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

Transfer of contacts between SIM-Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that users face when changing operators, updating rates or buying a new SIM, unlike older button phones, where contacts were stored exclusively on the phone. SIM, modern Redmi (based on the MIUI) There are several ways to migrate data, but not all of them are equally convenient: some require manual copying, others require pre-synchronization with the cloud.

The main difficulty is that SIM-The cards have a limited amount of memory (usually up to the end of the day). 250 And they don't support fields like email or addresses, so when you move, you might lose some of the data. 5 Proven methods – from standard functions MIUI to workarounds using the.vcf file. We will pay special attention to the nuances for Redmi Note models 10/11/12 and the flagship series of Redmi K50/K60, where the interface is different.

If you've never done this kind of manipulation, don't worry: most processes are automated, but there are pitfalls, like copying contacts directly from SIM to SIM through the Contacts menu in MIUI 14, there may be a bug that causes Cyrillic names to appear in Cracosabre, and we'll show you how to avoid that.

1.Preparation: checking the current contact repository

Before transferring contacts, make sure they are stored at all. SIM-In Xiaomi Redmi, by default, new contacts are saved to a Google account or phone memory:

Open the Contacts app → Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management → Imports/Exports. You'll see all the available sources here: SIM 1, SIM 2, Device, Google, etc. If not listed SIM-The map means there are no contacts on it.

Pay attention to the number of contacts on SIM. Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] It shows the occupied space. 0/250, The card is empty and there is nothing to carry.

• 🔍 How do you know where your contacts are stored? Open any contact. → press "Edit" → See the "Save in" field (usually at the bottom of the screen).
• ⚠️ Warning: If contacts are stored in Mi Account, they cannot be transferred directly to the Mi Account. SIM — First export to the.vcf file.
• 📱 Feature Redmi Note 12: In this model, when you first start, the system offers to select the main store of contacts. If you missed this step, you can change it in Settings → Memory. → Default contact store.

Method 1: Direct copying through the "Contacts" menu

The simplest method that works on all Redmi MIUI 12 and newer. Suitable if the contacts are already stored on the original SIM-map.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select Import from SIM-card (specify the original SIM).
4. Tick the necessary contacts (or click "Select all").
5. In the "Import to" field, select the target SIM-map.
6. Confirm the action with the Import button.

Transfer time depends on the number of contacts. Usually the process takes 10-30 seconds. Once completed, check the target SIM: sometimes the names in Cyrillic appear as??????. This is a MIUI 13/14 bug that is solved by changing the encoding (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: If reference SIM From MTS or Beeline, and the target from Tele2, some special characters (for example, dashes in rooms) may not transfer.

Method 2: Export to a VCF file with subsequent importation

A versatile method that is suitable for any Xiaomi Redmi, including older models like Redmi 4X or Redmi 5A. The advantage is that the.vcf file can be edited on a PC before importing.

Step-by-step:

1. Export contacts from the source SIM: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Export to device → choose SIM → save the file (e.g. contacts.vcf).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file to a secure location (or send it to your own mail).
3. Import to target SIM: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Import from the device → Select the contact.vcf file → point out SIM.

If you have an error when importing, “Not enough SIM memory,” delete old contacts from your target card or move them to the cloud, and you can also split a large.vcf file into parts using services like VCF Splitter.

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If your contacts are missing from your VCF when you export, use Google Play's Contacts Backup & Restore app, which stores avatars in a separate archive.

Method 3: Sync with a Google Account

This method is suitable if you have a Google account and a stable Internet, the advantage is that contacts will be saved in the cloud and will be available on any device.

How to move:

1. Import contacts from the source SIM Google: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Import with SIM-map → Choose Google as your goal.
2. Wait for sync (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).
3. Export from Google to your target SIM: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports to SIM-map → Choose Google as the source.

Important: when synchronized with Google, phone numbers are stored in an international format (e.g., +79123456789 instead of 89123456789). If the target SIM does not support the c+ format, the numbers may not be transferred. In this case, edit the contacts in Google Contacts before exporting.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), sync with Google may not work smoothly. Before transfer, check if Autosynchronization is enabled in your account settings.

5. Method 4: Use of Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don't work, use specialized utilities like Copy My Data or SIM Contacts Backup allows you to transfer contacts between SIM-cards with additional options (for example, filtering duplicates).

Recommended annexes:

• 📲 SIM Contact Backup: Keeps Contacts in the CSV/VCF, supports packet transfer.
• 🔄 Copy My Data: Transmits contacts over Wi-Fi or cable (useful for transferring between two Redmis).
• 📊 Contacts Optimizer: Clears duplicates and fixes number format before transfer.

Example of SIM Contacts Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select Backup from SIM.
3. Keep a backup copy in the phone memory.
4. Insert the target SIM, go back to the app and select Restore to SIM.

The advantage of third-party apps is that they often bypass the limitations of MIUI, such as allowing you to transfer more than 250 contacts at a time or save notes to contacts (which Xiaomi’s standard menu does not know).

Method 5: Manual input through USSD-Teams (for advanced teams)

This method is suitable if you have few contacts (up to the end). 20-30) And there's no way to use other ways. USSD-Operator codes for managing the phone book.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the command to view contacts on SIM: *#99# (for MTS/Beeline) or *#100# (for Tele2/MegaFon).
2. The system will show you a list of contacts with the numbers. Take a note of them or take a picture of them.
3. Insert the target SIM and enter the command to add the contact: **1*[number]*[name]# For example, for number 9123456789 and the name "Ivan" the command will be: **1*9123456789*Ivan# and click "Call".

The downsides of the method are: long, inconvenient for a large number of contacts, names are limited to 10 characters, but it works even on locked phones (if you know the PIN SIM).

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USSD-Contact management teams do not work for all operators. Check the support on your provider's website before using them.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you migrate contacts to Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Contacts are duplicated: This happens if you import them into the same storage where they already are. SIM Or use the Duplicate Contacts app.
• 📵 I can't see. SIM-Map in the import menu: Check if inserted correctly SIM (Redmi Note 11 slot for the second SIM It's combined with microSD. Also make sure that you SIM free-lock PIN-code.
• 🌐 International format: If after transfer all numbers start with +7 and you need 8, fix them through Settings → Additionally. → Number format.
• ❌ “Insufficient Memory” Error: Remove Old Contacts from Target SIM Or you can move them to the cloud. SIM with a large amount of memory (for example, USIM Megaphone).

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (do not delete the cache!).
4. Reboot the phone and repeat the transfer.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 After resetting the Contacts app, sync with Mi Account may disappear. To restore it, go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account and enable manual synchronization.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions