How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi maps: a complete guide with error solutions

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards seem like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of import options in the menu to card reading errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer (including hidden features). MIUI), Explain why some contacts may not be imported and show you how to avoid data loss when changing your phone.

Features of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — modified MIUI, which sometimes hides the standard Android features, such as some versions of the import option SIM hidden in Settings → Memory. → Import/Export, not in the Contacts app. We tested all methods on the latest versions. MIUI 14 (Android 13/14) And they found the only reliable way for two-way devices. SIM-cards – it is described in the section on manual export.

If you are switching from an old phone (for example, Nokia) 3310 Or Samsung on Bada) on Xiaomi, this guide will help you save all the numbers without loss, and we will also tell you how to check how many contacts are actually stored on your phone. SIM-Maps – Many users are surprised to find that there is only one map. 10-15 note-book 200.

Preparation: verification SIM-maps and contacts

Before transferring contacts, make sure they are actually saved to SIM-Many users mistakenly think that all the numbers are stored there, when in fact they are synchronized with Google Account or recorded in the memory of the phone.

To check the contents of the SIM:

• 📱 Put it in. SIM-The card is in the old phone (if it still works).
• 🔍 Open the "Contacts" and select the filter "SIM-Map (in Android, it is usually Contacts) → Menus. → Display contacts → SIM).
• 📊 Count the number of records – standard SIM It can hold a maximum of 250 contacts (each with only a name). + number, without photo or additional fields).
• ⚠️ Note the format of the numbers: if they are stored with the country prefix (e.g., the number is not specified, +7 instead of 8, this can cause problems when importing.

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-Nano-SIM card and previously used in iPhone or Samsung phones with the function "Contact" SIM", Check it on another device. Some operators, for example, Tele2) block the recording of contacts SIM after activation of eSIM.

If you don’t have an old phone, you can use it. USB-SIM reader (stands) ~300₽ Connect it to your computer and check the contents through the software. SIM Card Data Recovery or PhoneBook. This will also help if contacts are on the phone. SIM damaged.

Method 1: Standard importation through "Contacts" (MIUI 12-14)

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app, but its implementation in MIUI is different from pure Android, and the import option can be hidden.

Instructions for MIUI 14 (Android 13/14):

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Scroll down to Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Select Import from SIM-card → tick the desired contacts (or click Allocate).
5. Specify your target account to save (e.g., Device or Google).
6. Confirm the import - the process will take 10-30 seconds.

If the item Import from the SIM-card is not:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the option appears after the reboot.
• 📱 Check if it is inserted correctly SIM-map (on some Xiaomi slots) SIM2 Does not support reading contacts).
• 🔧 Update the Contacts app via Google Play (sometimes Xiaomi rolls back the version).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) Cyrillic names disappear when imported. Solution: change the system's language to English before importing, perform the transfer, then return Russian.

3. Method 2: Import via "Settings" (for MIUI with two SIMs)

If your Xiaomi has two slots under SIM-If you have a card, standard import may not work due to a conflict of profiles, then use an alternative path through system settings:

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Tap on Import/Export contacts (in some versions this item is called Backup).
3. Select Import with SIM-map → specify the slot (SIM1 or SIM2).
4. Mark the contacts for transfer and select the save location: 📱 Device – Contacts will only be saved on this phone. ☁️ Google – synced with your account (recommended). 📧 Mi Account – Save to the Xiaomi Cloud (requires authorization).

Confirm the action – contacts will appear in the phone book in 10-20 seconds.

If the Import/Export option is not in Settings → Memory, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Memory → Clear data

After cleaning the cache of the Contacts app, restart the phone - the import option should appear.

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If contacts are SIM recorded "89xxxxxxxxx", not "+79xxxxxxxxx", After importing, add the prefix manually: open the contact → Edit → Add in "+7" in front of the number, which will eliminate the problems with outgoing calls.

Method 3: Manual export via VCF file (for complex cases)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone can’t see) SIM-card or makes an error, use a workaround: export contacts from the SIM To another phone, then transfer them to Xiaomi via.vcf file.

You'll need:

• 📱 Second phone (even the oldest on Android 4.4)+ iOS).
• 💾 Memory card or cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📂 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SIM-card.
2. Export your SIM contacts to.vcf: On Android: Contacts → Settings → Export to memory card. On iPhone: use iTunes or iCloud for export.

contacts.vcf

Xiaomi

Bluetooth

Xiaomi

This is the only method that works 100% for two-device devices. SIM-If the standard import refuses to see the second SIM. It is also useful if you contact them. SIM corrupted – a.vcf file can be opened on a PC and edited manually (e.g., to Excel via conversion).

5. Solving Errors in Importing Contacts

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi users face mistakes, and consider the most common ways to fix them:

If the contacts were imported but not displayed:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes you need to restart the sync service.
• ☁️ Enable sync with Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application: Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Memory. → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ After importing, the contacts may be duplicated. To delete the duplicates, open "Contacts" → Settings → If you don't have the option, use the Duplicate Contacts app from Google Play.

6. How to avoid future contact loss

SIM relocation is a one-time procedure, so you don't have to do it again when you change your phone, set up automatic backups:

Ways to reserve on Xiaomi:

• ☁️ Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact sync (turn on the switch) Contacts will be available on any device after logging in to your account.
• 📱 Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Contacts. Suitable if you only use Xiaomi devices.
• 💾 Local Backup: Use the App SMS Backup & Restore (retains both contacts and SMS memory-card).
• 📧 Exports to VCF: Regularly (once a month) export contacts to the file: Contacts → Settings → Exports.

If you change phones a lot, the most reliable option is sync with Google, which works even when you reset your phone to factory settings, to check if sync is enabled:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Slip on your email → scroll to Sync your account.
3. Make sure the switch opposite the Contact is active.

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Never keep your contacts only on the SIM-It can fail, get lost or not read in a new phone. Always duplicate data to the cloud or to a memory card.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)