Changing a smartphone to a new model of the line Xiaomi Redmi Note is always a pleasant event, providing access to a more powerful processor and a high-quality screen. However, the joy of the purchase is often overshadowed by the need to transfer all the accumulated data, among which the most valuable asset is the phone book. Modern technologies allow you to complete this procedure in a few minutes, but it is important to choose the right method so as not to lose important numbers or get duplicates.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the current methods of migrating your address book from any Android device. You will learn how to use cloud services Google, the built-in application Mi Mover, as well as classic methods using a SIM card and Bluetooth. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and limitations, which you need to know about before starting the process.
Regardless of whether you are switching from a budget device or the flagship of another manufacturer, the algorithms of actions will be similar. The main thing is to ensure a stable connection and a battery charge of both devices of at least 50%, so that interruption of the process does not lead to damage to the database files. Let's look at each method in detail.
Preparing for data transfer and clearing duplicates
Before running any synchronization tool, you need to conduct a preliminary audit of the contacts on your old device. Often hundreds of entries accumulate in the phone book, which duplicate each other or contain incomplete information. Cleaning the database Before transferring, it will save time and ensure order on the new smartphone Xiaomi.
It is recommended to manually check the entries by merging cards with the same names, but different numbers. It is also worth deleting contacts saved only to the SIM card if their volume is large, since older SIM cards may have restrictions on the number of characters in the name. This is especially true for those who are switching from feature phones or very old Android models.
- 📱 Check where the numbers are saved: in the phone memory, on the SIM or in your account.
- 🧹 Remove obvious duplicates and test entries.
- 🔋 Charge both smartphones to at least 60% for stable operation.
- 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on on both devices for fast transfers.
Pay special attention to contacts linked to instant messengers like Viber or WhatsApp. When transferred, they may create extra copies if proper synchronization is not configured. It is best to put the database in order in advance so that on the new one Redmi Note you can immediately see the latest information.
⚠️ Attention: If your old phone has many dialer applications installed, make sure that you are cleaning the system phone book and not the cache of third-party apps, otherwise the data may not be synchronized correctly.
Synchronization via account Google
The most reliable and modern method of transfer is using cloud storage Google Contacts. This method does not require cables and works even if the devices are in different rooms, the main condition is Internet access. Almost all Android smartphones, including Xiaomi, are initially designed to work with the search giant's ecosystem.
First, you need to go into the settings of your old phone and find the “Accounts” or “Users and Accounts” section. Select your Google profile and make sure the slider next to Contacts is activated. If synchronization was disabled, turn it on and click the “Synchronize” button until the process is completed.
Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact synchronizationAfter the data has gone to the cloud, pick up a new one Xiaomi Redmi Note. When you turn it on for the first time or in the settings menu, log in to the same Google account. The system will automatically pull up all saved numbers, distribute them into the correct fields and even restore subscriber photos if they were linked to the profile.
- 🔄 Instant update: changes on one device are visible everywhere.
- ☁️ Security: if you lose your phone, the numbers will not be lost.
- 🖼️ Saving avatars and additional fields.
- 🚫 There is no risk of data loss due to damage to the SIM card.
This method is ideal for those who want to have a single database, also accessible from a computer via a browser. You don’t need to look for wires or deal with file formats, everything happens in the background, unnoticed by the user.
What to do if contacts do not appear?
If, after turning on synchronization, the numbers are not displayed, go to the Contacts application, click on the three dots in the corner, select “Settings” and make sure that your Google account is selected in the display filter, and not “Phone only” or “SIM”.
Using the Mi Mover application
The company Xiaomi has developed its own utility application called Mi Mover, which comes pre-installed on all their devices. This is one of the fastest ways to move to Redmi Note, as it allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and system settings.
For the method to work, the application must be installed on both smartphones. On the new phone Xiaomi it is located in the “Tools” folder. On the old device, you can download it from Google Play Market or through the built-in QR code scanner if the application prompts you to download it.
Run the app on both gadgets. On the receiving device (Xiaomi) select the “Recipient” role, and on the old one - “Sender”. Smartphones will create a temporary Wi-Fi network that you need to connect to. After the connection is established, select the “Contacts” category and start the transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the smartphone screens while transferring large amounts of data via Mi Mover, as some models may break the Wi-Fi Direct connection to save energy.
The main advantage of this method is its speed and the ability to transfer the folder structure. You don't need to set up clouds or hunt for cables. However, it is worth remembering that Mi Mover may not work correctly with very old versions of Android (below 4.4), in which case it is better to use other methods.
