A frequent situation is when a user purchases a new smartphone based on Android and is faced with the need to transfer the phone book from an old device. In the era of cloud technologies, many are accustomed to relying on Google Account, however, there are times when there is no Internet, servers are unavailable, or the user simply prefers a local method of data transfer without registering extra accounts. In such scenarios, technology Bluetooth, built into the vast majority of mobile gadgets, comes to the rescue.
Despite the fact that the file transfer speed via this protocol is lower than when using Wi-Fi Direct or cable, it is more than sufficient to transfer your contact list. A business card file is usually only a few kilobytes in size, so the process takes seconds. The main advantage of this method is autonomy: you do not need wires, routers or access to the global network, just two working devices nearby are enough.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to quickly and safely move the entire database of numbers. We will look at the nuances of working with different interface shells, possible errors and alternative options if the standard path does not work for some reason. Preparation will take a minimum of time, and the result will keep your important connections intact.
Preparing devices for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both smartphones are charged at least 30-40%. While transferring contacts doesn't require a lot of power, suddenly turning off the screen or putting the device into sleep mode can break the connection at the most inopportune moment. Take both phones in your hands and unlock them to have access to the desktop and settings.
The first step is to activate the wireless modules. Go to Settings each of the devices and find the section Bluetooth. Turn the switch to the On position. On modern versions Android (starting from 10 and higher), the system may request permission to search for devices nearby - be sure to confirm this action.
Now you need to pair. On one of the phones (for example, on an old one), click the “Search for devices” or “Available devices” button. A new smartphone should appear on the list. Click on its name. A pop-up window with a confirmation code will appear on the screen of both gadgets. Make sure the numbers match and click Confirm or Pairing.
⚠️ Attention: If the devices do not see each other, check whether the “Invisible to others” mode is enabled in the Bluetooth settings. Also make sure that you are not trying to connect your phone to the car system or headset at the same time.
Export contacts to a file on old phone
After successful pairing, you can begin preparing the data. Open the Contacts or Phone app on your old device. The interface may differ depending on the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor), but the logic of actions remains the same. You need to find the list management menu, which is usually hidden under three dots in the corner of the screen or the “More” button.
In the menu that opens, select Manage contacts or Import/Export contacts. The system will prompt you to select a data source. Make sure the "Phone" or "SIM" storage is selected if numbers are saved there. If you are using synchronization with Google, select the appropriate account to download data from the cloud to a local file.
Click on the option Export to a storage file or Export to internal memory. The system will create a file in the format .vcf (business card). You will be prompted to give it a name, usually the default is creation date, for example contacts_2026.vcf. Remember or write down the path to the file, most often this is the root folder or directory Downloads.
If you have thousands of contacts, the file creation process may take a few seconds. Do not close the Contacts application until a notification appears that the export has been successfully completed.
Transferring a file via the Bluetooth interface
Now that the contacts file has been generated, it needs to be sent to a new device. The fastest way is to find this file in the menu of the Contacts application itself. Often after exporting, the system immediately offers the “Share” option. Click on it and select the icon from the list of available transfer methods Bluetooth.
If there is no direct “Share” button, open the “Files” or “File Manager” application. Go to the folder where the file was saved (often this is the folder .vcf file (often a folder 00001 in Bluetooth or the root of memory). Tap and hold the file until the action menu appears. Select Send -> Bluetooth.
Select your new smartphone from the list of available devices. The receiving end will be prompted to receive the file. Be sure to click Accept. The progress bar will show the transfer speed. For a file with contacts it will take no more than 5-10 seconds even with a low connection speed.
- 📱 Make sure that the screen of the new phone does not go dark during the transfer, otherwise the connection may be broken.
- 📂 The contacts file will be saved in the "Downloads" or "Bluetooth" folder on the new device.
- 🔋 Keep both phones no more than 1-2 meters apart for stable signal.
Importing contacts on a new device
After the file is successfully received, a notification will appear on the new phone indicating that the download is complete. By clicking on it, you can often start the import process right away. If the notification disappears or you missed it, don't worry - you can start the procedure manually through the Contacts application.
Open the Contacts application on your new smartphone. Go to the settings menu (three dots or gear) and select Import from file or Import/Export. The system will ask where exactly you need to save the numbers: to the phone memory, to a SIM card or to a Google account. It is recommended to choose Google Account or phone memory for reliability.
In the file manager that will open next, find the received file .vcf. Usually it is located in the folder Download or Bluetooth. Click on it. The system will show the number of records found and ask for confirmation. Click OK or Import.
☑️ Checking successful transfer
The import process will complete almost instantly. Now your phone book is completely duplicated on the new device. You can check a few random entries to make sure that the names and numbers are displayed correctly, without distorting the encoding.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the phone does not see the files .vcf when trying to import, or contacts are saved, but without names (only numbers). This may be due to the peculiarities of the file encoding or errors in the operation of a specific firmware Android.
If contacts were imported, but empty fields are displayed instead of names, try opening the file .vcf through a text editor before importing. However, it is easier to use an alternative method: upload the file to cloud storage (for example, Google Drive) from the old phone and download it on the new one, then open it directly.
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The device is not located | Bluetooth is turned off or hidden | Enable visibility in settings |
| File transfer error | Connection interrupted or memory full | Free up space and try again |
| Contacts cannot be opened | Incorrect file format | Make sure the extension is .vcf |
| Duplicating records | Import over an existing database | Use the function of merging duplicates |
⚠️ Attention: The “Import/Export” menu interface may differ on smartphones of different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme). If you don't find the button you need, search inside your phone's settings menu for "Contacts."
Alternative synchronization methods
Although Bluetooth is a reliable method, it is not the only one possible. If you have access to stable Wi-Fi, using your account Google will be much more convenient. In this case, you do not need to manually transfer files - just enter your login and password on the new device, and the phone book will be downloaded automatically.
For ecosystem users Samsung or Xiaomi there are proprietary utilities, such as Smart Switch or Mi Mover. These applications allow you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, messages, settings and even the arrangement of icons on your desktop in one session.
Why can Bluetooth be better than the cloud?
Using Bluetooth ensures that your data does not leave your devices and is not uploaded to third-party servers. This is an ideal option for transmitting confidential information or in the absence of the Internet.
The choice of method depends on your priorities. If speed and completeness of transferring the entire system is important, use a cable or proprietary utilities. If you need to quickly transfer only numbers without unnecessary settings and registrations - Bluetooth remains a classic and proven solution.
Bluetooth is ideal for a one-time transfer of contacts without the Internet, but for constant synchronization it is better to set up a Google Account.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer contacts via Bluetooth if the phones have different versions of Android?
Yes, the Bluetooth protocol is a universal standard. You can easily transfer contacts from Android 6 to Android 14 or even to devices of other operating systems that support the vCard format.
What to do if contacts are duplicated during import?
In the Contacts application, go to settings and find the “Merge duplicates” or “Manage contacts” function. The system will automatically find duplicate entries and offer to merge them into one card.
How many contacts can be transferred at one time via Bluetooth?
There are no technical restrictions on the number. The file .vcf can contain thousands of records. The only limitation is the transfer time, but for text data it is minimal even for large databases.
Is it safe to transfer contacts via Bluetooth in a public place?
Yes, if you pair directly with a specific device. Data is transmitted over an encrypted channel between two paired devices, it is extremely difficult for third parties to intercept it.