How to display and transfer contacts from SIM-Xiaomi maps: all ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of the device or user recovering data after a reset. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties due to the features of the shell. MIUI and the variety of models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to import contacts, including hidden settings, solutions for outdated versions. MIUI and bypassing typical errors.

The main problem is that MIUI not always automatically suggest importing contacts when you first set up your device, especially if SIM-The map was inserted later, and some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) use non-standard formats for storing contacts, which can lead to reading errors. 4PDA Mi Community and tested the process on 7 different models to provide precise instructions.

It is important that you use two SIM-card, the system can offer import contacts only with the main (slot 1), in which case additional settings will be required, which we will also describe below. MIUI 14 and later added a new way through Mi Account, which speeds up the process by 2 times.

1. Standard import of contacts through MIUI settings

The most universal method that works on all versions MIUI (10 to 14) and Xiaomi models, suitable for transferring contacts from any SIM-maps, including formats USIM Important: Before you start, check that SIM-The card is correctly defined by the system in the Settings section → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app** (a human silhouette icon).
• 🔧 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Settings.
• 📤 Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section → Import with SIM-map.
• 💾 Choose. SIM-map (if there are several) and confirm the import. Contacts will be saved to your Google account or device (depending on the default settings).

⚠️ Note: If the button Import with SIM-The card is inactive, which means that the SIM No contacts saved or the card blocked PUK-Check it on another phone or through USSD-request *100# (for MTS/Beeline).

Check the balance. SIM-cards (some operators block access to contacts with negative balance)

Make sure the SIM is inserted into slot 1 (main)

Disable VPN – it can block access to system functions

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

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2. Alternative method: through the application "Phone"

If the standard method did not work (for example, due to a failure in the Contacts app), you can use the built-in telephone module, which is especially relevant for devices with MIUI 12 and below, where the import interface may differ.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the phone application** (green handset).

🔍 Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This could look different: the phone → Contacts → Menus. → Contact management → Import. If you don't find an item, try updating the Phone app through Google Play.

Through the "Contact" app

Through the phone app.

Synchronization with Google

Manual input

Another way.-->

Import SIM contacts to Xiaomi via Mi Account (MIUI 14+)

MIUI 14 is an innovation that allows you to import contacts directly to your Mi Account, which eliminates sync problems through Google, which only works on devices with the latest firmware version and requires authorization to your Mi Account.

How to do this:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account.
• 📥 Click Contact Imports → Choose C. SIM-map.
• 🔒 Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account (if requested).
• ✅ Contacts will be automatically uploaded to the cloud and synced with other Xiaomi devices.

⚠️ Note: Contacts are not duplicated in your Google account using this method, and if you use Google (Gmail, Google Contacts) services, we recommend that you export your contacts to Google. VCF-file and download it manually.

4 Problem Solving: Why Xiaomi doesn’t see SIM contacts

If the smartphone does not detect contacts SIM-The reasons for the map may be the following:

🛠️ Additional action:

• 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button) → Restart in Safe Mode and Re-import.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the Contacts and Phone apps in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📡 Check if the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) is blocking access to the software. SIM.

💡

If SIM contacts are displayed as unreadable characters (crackers), this means encoding incompatibility.Solution: export contacts to VCF via another phone, then import the file to Xiaomi.

5. Transfer of SIM contacts to Xiaomi without import (manual input)

If the automatic methods don’t work, you can manually copy your SIM contacts to your device, which is suitable for a small number of records (up to 50 contacts).

Algorithm:

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (like an iPhone or an old Samsung).
2. Export contacts to the.vcf file (via contact settings).
3. Flip the file to Xiaomi (via Bluetooth, Telegram or cable).
4. Open the file – the system will prompt you to import contacts to Google or your device.

📌 Important: When importing manually, check the file format.Some phones save contacts in.csv or.xls that are not supported MIUI. Use converters (for example, CSV to VCF Converter for conversion.

💡

VCF (vCard) is a universal format for transferring contacts, and is supported by all modern smartphones and services (Google, iCloud, Outlook).

Google Contact Sync: Why it’s Better Than SIM Storing

Keeping contacts on SIM-map - an outdated method with a number of shortcomings:

• ❌ Limiting the number of characters in a single contact (e.g., you can’t keep a full address).
• ❌ No support for photos, additional fields (dates of birth, email).
• ❌ Risk of data loss in case of damage SIM.

🔹 Benefits of syncing with Google:

• ☁️ Automatic backup.
• 🔄 Access contacts from any device (including PCs via contacts.google.com).
• 📱 Support for all fields (including notes and categories).

How to set up synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the Contact switch.
3. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously imported contacts from SIM to the device (not Google), they will not sync. To transfer them to your Google account, export them to your Google account. VCF Import through the web version of Google Contacts.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Duplicate contacts after importation.

🔹 Solution: Use the merge function in the Contacts app: Settings → Contact management → Combine duplicates.

Error 2: Contacts are imported without names (numbers only).

🔹 Solution: Check the storage format on SIM. Some operators (e.g. Tele2) keep numbers in a non-standard form.

Mistake 3: SIM-card is not defined in the slot.

🔹 Decision:

• Check the physical connection (switch the SIM).
• Update network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Mobile network settings → Automatic network selection.
• If the problem remains, contact the service center (possible malfunction of the slot).

💡

Before importing contacts, turn off battery optimization for Contacts and Phone applications. This will prevent interruption of the process. Path: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions