Where in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is the import of contacts: the full guide

Transferring contacts to a new smartphone is one of the first tasks faced by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 user. MIUI, The import function is not obvious, and the transfer methods depend on the source of the data. SIM-map, Google account, VCF-file or other phone – each option requires a separate algorithm of actions.

Many users lose hours searching for import menus because Xiaomi regularly updates the location of options in new firmware versions. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of 2026, including hidden features and workarounds for cases where standard import does not work.

If you have previously used smartphones from other brands, be prepared for the fact that the MIUI The import process is different. For example, there's no separate Contacts app in the classical sense, but it's distributed across Phone, Settings and Google Accounts. This is often confusing, but after reading this article, you can move contacts to other locations. 2-3 minutes without loss of data.

Important: Before you start importing, check that the phone has the latest firmware installed. MIUI 11-12 The import menu may be missing or not working properly. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Where on the menu is the import of contacts: the official way

The standard import method is hidden in the Phone app, but not everyone knows how to get there. The Redmi Note 8 algorithm is as follows:

1. Open the Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen or in the app menu).

2. Swipe on the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe left on some firmware versions).

3. Select the item "Contact Management" (in some localizations - "Contacts").

4.In the menu that opens, click "Import / Export contacts".

If you have a custom firmware or modified version installed MIUI, In this case, try an alternative route: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

Please note: Redmi Note 8 with version MIUI 13+ the point of import may be called "Contact Transfer" and be directly in the settings of the Contacts application.

2. Import of contacts from SIM-card: step-by-step instructions

Transfer of contacts with SIM — The Redmi Note 8 supports imports only with nano-SIM (the second slot may be occupied by a memory card:

1. Insert. SIM-card with contacts in the first slot of the phone (under the card tray).

2. Go to the phone. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.

3. Select "Import with" SIM-map".

4. tick the desired contacts (or click "Select all").

5. Specify your account for saving (local phone or Google).

6. Confirm the import with the "Done" button.

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Attention: SIM-The cards have a limit on the number of contacts saved (usually the number of contacts saved). 200-250). If you have more records, break down imports into parts or use alternative methods.

After importing, it is recommended to check the duplicates.

1. Open Contact.
2. Press three points. → "Contact management".
3. Select "Combine duplicates".

Check that SIM Inserted into slot 1 (not microSD)

Make sure that the contacts are recorded on SIM (Not a phone memory)

Battery charge >30% (in case of failure)

Make a backup of contacts on your old phone-->

3. Transfer of contacts from Google account

If you’ve previously used an Android phone and synced your contacts to your Google account, you can easily transfer them to the Redmi Note 8, a method that ensures data is safe even when you reset your phone.

1. Connect to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

2. Go to Settings → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.

3. Enter your Google account details (if not already added).

4. Go back to Settings → Accounts. → Google → [your email].

5. Activate the "Contacts" slider for synchronization.

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Note: If contacts do not appear after synchronization, check: 🔹 Is there enough space in the phone’s memory (contacts take up to 50MB). 🔹 Is the power saving mode on (it can block background synchronization). 🔹 Are you using the Chinese version? MIUI Google Play Services (Separate installation of Google Play Services required).

For forced synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Put it on your account.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
4. Select "Sync Now."

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If contacts are duplicated after being imported from Google, use the "Combine and Correct" feature in your contact settings, which automatically finds repeated entries by phone numbers or email.

4.Import of contacts from VCF-file (vCard)

.vcf (or.vcard) files are a universal format for transferring contacts between devices, and can be exported from an iPhone, an old Android phone, or even a computer. Here's how to import them into Redmi Note 8:

1. Transfer the.vcf file to your phone:

- By email (open the attachment and save the file).

- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

- With cable. USB-OTG (flash-drive).

Upload to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) and download to your phone.

2. Open the file:

- Find him in the files. → Downloads (or folder where saved).

- Slip on the file - the system will suggest importing contacts.

3. Select an account to save (local or Google).

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Note: If a file weighs more than 10MB (over 1,000 contacts), break it down using services like this. VCF Redmi Note 8 may not be able to handle large files due to RAM limitations.

Alternative way for large files:

1. Install the Google Contacts app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and tap the avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select "Import" and specify the path to the file.

5. Transferring contacts from another phone (Android/iPhone)

If you change your smartphone and want to transfer contacts directly, Xiaomi has a built-in solution called the Mi Mover app, which runs on Wi-Fi Direct and doesn't require internet.

1. Install "Mi Mover" on both phones (available from the Play Market or App Store).

2. On the Redmi Note 8, select "I'm the new phone."

3. On the old phone, select "I'm an old phone."

4. Scan it. QR-screencode.

5. Select "Contacts" in the data list for transfer.

6. wait for the process to be completed (may take up to 5 minutes for 1000)+ contact).

For the iPhone, the algorithm is slightly different:

1. On iPhone, export your contacts to iCloud (Settings) → [name] → iCloud → Contacts → Exports vCard).
2. Send the file to yourself by email.
3. On Redmi Note 8, open the letter and save.vcf.
4. Import the file as described in Section 4.

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Note: When transferring from your iPhone via Mi Mover, you may lose contact photos and additional fields (such as dates of birth).

6. Import contacts via Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi users)

If your previous phone was Xiaomi, the quickest way is to use the Mi Cloud, which not only stores numbers, but also your call history, notes, and even some settings.

1. On an old Xiaomi phone:

- Go to Settings. → Mi Cloud.

- Turn on the Contact sync.

Wait until the backup is completed.

On Redmi Note 8:

- Enter the same Mi Cloud account (Settings) → Accounts. → Add an account → Mi).

- Go to Settings. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

- Activate the Contacts slider.

3. wait for the synchronization to be completed (it can take up to 10 minutes depending on the Internet speed).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 All contact fields (including photos and notes) are saved).
• 🔹 Automatic updates when adding new contacts.
• 🔹 Recovery capability even after resetting the phone.

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Note: If you are using the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 8 (with firmware for the Chinese market), Mi Cloud may not work without the help of the Chinese version. VPN. In this case, use a Google account or a.vcf file.

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Mi Cloud is the best option for Xiaomi users, as it stores the most complete information about contacts, including the history of interactions.

7. Problem Solving: What to do if contacts are not imported

Even if you do the right thing, sometimes you get wrong, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: Contacts are not displayed after importation.

• 🔹 Check if they are hidden in the display settings (Contacts) → Settings → Display contacts).
• 🔹 Make sure you choose the right account to save (local or Google).

Problem 2: “Not able to import contacts” error

• 🔹 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔹 If you import with SIM, Check it on another phone, it may be damaged.
• 🔹 For.vcf files, try opening them through Google Contacts in your browser.

Problem 3: Duplicate contacts after importation.

• 🔹 Use the “Combine Duplicates” function in your contact settings.
• 🔹 Turn off synchronization of unnecessary accounts (Settings) → Accounts).

Problem 4: Imports from iPhones are not working.

• 🔹 Export your contacts to.vcf via iCloud, not iTunes.
• 🔹 Check the file encoding – it should be UTF-8.

Critical information: If all contacts are missing after import, check the folder immediately /storage/emulated/0/Download file-proof contacts_backup.vcf — MIUI Sometimes automatically backs up before mass changes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about importing contacts in Redmi Note 8