Where to import contacts in Xiaomi: a complete guide to number transfer

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often have to move their phone book after buying a new device or reinstalling the system. Finding an import feature can be a real puzzle, as menu layouts vary depending on the shell version. Current versions of MIUI and the new HyperOS have changed the logic of working with data, causing confusion among users.

The main difficulty is that the standard Contacts app and the Phone app in Xiaomi’s shell have separate settings. Users often search for the right option in the wrong section, spending time wandering through the menu. Data import can be from various sources: SIM-Maps, internal memory (.vcf files), Google account or old device via Mi Mover.

In this article, we will take a look at all the possible ways to restore a phone book, where exactly the button is hiding in different versions of firmware and how to avoid common errors when transferring records. Understanding the structure of the menu will allow you to quickly restore access to important numbers.

The most obvious and frequently used method is to use the built-in Contacts app, but in Xiaomi’s shell, it is often hidden or combined with call features. To find the import feature, you need to open an application that usually has an icon of a blue phone handset or an orange address book. MIUI, This can be either a menu button (three dots) or a separate "Management" tab, and this is where the number database tools are. ⚠️ Note: If you have a global firmware version installed, the interface may be different from the Chinese version. In some regions, the import button is displayed in a separate settings menu, rather than being listed as a common action list. To access the port function, click on the three dots in the upper right corner or select the Contacts tab at the bottom of the screen, if available. In the list that opens, you need to find Import Contacts. The system will prompt you to select a data source, which is a critical step for successful completion of the operation.

Imports from SIM-maps and internal memory

Transfer of numbers from SIM-The card remains relevant for users who switch from notebook phones or old smartphones. In Xiaomi, this process is automated, but requires the right source. When choosing the import option, the system will offer several options, among which you need to specify the following options: SIM-map.

If your contacts are saved as a file (e.g., transmitted via Bluetooth or downloaded from the cloud), the option “From.vcf” is selected. The phone automatically scans the internal memory and offers a list of available files. This is the most reliable way, since it retains the entire recording structure, including photos and additional numbers.

The copying process takes anywhere from a few seconds to a minute, depending on the number of records, and it's important not to interrupt the process or close the application at that point, and once completed, the system will notify you of the successful addition of new records to the device's memory.

• 📲 Open the Contact or Phone app».
• ⚙️ Click on three points or select the control menu.
• 📥 Select the item “Import contacts».
• 💾 Specify the source: SIM-card or phone memory.

Using a Google account to sync

The most modern and convenient way to store a phone book is a Google account. When you first set up a Xiaomi smartphone, the system suggests you turn on sync. If you missed this step or reset the settings, you can restore contacts through the system menu.

To do this, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. You need to select your Google account. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. Once sync is enabled, the phone will automatically download all saved numbers from the Google cloud.

The advantage of this method is that contacts are linked to an email rather than a specific device.Even if you lose your phone or buy a new model from another brand, just enter your username and password to recover the entire phone book.

Recovery with Mi Cloud and Mi Mover

Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own backup tools. Mi Cloud allows you to store copies of contacts on the company’s servers. To access them, you need to log into your Mi Account through your phone settings.

The Mi Mover app is designed to quickly transfer data from your old phone to your new Xiaomi. It works over a Wi-Fi connection and transmits not only contacts, but also photos, apps and settings. It is ideal for changing devices.

Using Mi Mover is especially effective when you need to transfer data from another Android smartphone or even from an iPhone.The application creates a direct connection between devices, which provides high transfer speeds without the consumption of mobile traffic.

Find hidden settings in different versions of MIUI

The MIUI shell is known for its frequent updates that can change the layout of interface elements. In MIUI versions 12 and 13, import menus were often along the Settings path → Applications → Contacts → Import. However, in newer versions, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS, developers have simplified navigation.

Now, the most common way to use is through the Contacts app itself. If you don't see the Contacts icon in the main menu of the phone, try pinching it and selecting About or Info, and the window that opens may have a launch button or additional settings leading to data management.

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If you can't find the import feature, search the phone's settings. Type the word "Import" into the search bar at the top of the settings menu, and the system will prompt the desired item.

Also, it is worth considering that on some models with a highly customized shell (for example, the version for India or Indonesia), the Contacts app can be replaced with a Google analogue. → Management → Imports/exports.

Solving problems when importing contacts

Sometimes the transfer process can go wrong: contacts can be duplicated, lose photos or not show up at all. SIM-card or.vcf file damage. In such cases, import in small portions is recommended.

If you notice duplicates, the Contacts app has a built-in unification feature, which is in the management menu called "Combine Repetitive Contacts," and the system automatically finds the same records and offers them to merge into one card.

⚠️ Warning: Before mass importation from an unreliable source, be sure to back up your current phone book, which will roll back changes if new data overwrites important numbers.

If the contact file is not readable, check its encoding. The files must be in UTF-8 format to correctly display Cyrillic characters. Incorrect encoding will lead to "crackers" instead of names and surnames.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to save contacts is to sync regularly with your Google account, which guarantees their safety when you change or break your device.