Owners of new smartphones often face the need to quickly transfer data from an old device or SIM-Especially relevant is the issue when the address book has accumulated many numbers that need to be quickly moved to the memory of Android. POCO This process is implemented as convenient as possible, but has its own nuances, depending on the shell version. MIUI or hyperos.
Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand that storing numbers directly on the operator’s plastic card is a thing of the past. SIM contacts have a limited recording format, often cropping long names and not allowing you to add additional fields like email or addresses, and moving them to an internal storage or cloud account is the first step to competent data management.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available import methods, including standard system tools and third-party utilities, and learn how to avoid duplicates, properly configure synchronization, and protect your phone book from accidental loss when you flash or break your gadget.
Preparation for data portability and verification SIM-map
Before proceeding to active actions, you must make sure that the serviceability of the SIM-If you just pasted the card into the new Xiaomi, it takes some time for the system to read the operator's metadata. Make sure the network signal is stable and the card itself is free of physical damage in the contact area.
It's worth deciding where to store it. Phone memory or Google account are the best options for modern users. Cloud storage allows you to instantly restore numbers when you buy a new device by simply entering a username and password. Local storage is suitable for those who prefer to keep data exclusively on a device without access to the Internet.
💡
Before transferring, make sure that SIM-The map does have saved numbers, and sometimes users confuse the display of contacts from the phone's memory with the entries on the map.
Check the amount of free memory. Although text takes up the minimum space, when importing thousands of records, the system creates temporary files, and it is also recommended to charge the smartphone battery to at least 40-50% so that the process does not interrupt at a critical stage due to discharge.
Import contacts through the standard “Contacts” application
The most common and reliable method is to use the built-in shell functionality. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of actions remains the same for all models, whether it is Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14. Open the standard Contacts app (usually an orange icon with a human silhouette).
In the upper right corner of the screen, find a menu of three dots or horizontal bars. Click on it and select "Import/Export Contacts." In the window that opens, the system will suggest selecting a data source. SIM-If you have two SIMs, the phone will tell you to choose a specific one (SIM 1 SIM 2).
☑️ Import algorithm
Once you select the source, the system will request a destination, and it's critical to select a Google account if you want to have a backup. If you select Phone, the data will only be stored in the device's local memory. Confirm the action, and the copying process will begin automatically.
Using the Mi Mover app for migration
For users switching from an old Android smartphone to Xiaomi, the company has developed a specialized utility Mi Mover, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also photos, music, installed applications and even desktop layout, you can find it in the Tools folder or search in the settings.
Run the app on both devices. On the new phone, select "I'm the recipient" and on the old one, "I'm the sender." Devices will connect via Wi-Fi Direct, creating a secure data channel. In the list of items transferred, be sure to tick "Contacts" and, if necessary, "System contacts."
⚠️ Note: When transmitting via Mi Mover, make sure that the screens of both smartphones do not go out.Stop connection during the database transfer stage can lead to partial loss of records or the creation of broken contact files.
The advantage of this method is that Mi Mover automatically tries to combine duplicates, so if you had numbers stored in both SIM and memory in your old phone book, the system will try to check them by phone numbers and combine them into one card, saving all the fields.
Sync with Google Account and Cloud
The modern Android mobile operating system is cloud-based, so that your contacts don't go missing when you reset or lose your device, you need to activate sync. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Here you will see a list of all the associated services.
Select your Google account. Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is activated (blue or green). If the sync has been turned off, turn it on and click Sync (usually three dots in the corner or a separate button) and the system instantly uploads all local numbers to the Google Contacts cloud.
Xiaomi ecosystem users also have synchronization with Mi Cloud, which is convenient if you use multiple devices of the brand. In the Settings menu → Mi Account → Synchronization, you can configure in detail what data and how often will be sent to the manufacturer’s servers.
| Parameter | Google Contacts | Phone memory | SIM-map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | High (cloud) | Medium (depending on the device) | Low (physical wear and tear) |
| Data volume | Unlimited. | Depends on memory. | Limited (250-500 entries) |
| Details | Photo, email, addresses | Complete. | Name and number only |
| Availability | From any device | Only on this phone. | Only with this SIM. |
Solving problems with duplicates and coding
A common problem when importing with SIM is the appearance of “doubles.” This happens when the same number is saved in different formats (such as +7 and 8) or in different sources. The Contacts app on Xiaomi has a built-in cleaning tool. Go to the menu and select “Organize contacts” → “Combine repeats”.
Another common problem is Krakozyabr instead of letters in names, which is the problem of encoding, when Russian letters written on an old map are misread by the new system, in which case third-party software, such as the Copy My Data application or exporting a VCF file on a computer and then editing the encoding, will help.
What to do if the names are not read?
Remember that the VCF format is a universal standard. If the built-in tools cannot be transferred, you can export the SIM contacts to the file.vcf, transfer it to your computer, open it in a text editor (with the correct UTF-8 encoding), check and download back through the Google Contacts web interface.
Export contacts to a backup file
Even when using the cloud, it is useful to have a local copy in.vcf format. This is especially true for corporate users or those who change firmware frequently. To create such a file, go to the import/export menu and select Export to File or Export to Storage.
The system will suggest you to choose which contacts to unload: only with SIM, You should choose "All contacts" and the file will be saved in the root of the internal memory or in the folder. MIUI/backup/contacts. This file can be copied to a flash drive, sent to a messenger or saved to a cloud disk.
⚠️ Note: Contact backup file may contain personal information, do not store it in public folders or share it with third parties without first checking the contents.
It takes seconds to recover from a file like this, and you just click on a file in any file manager, and the system will suggest importing the data it contains, and this is the fastest way to bring a phone book to life on a new device without an Internet connection.
💡
Regular establishment VCF-Files and uploading them to cloud storage is the best insurance against loss of important numbers when a smartphone breaks.