Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards seem like a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from the lack of a menu item to import errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts (including hidden ones), explain why some numbers may not be imported, and show you how to fix typical problems with the Internet. MIUI 12/13/14. We will pay special attention to the Redmi Note models. 12/13, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13/14, Where the import interface has changed.
It is important to understand that SIM-cards store contacts in an outdated format, and modern smartphones (including Xiaomi) work with extended fields (photos, multiple numbers, email). This often leads to data loss when transferring. We will tell you how to minimize risks and save all information. SIM or eSIM, the article has separate instructions for these cases.
Before you start, check: 1. Are there any contacts on the SIM-card (some operators default to save them to the cloud). 2 Is there enough memory on the device (import creates backups). 3 MIUI (In new assemblies, the path to import has changed).
If any of the points is in doubt, use the alternative methods described at the end of the article.
1. Standard import through "Contacts" (MIUI 14 and later)
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Contacts app, and in recent versions of MIUI, the algorithm has been simplified, but some users don't find the import button.
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
- Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
- Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts.
- Click Import and wait until completion (may take up to 2 minutes).
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi A2) Contact management is hidden. If it is not available, update the Contacts app via Google Play or use the method from section 2.
Free space on the phone (minimum 50 MB)
Battery charge > 30%
SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (on some models, the import works only from the main slot)
Disabled. VPN and energy-saving regimes-->
Why you may not be able to import:
- 📵 Damaged data on SIM — If the card is old (over 5 years old), the contacts may have been "lost." Solution: try importing on another phone.
- 🔒 Blocked contacts by the operator - some numbers (e.g. service numbers) are not portable.
- 📱 Google account conflict – if sync is enabled, new contacts can be duplicated. → Google accounts → Synchronization of contacts.
2. Alternative method: via the "Settings" of the phone
If the Contacts app doesn’t offer an import option, try doing so through system settings.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10C and POCO M5:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
- Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.
- Select your target account to save (e.g., Device or Google).
- Confirm the import and wait for the notification of completion.
On models with MIUI 13 and older, the path may be different: Settings → Memory → Import contacts. If this method does not work, move to method 3.
Redmi (Series Note, A, K)
POCO (F, X, M)
Xiaomi (digital series 11/12/13/14)
Black Shark
Other-->
3.Import through third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)
If the built-in MIUI tools refuse to import contacts, use third-party utilities. We tested 5 apps and selected the two most reliable ones:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Contacts Backup | Save to CSV/VCF, works with dual-SIM | Advertising requires permission to SMS | Google Play |
| Copy My Data | Wi-Fi portability, supported by Xiaomi | You need to install two devices. | Google Play |
| Super Backup | Backups to the cloud, export to XML | Paid version for recovery | Google Play |
The following is a step-by-step guide for SIM Contacts Backup:
- Install the application and open it.
- Select Import with SIM → specify the slot (SIM1 or SIM2).
- Mark your contacts and click Save as VCF.
- The file will be saved to the device memory → Download → sim_contacts.vcf.
- Open the file and the contacts will be added automatically.
What to do if the app does not see SIM-map?
4.Moving eSIM contacts to Xiaomi
Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro smartphones support eSIM, but importing contacts from it has peculiarities. The fact is that eSIM does not store contacts, they are tied to the operator's account.
- 📧 Synchronization with the operator account: Go to your operator’s application (for example, My Beeline, MTS Personal Account) and export contacts to the operator’s account. VCF.
- ☁️ Cloud Backup: Some operators (e.g, Tele2) automatically sync your contacts to Google. Check Settings → Accounts.
- 📱 Manual input: If contacts are few (up to 20), it is easier to enter them manually through Contacts → New contact.
⚠️ Note: If you delete your eSIM profile, all associated contacts will be lost. VCF or sync with Google Contacts.
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Before removing eSIM, take a screenshot of the contact list in the operator’s application – this will help restore them manually if the automatic export fails.
5. Solving common import errors
Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there may be problems, and we have collected the TOP-5 errors and ways to correct them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to import contacts | Damaged SIM or insufficient memory | Clear the Contact Cache in Settings → Applications |
| No import options | Outdated version of MIUI or custom firmware | Update the software or use third-party applications |
| Not all contacts are imported | Limitation on number (usually 250 contacts) | Break up imports into parts or use SIM Contacts Backup |
| Contacts are duplicated | Synchronization with Google or Mi Account | Turn off sync before importing |
If the contact was imported with errors:
- Export them back to SIM via Contacts → Export.
- Insert the SIM into another phone and check the integrity of the data.
- If your contacts are damaged, restore them from a backup (if any).
💡
Before any import/export, disable sync with Google and Mi Account to prevent duplication and data loss.
6. How to keep imported contacts for a long time
Moving your SIM contacts to Xiaomi is only half the battle. To avoid losing them when you reset or replace your phone, set up automatic backups:
- ☁️ Google Contacts: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google. Enable Contact Synchronization. Check the data at contacts.google.com.
- 📱 Mi Cloud (Xiaomi only): Open Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Activate Contacts and Auto Sync.
Local backup
- In Contacts, select Export → In memory of the device.
- Copy the.vcf file to a PC or flash drive.
⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps, set up separate profiles for each in Settings → SIM-map → Additionally. → Names SIM. This will help to avoid confusion when importing.
💡
Create a shortcut for quick contacts export: add the Contacts widget to the home screen and select Export/Import. Now backup to one tap!