How to import contacts from SIM-cards to Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards seem like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties: the system does not see contacts on the SIM, there are import errors or duplicate records. MIUI Up to workarounds for old models and non-standard situations.

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi series) use their own MIUI shell, which sometimes hides the standard Android features. For example, in some versions of the firmware, the import option with SIM is hidden in the depth of the menu, and in new models (starting with the Mi 11) it can be removed altogether, we will show where to look for the right settings and what to do if the phone “does not see” contacts on the SIM.

Important: Before starting the procedure, check if yours supports your SIM-Contact storage card (usually old Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM cards). Modern Nano-SIMs often lack this feature, and contacts are stored only in the phone's memory or the cloud.

1. Standard import via MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It works on most models, including the Redmi Note. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and flagship Mi 13/14. The main condition: SIM-The card must be inserted into the slot SIM1 (On some models, import only works with the first slot).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
3. Choose Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Press Import with SIM-map.
5. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

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

• 🔍 Check if it's inserted. SIM slot SIM1 (On some Xiaomi models, import only works with the first slot).
• 📱 Update Contacts via Google Play – new versions may return.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.

Check the slot SIM-maps (should be) SIM1)

Update the Contacts app to the latest version

Make sure that your SIM has saved contacts (check on another phone)

At least 30% battery charge (in case of a long process)-->

Limitations of the method:

• Not all Xiaomi models support imports with SIM in newer MIUI versions (starting with MIUI 13, the feature may not be available).
• Only the name and number are imported – additional fields (email, address) are lost.
• If the SIM contacts are more than 200, the process may be interrupted.

2.Import via Google Account (if SIM is not readable)

If the phone does not see the contact SIM-But they are (checked on another device), you can use Google Account as an intermediate storage. MIUI 12/13/14, where standard import is not available.

Algorithm:

1. Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (e.g. old Samsung or Nokia) where the import function is stable.
2. Export your SIM contacts to your Google Account (on Android) or to your.vcf file (on your iPhone).
3. Return SIM to Xiaomi and log in to the same Google Account.
4. Open Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync and enable it.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 All contact fields are saved (not only numbers, but also email, addresses).
• 📱 It works even if it does. MIUI does not support imports from SIM.
• 🔒 Contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud.

💡

If you don’t have a second phone, try to insert it. SIM into USB-modem or tablet SIM-Many Huawei or Samsung models allow you to export contacts to a.vcf file, which can then be downloaded to Xiaomi.

Possible problems:

• If SIM contacts are recorded in a non-standard format (for example, with Cyrillic in the room), Google may not correctly recognize them.
• When synchronizing, duplicates may appear (solved through Settings → Contacts → Combine Doubles).

3. Use of the VCF file (for advanced users)

The.vcf file (vCard) is a universal format for storing contacts. If your Xiaomi can’t see SIM, but the contacts are there, you can export them to the VCF on another device and then import them to MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (or use a SIM-enabled card reader).
2. Export contacts to.vcf: On Android: Contacts → Settings → Export. On iPhone: Use iCloud or the Contacts for Export app.

.vcf

Xiaomi

Bluetooth

Telegram

Conductor

Open the file and the system will prompt you to import contacts.

If the file does not open:

• 📁 Check the extension – it should be.vcf, not.txt.
• 🔧 Use a third-party app, such as Contacts+ or Simpler Contacts.
• 🖥️ Try opening a file on your PC via Outlook or Google Contacts, then sync with Xiaomi.

The benefits of VCF are:

• 📎 All contact fields (photos, notes, additional numbers) are saved).
• 🔄 You can edit the file before importing (remove unnecessary contacts).
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO F3/4/5 redmi K50.

4. Third-party applications for import with SIM

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, third-party tools come to the rescue, and we tested a few apps and selected the most reliable ones for Xiaomi:

Recommendations for use:

• 📌 Contacts+ — Best choice for importing c SIM Xiaomi. Supports batch editing and backup.
• 🔍 Simpler Contacts is open source, no advertising, but the interface is less intuitive.
• ⚠️ Avoid low-rated apps (below 4.0) – they may contain malicious code.

Standard (MIUI)

Contacts+

Google Contacts

Simpler Contacts

Other-->

Important: Before installing third-party applications, check the permissions. The contact utility should only ask for:

• Reading contacts
• Record of contacts
• Access to storage (for export/import of VCF)

If the application requires access to SMS, Geolocation or Camera, it is suspicious.

5. Problem Solving: SIM is not defined or contacts are not imported

Sometimes Xiaomi doesn’t see any contacts. SIM-And the map, although it's good, is the typical cause and the way to fix it:

Problem 1: The phone can't see SIM-map

• 🔌 Replace it. SIM In another slot (if you have Xiaomi with two slots).
• 🧹 Clear the contacts. SIM-cards with soft cloth (sometimes oxidation interferes with reading).
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime).

Problem 2: SIM contacts are available but not imported

• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in new firmware bugs are corrected).
• 🔧 Reset the Contacts app settings (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Drop it).
• 📎 Try importing contacts one at a time (sometimes package imports fail).

Problem 3: Some contacts are missing after importation

• 🔍 Check if they are filtered (click on three points in Contacts) → Show contacts → Select All Contacts).
• 📊 Export contacts with SIM into VCF On another phone and compare the number of records.
• 🔄 If contacts are duplicated, use the Unite function in Contact settings.

💡

If none of these methods work, the problem is most likely the problem. SIM-Try to transfer contacts to a new one. SIM Operator (usually a free service in the salons).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi 9) after importing contacts can be saved to the phone's local memory, not to Google Account.To avoid data loss when reset, manually export them to the cloud: Contacts → Settings → Exports.

6. Alternative methods: Bluetooth and PC Suite

If none of the above methods worked, less obvious, but working options remain:

Method 1: Bluetooth transmission

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (such as Samsung or Nokia).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
3. On your old phone, select Send Contacts. → Through Bluetooth.
4. Accept the file on Xiaomi and save your contacts.

Method 2: Use of Mi PC Suite

• 🖥️ Download the official Mi utility PC Suite from Xiaomi website.
• 📱 Connect your phone to the PC by USB (Turn on the debugging. USB in Developer Settings).
• 📂 In the program, select Contacts. → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.

Method 3: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If you have fewer contacts (up to 20), it is easier to enter them manually:

1. Open Contacts. → + (Add).
2. Fill in the fields and save.
3. Repeat for all contacts.

This is the most reliable method, but it's the longest, and it's suitable for important contacts that you can't lose.

Comparison of ways to import contacts on Xiaomi

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and newer standard imports with SIM-The cards can be disabled by default, and the only way to do that is to use a Google Account or file. VCF.

FAQ: Frequent questions about importing contacts

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13/14 and hybrid slots under SIM (For example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4) Importing contacts can be unstable. SIM-Try leaving only one (with contacts) in the slot. SIM1 repeat.