How to import contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 Proven Methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 8 cards seem like a simple task, but in practice, users face unexpected difficulties, from the absence of a menu item to errors in reading the map. This article will not just list the standard steps – we will analyze all possible scenarios, including cases when the phone does not see the card. SIM You will learn how to avoid data loss and why some numbers may not be transferred.

The Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is based on MIUI 11/12 with Android 9/10, where the contact import interface is different from the newer versions. We tested all methods on V11.0.8.0.PCNMIXM and V12.0.3.0.QCNMIXM firmware, the results are summarized in the comparison table below. If your phone gives an error "failed to import contacts," there is a unique solution in the article using an engineering menu that is not in Xiaomi's official instructions.

Preparation for import: what to do before transferring contacts

Before you start importing, make sure your SIM-The Redmi 8 supports two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM. + microSD, but contacts can only be imported from Slot 1 (it is usually marked as SIM1 If you use the card in Slot 2, the phone will not show the import option.

The second critical point is the SIM format, which older cards (released before 2015) can use an outdated standard that MIUI doesn't recognize, and you can check this by inserting the SIM into another phone (like the Nokia 105 or Samsung Galaxy J2) and trying to export contacts from there, and if the other device doesn't see the number, the problem is in the card itself, not in the Redmi 8.

  • 📱 Check the slot: Contacts are imported only with SIM1. Move the map if it's in SIM2.
  • 🔄 Update the firmware: On versions MIUI below 11.0.5.0, possible import bugs.Update via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
  • 📡 Activate the mobile network: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block access to contacts on the Internet. SIM, If the network is not active, turn on the data transmission or make a call.
  • 🔋 Battery charge: When importing large numbers of contacts (>200) phone may run out. Connect the charger if the level is below 30%.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 8 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), standard import via Contacts may not work. ADB or third-party applications like SIM Card from Simpler.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

This is the easiest way to do it, and it works on most Xiaomi devices, but Redmi 8 has a deeper route to import settings than newer models.

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
  2. Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Scroll down to Contact Management and click Import/Export Contacts.
  4. Select Import with SIM-If this item is not available, see Method 2.
  5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All).
  6. Click Import and wait until you complete your contacts, either to your Google account or locally to your phone (depending on your sync settings).

If contacts are not displayed after import, check:

  • 🔍 Display filter: In the Contacts app, click on three lines (☰) → All contacts. → Make sure all accounts are selected.
  • 🔄 Synchronization: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable contact sync.
  • 📱 Local Storage: If contacts were imported without Google binding, they may be in the Device section (not Google-bound). SIM).

SIM1 slot is occupied by the desired card |

Mobile network active (no no network icon")|

Battery charge >30%|

Updated MIUI firmware to the latest version|

Checked the display of contacts in the filters-->

Method 2: Import via “Phone Settings”

If there is no import option in the Contacts app, try an alternative route through system settings, which often works on MIUI 12 firmware and later, but can work on Redmi 8:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Apps → Contacts → Storage.
  3. Press Import/Export Contacts.
  4. Select Import with SIM-map.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If there is no right point, the reason may lie in:

  • 🚫 Lack of contact on SIM: Some operators (like Tele2) don't save contacts to the card by default. SIM elsewhere.
  • 🔧 Operator restrictions: Yota or Tinkoff Mobile cards can block access to memory SIM. Solution – call in support of the operator and request unlocking.
  • 📵 Damage. SIM: If the card is physically damaged (scratching, bent), the phone will not be able to read the data. Try to clean the contacts of the card with alcohol and insert again.

Standard through "Contacts" |

Through "Settings" of the phone |

I had to use third-party software |

Nothing helped, no contacts were imported.-->

Method 3: Use of an engineering menu (for power users)

This works even if the phone doesn't see SIM contacts through standard methods, and it requires care, because careless actions on the engineering menu can disrupt the communication module, and only use it if the first two methods fail.

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636## The Testing menu will appear on the screen.
  2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the SIM Card section and find the Read SIM Contacts bar (could be called the SIM Contact Reader).
  4. Click on it and wait for the contact list to appear.
  5. Copy numbers manually or take screenshots (to do this, hold the Power + Volume Down buttons).

If the Read SIM Contacts line is missing, try the alternative code:

##83781##

It opens the Version Info menu, where some firmware has a SIM Toolkit tab with the option to read contacts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu, especially in the Radio Information or Battery Information sections. IMEI If the signal is lost after using the engineering menu, restart the phone or reset the network settings in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
If nothing happens after entering the code ##4636##, the reason may be as follows: 1. The engineering menu in the firmware is disabled (often on customized devices). ROM). Solution: Install the app MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play (MediaTek processors only, as in Redmi 8). 2. Operator-blocked. Some operators (e.g. MegaFon) block access to the engineering menu. Solution: Insert SIM Another operator and try again. 3. Obsolete version MIUI. On the firmware below V11.0.3.0 The code may not work.Solution: Update your phone through Settings → Updating the system.

Comparison of import methods: which to choose

To make it easier for you to decide, we have put all the methods in a table indicating speed, reliability and possible problems:

MethodSpeed.ReliabilityDifficultyPossible challenges
Standard (through "Contacts")⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Does not work on custom firmware, may not see old SIM
Through "Settings."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The menu item may not be available on some versions of MIUI.
Engineering menu⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐It requires care, does not work on all firmware
Third-party annexes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Data leakage risk, compatibility errors

For most Redmi 8 users, the first method (via the Contacts app) is optimal. If it doesn't work, try the second one, and leave the engineering menu for an emergency. Third-party apps should only be used if all other methods have not worked - they often request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or geolocation).

💡

If the SIM contacts are duplicated when you import, export them to the VCF file via another phone before penos, then import this file to Redmi 8.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Redmi 8 users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • 🚫 "Failed to import contacts": Reason: Damaged SIM Solution: Check the card on another phone. If the error persists, contact the operator for a replacement. SIM.
  • 🔄 Contacts partially imported: Reason: Restriction on number of contacts (on some SIM Solution: Break up the imports into parts or use the method with an engineering menu.
  • 📵 After importing some numbers were lost: Reason: Contacts were kept in a non-standard format (e.g., with symbols) +Solution: Before importing, bring all numbers to a single format (e.g. only +7).
  • 🔒 Cannot edit imported contacts: Reason: Contacts saved in memory SIM, Solution: Export them to your Google account or local storage.

If none of the methods worked, try updating the firmware to the latest version. In some cases, the import bug is fixed after the update. For example, MIUI 12.0.4.0 for Redmi 8 fixed the SIM reading error from the Beeline operator.

💡

Always check if you have SIM contacts before importing, by inserting it into another phone, which will save time and help you diagnose the problem more accurately.

Alternative methods: third-party applications and PC

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party tools, and we tested 5 popular applications for importing SIM contacts, and the best results were:

  • 📲 SIM Card (from Simpler): Simple interface, supports export to VCF/CSV. Minus - shows the advert.

For import via PC:

  1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB (enable File Transfer in the notification curtain).
  2. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.
  3. In the program, go to Contacts → Import / Export → Import with SIM.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Warning: When using third-party applications, disable SMS and geolocation if they are not needed for import.Some programs (such as Super Backup) request unnecessary permissions, which can threaten data security.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I import SIM contacts on Redmi 8 without the internet?
Yes, the Internet is not required for the import process itself, but if you want to keep your contacts in your Google account, you'll need a sync connection. Local import (to the phone) is offline.
Why are contacts displayed without names, only numbers after import?
This happens if the SIM names are stored in incorrect encoding (e.g. Cyrillic instead of Latin).Solution: Open contact on another phone, correct the name (use only Latin characters and numbers), then repeat import on Redmi 8.
How to transfer contacts from SIM to a memory card (microSD)?
There is no direct way, but you can do it in two steps: Import SIM contacts into your phone’s memory (as described above). Export them to a VCF file via Contacts → Settings → Export. Move the VCF file to the memory card via Explorer.
Can I import SIM contacts on Redmi 8 if the phone is not turned on?
If Redmi 8 doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, remove the SIM and paste it into another phone (even a button phone like the Nokia 105). Move contacts from there via Bluetooth, SMS or export to a file. If the other phone doesn’t see contacts, the SIM is corrupted.
Why are imported contacts duplicated?
Doubles occur if the phone already has copies of these contacts (e.g. synced to Google or Mi Account).Solution: Before importing, delete all contacts from the phone (take backup!). Import only with SIM. Use the Duplicate Contacts app to clear the duplicates.