Changing your device is always stressful, with the risk of losing important data, with phone numbers taking the top spot. Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone owners often face the need to quickly move entries from an old phone book stored on the phone. SIM-The current Android operating systems provide powerful tools for migrating data, but the shell interface is a powerful tool for the internal memory of the new gadget. MIUI It may have its own characteristics that are incomprehensible to beginners.
The import process does not require a computer connection or third-party paid software, as all the necessary functions are built into the standard Contacts app. It is critical to back up before starting any manipulation of the phone book to avoid accidental deletion of records. In this article, we will detail a step-by-step algorithm that will allow you to safely and quickly move all numbers to your Redmi 8.
Before you start, make sure that SIM-The card with the saved numbers is correctly installed in the slot of the device and is determined by the system. If you use two-sim mode, pay attention to which slot the card with the data is inserted into, so as not to get confused when choosing the source of import. Proper preparation of the device ensures that the process will pass without technical failures and reading errors.
Preparation of SIM-card and compatibility check
The first step should always be to physically check the medium. SIM-Mini-SIM cards may not fit into the Xiaomi Redmi 8 slot without a special adapter or cropping, as the device supports nano-SIM. Make sure the card sits tightly in the tray and the contacts are not oxidized, as poor contact can lead to a number database reading error.
After turning on the smartphone, you need to check whether the system sees the installed card. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and make sure the switch opposite the desired slot is activated.If the card status is displayed as "No network" or "Not defined", import contacts will not be possible until the connection problem with the operator is resolved.
It is also worth noting that the format of storage on older SIM cards can be limited. Often, these cards only contain a name and a single number, ignoring additional fields like email or address. MIUI when importing will try to count all available fields, but be prepared for the fact that some of the information may be cropped due to the limitations of the card chip itself, not the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SIM-Interrupted reading of data may cause damage to the card file system or partial loss of records.
If you are moving from a push-button phone or a very old smartphone, the number of contacts can be limited to the card’s capacity (typically 250 entries), in which case it is advisable to break the transfer process into several stages or use an intermediate device to upload data.
Import contacts through the standard application
The basic method of transferring data in the MIUI shell is implemented through the built-in Contacts application, which is the most reliable and does not require the installation of additional software. The algorithm of actions is simple, but requires careful choice of the transfer direction, so as not to create duplicates or lose data.
To start, open the Contacts app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the upper right corner, you'll see three dots or a menu icon that will open the list of available actions when you click on it, and we're interested in the Import Contacts item that the data port wizard runs.
☑️ Pre-import checks
After selecting the point of import, the system will prompt you to specify the source of the data. SIM-map, SIM 1 SIM 2) Next, you need to select a destination: it is recommended to choose a Google or Phone account, but not the phone itself. SIM-The map is designed to avoid cyclical copies.
Press OK or Import to start the process. A progress notification will appear on the screen, which will disappear when the operation is completed. If there are many contacts, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of data and the speed of reading the map.
- 📱 Open the “Contacts” app on your desktop.
- ⚙️ Click on the menu (three dots) and select “Import contacts».
- 💾 Select the source «SIM-Map and location of Google or Phone».
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the process to end.
It is important to understand the difference between storage on your phone and in the cloud. When you choose to save to Phone, data will only be stored in the memory of the Redmi 8 device. When you select a Google account, it automatically syncs with the server, which will allow you to restore it when you lose or replace your gadget at any time.
Working with duplicates and combining records
A common problem with moving contacts is the appearance of duplicates, which happens if you previously synced some numbers through Google, and now add them to the same number. SIM-I'm a card-shell. MIUI has a built-in tool for cleaning the phone book, which greatly simplifies the life of users.
To find and delete duplicate entries, reopen the Contacts menu and select “Clean Duplicates” or “Combine Repeated Contacts” and the system will scan the database and offer options for an automatic merger or manual confirmation for each pair.
When you merge records, the system stores all the unique fields, for example, if one contact with a computer SIM-The card had only a number, and the cloud twin had an email, and when you combine it, you'll have one card with a complete set of information, so you can structure the database and make it easy to search.
Why do duplicates arise?
It is recommended to do this cleaning regularly, especially after migrating from another device, not only frees up space (albeit minimal), but also speeds up the Contacts app and search the phone book when incoming calls.
Synchronization with Google account
A modern smartphone, including the Xiaomi Redmi 8, is unimaginable without being tied to the Google ecosystem. It's not just a formality, it's a necessity for the device to function properly. Keeping your contacts in a Google account is the most reliable way to protect against losing them.
If you choose to save to Phone when importing, you can still move them to the cloud. Go to your contacts settings, select Export, and specify the VCF format, saving the file. Then, through Import, upload this file by selecting your Google account source. However, it is easier to set up the correct sync right away.
Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated. Once turned on, the smartphone will automatically download all numbers from the cloud and save new ones to the same, making your phonebook instantly available on tablets, computers and other phones.
| Storage area | Advantages | Deficiencies | Risk of loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM-map | Universality, transfer to any phone | Small capacity, lack of photo and email | High (physical damage) |
| Phone memory | Quick access, support for all fields | Data will disappear when reset or break down | Medium (depends on backups) |
| Google Account | Autosaving, access from any device | Internet is required for initial download | Minimum |
Google Contacts Cloud Storage also allows you to edit numbers via your computer, which is very convenient for maintaining a business base or family archive.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
For users who switch to Xiaomi from another Android smartphone or iPhone, the company has developed a special application Mi Mover.This tool allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, applications and system settings without using a computer or the Internet.
Although the main question is SIM-If you have a map, you can use Mi Mover as an alternative if you have your contacts already loaded into memory on your old device, it creates a direct Wi-Fi connection between your devices and it transmits data at high speeds, and this is especially true if you have a direct Wi-Fi connection between your devices. SIM-The map is new and empty, and the old one is lost.
Run the app on both devices (on the new one, select “I am the recipient” and on the old one, “I am the sender”). QR-The process is fully automated and does not require user intervention, which minimizes the risk of human error.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Mover, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or use a direct connection created by the application.
This is ideal for people who want to clone an old phone one-to-one, but if your goal is to read the data from the chip, it's a very simple process. SIM-Cards, standard import via the Contacts app remains a more direct and quick solution.
Solving and eliminating errors
Sometimes the import process may go wrong, users may encounter a message saying "Can't import contacts" or see a blank list after the transaction is completed, most often due to a software failure of reading or damage to the file structure of the user. SIM-map.
The first step when errors occur is to restart the device, which will clear the system's temporary cache and may resolve the conflict of processes blocking access to the card data. SIM-map, wipe the contacts with a soft cloth and insert back.
In some cases, the problem lies in the encoding of names. Older cards may use encoding that is not fully supported by the current version of Android. If the names appear as a set of characters or characters, try exporting the contacts to a.vcf file through another phone and then importing that file to Redmi 8.
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If the import fails, try to insert SIM-card to another, older phone, export contacts to a memory card or to the cloud, and then upload them to Xiaomi.
It’s also worth checking the app’s permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → Contacts → Rights and make sure the app has access to phone and contacts. Without the appropriate permissions, MIUI’s security system can block the recording operation.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer contacts to the iPhone Xiaomi Redmi 8 through the SIM-map?
How many contacts can hold SIM-map?
Will contact with the SIM-Cards after importation by phone?
What if the contacts are saved but no names (numbers only)?
Is it safe to keep contacts only on SIM-map?
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The best strategy is to use SIM-map only as temporary transport for numbers, and the main storage to make a cloud account Google.
To conclude, moving contacts to the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a simple and fast procedure, and the main thing is not to neglect creating backups and use the capabilities of cloud synchronization to protect your data in the future.