Transferring contacts between smartphones to Android seems like a simple task - until you come across the nuances. Some users lose some numbers during synchronization, others find duplicates, and still others cannot find the saved export at all. In this article we will look at transferring contacts, including hidden system functions and workarounds for older versions (up to 10th inclusive). We will pay special attention 5 proven methods contact transfer, including hidden system features and workarounds for older versions Android (up to 10th inclusive). We will pay special attention to the problem with contacts linked to a SIM card - they are often missed during standard synchronization via Google.

Regardless of whether you change Samsung Galaxy S23 to Xiaomi 14 or helping a relative switch from Android 8 to a modern device, the instructions below cover all scenarios. Important: if you dual SIM phone, check which SIM the contacts are linked to - this affects the choice of transfer method. Also note that some manufacturers (for example, Huawei without Google services) require alternative solutions.

1. Synchronization via Google Account is the most reliable way

This method works on 99% of devices s Android 5.0+ and does not require additional applications. Contacts are saved in the cloud and automatically downloaded to a new phone when you turn it on for the first time. The main condition: the old device must have active synchronization with Google Contacts.

How to check and enable synchronization:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management (on Samsung) or Settings → Accounts (on clean Android).
  • 🔄 Select yours Google account and make sure that the switch opposite Contact is on.
  • ☁️ Click Sync now (may be called Update on some firmware).
  • ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes - the contacts will be uploaded to the cloud. Check them on the web version Google Contacts.

On the new phone:

  1. When you turn it on for the first time, select Restore data from backup and log in to the same Google account.
  2. If the phone is already configured, go to Settings → Accounts, add an account and enable contact synchronization.

Open Google Contacts on PC|The number of contacts is the same|No duplicates with the prefix "Copy of"|Photos of contacts are saved-->

⚠️ Attention: If the contacts are saved on the old phone only on a SIM card, they are not synchronized with Google. First, export them to the phone memory (instructions in section 3).
Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method
Automatic update of contacts on all devices Does not work without the Internet
Saves photos, birthdays and notes to contacts Dubs may occur if other methods were previously used
Free and without restrictions on the number of contacts On phones Huawei without GMS, a workaround is required (section 5)

2. Transferring contacts via Bluetooth - if there is no Internet

The method is suitable for offline transfers contacts between nearby phones. Disadvantage: the transfer occurs over one contact, which takes a lot of time with a large list. But no network connection is required.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. On old phone open the application Contact (or Phone).
  2. Select a contact, click Share (or More → Send).
  3. In the list of options select Bluetooth.
  4. On new phone turn on Bluetooth in the notification panel and confirm receiving the file (usually format .vcf).
  5. Repeat for all contacts or select several at once (press and hold the first contact, then mark the rest).

Tip: on some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) you can send all contacts at once via Bluetooth. To do this:

  1. Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Send all contacts.
  2. Select Bluetooth and follow the instructions.
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If Bluetooth does not find the device, try restarting both phones or turning on the "Visible to everyone" mode in the Bluetooth settings.

⚠️ Attention: When transferring via Bluetooth contact photos are lost and additional fields (for example, email addresses). For a complete transfer, use other methods.

3. Exporting contacts to a SIM card - for old phones

This method is relevant for devices without access to Google (for example, Android Go or phones with custom firmware) or if contacts were originally saved on SIM. Please note that SIM card has a limitation: usually it holds no more than 250 contacts, and each will only store a name + one phone number (without email, addresses, etc.).

How to export contacts to SIM:

  • 📌 Open Contacts → Settings → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
  • 📤 Select Export to SIM card (may be called Copy to SIM).
  • 🔍 Specify which contacts to export (for example, only from the phone or all).
  • ⏳ Wait for completion - the process may take several minutes.

Transfer to new phone:

  • 📱 Insert the SIM card into the new phone.
  • 📥 Open Contacts → Settings → Import from SIM card.
  • 🔄 Select where to save the contacts (to your phone or to your account Google).
What to do if the SIM card is not readable?

If the new phone does not see the contacts on the SIM, try:

1. Insert the SIM back into the old phone and repeat the export.

2. Use an adapter for nano-SIM (if the card is cut off). wrong).

3. Check the SIM in another phone - perhaps the contacts are saved in the device’s memory and not on the card.

4. Using a VCF file - universal export

File .vcf (vCard) is a standard format for storing contacts that is supported by all modern phones. It can be transmitted via instant messenger, email or cloud storage. The advantage of the method: all data (photos, several numbers, addresses, etc.) are saved.

Instructions for creating a VCF file:

  1. Open Contacts → Settings → Export (or Manage contacts → Import/Export).
  2. Select Export to .vcf file (on some phones - Save as VCF).
  3. Specify the save location (for example, Internal memory → Downloads).
  4. Click Save —the file will be named contacts.vcf or something similar.

Transfer to a new phone:

  • 📎 Transfer the file .vcf to a new phone (via Telegram, Google Drive or cable).
  • 📥 Open the file - the system will offer to import contacts.
  • ☑️ Confirm the import and select an account to save (for example, Google or phone memory).

Synchronization via Google|Bluetooth|VCF file|SIM card|Other-->

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 12+ when importing a VCF file, the error “The file is too large” may appear. In this case, divide the contacts into parts (500 pieces each) or use Google Contacts to import via browser.

5. Special applications for data transfer

If standard methods do not work (for example, on phones Huawei without Google services or when synchronization fails), third-party software will help. We tested 3 reliable applications:

Application Advantages Disadvantages
Copy My Data Transfer via Wi-Fi without the Internet, supports contacts, calendars, photos Limitation for the amount of data in the free version
CLONEit Clones all data (including SMS and applications), works on Android 5.0+ Requires installation on both phones
Samsung Smart Switch Optimized for phones Samsung, even transfers system settings Not everything functions work on non-Samsung devices

Example of transfer via CLONEit:

  1. Install the application on both phones from Google Play.
  2. On the old phone select Sender, on the new one - Recipient.
  3. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network or create an access point.
  4. On the sending phone, select Contact and press Start.
  5. Wait for the transfer to complete (may take 5-15 minutes depending on the volume).
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Data transfer applications are useful if you need to copy not only contacts, but also SMS, photos or application settings. However, they take more time and may request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to geolocation).

6. Transferring contacts from Huawei phones (without Google)

Devices Huawei without Google services (for example, Huawei P50 or Mate 60) use their own ecosystem Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). There are two options for transferring contacts:

Method 1: Via Huawei Cloud

  • 🌥️ On your old phone, open Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud → Backup.
  • ☑️ Enable backup Contacts and click Reserve now.
  • 📱 On the new phone, log in to the same Huawei ID and restore data from the cloud.

Method 2: Through the Phone application Clone

  • 📲 Install Phone Clone (pre-installed on new Huawei) on both phones.
  • 🔄 On the old phone, select This old phone, on the new one - This new phone.
  • 📶 Connect via Wi-Fi Direct or QR code.
  • 👥 Select Contact and wait for the transfer to complete.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring from Huawei to a phone from Google (for example, Samsung), contacts from Huawei Cloud are not automatically synchronized. First, export them to a file .vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users encounter common mistakes. Let's look at the most common ones:

Problem 1: Contacts do not sync with Google

  • 🔍 Check if synchronization is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact synchronization.
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone and re-enable synchronization.
  • 📵 Make sure your phone has internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • 🚫 If contacts are saved on SIM or in your phone memory, first export them to your Google account manually.

Problem 2: Contacts are duplicated

This happens if contacts are saved in Google, on SIM, and in the phone memory. To clear duplicates:

  1. Open Google Contacts on your PC.
  2. In the menu on the left, select Duplicates —the system will offer to merge them.
  3. On your phone, open Contacts → Settings → Merge contacts.

Problem 3: Not all contacts were transferred

Most often this is due to the fact that Some contacts are saved in another account (for example, in Microsoft Exchange or Facebook). Check:

  • 📂 Open Contacts → Settings → Accounts and see from what sources contacts are loaded.
  • 🔍 Export contacts from each account separately (for example, via Export to VCF).
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If several contacts are missing after the transfer, check the "Archive" or "Deleted Items" folder in Google Contacts - sometimes they go there automatically.

Is it possible transfer contacts from Android to iPhone?

Yes, for this:

  1. Export contacts from Android to a file .vcf (section 4).
  2. Send the file to the email address that is linked to yours Apple ID.
  3. On iPhone open the letter, click on the attached file .vcf and select Add all contacts.

Alternative: sync contacts with Google Account on Android, then add this account on iPhone in Settings → Contacts → Accounts.

How to transfer contacts from a broken phone?

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

  1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB and copy the file contacts.vcf from the folder /storage/emulated/0/Download/ (if you previously exported).
  2. Use OTG cable and the mouse to navigate the menu (if the screen responds to touches).
  3. If the phone does not turn on, remove the SIM card and transfer contacts from it (section 3).

For phones with Samsung the service will help Samsung Find My Mobile - it allows you to remotely backup contacts when provided that synchronization with Samsung Account was previously enabled.

Why are contact photos not displayed after the transfer?

This is a typical problem when transferring via Bluetooth or SIM card. Photos are saved only when:

  • Synchronization via Google Contacts.
  • Importing a file .vcf (if it was created with photos).
  • Using specialized applications (for example, CLONEit).

To restore photos:

  1. Open the contact in Google Contacts on your PC.
  2. Click on the camera icon next to with a name and upload a photo.
  3. Synchronize contacts on your phone.
How to transfer contacts from Android to Android without the Internet?

Options without a network connection:

  1. Bluetooth (section 2) - one contact at a time or in a package (depends from the firmware).
  2. SIM card (section 3) - suitable for basic transfer of names and numbers.
  3. VCF file (section 4) - transfer it via cable, SD card or local network (for example, via Xender or ShareMe).
  4. Applications like CLONEit or Copy My Data —create a direct connection via Wi-Fi without Internet access.
Is it possible to transfer contacts from phone to phone via NFC?

Technically NFC is not intended for transferring large amounts of data (for example, hundreds of contacts). However, some phones (for example, Samsung with the function Android Beam) allow you to transfer one contact via NFC:

  1. Open the contact on the old phone.
  2. Place the phones together with their backs (NFC chips are usually located there).
  3. Confirm the transfer on both devices.

NFC is not suitable for mass transfer - use other methods from this article.