How to import SIM contacts to Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi smartphone cards seem like an easy task, but in practice users face unexpected difficulties. 12 Pro+ or Redmi 10C), version MIUI (13, 14 or HyperOS and type SIM-The card (standard, micro, nano) process may be different. 2023-2026 In recent years, many owners have noticed that the old import methods have stopped working – the contact menu has changed, and some options are hidden in the depth of the settings.

This article will not only list the steps to move contacts, but also reveal hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions, such as why contact photos disappear when importing, how to circumvent the SIM entries limit, or what to do if the phone does not see contacts on the map at all, and we will also analyze alternative ways, from manual input to using third-party applications relevant to Xiaomi in 2026.

Preparation for import: what to do before transferring contacts

Before you start importing, make sure your SIM-Many modern Redmis (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro) only support nano-SIM, and older micro or standard-sized cards will require an adapter:

• 📱 Phone model: on models up to 2020 (e.g. Redmi) 8A) The import menu may be in another section.
• 📇 Type SIM-Cards: some operators (e.g. Tele2) block the recording of contacts on the card.
• 🔄 Backup: Export contacts with SIM on the computer or cloud, if they are unique.
• 🔋 Battery Charge: With a Large Number of Contacts (>200) process may take up to 5-7 minute.

Pay special attention to contact encoding. If you are transferring data from an old SIM (for example, released before 2015), the names can be displayed by cranks, in which case preprocessing on another phone (for example, Nokia 105 or Samsung E1200), which supports correct reading of outdated formats, will help.

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-card from the operator MTS or Beeline and issued before 2018, it can use an outdated standard of storage of contacts (ETSI GSM 11.11).In this case, Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 14+ You can't read the names in Cyrillic, so the solution is to move the contacts to the new one. SIM cameraman.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

This is the most obvious method, but it doesn't work on all firmware, and it's relevant for MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS (2023-2026):

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Tick the required contacts (or click Select All).
5. Specify your account to save: Device (locally) or Google (for sync).
6. Confirm the import with the button Ready.

On Redmi HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G), the path may be different:

Contacts → Profile (user icon) → Settings → Import / Export → Import with SIM

If the option Import with SIM-The card is missing, which means that:

• 🚫 SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts (typical for virtual operators such as Tinkoff Mobile).
• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, MTS Connect or corporate rates).
• 🛠️ The firmware has disabled the function (solved by resetting the settings of the Contacts application).

Method 2: Import via phone settings (hidden method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try an alternative way through system settings, which works even on Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience):

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Import / Export.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Wait for the scan (can take up to 2 minutes for 500+ contacts).
4. Select your target account: Local or Google.

On the Redmi models with two SIM-cards (e.g. Redmi 12) 5G) Import is possible only from the slot SIM1. If contacts are SIM2, Physically move the card to the first slot.

⚠️ Note: Redmi with HyperOS may have an error when importing through settings: "I could not read" SIM-Solution: temporarily shut down. PIN-code SIM In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If the built-in methods don’t work, use specialized utilities. We tested 5 applications and selected the best for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 📲 Sim Contacts Backup – Imports contacts even from blocked contacts SIM, preserve CSV/VCF.
• 🔄 Copy My Data – Transfers Wi-Fi contacts from another phone (relevant to Redmi Note 12).
• 📱 Super Backup & Restore – Supports backup on Google Drive.

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and select Import with SIM.
3. Mark contacts and click Save on the device.
4. Export to VCF format and import through standard Contacts.

The advantage of this method is the ability to edit contacts before import (for example, fix crankosabras or remove duplicates).However, be careful: some applications (for example, Contacts Optimizer) may request unnecessary permissions (SMS, calls).

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Before using third-party apps, check reviews for the past 3 months – some utilities after updates stopped supporting new Xiaomi models.

Solving the Problem: Why Contacts Are Not Imported

If the import process ends in error, the reasons may be as follows:

Redmi with MIUI 14 has a common problem with duplicate contacts after importation.

1. Before importing, export your existing contacts to the VCF.
2. After importing, use the function of Combine doubles in the Contact settings.

Transferring contacts from SIM to Google account (for synchronization)

If you want your contacts to automatically sync between devices, import them into your Google account:

1. Import through Contacts (as in Method 1).
2. At the stage of selecting an account, specify Google (authentication will be required).
3. Wait for the sync to complete (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync).

Advantages of this method:

• ☁️ Contacts are available on any device with your Google account.
• 🔄 Automatic backup.
• 📱 Editing ability via contacts.google.com.

Redmi with HyperOS may require additional confirmation: after importing, go to Settings → Memory → Backup and enable Autosynchronization of contacts.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a double SIM-map 13 Pro, contacts from both cards are imported into the same list. To separate them, add a prefix to the names before importing (for example, "SIM1_Ivanovo").

Alternative methods: manual input and PC-decision

If the automatic methods do not work, the manual methods remain:

• ⌨️ Manual input: Suitable for a small number of contacts (<50). Use voice input in Contacts to speed up.
• 💻 Using a computer: With a card reader, copy contacts with SIM on PC (SIM.card file), then convert to VCF via Outlook or Thunderbird.
• 📱 Bluetooth Transfer: Send contacts from another phone (such as an iPhone or an old Samsung) to Redmi.

The PC method will require:

1. Card reader (supporting SIM, such as Transcend RDF5).
2. SIM Card Data Recovery (for reading outdated formats)
3. Converter to VCF (e.g. CoolUtils).

Important: When working with SIM on PC, never format a card – it will delete all contacts without the possibility of recovery!

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For Redmi models older than 2020 (such as the Redmi 8), manual PC input may be the only working method due to firmware limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about importing contacts on Xiaomi Redmi