance for Android 14+: in new OS versions, contact synchronization may be disabled by default to save battery power. To check this, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account management → Synchronization and make sure that the slider opposite “Contacts” is active.

Advantages Disadvantages
Automatic update of contacts on all devices Requires a stable Internet connection
Saves all additional information (photos, notes) Limitation on the number of contacts in a free account (up to 25,000)
Works even if the old phone is broken (subject to the last synchronization) Duplicates may occur when merging with local contacts

2. Exporting contacts to a vCard (.vcf) file and importing to a new phone

The method using a file .vcf (virtual business card) is suitable if you do not want to communicate with cloud services or you do not have access to the Internet. This method is universal - the file can be transferred via Bluetooth, email, USB cable or even messengers.

Instructions for export:

  1. Open the application "Contacts"** on the old phone.
  2. Click on the three dots (menu) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
  3. Select Export to .vcf file (on some phones - “Save to device”).
  4. Specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads) and confirm.

To import to a new phone:

  1. Transfer the file .vcf to the new device (for example, via USB or Google Drive).
  2. Open the file - the system will offer to import contacts.
  3. Select an account to save (for example, Google or Local).
What to do if the .vcf file does not open?

If the new phone does not recognize the file, try:

1. Rename the file to contacts.vcf (without spaces).

2. Open it through the Contacts application → Menu → Import.

3. Use third-party software, for example Contacts+ or Simpler Contacts.

⚠️ Attention: some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) modify the standard Contacts application, so menu items may have different names. If you don’t find the export option, try searching through the search bar in the settings for “vcf».

3. Transferring contacts via Bluetooth (without the Internet)

Transferring contacts via Bluetooth is one of the few methods that works without the Internet and does not require cables. However, it has limitations: you can only send 1–5 contacts at a time (depending on the phone model), and the process takes longer than other methods.

Step-by-step guide:

  • 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both phones and pair them.
  • 📇 Open the Contacts application on old phone, select the numbers you want (or click "Select all").
  • 📤 Click “Share” (or “Send”) → select Bluetooth → specify the paired device.
  • 📥 On new phone confirm receipt of the file and save contacts.

🔹 Nuances:

  • On Samsung i OnePlus you can send all contacts at once through the “Send all” option in the menu Bluetooth.
  • On Xiaomi i Redmi When transferring more than 10 contacts, an error may appear - in this case, split the list into parts.
  • Photos of contacts and additional fields (for example, addresses) may not be transferred.
📊 Which method of transferring contacts do you use more often?
Via Google Account
File .vcf
Bluetooth
Samsung Smart Switch
Other

4. Using Samsung Smart Switch (for Samsung devices)

If both phones are from Samsung, then the fastest and most reliable way is the application Smart Switch. It transfers not only contacts, but also messages, photos, applications and even screen settings. In this case, the data is transmitted via Wi-Fi Direct, which is many times faster. Bluetooth.

How to use Smart Switch:

  1. Install the application on both phones (you can download from Galaxy Store or Google Play).
  2. On new phone select "Receive data" → "Android".
  3. On old phone select "Send data" → "Wireless".
  4. Confirm the connection and select “Contacts” (you can also transfer other data).
  5. Wait for the process to complete - on the new phone the contacts will appear in the Contacts application.

⚠️ Attention: if you use Android 9 or olderon the old phone, and Android 13+, Smart Switch may request an update. Without it, transferring contacts will not be available. Also make sure that there is enough space on both devices - the application creates a temporary copy of the data.

💡

Smart Switch is the only official way to transfer data between Samsung devices that guarantees safety. all contact fields, including custom labels and attached files.

5. Transferring contacts from a SIM card (outdated, but working method)

Saving contacts to SIM card is a method that was used back in the era of push-button phones. Today it is only relevant for owners. dual SIM devices or in cases where other methods are not available. This method has serious limitations:

  • 📵 SIM card stores only name and number (without photos, email, addresses).
  • 🔢 The number of contacts is limited by the SIM capacity (usually 200–500 numbers).
  • ⚠️ When transferring, Cyrillic names may be displayed with gibberish (the problem is relevant for old SIMs).

How to transfer contacts via SIM:

  1. To old phone: open “Contacts” → menu → “Manage contacts” → “Import/Export” → “Export to SIM card.”
  2. Select contacts to transfer (or click "Select all").
  3. Move the SIM card to new phone.
  4. On the new phone: “Contacts” → menu → “Import from SIM card.”

🔹 Tip: before transferring, check the format of the SIM card. Modern smartphones use nano-SIM, and old phones could work with mini-SIM or micro-SIM. If the dimensions do not match, trimming or an adapter will be required.

6. Applications for transferring contacts (alternative options)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to synchronization failure or version incompatibility Android), you can use third-party applications. We tested 5 popular apps and chose the most reliable:

Application Features Cons
Contacts Backup & Restore Creates a backup in the format .xml or .vcf, supports cloud storage Advertising in the free version
My Contacts Backup Exports contacts to a file and sends by email Limit of 500 contacts in the free version
Copy My Data Transfers contacts, calendars and photos across Wi-Fi Requires installation on both devices

🔹 How to choose an application?

  • 📌 If you need full backup (including call history), select Contacts Backup & Restore.
  • 📧 If important send contacts by email, it will do My Contacts Backup.
  • 🔄 If you need to transfer data between different OS (for example, Android → iOS), use Copy My Data.

⚠️ Attention: before using third-party applications, check reviews in Google Play - some apps (especially little-known ones) may request excessive permissions, for example, access to SMS or geolocation. This is not always justified for transferring contacts.

7. Transferring contacts via a computer (for advanced users)

If you have access to PC or Mac, you can transfer contacts via USB cable or ADB (for advanced users). This method is useful if the phone does not turn on, but you can still connect it to the computer.

Method 1: Via USB and file .vcf

  1. Connect old phone to the computer via USB.
  2. Copy the file contacts.vcf (if it is already exported) or export contacts directly to your PC via My Phone Explorer (free app).
  3. Connect new phone and transfer the file back.

Method 2: Via ADB (for experienced)

If the phone does not respond to the screen, but is detected by the computer, you can extract contacts via ADB:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

adb backup -f contacts.ab com.android.providers.contacts

🔹 Important: for this method you need unlocked Bootloader and rights root (on most modern phones this will reset the data!).

💡

If you often transfer contacts between devices, create a separate label in Google Contacts (for example, “Work”) and only sync it. This will save time and avoid duplicates.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring contacts to Android

Is it possible to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone?

Yes, for this:

  1. Export contacts from Android to a file .vcf.
  2. Send the file to iPhone (for example, via email or iCloud Drive).
  3. Open the file to iPhone —the system will offer to add contacts to iCloud.

Alternative: use the application Move to iOS from Apple (works only during the first setup iPhone).

Why did contact photos disappear after the transfer?

This happens if:

  • You transferred contacts via SIM card or Bluetooth (these methods are not support photos).
  • Photos were linked to Google Photosand not to the contact itself (check the Contacts album in Google Photos).
  • On the new phone, synchronization with Google Contacts is disabled.

Solution: export contacts to .vcf via Google Contacts (web version) - photos will be saved there.

How to avoid duplicate contacts when transferring?

Duplicates appear if:

  • You import contacts on top of existing ones (for example, from SIM cards to Google Account).
  • The phone has synchronization enabled with multiple accounts (for example, Google i Samsung).

How to remove duplicates:

  1. Open Google Contacts in a browser.
  2. In the menu, select “Find and merge duplicates.”
  3. On your phone, check the synchronization settings and disable unnecessary accounts.
What to do if contacts are not transferred via Bluetooth?

Problems with Bluetooth most often associated with:

  • 🔄 Incompatibility of Bluetooth versions (for example, Bluetooth 5.0 on a new phone and 4.0 on an old one).
  • 📱 Manufacturer restrictions (on Xiaomi and Huawei sometimes the transfer of contacts is blocked).
  • 🔋 Power saving modewhich disables background data transfer.

Solutions:

  • Try rebooting both phones.
  • Use an alternative method (for example, .vcf via USB).
  • Update the firmware on both devices.
Is it possible to restore contacts if the old phone is broken?

Yes, if:

  • 🔄 The contacts were synchronized with Google Account - just log into it on the new phone.
  • 💾 Yes backup copy in Google Drive, Samsung Cloud or another cloud.
  • 📱 The phone turns on, but does not respond to the screen - connect it to PC and use ADB or My Phone Explorer.

If none of this works, try extracting SIM card (if contacts were saved to it) or contact a service center to retrieve data from the damaged device.