Transferring contacts between smartphones based on Android via Bluetooth seems like a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from the lack of an option in the menu to synchronization errors. Unlike cloud services or a USB cable, wireless data transfer via Bluetooth does not require the Internet and additional accessories, but has its limitations. For example, not all versions Android support direct sending of contacts through this protocol, and some manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) modify the standard settings.

In this article we will look at all working methods transferring a phone book via Bluetooth, including workarounds paths for devices where the feature is hidden or disabled. You will learn how to prepare both smartphones, what data formats are supported, and what to do if contacts are not completely transferred. We will pay special attention compatibility between different versions Android (from 5.0 Lollipop to 14) and brands.

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Why Bluetooth is not always the best choice for transferring contacts

At first glance, Bluetooth seems like an ideal solution: no need for cables, Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, this method has critical disadvantageswhich are rarely warned about:

  • 📱 Limited compatibility: devices on Android 10+ often block the transfer of contacts via Bluetooth by default (you need to enable hidden settings).
  • 🔄 Data format: only basic fields (name, phone) are transferred, and photos, mail or addresses may be lost.
  • ⏳ Speed: transferring 500+ contacts will take 10-15 minutes (versus 2-3 minutes for cable).
  • 🔒 Security: data is transmitted without encryption (unlike Google Account or Samsung Smart Switch).

In addition, some manufacturers (OnePlus, Oppo) completely remove the option of sending contacts via Bluetooth from the standard interface. In such cases, you will have to use workaround methods (about them in the section about alternative methods).

⚠️ Attention: if custom firmware is installed on one of the smartphones. (for example, LineageOS), the function of transferring contacts via Bluetooth may work unstable or not exist at all. Before starting, check the software version in Settings → About phone.

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Preparing smartphones for transfer contacts

Before you begin the transfer, you must synchronize settings on both devices. Skipping this step is the main cause of errors like "Failed to send contacts" or "The device does not support this format".

Follow these steps on both smartphones:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth:
    • Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
    • Activate the slider and wait until the device becomes visible to others (usually 2-3 minutes).
  2. Check visibility:
    • In some firmware (MIUI, ColorOS), you need to manually enable detection. To do this, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen Bluetooth and select "Make visible".
  • Update contacts:
    • Go to the application "Contacts", click on the three dots → "Settings" → "Import/Export" → "Update". This will eliminate duplicates and errors in the phone book.

      • If on one of devices Android 12+, additionally check the permissions:

      1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Permissions.
      2. Make sure that the rights to "Bluetooth", "Storage" i "Contacts".

      Bluetooth is turned on on both devices|

      Devices see each other in the list of available ones|

      Contacts updated (no duplicates)|

      Permissions for the Contacts application have been checked-->

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      Method 1: Standard transfer through the contacts menu

      This is basic methodwhich works on most smartphones with Android 5.0–9.0. Newer versions may require activation of hidden features (see next section).

      Instructions for the sending device:

      1. Open the application "Contacts" (or "Phone" → tab "Contacts").
      2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner → select "Import/Export" or "Manage contacts".
      3. Tap "Send contacts" (or "Share" → "Bluetooth").
      4. Select the desired contacts (or click "Select all") → "Done".
      5. Select the target smartphone in the list of devices.

      Instructions for the receiving device:

      1. Confirm receipt of the file on the notification screen (tap on the pop-up window "Accept file").
      2. After downloading, open the file (usually format .vcf) and click "Import".

      If the option "Send contacts" is missing, try an alternative path: 

      Settings → Google → Contact services → Export

      Then select Bluetooth as the transfer method.

      ⚠️ Attention: on smartphones Samsung s One UI the path may be different: 
      Contacts → ⋮ → Settings → Manage contacts → Import/Export → Send

      If there is no option, update the application "Contacts" via Google Play.

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      Method 2: Transfer through hidden Bluetooth settings (for Android 10+)

      Starting from Android 10, Google has limited the ability to send contacts via Bluetooth for security reasons. However, the function can be unlock through the engineering menu or special commands.

      Method 1: Using the code ##

      1. Open the application "Phone".
      2. Enter the combination: 
        ##284##

        (works on some devices ##232338##).

      3. In the menu that appears, select "Bluetooth Test" → "Send Contacts".
      4. Follow the instructions on the screen to send the file .vcf.

      Method 2: Activation via ADB (for advanced users)

      If the codes do not work, you can enable the function via ADB:

      1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and activate "USB debugging" (Settings → About the phone → Build number → tap 7 times → return to Settings → System → For developers).
      2. Enter the command: 
        adb shell settings put global bluetooth_map_client_enabled 1
      3. Reboot the device.

      After this, the option to send contacts will appear in the standard menu Bluetooth.

      adb shell am start -n com.android.bluetooth/.opp.BluetoothOppLauncherActivity

      This command directly opens the Bluetooth file transfer menu, where you can select contacts.-->

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      Method 3: Alternative methods if Bluetooth does not work

      If none of the above methods worked, use workaroundsThey will require additional steps, but are guaranteed. result.

