How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: full guide

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of a device or user who decides to change operator, and despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of a visible menu item to import errors. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to transfer contacts for devices to the Internet. MIUI 12/13/14, including the Redmi Note models 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T others.

Xiaomi’s feature is that it regularly updates the MIUI interface to hide or move standard Android features. For example, in recent firmware versions, the contact import point may be in the non-obvious “Advanced” section or not at all without setting up. We’ll look at not only the basic methods, but also alternative solutions for cases where standard import does not work.

Important: If you are using a double SIM-map SIM), The process of transferring contacts may vary, as you can read about it in a separate section, and we will also discuss backup before transfer and how to avoid data loss when changing devices.

Preparing for the transfer of contacts: what to do in advance

Before you start importing, follow a few key steps to avoid common mistakes, such as empty fields in contacts or duplicate records.

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: The path to import settings depends on the shell version. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Latest versions (13/14) They have a simplified interface, but some functions are hidden deeper.
• 📞 Identify the type SIM-maps: modern nano-SIMs support the storage of contacts, but their volume is limited (usually up to 250 records). SIM, Not the phone memory.
• 🔄 Create a backup: even if you are moving contacts from SIM, We recommend exporting them to a.vcf file (through an old device.
• 🔌 Charging and stable connection: If you plan to use cloud services (such as Mi Account), make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and charged at least 50 times%.

Older cards (especially Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM) may use an encoding that is incompatible with MIUI. In this case, contacts are imported with "krakozyabs" instead of Cyrillic characters. The solution is to use intermediate export to.vcf through another device.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi via SIM, Please note that Apple does not save numbers on the default SIM For the correct import, first export your contacts from iCloud to.vcf and then transfer them to Xiaomi via Google Contacts.

Method 1: Standard importation through "Contacts" (MIUI 12/13/14)

The most obvious method is to use the built-in import feature in the Contacts app, but its location varies depending on the version of MIUI.

For MIUI 14 (relevant to Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 12):

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select “Contact Management».
3. Go to the section "Import / Export contacts".
4. Select "Import with" SIM-map» → specify SIM (if) → confirm the import.

For MIUI 12/13 (relevant to POCO X3, Redmi 10):

1. Start Contacts → tap on your avatar (or “+”) → Settings.
2. Select “Import/Export” → “Import with SIM”.
3. If you don’t have an option, try the path: Settings → Apps → Contacts → Permissions and enable SIM access.

Once imported, the contacts will appear in the Local Contacts section, which can be synced immediately with Google or Mi Account to avoid being lost when a phone is dropped.

Method 2: Import via the phone’s “Settings” (alternative path)

If the import point is not in the Contacts app, try the system settings, which works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 9A and POCO M4 Pro.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Import / Export contacts.
2. Select "Import with" SIM-map».
3. Please specify the SIM (if there are two) and confirm the action.

If the Memory section is missing, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Import/Export of contacts.
• 🔄 On some firmware, the option is hidden: enter the request “import contacts” in the search by settings (magnifying glass at the top».

After importing, we recommend checking the contacts for duplicates.

1. Open the "Contact» → three-point (⋮) → «Contact management» → «Combine the takes».
2. The system will automatically find the repeated records and suggest that they be combined.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A3, POCO F1) with a “clean” Android instead of a “clean” Android MIUI The way to import is different: Contacts → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM. If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), use the Google Contacts app to import.

Method 3: Transfer via.vcf file (for complex cases)

If standard importing doesn’t work (e.g., contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics or there is no import option), use intermediate export to.vcf. This method is universal and works even on older models like Redmi 4X or Mi 5.

Algorithm of action:

1. Export SIM to an old device: Insert SIM into an old device (or borrow a phone from a friend); export SIM contacts to a.vcf file via contact settings; forward the file to your email, Telegram, or save to Google Drive.

Imports to Xiaomi

• Download the.vcf file on Xiaomi.
• Open the "Contact» → three-point (⋮) → «Contact management» → «Imports/Exports» → «Import from.vcf file».
• Select the downloaded file and confirm the import.

The advantage of this method is to retain all contact information (including notes, additional numbers and addresses), whereas when importing with SIM, data is often lost.

If the contacts are displayed as “Unknown” or empty fields when imported with SIM, this means that the data on the map is corrupted, in which case the only way out is to use the old device to export to.vcf.

Method 4: Sync with Google Contacts (recommended method)

The most reliable way to migrate is to sync with Google Contacts, which not only stores all the data, but also backs up to the cloud, a technique that is particularly relevant for users who change devices frequently.

Step-by-step:

1. Export from SIM to Google: Insert SIM into any Android device (or use your old one). Import SIM contacts into your phone (as described in Method 1). Open Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization and enable Contacts. Wait for sync to be completed (check at contacts.google.com).

Imports to Xiaomi

• On Xiaomi, add your Google account to Settings → Accounts.
• Turn on contact sync.
• Contacts will automatically be uploaded to the phone (which can take up to 10 minutes).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Backup: Contacts are saved in the cloud and not lost when you reset your phone.
• 🔄 Automatic Update: Changes on one device sync with all others.
• 📱 Cross-platform: contacts will be available on iPhone, iPad or computer.

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If you have two-factor authentication on Google, check before syncing that Xiaomi has location services enabled (sometimes required to confirm your sign-in).

Method 5: Using Mi Account (for Xiaomi owners)

If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can sync contacts through Mi Account, which is convenient for transferring data between devices of the same brand (for example, from the old Redmi to the new Xiaomi).

Instructions:

1. On your old device: Open Settings → Accounts → Mi Account. Enable Contact Sync. Wait until it’s finished (make sure contacts are in the cloud on i.mi.com).

Xiaomi

• Log in to the same Mi Account.
• Enable contact synchronization in your account settings.
• Contacts will be automatically downloaded.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Contacts are not synced with other brands (such as Samsung or iPhone).
• ❌ When you delete your Mi Account, your contacts may be lost (unless you make a backup.vcf).

⚠️ Note: If you are selling or transferring an old Xiaomi device, be sure to turn off Mi Account sync and delete your account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account, otherwise the new owner will have access to your contacts!

Problem Solving: Why Contacts Are Not Portable with SIM

If there are any errors in import, check the following points:

• 📵 SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts: some modern nano-SIM (especially from Tele2 or Iota operators) do not have a memory for contacts. SIM elsewhere.
• 🔒 Blocking by the operator: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) have contacts on the Internet SIM The solution is to call support and request unlocking.
• 📱 Encoding incompatibility: If contact names are displayed as "????" or characters, export them to.vcf via another device.
• 🔌 Lack of permits: in MIUI Sometimes you need to manually access the SIM. To do this, go to the Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Permits and enable "Reading contacts with" SIM».

If none of these methods worked, try manually entering your most important contacts or using third-party apps, such as:

• “Copy My Data” (transferring over Wi-Fi between devices)
• Super Backup & Restore (Creating a Backup of Contacts)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to transfer contacts is synchronization with Google or export to a.vcf file. Importing directly from SIM can lead to data loss (especially on older maps).