How to transfer contacts from Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to saving important data. Xiaomi Redmi 9, despite the budget price category, offers several convenient ways to transfer contacts from another Android devices. But how to choose the optimal method so as not to lose a single number and not spend hours on manual entry?

Many users mistakenly believe that synchronization via Google account is the only reliable option. In practice, there are at least 5 alternative methods, each of which is suitable for different scenarios: from the lack of Internet to the need to transfer contacts from a broken screen. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from classic to little-known ones - and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes when migrating data.

The feature Redmi 9 lies in a proprietary utility Mi Mover, which simplifies the transfer of data between Xiaomi devices. However, it doesn't work with all Android models, so it's important to evaluate compatibility beforehand. If your old smartphone does not support this function, do not be upset - other methods are no less effective.

1. Transferring contacts through a Google account: the most reliable way

Synchronizing contacts with Google account remains the most universal and safe method. It works on any Android device, does not require additional apps and saves data in the cloud, which protects it from loss if the phone breaks down.

To transfer contacts to Xiaomi Redmi 9 via Google, follow these steps on old phone:

1. Open the application Contact.
2. Click on the three dots (menu) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
3. Select Sync with Google (or Export to Google accountif contacts are stored locally).
4. Make sure all contacts are checked and confirm synchronization.

On Redmi 9 all that remains is to log in to the same Google account:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and turn on synchronization Contacts.
3. Wait for the process to complete (may take several minutes).

If contacts do not appear, check:

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization in Google account settings.
• 📶 Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 📱 Version of the Contacts application — update it via Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: If on your old phone the contacts are saved not in Google, but in another account (for example, Samsung or Huawei), first export them in format .vcf, and then import them into Google.

2. Export and import of contacts via VCF file

Format .vcf (vCard) is a universal standard for storing contact information. Its main advantage is its independence from cloud services. You can save contacts to a memory card, send by mail or transfer via USB cable.

Instructions for old phone:

1. Open Contact → Menu (⋮) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
2. Select Export to device or Export to SD card.
3. Specify the folder to save (for example, Download) and confirm.

Now transfer the file to Redmi 9:

• 📁 Via Explorer (if the file is on a memory card).
• 📧 By email or messenger.
• 🔌 Via USB cable in file transfer mode.

Import on Xiaomi Redmi 9:

1. Open Contact → Menu (⋮) → Contact management → Import/Export.
2. Select Import from device or Import from SD cards.
3. Specify the file .vcf and confirm import.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Does not require internet	Manual transfer file
Works on any Android devices	May not save photos of contacts
Suitable for backup	If there are a large number of contacts, the file takes up a lot of space

What to do if the VCF file is not is imported?

If Redmi 9 does not see the file .vcf or gives an error, try:

1. Rename the file in Latin (for example, contacts.vcf).

2. Open the file through the Contacts application directly (find it in Explorer and tap).

3. Use a third-party application, for example Contacts Backup & Restore from Google Play.

3. Transfer contacts via SIM card: an old but proven method

The method via SIM card is suitable if you do not have access to the Internet or a USB cable. However, it has limitations: SIM cards store only names and numbers (without photos, email addresses and notes), and the memory capacity is limited (usually up to 250 contacts).

Export to SIM card from old phone:

1. Open Contact → Menu (⋮) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
2. Select Export to SIM card.
3. Mark the desired contacts (or press Select all) and confirm.

Import to Xiaomi Redmi 9:

1. Insert the SIM card into the new phone.
2. Open Contact → Menu (⋮) → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
3. Select Import from SIM card and specify where to save contacts (for example, to Device or Google account).

⚠️ Attention: Some operators block writing contacts to the SIM card. If the function is not available, use alternative methods.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔋 Does not require charging or internet.
• 📱 Works even on very outdated phones.
• 🔄 You can transfer contacts between phones of different brands.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Limited number of contacts (depending on the SIM card).
• 📞 Additional data (email, addresses) are not saved.
• ⏳ Slow process with a large number of entries.

Clear the SIM card from old contacts

Check the free space on the SIM

Make sure that the contacts on the old phone are not linked to the manufacturer's account

Do a backup copy of contacts in case of failure

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4. Using Mi Mover to quickly transfer data

Mi Mover is a proprietary utility from Xiaomi designed for migrating data between brand devices. It supports transferring not only contacts, but also messages, photos, applications. However, it only works if the old phone is also from Xiaomi, Redmi or. POCO only if the old phone is also from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO.

How to use Mi Mover:

1. On Redmi 9 go to Settings → About phone → Mi Mover (or find the application in the menu).
2. Select I am a new user.
3. On old Xiaomi phone open Mi Mover and select I am an old user.
4. Scan the QR code from the screen of the new one phone.
5. Select data to transfer (turn on Contact) and confirm.

Advantages of Mi Mover:

• ⚡ Fast transfer without data loss.
• 📲 Supports not only contacts, but also SMS, photos, videos.
• 🔗 Does not require Internet (uses direct transmission via Wi-Fi).

Limitations:

• 🚫 Works only between Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices.
• 📱 May not be available on some older models.
• 🔋 Requires at least 20% charge on both phones.

⚠️ Attention: If the screen lock is enabled on your old phone, Mi Mover may ask you to turn it off during the transfer.

5. Transferring contacts via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

If you do not have access to the Internet or cable, and the SIM card is not suitable, you can use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct. This method is universal, but requires manual confirmation on both devices.

Instructions for transferring via Bluetooth:

1. On old phone open Contact, select the desired entries (or press Select all).
2. Click Share → Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on Redmi 9 and make it visible to other devices.
4. Select Redmi 9 in the list of available devices and confirm the transfer on both phones.
5. On Redmi 9 accept the incoming file and save contacts.

For Wi-Fi Direct the procedure is similar, but use Bluetooth instead function Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings. This method is faster, but less stable on some devices.

Warnings:

• 🐢 Transferring a large number of contacts can take a long time.
• 🔋 Make sure both phones have enough charge (at least 30%).
• 📱 Some phones limit the transfer of contacts via Bluetooth to 10-20 at a time.

If Bluetooth does not work:

• 🔄 Restart both phones.
• 📱 Delete old paired devices in the Bluetooth settings.
• 🔧 Update the firmware on both devices.

6. Transferring contacts from a broken or broken Android

The situation when an old phone does not turn on or has a broken screen complicates the task, but does not make it impossible. Here's what you can do:

If the screen does not respond, but the phone turns on:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to the computer via USB cable and copy the file contacts.vcf from the folder /sdcard/ or /storage/emulated/0/.
• 🖥️ Use the app Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to extract contacts (command line skills required).

If the phone does not turn on:

• 🔧 Extract SIM card and transfer contacts from it (if they are saved there).
• 💾 Contact the service center to extract data from the internal memory (if contacts are not synchronized with Google).

If the phone turns on, but the screen is broken:

• 📱 Connect mouse via OTG adapter — this way you can control your phone without a sensor.
• 🔊 Use Google voice assistant (say "Okay, Google, open contacts" and try to export them by voice).

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was enabled data encryption, it will be impossible to extract contacts without unlocking. In this case, only a backup copy in Google or on an SD card will help.

Comparison of all methods of transferring contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Method	Speed	Internet required	Saves all data	Difficulty
Google account	⚡ Fast	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (including photos)	⭐⭐Easy
VCF file	🐢 Medium	❌ No	✅ Yes	⭐⭐Easy
SIM card	🐌 Slow	❌ No	❌ No (numbers only)	⭐Easy
Mi Mover	⚡ Very fast	❌ No (Wi-Fi Direct)	✅ Yes	⭐⭐Easy
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct	🐢 Average	❌ No	✅ Yes	⭐⭐⭐Average

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring contacts to Xiaomi Redmi 9

Is it possible to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Yes, but not directly. You need:

1. On iPhone, export contacts to iCloud or a VCF file (via Settings → Contacts → Export).
2. Send the file to Redmi 9 by mail or via messenger.
3. Import .vcf to Xiaomi via the Contacts application.

You can also synchronize contacts with a Google account on your iPhone, and then log into this account on Redmi 9.

Why are contacts duplicated after transfer?

Duplication occurs if:

• Contacts have already been synchronized with Google, and you imported them again via VCF.
• Synchronization with multiple accounts is enabled on your phone (for example, Google and Mi Account).

To delete duplicates:

1. Go to contacts.google.com.
2. Click Duplicates → Find and merge.

How to transfer contacts if your old phone has a pattern lock and I forgot it?

Solution options:

• If the phone is linked to Google account, try unlocking it via Find My Device (Device Lock function).
• If enabled USB debugging, connect the phone to the PC and use ADB to remove the pattern key.
• As a last resort - Factory reset (but this will delete all data, including contacts, if they are not synced with Google).

Is it possible to transfer contacts from phone to computer and then to Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Yes, for this:

1. Export contacts to file .vcf on the old phone.
2. Copy the file to your computer (via cable, Bluetooth or email).
3. Transfer the file to Redmi 9 (by mail, via USB or cloud storage).
4. Import .vcf on a new phone.

You can also synchronize contacts with Microsoft Outlook or Yandex.Mail, and then export them to the desired format.

Why doesn’t Mi Mover see my old phone?

The problem may be:

• Incompatibility of MIUI versions (update the firmware on both devices).
• Disabled Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (enable both functions).
• Firewall or VPN (disable them temporarily transfer).
• Damaged QR code (try rebooting both phones and repeat pairing).

If all else fails, use alternative methods (Google, VCF or SIM card).