      • 📲 Export to file + transfer via Bluetooth:
        1. Export contacts to file .vcf via Settings → Contacts → Import/Export → Export to device.
        2. Send the file through any file manager (for example, Files by Google) via Bluetooth.
      • 🌐 Cloud sharing (if there is Internet):
        1. Upload contacts to Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact synchronization).
        2. On the second device, log into the same account and wait for synchronization.
    • 🔌 USB-OTG + flash drive:
      1. Copy the file .vcf to the flash drive via adapter USB-OTG.
      2. Connect the flash drive to the second smartphone and import contacts.

    • For devices Samsung the best solution would be proprietary software Samsung Smart Switch (available in Galaxy Store). It supports transferring contacts, messages and multimedia via Wi-Fi Direct or cable.

    Via Bluetooth|

    Via Google Account|

    Via cable (USB/OTG)|

    Using specialized applications (Smart Switch, SHAREit)-->

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    Compatibility table: which devices support transferring contacts via Bluetooth

    Not all smartphones work equally with this function. Below is data on popular brands and versions Android:

    Brand Model / Firmware Support for transferring contacts Notes
    Samsung Galaxy S20+, One UI 5.0+ ✅ Yes Required to be used "Samsung Smart Switch" for stable operation.
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 10, MIUI 13 ⚠️ Partially The function is hidden. Must be activated via ##284##.
    Google Pixel 6, Android 13 ❌ No Required ADB or export to file.
    Huawei P40 Pro, EMUI 12 ✅ Yes Works only between devices Huawei.
    OnePlus OnePlus 9, OxygenOS 13 ❌ No Function removed. Use Google Account.

    If your device is not in the table, check the support of the function experimentally or contact official documentation the manufacturer.

    ⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android 14 and newer, transfer of contacts via Bluetooth can be completely blocked at the system level. In this case, use alternative methods from section 5.

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    Common errors and their solutions

    When transferring contacts via Bluetooth users encounter typical problems. Let's consider top 5 errors and ways to eliminate them:

    • 🚫 "Device not found":

      Check that both smartphones are turned on Bluetooth and they are in range (up to 10 meters). Reboot both devices. On Xiaomi you may need to disable "Hidden mode" in settings Bluetooth.

    • ❌ "Failed to send contacts":

      Remove previously paired devices in Settings → Bluetooth and pair again. If the error persists, export your contacts to a file .vcf and send it as a regular document.

    • ⚠️ "The file is damaged":

      This means that the format .vcf is not supported. Try converting the file through the service vCard Converter (available online) or use the application Contacts Backup iz Google Play.

    • 🔄 "Contacts are not transferred completely":

      Most likely there is a limit on the file size. Divide the phone book into parts of 100–150 contacts and send separately.

    • 🔒 "Permission required":

      Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Permissions and enable access to "Bluetooth", "Storage" i "Contacts".

    If none of the solutions helped, check if the transmission is blocked by antivirus or power saving mode. Samsung the function "Battery optimization" for the application "Contacts".

    What to do if contacts are duplicated after import?

    After import, open the application "Contacts", click on the three dots → "Settings" → "Merge contacts". The system will automatically find and merge duplicates. If the option is missing, use the application Duplicate Contacts Remover from Google Play.

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    Is it possible to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone via Bluetooth?

    No, iOS does not support receiving contacts via Bluetooth format .vcf. Use iCloud, Google Account or specialized applications like Move to iOS.

    Why are contact photos not transferred?

    The standard protocol Bluetooth (OBEX) does not support transferring images to .vcf. To transfer photos, export contacts via Google Account or use the application My Contacts Backup.

    How to transfer contacts if Bluetooth is broken on one of the smartphones?

    In this case, use:

    • 📧 Email: send file .vcf to your email and open it on the second device.
    • 💾 SD card: copy the contacts to a memory card and insert it into another smartphone.
    • 🌍 Wi-Fi Direct: if both devices support this function (available in Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct).

    Is it possible to transfer contacts from Android 4.4 on Android 13?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • Old versions Android (before 5.0) can send contacts in an outdated format. On the new device, you will have to import them manually through the file manager.
    • If your contacts are not displayed, try opening the file .vcf in a text editor and save it encoded UTF-8.

    How to protect contacts when transferring via Bluetooth?

    Bluetooth does not encrypt data, therefore:

    • 🔐 Before transferring, delete from contacts sensitive information (such as addresses or notes).
    • 📍 Transfer in a safe place where there are no third-party devices within range.
    • 🔄 After import, delete the file .vcf from both devices.

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    1) Android version and firmware on both devices.

    2) Availability of hidden settings (codes ## or ADB).

    3) Alternative methods (export to file, cloud, USB-OTG).

    Only 30% of modern smartphones support direct transfer of contacts via Bluetooth without additional manipulations.-->