☑️ Mi Mover operating algorithm
Export and import via vCard file
If your Internet connection is unstable or you prefer to keep your data under complete control, use the manual export method. Contacts are saved in a universal file format .vcf (vCard), which is understood by any modern smartphone, including Xiaomi.
Open the Contacts app on your old device, go to the control menu (usually three dots or bars) and select Import/Export. Click "Export to file" or "Export to device memory". The system will create a file that can be found in the root of the internal memory or the Contacts folder.
The resulting file contacts.vcf must be transferred to the new phone. This can be done via Bluetooth, instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), email, or simply transfer it via a USB cable to a computer, and then to Redmi Note. On a new device, just open this file, and the system will offer to import the records contained in it.
| Parameter | Description | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .vcf (vCard) | Supported by all OS |
| Size | Depends on the number of photos | Can be heavy when taking photos |
| Speed | High | Requires manual launch |
| Security | Local storage | Risk of file loss |
This method is good because you create a physical copy of your phone book. It is recommended to store this file in several places: on your computer, in the cloud and on a flash drive. If you reset the settings on Xiaomi you can quickly restore all numbers without contacting the servers.
Transfer via SIM card
The classic method that is still relevant, especially if you change your smartphone, but leave the same SIM card, or if you need to transfer data from a push-button phone. SIM cards have built-in memory designed specifically for storing numbers.
On an old Android device, go to contacts settings and select “Import/export”. Click "Export to SIM card". The system will warn you that long names or additional numbers may be cut off when copying, since the SIM card's capacity is limited. Confirm the action.
After the export is completed, insert the SIM card into the new one Xiaomi Redmi Note (if you changed it physically) or simply select the “Import from SIM card” item in the import menu. All saved numbers will appear in the phone memory. This is the simplest method that does not require the Internet and complex settings.
- 📟 Compatibility: works even with the most ancient phones.
- 🔌 Independence: no Internet or cable required.
- ⚠️ Limitation: usually up to 250 contacts.
- ✂️ Trimming: names can be reduced to 10-15 characters.
It is worth considering that modern SIM cards often have a limit on the number of entries. If you have more than 300-500 numbers in your phone book, this method will not be suitable for a complete transfer, and some contacts simply will not be copied. In this case, it is better to split the process into several stages or use cloud methods.
Solution and duplicates after migration
After completing data migration to Xiaomi Redmi Note users often face the problem of duplicate records. This happens when the same contact is saved simultaneously in the phone memory, on the SIM card and in the Google account. The system sees them as different entities and displays them several times.
MIUI (shell Xiaomi) has a built-in tool to solve this problem. Open the Contacts app, tap the menu and select Contact Organizer or Contact Manage. There will be a “Merge Duplicates” function. The smartphone will automatically find duplicate entries and offer to combine them into one card.
⚠️ Attention: Before mass merging contacts, it is recommended to make a backup copy, since the automatic algorithm may make a mistake and combine different people with the same names (for example, two different “Alexanders”).
Also check where new numbers are saved. In the settings of the Contacts application, you can set the priority saving location. It is best to choose your Google account, so that in the future all new numbers will immediately fly to the cloud and will not be lost if the device breaks down. Xiaomi You can set a priority save location. It is best to choose your Google account, so that in the future all new numbers will immediately fly to the cloud and will not be lost if the device breaks down.
Regular checking for duplicates and setting up a priority account for saving is the key to a clean and convenient phone book on your Xiaomi.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer contacts if the screen of the old phone is broken?
If the sensor is not works, but there is an image, you can connect a USB mouse via an OTG cable. If the screen is completely black but the phone turns on, try connecting to it from a computer using a management app (such as MyPhoneExplorer) if USB debugging was previously enabled. Otherwise, remove the SIM card if the numbers are stored on it.
Where is it better to save contacts on Xiaomi: to your phone or to your account?
Definitely to your Google account. This guarantees the safety of data if the settings are reset, the phone breaks down or is stolen. Phone memory is a temporary storage that is cleared when the device is formatted.
Why did contact photos disappear after the transfer?
Photos are often linked specifically to a Google profile or social network. When transferring via a SIM card or an old vCard file, the photos may not be transferred. Make sure that the photo synchronization option is selected when syncing via Google, or use the Mi Mover application.
How long does it take to transfer 1000 contacts?
When using cloud synchronization or Mi Mover, the process takes from 1 to 5 minutes depending on the Internet speed and the presence of photos in the contacts. Via a SIM card, this may take a little longer due to the low write speed to the chip.