How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards: all ways 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to import errors in the phone. MIUI. This is especially true for the owners of Redmi models and POCO, wherein the management function SIM-Contacts are often hidden in the depths of settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways of transferring, from standard import through the contact menu to manual copying through the file system, how to avoid duplicate records, why some numbers don’t show up after transfer, and what to do if your smartphone can’t see. SIM-We'll focus on backup before the procedure, which will save you from data loss in case of failures.

For convenience, the instructions are adapted to the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS (2026), but will also work for older shells. If you use Xiaomi with pure Android (for example, Xiaomi 12T for the global market), the algorithm of actions will be similar, but with minor changes in the location of menu items.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start importing contacts, follow a few critical steps to prevent data loss and save time finding solutions to possible problems.

1. Check compatibility SIM-Not all modern Xiaomi smartphones support the old Mini-SIM (2FF) or micro-sim (3FF). Make sure your card fits physically to the slot.Say Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It only works with Nano-SIM (4FF). If the card is of a different format, it will have to be cut or replaced in the operator’s cabin.

2. Make sure you have contacts on SIM. Many users mistakenly believe that all numbers are automatically saved to the card.

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung).
2. Open the phone book and select a filter"SIM-map".
3. If no contacts are available, they are stored in your phone’s memory or Google account.

3. Back up. Even if you have duplicate contacts, you better be safe.

• 📱 Use the standard Contact App → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to the device (saves the.vcf file to internal memory).
• ☁️ Sync your contacts with Mi Account or Google (more on this in the next section).
• 💾 Copy the contacts.vcf file to your computer or cloud (e.g., Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

⚠️ Note: If you are moving your contacts with the old SIM-A card issued before 2010 may use an outdated storage format (e.g., a card issued before 2010, ADN). In this case, the Xiaomi smartphone will be able to import only names and numbers, without additional fields (email, address, etc.).

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The easiest method is to use the built-in import feature in MIUI. It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including the latest flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the budget Redmi A2+.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

Once the process is complete, the contacts will appear in the general phone book, which can be edited, added photos and synced with accounts.

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

Make sure there is enough free space on the map (minimum 10 KB)

Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode so you don't miss the error notification

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

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What if the contacts are not displayed after import?

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI Does not update the phone book immediately.
• 🔍 Check the filter in the Contacts app: tap on the magnifier icon and select All Contacts (not just Phone or Google").
• 📱 Make sure that SIM-Card activated: go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check status.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) import function (c) SIM If you can't see the Import C SIM-Maps, update the Contacts app via Google Play or use an alternative method (see next section).

Method 2: Transfer through settings SIM-map

If the standard import didn’t work, try an alternative route through the control menu. SIM-This method is particularly useful for HyperOS devices where the interface of the Contacts application may differ.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the smartphone settings.
2. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM 1: MTS).
4. Tap on the contact. SIM-Maps or Contact Management (name depends on version) MIUI).
5. Click Import with SIM and follow the hints on the screen.

The advantage of this method is that it bypasses possible bugs in the Contacts app. However, there is a nuance: some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi) 10C) do not show the contact point SIM-Cards if the card is inactive or blocked PUK-code.

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If you have a dual-sim smartphone (such as the Xiaomi 13T), make sure you choose the right slot.Contacts are imported only with the SIM that is installed in Slot 1 (usually marked as the main one).

Compatibility table of import methods for popular Xiaomi models:

Method 3: Manual export via file.vcf

If the automatic methods don't work, you can manually transfer contacts through an intermediate file, which is universal and works even on devices with corrupted firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Exports with SIM On the old phone, insert SIM In an older device (for example, Samsung Galaxy) J5). Open Contacts. → Settings → Export to memory card. Save contacts.vcf file to SD-card.
2. Transfer the file to Xiaomi: Copy the.vcf file to your computer, then move it to Xiaomi memory via a USB-Type C cable. Or send the file to yourself via Telegram/Email and download it to your smartphone.
3. Import to Xiaomi: Open the Contacts app. Go to Settings → Import/Export → Import from file.vcf. Select the copied file and confirm the import.

Important: A.vcf file can weigh up to 50MB if it has thousands of contacts with photos. Before copying, make sure that your smartphone has enough space in the "Other Files" section (checks in Settings → Memory).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 All contact fields (including notes, birthdays, addresses) are saved).
• 📁 You can edit a.vcf file in a text editor (e.g., delete duplicates).
• 🌍 It works on any device, even without access to the Internet.

Method 4: Sync with Google or Mi Account

If you plan to use contacts on multiple devices, the best option is to sync with a cloud account, which not only transfers numbers to the SIM, but also creates a backup.

Sync with Google:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Add a Google account (if not) or tap on an existing one.
3. Turn on the Contact switch.
4. Return to the Contacts app and import data from the SIM (see Method 1).
5. Once imported, the contacts are automatically synced to Google Contacts.

Sync with Mi Account:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account.
• 🔄 Enable the option of Contact Synchronization.
• ☁️ Import contacts with SIM (As in Method 1), then wait for the synchronization to be completed (the cloud icon in the status bar).

Warning: If you previously synced contacts with another account, there may be a duplicate conflict to avoid this:

1. Before importing, export your current contacts to a.vcf file (see Method 3).
2. Delete all contacts from your Google/Mi Account via the web interface (contacts.google.com or i.mi.com).
3. Only then import the data with SIM.

Google Account|Mi Account|Local Storage |Other service (iCloud, Yandex, etc.)|I do not sync-->

Solving common errors in transfer

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The smartphone does not see the contacts on SIM-map

• 🔌 Check the slot: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Contacts are read only from Slot 1.
• 🔄 Reboot the device: Remove SIM, Turn off your smartphone, insert the card back and turn it on.
• 📶 Update firmware: In MIUI 12 was a reading error SIM-Contacts - fixed in the patch from 2023.

2 Not all contacts are imported

• 📇 Limitation SIM: Old cards have a maximum of 250 contacts. The rest will have to be carried in pieces.
• 🔍 Group filter: In the Contacts app, check if some numbers are hidden (e.g., "Workers" or "Friends").

3. Mistake "Impossible to import contacts"

• 🛠️ Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Memory and press Clear cache.
• 📲 Use third-party software: Install the Sim Contacts Backup app from Google Play.

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If none of these methods help, check your physical condition. SIM-Scratches or cracks on the chip can block reading data, in which case contact the operator for a replacement card (usually free of charge).

How to avoid duplication of contacts after transfer

One of the most frustrating problems is that duplicates appear after importation, such as the same number and how to display it. SIM-contact, and as a Google entry, to avoid:

1. Combine the contacts manually:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Connecting contacts.
3. Select duplicates and confirm the merger.

2. Use automatic combination:

• 🤖 V MIUI 14 is the Autounion function in the contact settings.
• ☁️ In Google Contacts, go to Duplicates. → Unite everything.

3. Set the priority of sources:

• In the Contacts app, tap on the profile icon (top right) → Display settings.
• Select a priority account (like Google) to show your contacts first.

If there are too many duplicates (over 100), it is easier to delete all contacts and import them again from the.vcf backup.

1. Export your current contacts to the file.
2. Delete all records through Settings → Contacts → Delete everything.
3. Import the edited.vcf file (without duplicates).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi