How to transfer contacts to one person SIM-Maps to another on Xiaomi: all working methods

Transfer of contacts between SIM-cards on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It may seem like a trivial task, but in practice, users are faced with nuances ranging from the lack of an export option on the menu to copying errors. SIM, In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer, including hidden functions. MIUI, Bypassing operator restrictions and restoring contacts after failed attempt.

Xiaomi devices feature customized MIUI shell, which sometimes hides standard Android options. For example, in some versions of the firmware, the item "Import / Export Contacts" is hidden in the submenu of Settings → Memory → Additional, not in the "Contacts" app. We took these nuances into account and collected instructions that work on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, including devices with dual SIM.

1. Transfer contacts through standard MIUI settings

The most reliable way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It doesn't require an internet connection and works even on devices without a Google account attached. SIM-card (if in the phone’s memory, export them to the phone first) SIM).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
• ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management.
• 🔄 Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
• 📤 Select Export with SIM-map → specify the original SIM (for example, SIM 1).
• 📥 Then click Import on SIM-map → select the target SIM (for example, SIM 2).

If the Import/Export item is not on the menu, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Memory.
2. Slip it on the side. → Imports/exports.

Check that the contacts are saved to the original SIM (open the contact → see the source)

Make sure that the target SIM Inserted and recognized by the phone (check in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks)

Charge your phone at least 30% (the process can take up to 5 minutes with a large number of contacts)

Backup your contacts to your Google account or computer

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ export option SIM-If you click on Export and you see an error "Not supported", use the methods in Sections 3 or 4.

2. copying contacts through a Google account (for synchronized data)

If your contacts are synced to a Google account, they can be transferred to a new SIM without manual export, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi owners who have previously set up backups.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Make sure the switch opposite the Contact is active (Sync enabled).
3. Return to Contacts → Click on three points → Contact Management → Import/Export.
4. Select Import from Google → mark the necessary contacts → press Import on SIM-map.

If your contacts are not displayed on Google, check:

• 🔄 Internet connection (sync only works online).
• 📧 Log in correctly (sometimes Xiaomi connects multiple Google profiles).
• ⏳ Last sync time (renew manually by pulling the screen down in the Google section) → Contacts).

Nana SIM-map

In the memory of the phone

On Google account

In Mi Cloud

I don't know where they're kept.

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3.Use Mi Cloud for backup

Mi Cloud – cloud storage from Xiaomi, which allows you to back up your contacts and restore them to a new one SIM. This is a good option if you are changing your phone or SIM-map.

How to transfer contacts through Mi Cloud:

1. Sign up or sign in to your Mi Account (Settings → Mi Account).
2. Activate Contact Synchronization: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts (move the slider).
3. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (the cloud icon will turn green).
4. Insert the new one. SIM-phone-card.
5. Return to Mi Cloud → Contacts and click Restore.
6. After recovery, export your contacts to SIM via Import/Export.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, contacts are temporarily stored on Xiaomi servers in China.If you are concerned about privacy, manually delete the backup after the transfer: Mi Cloud → Storage management → Contacts → Delete.

Important: Mi Cloud only stores the main contact fields (name, phone, email) and additional data (notes, birthdays) may be lost.

4.Transfer using third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)

If the built-in MIUI tools refuse to copy contacts, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

Appendix 1: Copy to SIM Card (from Simpler Apps)

Simple solution for exporting contacts to SIM without unnecessary features.

• 📥 Install from Google Play.
• 🔍 Launch the application → Provide access to contacts.
• 📤 Choose your contacts for export (you can note everything).
• 📑 Press Copy to. SIM → point out SIM-map.

Appendix 2: Contacts Backup & Restore (from Simpler Apps)

Suitable for backup in.vcf format followed by import to SIM.

• 📥 Download it to Google Play.
• 🔄 Make a backup: Backup → Select All → Backup (the file will be saved in the phone’s memory).
• 📤 Restore to a new one. SIM: Restore → Choose File → Restore to SIM.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Work even if the standard export is blocked by the operator.
• ✅ Supports the transfer of additional fields (addresses, notes).
• ✅ You can select individual contacts for copying.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of data leakage (especially in little-known utilities).
• ❌ Advertising in free versions.
• ❌ Some applications require root rights to work with SIM.

5. Manual transfer via VCF file (for power users)

The.vcf (vCard) format is a universal standard for storing contacts, and this method is suitable if you need to transfer contacts not only to SIM, but also to a computer or other phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Export contacts to file: Open Contacts → Management → Import / export → Export to the device. Select the.vcf format → save the file in the phone memory.
2. Edit the file (optional): Connect your phone to your PC → copy.vcf to your computer. Open the file in Notepad or Excel (for mass editing).
3. Import to a new one SIM: Return the file to your phone. → Open your contacts. → Imports/exports → Import from the device. Select the.vcf file → point out SIM-map.

If the error "Format is not supported" occurs when importing, try:

• 🔧 Convert a file through an online service (for example, VCF Converter).
• 📱 Use the application VCF Fix to fix corrupted files.

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If you need to transfer contacts to SIM from iPhone to Xiaomi, export them to iCloud first, then save them as.vcf and import them to Xiaomi via Contacts → Import/Export.

6 Problem Solving: What to do if contacts are not transferred

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users encounter errors, and consider typical situations and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: Mistake "Cannot export contacts"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Not enough memory for SIM: Remove old contacts or SMS (some SIM memory).
• 📵 SIM-Card not recognized: Restart your phone or clear the Contacts app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Clear the cache).
• 🔒 Operator Restriction: Use third-party apps (Section 4) or contact operator support to unlock.

Problem 2: Not all contacts are transferred

Possible causes:

• 📇 The contact is stored in different sources (part of the SIM, Google part. Check the contact section. → Management → Sources.
• 📵 Limitation SIM by number of records (usually 250-500 contacts.
• 🔠 Unsupported characters in names (e.g. hieroglyphs) Rename contacts before export.

Problem 3: Contact photos are missing after the transfer

SIM-The cards don't support photo storage, so you can save avatars:

1. Sync your contacts with Google or Mi Cloud (photos will be saved in the cloud).
2. Use apps like Truecaller that store photos on the server.

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If neither method works, try inserting both temporarily. SIM-cards to another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung) and transfer contacts through its menu.Many naked Android devices have no export restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi