Changing your smartphone is always stressful, not only because you're getting used to a new interface, but also because you have to move your personal data, and one of the most critical things is to keep your phone book, because losing numbers can be a real problem. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face the question of how to properly import records from the physical SIM-cards to the internal memory of the gadget so that they are displayed correctly and synchronized with the cloud.
The process of transferring the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS is as simple as possible for developers, but has its own nuances. Unlike older button phones, modern smartphones require choosing the target storage: local storage of the device or Google account. This choice determines whether your numbers will remain if the device breaks down or switches to another model. Importing contacts is the first step you need to do immediately after you turn on a new device.
In this article, we will go into detail about all the ways to transfer data, look at possible errors and explain why storing numbers in the cloud is a more reliable option. You do not need to be a technician to perform this operation.
Preparation of SIM-card and compatibility check
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that your SIM-Older Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM SIM cards that have been used for years may have limitations on memory or the number of characters in a contact name. Modern Nano-SIM cards don’t usually have these issues, but the physical condition of the chip plays a major role.
If you just got a new one. SIM-The card from the operator, it's probably empty, and in this case, there's nothing to transfer, and you should copy the numbers from the old phone to the SIM, and then paste it into Xiaomi, and make sure that the card sits tightly in the tray and is determined by the system. Check for network signal in notification curtain.
⚠️ Attention: If SIM-The card is damaged by the chip or is badly worn, the reading process may be interrupted, in which case, try to gently wipe the SIM contacts with a soft dry cloth before installing.
It is also worth considering that some operators use special service management menus that may conflict with standard phone requests, but for a basic import operation, this is rare. PIN-code, if installed, otherwise the system will not get access to the notebook on the chip.
Standard method of import through the Contacts app
The primary and most reliable method of data transfer is built directly into the Contacts system application, which works on all current versions of MIUI and HyperOS firmware. To start, open a standard "ringer" or a separate application with a phone book icon, which usually has a blue or white icon with a human silhouette.
In the interface that opens, find the settings menu. Depending on the version of the shell, it can be in the upper right corner (three dots or three stripes) or can be accessed via swipe to the right. You need to find the contact management item, often called Settings or Contact Management.
☑️ Checklist before import
Inside the settings menu, select Import/Export contacts. The system will prompt you to select a data source. SIM-And then the phone will scan the contents of the chip, and if there's a record on the SIM, you'll be asked to choose the target storage: Phone or Google.
You should choose a Google account. This will provide automatic synchronization: if you lose your phone, the numbers will be saved to the cloud and appear on any other device after you log in. Once you select the storage, confirm the action, and the copying process will take a few seconds.
Using Mi Mover to Migration Data
If you're switching from an old smartphone to Xiaomi, it's more convenient to use the Mi Mover utility, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, music, system settings and even the placement of icons on your desktop. Both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, even if it's a hotspot network created by one of the phones.
Run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select Receiver and on the old phone, Sender. QR-If you have a code or connection through a device search, select a category of contact data, the system will determine whether it is stored on a SIM card or in the memory of an old device, and will prompt you to move it.
This method is particularly good because it avoids double copying (from SIM to phone, then from phone to phone). Mi Mover will immediately transfer everything to the right place on the new Xiaomi.
What if Mi Mover doesn’t find the device?
Synchronization through Google account
The most modern and correct approach to maintaining a telephone book is the refusal to store numbers on the phone. SIM-If your contacts are already saved to your Google account on an old device, the new Xiaomi just needs to log in to the same account. All numbers will automatically connect via the Internet.
To set up, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Select your Google account from the list. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated. If sync has been disabled, turn it on and click on Sync or three dots in the menu for forced updates.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Google account | Phone memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory capacity | Limited (usually 250-500) | No Limits (within the Google quota) | Depends on free memory. |
| Photo preservation | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Additional fields (email, address) | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Risk of loss | High (if card is lost) | Low (cloud storage) | Medium (when the phone breaks) |
Google Contacts allows you to edit numbers from your computer, restore remote contacts from the past 30 days, and combine duplicates. It is a powerful tool that makes storing numbers on a SIM card a thing of the past. Only synchronization with Google guarantees data security when you completely replace your device.
Solving Common Import Problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter errors. Often, contacts are not displayed in the call list after import. In this case, open the Contacts app, click three dots in the corner and select Display Settings. Make sure that the tick is opposite All contacts or the selected account.
Another common problem is "krakozyabr" instead of letters in company names or names, which is because of mismatched encodings when contacts were being transferred from very old phones, and this can be solved by exporting contacts to a.vcf file to a computer, opening them in a correct encoding text editor (UTF-8), and then importing them back.
⚠️ Note: When importing with SIM-Long names can be cut off from cards. SIM-Often times, the length of the contact name is limited. 16-20 Check the important numbers after the transfer.
If the phone is writing "SIM-The card is empty, even though you know the numbers are there, try rebooting the device. Sometimes the telephony services don't have time to read the data when you start the system. Also check if the contacts are hidden in the settings of the SIM card application itself, if this option is available in your version of the firmware.
Cleaning duplicates and organizing the phone book
Once you move contacts from the SIM, you often have the same number written multiple times, once from the SIM card, once from the cloud or from the phone’s memory. Xiaomi has a built-in tool to solve this problem. Go to Contact Settings and find Contact Or Duplicate Combination.
The system will automatically find and drain repetitive records, a secure operation that will combine all numbers and additional data (photos, emails) into one card, and regular cleaning helps keep the phone book in order and speeds up the search for the right subscriber.
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Check contacts periodically for duplicates, especially if you change frequently. SIM-maps or sync with different devices.
You can also use the ability to divide contacts into groups: Family, Work, Friends, which will allow you to not only quickly filter calls, but also customize individual sound or vibration profiles for different categories of subscribers directly in the shell of MIUI.