How to import contacts with SIM-Xiaomi maps: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards seem like a simple task – until you face typical problems: duplicate records, coding failures (instead of Cyrillic – Krakozyabr) or the lack of import options in the menu. This is especially true for users who are switching from button phones to modern Redmi, Poco or Xiaomi. 13/14 In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of import (including hidden ones), explain why some contacts may not be transferred, and show how to fix errors without losing data.

Modern versions MIUI 14/15 simplified the process, but the manufacturer removed some of the usual functions - for example, in the new firmware there is no separate item "Import with the manufacturer". SIM" Instead, the transfer is hidden in your account settings or requires third-party apps. We tested all the methods on Redmi Note devices. 12 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – and ready to share relevant instructions.

If you are faced with the fact that the smartphone does not see contacts on the SIM-The problem may be in the type of card (not all Xiaomi supports the old one). SIM 128K), Firmware region (Chinese versions) MIUI Often without import function, or corrupted data on the map itself. Don't be quick to blame the phone, check our recommendations first.

1. Standard import through the “Contact” app» (MIUI 14/15)

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Contacts in global firmware). MIUI This is a way to get less intuitive. Here's how to find the hidden option:

Open the Contacts app → three-point (⋮) top-right → Select Settings → Scroll to Contact Management. It should be Import/Export Contacts. If it's not, your firmware is Chinese or modified. MIUI, where the function is disabled by default.

In the menu, select Import with SIM-The system will tell you to choose which account to keep contacts:

• 📱 Local phone – contacts will only be saved on the device (risk of loss when resetting).
• ☁️ Xiaomi account – synced with the cloud (recommended).
• 📧 Google Account – convenient if you use Google services.

Once you select an account, you start importing, depending on the number of contacts, usually 10 seconds to a minute. If you're stuck in Contact Finder, re-enter and re-insert. SIM-The map (sometimes helps).

⚠️ Note: If phone numbers are displayed instead of names after import, check the display settings in Contacts → Settings → Display contacts as. Select the option "Name and surname".

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the balance SIM (Some operators block access to the card memory when the balance is negative)

Update the Contacts app in Google Play (if you use global firmware)

Shut down. VPN (It may interfere with synchronization with the cloud)

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2.Import via the phone’s “Settings” (alternative method)

If there is no import option in the Contacts app, try an alternative route through system settings, which works even on Xiaomi’s Chinese firmware, where some features are removed:

Go to Settings. → Memory. → SIM-maps and mobile networks. Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM 1: MegaFon. Contacts will appear at the bottom of the screen. SIM-cards -- tap on him.

Here you will see a list of contacts saved on the SIM. Press three points (⋮) In the upper right corner, select Import Everything, and the system will prompt you to select your target account (similar to the first method).

The advantage of this is that you can selectively import only the right contacts, not all of them. SIM There are old rooms that I don’t want to carry.

Global (Global)

European (EEA)

Chinese (China)

Russian (Russia)

The other (castomic)-->

3.Import via Google Contacts (for sync with Gmail)

If you use Google services, this method will not only transfer contacts to the Internet. SIM, But you can also automatically sync them to your Gmail account:

Open the Google Contacts app (if not, download from Google Play). In the upper left corner, tap three horizontal lines (☰) → Choose Import. The system will tell you to choose the source. SIM-map.

Once imported, the contacts will appear in your Google account and automatically sync to your phone, and the main advantage of this method is that you back up in the cloud, and even if you reset the phone to factory settings, the contacts will recover when you reauthorize.

If after importing some numbers are displayed incorrectly (for example, instead of "+7" is "8"), fix the format manually:

• 📞 Open contact. → press edit.
• 🔢 Remove extra characters (brackets, dashes) and add an international code (+7 for Russia).
• 🔄 Save the changes – they sync with the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously imported contacts from SIM through the standard Xiaomi app and then repeated the procedure through Google Contacts, duplicates may appear. manually delete them or use the Connect and Fix function in Google Contacts.

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Before importing through Google Contacts, check if sync is enabled: go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google → Contact sync: If the option is disabled, contacts will not be saved to the cloud!

4. Use of third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)

If the built-in tools Xiaomi do not see contacts on the SIM, We've tested a few and selected the most reliable ones:

1. SIM Card Contacts Backup (free, no ads)

• 🔹 Supports import/export in.vcf and.csv formats.
• 🔹 Works with Cyrillic (properly displays Russian names).
• 🔹 It allows you to edit your contacts directly to SIM-map.

2. Contacts+ (Paid version with extended functions)

• 🔹 Automatically corrects duplicates and incomplete records.
• 🔹 Integrates with WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram.
• 🔹 There is a backup function to the application cloud.

To import contacts through SIM Card Contacts Backup:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Select Import with SIM → Enter your target account (local or cloud).
3. Confirm the import – the contacts will appear in the phone book.

If the app does not see SIM-map:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check that SIM slotted SIM 1 (some apps don't work with the second slot).
• 🛠️ Update the application to the latest version.

5. Manual export to file VCF and importing Xiaomi

If the automatic methods do not work, you can export contacts with the SIM You can use a.vcf file and then import it to Xiaomi, which is universal and works even on custom firmware devices.

For export:

1. Take another phone (such as an old Samsung or Nokia) where contacts are made with the phone. SIM mapped correctly.
2. Export contacts with SIM.vcf file (usually available in the contact menu).
3. Flip the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Email or cloud storage.

For import on Xiaomi:

1. Open the.vcf file (the system will prompt you to import contacts automatically).
2. Select your target account (local or cloud).
3. Confirm the import – the contacts will appear in the phone book.

If you have an error when importing "File corrupted", try:

• 📄 Open the.vcf file in the text editor and delete the extra characters at the beginning/end.
• 🔄 Restore the file via another phone or PC.
• 📥 Use an online converter (e.g. vcf-converter.com) to verify the file.

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File. VCF — It's a universal format for transferring contacts between any device. If standard methods don't work, export/import through VCF Becomes the most reliable solution.

6. Problem Solving: Coding, duplicates and no import option

Even after successful importation, Xiaomi users often face three main problems: incorrect encoding (instead of Cyrillic – question marks), duplicate contacts, and the lack of import options in the menu.

Problem 1: Cracosabre instead of Russian letters

The reason is the discrepancy between the codings SIM-- I'm using a card and a phone:

• 🔤 Use the app. SIM Card Contacts Backup – It automatically corrects the encoding.
• 📝 Manually edit contacts after import (long but reliable).
• 🔄 Export contacts to.vcf on another phone and then import to Xiaomi.

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts

Doubles appear if you have imported contacts multiple times or they have already been synced to the cloud.

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Combine Doubles.
2. Use the Contacts app+ (There is an automatic merger function).
3. Manually delete duplicates through Google Contacts (web version is more convenient).

Problem 3: No import option on the menu

If the Xiaomi settings do not include the import point from SIM, The reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 You have Chinese firmware without Google services. Solution: run the global version. MIUI.
• 🔌 SIM-The card is inserted into the wrong slot (try slot 1).
• 🛠️ An outdated version of the Contacts app. Update it via Google Play.
• 🔒 The operator blocked access to memory SIM (Solution: use another device for export.

Incorrect coding (cracker)

Duplicate contacts

There is no import option on the menu.

Contacts are not transferred at all.

Another problem.-->

7. Features of import on different models Xiaomi

The import process may vary depending on the Xiaomi model and version. MIUI. We tested several popular devices and identified key differences:

Xiaomi 13/14 series (MIUI 14/15)

On flagships, the import option is hidden in Settings → Memory. → SIM-The standard Contacts app doesn't always see SIM, If it is inserted into the second slot, we recommend using Google Contacts or third-party utilities.

Redmi Note 12/11 Series

Here, imports work stably through the Contacts app, but there may be a problem with encoding on the SIM-old-style (SIM 128K). Solution - replacement SIM modern USIM operator.

Poco F5/X5 series

On devices with pure Android (no shell) MIUI) Imports are made through Google Contacts. Poco’s built-in Contacts app does not support the work with the Internet. SIM.

Black Shark 5/6

Black Shark gaming smartphones have modified firmware, where the option of importing from the game is SIM The only way to work is to use a.vcf file or third-party applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about importing contacts on Xiaomi