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 operators. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts to the lack of a new device. SIM before import errors in MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all current copying methods (including hidden functions). MIUI 14/15), explain why some contacts may not be transferred, and give solutions for typical problems.

Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — self-shell MIUI, It's a very common interface that updates the contact management interface. MIUI 12 The classic "Import/Export" menu has disappeared. MIUI 15 work-in-class SIM-We've changed our contacts for safety, and we've taken these nuances into account, and we've prepared instructions that are relevant to all models. 2020–2026 Years of release, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

Preparation: What to do before moving contacts

Before copying contacts, follow 3 mandatory steps to avoid data loss or duplicate records:

1. Check visibility. SIM-Go to the settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure that SIM-The card is active and appears in the list. If it's not there, remove and reinstall the tray.
2. Estimate the amount of contacts. SIM-The card stores up to 250-500 contacts (depending on the operator), but Xiaomi can only show the first 200.
3. Backup. Export contacts with SIM to your computer via MyPhoneExplorer (for Windows) or save them to your computer VCF-file through an old device.

It is important that you use two SIM-cards (dual slot), the system can request a choice of card for import. MIUI I suggest moving the contact with the SIM 1, but you can change the priority in the settings.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app (a human silhouette icon), which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 11 and later, but the interface may be slightly different.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app (if it is not on the home screen, search through the system search).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Specify the location of the save: Device (locally) or Mi Account (for sync with the cloud).
6. Confirm the import with the button Ready.

The process can take anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the number of contacts you have, and after you complete the process, check if the entries appear in the main list (All Contacts section).

⚠️ Note: If after importing contacts are displayed without names (numbers only), this means that the data on the SIM The solution is to repeat the import by selecting the option "Standard format" (vCard) in the additional settings.

Method 2: Import via “Phone Settings”

An alternative method is to use MIUI system settings. This method is useful if the Contacts application is unstable or absent (for example, on some firmware for POCO).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter Contacts and select the system application.
• 📤 Go to the Warehouse. → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
• 📋 Select contacts and confirm the transfer.

The advantage of this method is that it bypasses possible errors in the Contacts app, but requires more action. If the Import/Export option is not on the list, update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (see Problem Solving).

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (for synchronization)

If you use Google Contacts, you can first export the data from the SIM to your computer and then sync it to your Xiaomi phone, a method that is suitable for backing up and avoiding duplicates.

Instructions:

1. On an old phone (or via card reader), export your SIM contacts to a.vcf file.
2. Go to Google Contacts, log in to your account and click Import. → choose VCF-file.
3. On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Accounts → Google and enable Contact Sync.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

The advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on any device. SIM You will need an additional device or adapter to read. SIM-PC-card.

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If you don’t have an old phone for export, use it. USB-SIM card reader (cost) ~300₽). Connect it to your computer and copy the contacts through the program. SIM Card Data Recovery or PhoneBook.

Solving Typical Problems When Transferring Contacts

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common cases and how to fix them.

Problem 1: SIM contacts are not displayed on the phone

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 SIM-Check if the tray is properly installed (on some models, for example, Xiaomi) 12T, SIM Plug in the contacts upwards. Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Damaged. SIM. Try pasting the card into another device. If the contacts are visible there, there's a problem in the Xiaomi phone. Update your firmware or reset your network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).
• 🔒 Operator restrictions. SIM-cards (e.g. Tele2 or Yota) block the reading of contacts. Solution - contact the communication salon for a replacement card.

Problem 2: Not all contacts are imported

If only a portion of the records were transferred, the fault may be:

• 📏 Limitation MIUI. The system shows the first 200 contacts. Solution: split the transfer into 100-150 records.
• 🔠 Incompatible format: Contacts are kept in an outdated format (e.g, ADN Instead of vCard. Use third-party applications, for example, SIM Contacts Manager (available on Google Play).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and Android 13+ If you import more than 300 contacts, you may experience an error called “Insufficient memory”. Before penos, clear the cache of the Contacts application (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Issue 3: Duplicate contacts after importation

If you have already saved some numbers in your phone, you may get duplicates after importing the SIM to delete them:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Combining and correcting.
2. Click Find duplicates and confirm the merger.
3. For mass removal, use the option to Remove all duplicates (available in MIUI 14+).

Additional methods: third-party applications and PC

If standard methods don't work, use alternative tools that are useful for mass transfer or repair of damaged contacts.

SIM Contacts Backup App

A free app from Google Play that allows you to:

• 📥 Export contacts with SIM into VCF/CSV.
• 📤 Import them back with editing capability.
• 🔍 View hidden records (for example, operator service numbers).

Download it and follow the instructions in the app, and the main advantage is support for outdated formats. SIM-contact.

Transfer over a computer (for experienced users)

If you have a card reader, you can copy the contacts directly:

1. Connect. SIM-PC card via adapter.
2. Use PhoneBook (Windows) or SIM Card Copier (macOS) to export to VCF.
3. Move the file to Xiaomi phone and import through Contacts → Import/Export.

This method requires additional hardware, but guarantees 100% data transfer, including notes to contacts.

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The app side is useful if standard MIUI methods don't work, but remember: they may request access to personal data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi