How to import contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi: all working ways

Why contact with the SIM-The cards are not displayed on Xiaomi?

You just put it in. SIM-The new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but phone numbers from the phone book didn't appear on the contact list? MIUI — The thing is, modern phones don't scan by default. SIM-A card for saved numbers to avoid duplication of data with cloud services.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to import contacts with the SIM-Xiaomi maps, including official methods through settings MIUI Alternative solutions for old or non-standard SIM. You will also learn why some numbers may not be transferred and how to avoid data loss when changing your phone.

Before you start, make sure your SIM-The card is inserted correctly into the tray (contacts down!) and the phone recognizes it. If there is no network icon in the status bar, check the settings of the Mobile Network in the Settings section. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in MIUI 12/13/14.It works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 9 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
3. Select Contact Management → Import/export of contacts.
4. Press Import with SIM-maps and select the right one SIM (if).
5. Check the numbers you want to move or click Select All.
6. Specify where to save contacts: on the Device or in a Google account.
7. Confirm the import with the OK button.

It takes 10 seconds to a minute depending on the number of numbers, and then you'll have to check if the contacts are in the general phone book, and if they're not, reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Import/Export may be in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → If you don't find it, update the Contacts app via Google Play.

SIM card is recognized by the phone (there is a network)

SIM has enough free space for operations

The phone is not in energy saving mode

The "Contact" app is updated to the latest version-->

Method 2: Import through Google Account (for backup)

If you plan to sync your contacts to the cloud, it is better to import them to your Google account right away, which will protect your numbers from being lost when you drop your phone or replace them. SIM-Algorithm of action:

1. Start Contacts → Menu → Contact Management → Import / Export.
2. Select Import with SIM-Maps and Targets – Google.
3. Sign in to your Google account if your phone requests authorization.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

To make sure that your contacts are saved in the cloud:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone.
2. Check if the imported numbers appear on the list.

Important: If you have previously synced contacts with another account (e.g. Mi Account), new numbers may be duplicated, and to avoid this, clear your contact list to Google before importing, or use the "Combine Duplicates" option in your settings.

1. Is sync enabled in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync.

2. Are there any restrictions on mobile data for the "Contacts" application?

3. Has the Google Play Services app been updated to the latest version.-->

Method 3: Using third-party applications (for older SIMs)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., Xiaomi Redmi 4X with outdated firmware), you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Sim Contacts Backup – saves numbers to a.vcf file, which can then be imported into the.vcf file. MIUI. Keeps the old ones in. SIM-memory-limited cards.
• 🔄 Copy My Data – transfers contacts between devices over Wi-Fi, including the Internet. SIM Useful when switching from iPhone to Xiaomi.
• 📊 Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts, SMS It can export data directly from the SIM.

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and select Import from SIM.
3. Mark the contacts you need and click Backup.
4. Save the.vcf file to internal memory.
5. Open standard Contacts → Menu → Management → Import / Export → Import from.vcf file.

⚠️ Note: Some applications request access to SMS If you install a program only for transferring contacts, reject these permissions in the Android settings (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

Through a Google account

With help. SIM-map

I use third-party apps.

Hand-held

Another way.-->

Method 4: Manual input for a small number of contacts

If you SIM-The card has less than 20 numbers, sometimes easier to enter manually, which ensures that there are no errors in importation (for example, loss of special characters in names:

1. Open Contacts and press + (add new contact).
2. Enter the name and number. Use voice input (the microphone icon on the keyboard) to speed up.
3. Specify the type of room (mobile, work, etc.) for ease of search.
4. Keep in touch by selecting Device or Google as your storage location.

Tip: If there are many names, but they follow a pattern (for example, "Ivanov +79..."), use the autocomplete function in MIUI. Start typing the first letters of the name - the system will prompt options from existing contacts.

Method 5: Transfer contacts via computer (for advanced)

If you have a card reader for SIM-Maps, you can export contacts via PC and then upload them to Xiaomi.This method is suitable for users who want to edit numbers before importing (for example, remove outdated ones).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📇 Card reader (or adapter for microSIM/nanoSIM)
• 🔗 Reading programme SIM (for example, SIM Card Data Recovery or PhoneBook)

Step-by-step:

1. Extract. SIM-card from the phone and insert into the card reader.
2. Connect the card reader to your computer and start the SIM reader program.
3. Export contacts to.csv or.vcf.
4. Edit the file if necessary (e.g. in Excel or Notepad).
5. Send the file to Xiaomi via email or messenger.
6. On your phone, import the file via Contacts → Import/Export → Import from the file.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow instructions correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Contacts were imported but not displayed

Probable cause: contacts are stored in a hidden group.

1. Open Contacts. → Menus. → Groups.
2. Check if there are any groups called SIM-import or Other Contacts.
3. Click on the group and select Display Everything.

2.Imports are interrupted with an error

This may be due to:

• 🔋 Battery shortages (plug charging in).
• 📶 Unstable network signal (switch to aircraft mode and back).
• 🛠 Damaged. SIM-Read the card (try reading it on another phone).

3 Not all contacts have been moved

Old ones. SIM-cards have a limit on the number of records (usually 250).If there are more numbers, they may not fit:

• Break the contacts into pieces and import them in turn.
• Use a computer to export all data (see Method 5).

1. Whether blocked SIM-map PIN-code (enter it in the settings).

2. whether the SIM is physically damaged (check the contacts for scratches).

3. Is the firmware obsolete? MIUI (Update your phone in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions