How to display and transfer contacts from SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards seem like a simple task, but many users face problems: the system does not see contacts, there are import errors or duplicate records. MIUI, limitations of telecom operators and even physical wear SIM-For example, on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14 Import Algorithm Different from Redmi 9A on MIUI 12.5, and owners of devices with two SIMs often confuse which card to copy data from.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to transfer contacts – from standard import via phone menus to workaround solutions for outdated ones. SIM. We will focus on common mistakes: why contact with the SIM Not appearing on the list for import on new Redmi models (e.g. Note 13 Pro)+), How to fix the failure "Impossible to read" SIM-map and what to do if photos of contacts are lost after copying, and you will also learn how to automate backup so that you do not lose important numbers.

Spoiler: if your Xiaomi Redmi can't see SIM-contacts, 80% of the time the problem is solved by cleaning the cache of the Contacts app or changing the card slot.

1. Standard import of contacts via MIUI menu

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import feature in the Contacts app.It works on all Xiaomi Redmi models (from Redmi 7 to Redmi Note 13), but the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Specify where to save: to Xiaomi Account, Google or Device (locally).
6. Confirm the import with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: If the button Import with SIM-The card is inactive (grey), which means that the SIM No contacts saved or the card doesn't support reading.

Backup your contacts on SIM (if necessary)

Check the balance SIM-cards (at some tariffs, access to memory is blocked)

Make sure that the SIM is inserted into slot 1 (on some models, slot 2 does not support reading contacts)

Close all background applications (especially messengers)

-->

On Redmi with Android 13 and MIUI 14 (like Redmi Note 12 Pro), the path may look different: Contacts → Profile → Settings → Import / Export → Import with SIM. If you don’t find an item, try swiping left in the main contact menu – sometimes the option is hidden behind an additional menu.

2. Alternative method: import via phone settings

If the Contacts app doesn’t offer an import option, try doing so through system settings, which is especially relevant for custom firmware devices or after being reset to factory settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find and select Contacts (or Contacts and Calls).
3. Put it on Memory. → Imports/Exports.
4. Select Import with SIM-maps and follow the clues.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10C), the path may be different: Settings → System & Device → Additional → Import/Export Contacts. If you don’t find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

Through the Contacts app

Through phone settings

With third-party applications

Manual input

I can't stand contact with you. SIM-->

3. Transfer of contacts using third-party applications

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't work, third-party tools will come to the rescue.

• 📱 SIM-The card is old and the phone does not see it (for example, the format). SIM 2G Redmi Note 11 Pro).
• 🔄 You need to transfer contacts selectively (for example, only with a certain letter).
• 🔄 Convert formats (from vCard to vCard) CSV).

Top.-3 Appendices for importation from SIM:

How to use (SIM Contacts Backup):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide access to Contacts and Warehouse.
3. Select Import with SIM → mark the necessary contacts.
4. Specify the format of the save (we recommend VCF for compatibility).
5. Click Save and select a location (such as Internal Memory or Google Drive).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require root rights to access the full application. SIM. On Xiaomi, this can result in a loss of warranty.Before using, check the reviews about compatibility with your model.

4. Manual transfer of contacts (if automatic does not work)

If none of these things work, you have to manually type, which is laborious, but it's guaranteed to work even with a damaged SIM.

Step 1: Export your SIM contacts to your computer (if possible):

• 🖥️ Put it in. SIM into USB-Adapter (or old phone with support) SIM-reader).
• 📄 Use the program. SIM Card Data Recovery (for Windows) or Android SIM Card (for Mac) for export to CSV.
• 📎 Send the file to your mail or Telegram.

Step 2. Import to Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Download the CSV file to your phone.
2. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Import from the file and specify the path to the downloaded CSV.

Step 3: If export is not possible:

💡

If you have a lot of contacts, use voice input: open a new contact, tap on the Name field and tap on the microphone icon (🎤) Dictate data, it's faster than typed input.

5. Solving Errors When Importing Contacts with SIM

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Table of errors and decisions:

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If import is interrupted, restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Before importing, turn off mobile internet – sometimes background synchronization interferes with the process.
• 🛠️ On Redmi with MIUI 14 reset the settings of the application Contacts: Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data.

6. Automation of contact backup

To avoid any more portability issues, set up automatic backup. On Xiaomi Redmi, this is done via MI Cloud or Google Account.

Configure backup in MI Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
4. Click Backup → Start copying.

The advantages of MI Cloud:

• 🔒 Data is encrypted and stored on Xiaomi servers.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization when connecting to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Recovery on any Xiaomi device.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Contacts, make sure that your account settings are synced: → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account → Contacts: Redmi with Android 13 may require additional rights confirmation.

💡

Backups to MI Cloud take up to 5 minutes for 500 contacts, and after the first copy, updates are automatically made when data changes.

7. Features of the transfer of contacts on the new models of Redmi (2023-2026)

Owners of Redmi Note 12, Redmi 13C and other new devices may face stripped down SIM features, due to the transition to eSIM and Xiaomi’s policy of simplifying the interface.

What's changed:

• 📱 On the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ importation option SIM Hidden behind the additional menu: Contacts → Profile → Settings → Additionally. → Imports.
• 🔒 Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block access to the Internet SIM-Contacts on new smartphones.
• 🔄 V MIUI 14 When importing, it is automatically suggested to save contacts to Mi Cloud, rather than locally.

How to get around the restrictions:

1. Use Developer Mode: Enable it (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → slip 7 once) and in the Developer Settings activate Debugging by USB. Then connect the phone to the PC and use it. ADB For forced import: adb shell content insert --uri content://com.android.contacts/raw_contacts --bind name" --bind phone:"+71234567890"
2. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that can reveal hidden MIUI features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring contacts to Xiaomi Redmi