Many users, when buying a new smartphone like the Xiaomi Redmi 8, face the need to transfer the phone book. SIM-It's a map that was standard for push-button phones and early Android versions, but today's operating systems, including the shell. MIUI, Require more flexible data management than the limited SIM card memory allows.
The process of copying numbers does not require a computer connection or technical knowledge. The whole procedure takes only a few minutes and is performed by the regular means of the system. It is important to understand that storing contacts only on a SIM card carries risks: if you damage the plastic or lose the card, you can lose all important numbers.
In this article, we will discuss how to transfer records to your Redmi 8 in detail, and not only the import mechanism itself, but also why it is better to use a Google account for backup, which will ensure that data is safe even in the event of a device breakdown.
Why it is important to transfer your SIM contacts to your phone
Keeping a phone book on a SIM card is a relic of the past that is gradually fading into history. SIM-The card is extremely limited and often does not allow you to save additional data, such as email addresses, subscriber photos or multiple numbers for a single contact.
When you migrate to Xiaomi Redmi 8, you get access to cloud sync, which means your contacts will be linked to your Google account. If you lose your phone or decide to change it to a new model, just enter your username and password to recover the entire phone book in a couple of seconds.
Another advantage is speed: Finding contacts stored in a smartphone memory or in the cloud is instantaneous, while reading data directly from a SIM card can take longer and put extra strain on the controller when you access them frequently.
In addition, modern instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram integrate better with contacts stored in your phone’s memory, and they can automatically detect which of your lists have accounts in those apps, as long as the numbers are saved in the correct international format, which is easier to control in a full-fledged Android phonebook.
Xiaomi Redmi 8 Preparation for Data Transfer
Before you start copying, you need to make sure that the SIM card is properly installed in the device. The Redmi 8 model uses a hybrid tray, so it is important to insert the SIM card into the device. SIM-Once the phone is turned on, the system must identify the network and display the operator icon in the status bar.
Make sure your device is logged in to your Google account. That's where we'll save the copied numbers for maximum security. Check for an active internet connection, as sync can start automatically immediately after import. It's also a good idea to check the battery power so the process doesn't stop halfway through.
⚠️ Note: If more than 500 contacts are stored on the SIM card, the import process can take several minutes.Do not open heavy applications during copying, so as not to overload the smartphone's RAM.
Before you start, you should go to your contacts and check which account is the default to save new records, usually your primary Google account"SIM-It is better to change this setting so that new numbers immediately fly to the cloud.
Step-by-step: import contacts through the standard application
The basic method of transferring data in the MIUI shell is done through the standard Contacts app. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic of actions remains the same for all Xiaomi devices. First, open the Contacts app on the home screen or in the Tools folder.
In the interface that opens, look for the three dots or menu icon in the top right corner (sometimes on the left, depending on the regional version). Click on it to reveal the list of available actions. In the drop-down menu, select "Import contacts".
☑️ Pre-import checks
The system will suggest you to choose the source of the data, and there will be several options in the list: "Mi Account", "Google", "Phone" and "Phone"SIM-- Select a map"SIM-And then the smartphone counts all the records that are available, and if there are two SIM cards, the system will ask you which one to copy the data from.
In the next step, you'll be asked to choose your destination, and for maximum reliability, choose your Google account over your phone, which ensures that contacts don't go away when you reset. Click OK or Import to start the process.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Source | SIM-map (SIM 1 SIM 2) | Select a card with records |
| Appointment | Google account / phone / Mi Account | Only Google account. |
| Format | vCard or system format | Automatic choice |
| Duration | Depends on the number of rooms. | Don't interrupt the process |
Alternative method through system settings
Sometimes, a standard contact application may not work properly or be hidden by the manufacturer in some builds, and then you can use Android system settings, which is a deeper method that allows you to manage data at the system level without the application interface.
To do this, go to the main settings menu of Xiaomi Redmi 8. Scroll down to the "Applications" or "System Apps" section. Find "Contacts" or "Import and export contacts." In some versions of MIUI, this item is listed separately in the "Advanced Settings" section.
Inside the contact management menu, select the option "Import with" SIM-The system will request confirmation of action. The good thing about this method is that it's less dependent on graphical interface bugs and works even if the contact application is hanging".
⚠️ Note: When using system settings, make sure you do not select the "Delete from" option. SIM-"cards" after import, unless you have made a pre-copy. Always import first, check the result, and then clear the SIM card.
If you use third-party launchers or shells, the path to settings may be different, so the easiest way to search is by settings: type the word "import" or "contacts" in the search bar, and the system will tell you the desired section.
What to do if the import is frozen?
Solution: Contacts are not copied or cropped
One of the common problems with data transfer is name cropping, which is due to the technical limitations of the storage format on older SIM cards, which often only support 10-15 characters in the name field. When importing on Redmi 8, you can see that long names have shrunk.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to recover the cropped parts of names after they have been written to the SIM card, as this information is physically lost. However, if you have saved the old phone book in paper form or on the previous smartphone, you can manually edit the contacts after import.
Another common problem is duplication of records, and if you've saved some numbers to your phone before and now imported them from your SIM card, you may have twins. Android often offers to merge them automatically, but sometimes you have to manually do this through the contact editing menu.
Users may also encounter a situation where when importing numbers are written without a country code (for example, without +7), which can lead to problems with determining the number in messengers, it is recommended to check the format of the numbers after import and, if necessary, add the country code manually or through the "Replace prefix" function in the contact settings.
💡
Tip: After importing, go to Google Contacts via your computer browser (contacts.google.com), where it is most convenient to edit names en masse, delete duplicates and distribute contacts into groups.
Synchronization and backup in Google
After successfully importing contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 8, it is critical to make sure that sync is done. Open your phone settings, find Accounts and Sync (or simply Accounts) section. Select your Google account from the list.
In the account menu, make sure the switch opposite the Contacts button is active (blue or green). If it's turned off, turn it on. The system will immediately start exchanging data with the server. You can click on three dots in the corner and select Sync to force the process to start.
You can check the results by opening the Contacts app and selecting only your Google account in the display filter, and if you see all your numbers there, it was a success, and now your data is protected from loss even if your SIM card or your smartphone breaks.
Regular synchronization allows you to edit contacts from any device, whether it’s a tablet, computer or other phone, and all changes will instantly affect your Redmi 8, creating a single ecosystem where your data is always relevant and accessible.
💡
Key point: Imports to SIM-For a permanent and secure operation, always keep your main contact database in your Google cloud account.