How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every new owner of the device or after resetting the settings. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility SIM-contacts in the phone book before import errors due to firmware features MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of transfer – from standard system functions to workaround solutions for older models.

Xiaomi’s feature is that the manufacturer regularly updates the interface. MIUI, We took this into account and gave instructions for the latest firmware versions (12-14), as well as general-purpose methods that work on Redmi devices, POCO and Mi, regardless of the year of release, if your phone doesn't see the contacts on the phone. SIM-card or makes an error when importing - there is a section in the article with solutions to typical problems.

Important: Before starting the procedure, make sure that SIM-The card is correctly installed in the tray (contacts down) and recognized by the phone. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks – close to active SIM green light should be on.

1. Standard import through the “Contacts” app

The fastest way is to use the built-in import feature in the standard Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette on a yellow background), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, including the latest versions of HyperOS.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app** (if it is not on the home screen, search through the swipe down).
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Contact Management.
• 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
• ✅ Select the contacts you need (or click Allocate) and confirm the import with the Ready button.

After completion, contacts will appear in the Device or Phone section (depending on version). MIUI). If the option Import with SIM-The card is inactive – check if it is inserted correctly SIM-map or reboot the phone.

Keep a backup copy of contacts on SIM (if)|Check the balance SIM-Cards (sometimes operators block access)|Make sure that SIM unprotected PIN-code|Close background applications to speed up the process-->

2. Import through system settings (alternative method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try importing contacts through system settings, which is relevant for devices with MIUI 11 and older, where the Contacts menu may differ.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Click Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.
3. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and wait for the contact scan.
4. Check the required records and tap Import.

In some firmware, the path may look different: Settings → Accounts and sync → Import contacts. If you do not find a item, use the search by settings (lamp in the upper right corner).

3. Transfer through Google Account (for backup)

If you plan to sync your contacts to the cloud, it’s best to import them to your Google account right away, which will protect your data from being lost when you reset your phone and allow you to quickly restore it to your new device.

How to do this:

• 🔄 Import contacts with SIM on the phone in any way above.
• 📱 Open the Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
• 🔗 Turn on the Contact Sync switch (if no account is added – click Add Account).
• ⏳ Wait for the synchronization to be completed (may take up to 5 minutes).

Contacts are now available on your Google Account and will automatically recover when logged in on any Android device. To check the result, go to contacts.google.com from your computer.

Nana SIM-map|On Google account|In the cloud Xiaomi|On the phone (no reserve)|Other-->

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

On devices with custom firmware or older versions of MIUI (below 10), there may be no built-in imports, in which case third-party utilities from Google Play will help:

Before using third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Check the reviews and rating of the program on Google Play. Some utilities request access to the program. SMS and calls - refuse installation if it is suspicious. For security, use official applications with the number of downloads. >1 million.

Apps like “Sim Contacts Backup” may not see contacts on the Internet SIM-Nano-SIM cards in adapters, in which case, insert temporarily. SIM to another phone (such as a button) and export contacts from there.

5. Manual contact entry (for a small number of records)

If SIM-It's only 10 to 15 contacts, and it's easier to type them manually, so you can make sure there's no errors or duplicates:

1. Open the Contacts app** and press + (plus icon in the lower right corner).
2. Select Create Contact → Specify Phone (not SIM!) as a save location.
3. Fill in the fields: name, number, additional information (optional).
4. Press Save. Repeat for all contacts.

The advantage of this method is control over data, for example, you can immediately allocate contacts to groups (family, work) or add photos, and the disadvantage is the time consuming with a large amount of records.

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To speed up manual input, use voice dialing: in the number field, click on the microphone and dictate the data (for example: "Ivan Ivanov, eight nine twenty-three five five thirty-four twenty-one").

6 Problem Solving: Why Xiaomi Doesn't See Contacts on the Internet SIM-map

If the phone does not display the contacts SIM-The reasons for the map may be the following:

• 🔌 Incorrect installation SIM: Check that the card is inserted with the contacts down (chip to the back of the phone).On some Redmi models, the tray is asymmetrical in shape - don't confuse the sides.
• 🔒 PIN-code PUK: If SIM - locked, contacts will be unavailable. - Unblock the card through the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Unlock. PIN.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: On MIUI 9 and below may not support modern SIM-Update the software to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: If the phone does not recognize SIM In general, there may be a problem with the slot or antenna.

For diagnosis:

1. Try inserting the SIM into another phone – if the contacts are visible there, the problem is Xiaomi’s settings.
2. Install an alternative contact application (e.g., “Truecaller”**) and check visibility SIM-contact through.
3. Perform a reset of network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO Globally integrated import function with SIM In this case, use third-party applications or manual input.

7. Transferring SIM contacts to Xiaomi via computer

If the phone refuses to import contacts and third-party apps don't help, you can use the PC.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS;
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 🔄 Programme "Mi" PC Suite** (official utility from Xiaomi).

Instructions:

1. Download and install the "Mi PC Suite" **.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB by selecting File Transfer mode.
3. In the program go to the Contact section → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
4. Follow the tips of the import master.

Alternatively, you can export your SIM contacts to your computer in.vcf format (via another phone) and then import them to Xiaomi via Contacts** → Import/Export → Import from the file.

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Importing via PC is the only reliable way if the phone doesn’t physically recognize it. SIM-The map, but it works on other devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi