Changing your smartphone is always accompanied by stress, associated with the risk of losing important data, especially when you need to move contacts, because it is through them that the main communication takes place. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face the question of how to properly import records from the old one. SIM-card or other phone so as not to get confused in duplicates.
Modern operating systems offer many synchronization options, but the classic method of copying to physical media remains relevant, and this is especially important when switching from button phones or devices based on the use of a mobile device. IOS, And the way you do this, the cloud sync, you can't set up, and the way you do this, you can avoid manually entering hundreds of phones.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of working with a phone book in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. You will learn about the hidden import functions, methods of cleaning duplicates and backup methods that ensure the safety of your database in any situation.
Preparation for data transfer and compatibility check
Before you start active actions, you need to make sure that the initial SIM-The card is technically sound and readable. Older Mini-SIM cards may not work properly in new slots without adapters or mechanical trimming, which sometimes leads to memory read errors. Make sure the contacts are actually written on the card chip, not in the memory of the old device.
It is important to understand the limitations of the storage format. SIM-The card has an extremely small amount of memory and often crops long names or does not support saving multiple numbers for a single contact. SIM It should be considered as a temporary solution or an intermediate step before the final synchronization with the cloud.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any contact operations, be sure to back up your current phone book, even if it is empty, to record the system status in case of a software failure.
If you plan to transfer data from another smartphone, make sure that both devices are at least 50-60% charged. The process of importing large numbers of records can consume significant CPU resources, and suddenly turning off the device will interrupt the operation.
Instructions: importing contacts directly from SIM-map
The most common scenario is to download numbers that are already on the card inserted into your phone. To do this, open the standard Contacts or Phone app on your Xiaomi device. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of the action remains the same.
Click on the menu button, which is usually represented by three dots in the corner of the screen or the settings icon. In the list that opens, select "Import / Export Contacts." The system will prompt you to select the source of data — in our case, this is the case. SIM-map.
Follow the algorithm further:
- 📲 Select a SIM card if there are two on the phone (SIM 1 SIM 2).
- 📥 Specify destination – it is recommended to choose a Google account or phone memory, not the store itself. SIM.
- ✅ Confirm the action with the button “Import” or “OK».
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed without turning off the device screen.
Once the operation is complete, the system will notify you of the successful addition of records. If contacts do not appear immediately, try restarting the device or forcefully updating the contact list in the application settings. Sometimes it takes time to index new entries in the Android database.
☑️ Checklist of successful imports
Working with several SIM-maps and source selection
Many Xiaomi users use dual-sim smartphones, which creates additional nuances when transferring data. When two active cards are in the device, the system always asks for clarification of which media to read the information from. An error in choosing a slot will lead to the fact that the import will not take place or the wrong data will be read.
In some cases, especially older versions of firmware, it may be necessary to physically rearrange the cards. If the numbers are on the card that is installed in the second slot, and the import function is unstable, it makes sense to temporarily move it to the first slot, which often solves problems with the recognition of the data source.
When working with two cards, it is important to keep track of where the new numbers are saved. MIUI You may want to keep contact with the same SIM-The card you read from or the card you're assigned to for outgoing calls. Always check the Save in box carefully to keep your chip memory from overflowing.
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If you have two. SIM-maps of different operators, before importing temporarily disable the second card in the settings to avoid confusion when choosing a data source.
Also, when two cards are running simultaneously, contacts can be duplicated if both have the same numbers. Xiaomi’s smart contacts system is able to combine duplicates, but it is better to control this process manually after importing, which will ensure the cleanliness of the phone book and easy search.
Synchronization through Google Account and Cloud Services
The most reliable and modern way to store contacts is synchronization with Google Contacts, which eliminates data loss when a device breaks down, is stolen or replaced. SIM-Maps, cloud profile allows you to store an unlimited number of records with full names, photos and additional fields.
To set up sync, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. If you have previously saved numbers to your phone, the system will automatically prompt you to combine them with the cloud base when you first turn on sync.
The advantages of using the cloud:
- ☁️ Instant access to numbers from any device that logs into your account.
- 🛡️ Protection against data loss even when completely replacing your smartphone.
- ✏️ Ability to edit contacts from a computer through a browser.
- 🔄 Automatically update changes to all connected devices.
Xiaomi device owners can also use their own Mi Cloud service, which works on a similar principle and is often integrated deeper into the system, allowing you to restore contacts even without Google services.
Comparison of Storage Methods: SIM, Phone, Cloud
The choice of location of the contacts directly affects the usability and security of the contacts, each method has its own technical limitations and advantages, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best data backup strategy for your use case.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of different contact information media in the Android environment:
| Parameter | SIM-map | Phone memory | Google Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory capacity | Very small (250 contacts) | Depends on free memory. | Almost unlimited. |
| Length of name | Limited (often 14-20 characters) | No restrictions. | No restrictions. |
| Number of rooms | Usually 1 contact. | Unlimitedly. | Unlimitedly. |
| Security | Low (if card is lost) | Medium (depending on the backup) | High (cloud storage) |
As can be seen from the comparison, the storage of SIM-The card is the most archaic and least functional way. The phone's memory is good for local use, but requires regular manual export. Cloud services provide the best balance between convenience, functionality and reliability.
⚠️ Never keep a single copy of important contacts only on the SIM-the card, as if it is damaged or lost, the data recovery will be almost impossible.
Removing duplicates and cleaning the phone book
After mass importing contacts, especially if you combine data from multiple sources (SIM, old phone, instant messengers), duplicates often arise. The same person can be recorded as "Alexei", "Alexei Mob." and "Alex Home." Xiaomi offers built-in tools to solve this problem.
To clean up, open the Contacts app, click on the menu, and select Contact Organization or Contact Management. Find Repeated Contacts Combined. The system will automatically analyze the database, find matches by phone number or name, and suggest combining them into a single card.
The consolidation process:
- 🔍 The system scans the database for similar records.
- 👥 You are shown a preview of contact before and after the merger.
- 💾 All numbers, email addresses and addresses are stored in one card.
- 🗑️ Old duplicate records are deleted, freeing up space.
If the automatic pairing missed some pairs, you can do it manually. Open the contact card, click the menu (three dots) and select "Combine." Then select the second contact from the list that you want to join. This is useful when the names are written differently, but the numbers match.
What to do if the contacts are not displayed correctly?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it that after importing from SIM-The cards are missing contact photos?
Can I restore contacts if I accidentally deleted them with SIM?
How to transfer contacts if the screen of the old phone is broken?
Where are the physical contacts on the SIM-map?
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The most reliable way to keep your contacts on Xiaomi is not to SIM-a regular synchronization with Google Account, which guarantees the safety of data in any situation.