How to copy contacts with SIM on the phone Xiaomi Redmi

Switching to a new smartphone or replacing it SIM-The cards often challenge users to quickly restore the phone book. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices may face a situation where numbers are stored on the operator's chip rather than in the cloud. This creates the risk of data loss when the device breaks down or the plastic card itself is lost.

Fortunately, MIUI and its newer version of HyperOS provide built-in tools for data migration, without the need for third-party software or sophisticated technical skills, a process that takes only a few minutes if you know the right sequence of actions in the system menu.

In this guide, we will break down all the available import methods: standard, through Google services and using Xiaomi branded utilities. We will also discuss the nuances that will help avoid duplication of records or loss of important details, such as additional numbers or email addresses.

Preparation of SIM-card and compatibility check

Before you start transferring, you need to make sure that the physical health of the media. Old SIM-cards format 2FF (Mini-SIM) or 3FF (Micro-SIM) can have limited memory, usually up to 250 records. Modern 4FF cards (Nano-SIM) often have no memory to store contacts, relying solely on network services.

Put the card in your Redmi slot and wait for the network to come up «SIM-No card found" or "No service, try to wipe the contacts on the chip with soft cloth. Sometimes oxidation interferes with the correct reading of the data, and the system will not be able to detect the list of numbers to import.

Modern Xiaomi smartphones automatically detect the presence of entries on the SIM. However, if you have a dual-SIM device, make sure you are working with the right slot.Switching between SIM cards in the settings may be required if the import does not start automatically.

Important: Memory size SIM-It doesn't store second numbers, addresses, photos, long names, and when you move some of the information, it can be cut off or lost, so backing up to the cloud is the only way to keep it long-term.

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Before starting the procedure, take a picture of the screen with a contact list on your old phone, if it is still available, to check if all numbers have been successfully transferred.

Import contacts via the standard MIUI menu

The fastest way to transfer data is to use the phone book's built-in functionality, which requires no internet connection and works even in flight mode, since reading is done directly from the chip.

Open the Contacts app (the orange man icon). In the upper right corner or in the settings menu (three dots or three bars), find the item "Import/Export contacts", the system will suggest selecting the source of the data.

Select the option to import with SIM-You'll then be asked to specify your destination, and for maximum data security, you'd better choose a Google account or Device, but not the Device itself. SIM-card so as not to make copies on a chip.

Once you've selected the recipient, you'll start copying, you'll see a progress bar on the screen, don't switch to other apps at that point, so you don't interrupt the system request, and when you're done, you'll see a report of the number of numbers that have been successfully added.

Note that when you import into your device (in memory of your phone), the contacts will only be tied to that device, and if you reset or lose your device, they will disappear irrevocably if you are not synchronized with the cloud.

Synchronization through Google Account

The most reliable method for Android owners is to work through the Google ecosystem. Unlike storage on SIM or in the phone's memory, Google Contacts' cloud service stores the history of changes and allows you to recover deleted records from the past 30 days.

First, make sure your account is added to your settings. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. If you don't have an account, click Add Account and enter your Gmail details. Without this step, automatic saving won't work.

Return to the contacts app and select import from SIM. As the target storage, specify your Google account. The system will suggest matching fields if the name formats on the SIM card are different from the standard ones. After confirmation, the download will begin.

The advantage of this method is that your numbers will be available on any device, whether it's a tablet, a computer or a new smartphone, and just log in to the same account, and the phone book will be automatically updated over the Internet.

Using the Mi Mover app for migration

If you’re switching from an old Android smartphone to a new Redmi, Mi Mover is the perfect assistant, and it’s not just about your contacts, but also your photos, apps, and system settings without losing quality.

Install the app on both devices (on the new Xiaomi, it is already built into the Tools folder) and start the program and select the device role: “I send” on the old phone and “I receive” on the new one.

Scanning. QR-The code will create a secure Wi-Fi connection between gadgets. In the data list for transmission, be sure to check the item "Contacts" and subitem «SIM-map" if the numbers are stored there. The speed depends on the amount of data, but usually takes no more than a minute.

This method is especially useful if you have accumulated many duplicates.Mi Mover may suggest combining the repeated entries before final saving, which will ensure the cleanliness of the phone book on the new device.

Solution: Contacts are not copied or duplicated

Sometimes it doesn't go smoothly, and users may encounter a memory overflow error or see that once they import, one subscriber is listed multiple times, typical problems that can be easily solved.

If the system writes about a memory error, try clearing the cache of the Contacts app. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts → Memory → Clear the cache. Don't confuse it with Clear Data, otherwise you will delete the current phone book.

The duplicate problem occurs when numbers are stored on both SIM and Google and in the phone’s memory at the same time. MIUI can combine them, but sometimes requires manual intervention. In the contact app, find the Contacts Organization menu and select Combine Duplicates.

It is also worth checking the format of the storage of rooms. SIM-When imported on a smartphone with an international SIM card, the numbers may not be identified as known unless you add a prefix. +7 or +380 manually.

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Regular cleaning of duplicates and checking the format of numbers (+7) ensures the correct operation of messengers and the number determinant.

Comparison of data retention methods

The choice of storage method depends on your habits and security needs, and below is a table to help you determine the best option for your use case.

As you can see from the table, the storage SIM-The map is the most archaic and risky method, and it is recommended to use it only as a temporary storage when changing devices, immediately transferring data to the cloud.

For users of the Xiaomi ecosystem, a combined approach will be optimal: basic synchronization through Google for cross-platform and backup through Mi Cloud to save specific system settings.

⚠️ Note: When exporting contacts to SIM-The card (reverse process) names can be cut down to 15-20 The symbols will be removed, and the second numbers will be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: Do not keep a single copy of important numbers only on the SIM-Plastic media has the ability to demagnetize and fail over time, even if you're not actively using it.