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

The transition to the new Xiaomi Redmi is often accompanied by the need to transfer contacts from the old one. SIM-Despite the seemingly simple task, users are faced with nuances ranging from the number of numbers saved to the problems with encoding Cyrillic names. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to import contacts, from standard tools. MIUI to workarounds for complex cases.

The feature of Xiaomi Redmi phones (including Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5 and others) is the customized shell MIUI, which sometimes hides standard Android features. For example, the option to import contacts may be in an unexpected menu section or require pre-setting Google account. We will describe each step in detail so that you can transfer data without loss or error.

Preparation for the transfer of contacts: what to check

Before you start importing, make sure your SIM-The modern Xiaomi Redmi supports nano-SIM, but micro-SIM adapters can cause problems reading data:

• 🔋 Battery charge: the transfer process should not be interrupted by the discharge. ≥50% charge.
• 📶 Network Signal – if the contacts are stored on SIM operator (e.g. MTS or Beeline), make sure the card is active and not blocked.
• 📱 Version MIUI — in older versions (below) MIUI 12) the path to import settings may differ.

Important: Xiaomi Redmi with two SIM-cards (Dual) SIM) You can choose which slot to import contacts from, and if you have two cards installed, you can determine which card has the numbers you want to use. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name. SIM-map.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SIM-eSIM card, standard methods of importing contacts will not work, in which case you will need to move through the cloud or third-party applications (for this, see the relevant section).

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi models (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi 9, POCO F4, etc.) Instructions are relevant for MIUI 13/14:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the contacts for transfer.
5. Specify where to save contacts: on the device or in a Google account (the second option for backup is recommended).

If the item Import with SIM-no map, update the Contacts app via Google Play or check the system app display settings in Settings → All applications → Show system-based.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the availability of free space on the phone (≥ 100 MB)

Turn off the power saving mode

Close background applications (especially messengers)

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On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi 10A), standard imports may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

Method 2: Import through Google Account (for backup)

This method not only transfers contacts with SIM-It also syncs to the cloud, which protects against data loss when you reset your phone, and is suitable for users who already use Google services (Gmail, YouTube, etc.).

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Sign in to your account (or create a new one if you don’t have one).
3. Return to the Contacts app and repeat the steps from Method 1, but select a Google account during the save phase.
4. Wait until sync is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes). You can check status in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync.

The advantage of this is that it automatically updates contacts on all devices where you use the same Google account, for example, if you add a number on your phone, it will appear on your tablet.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another Google account, new data may overwrite old ones. Before importing, check which contacts are already saved in the cloud, through the web version of Google Contacts.

Standard import through settings

Synchronization with Google account

Third-party applications (e.g. SIM Card Manager)

Manual input

Another option-->

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods didn’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi Redmi 8A with outdated firmware), use specialized utilities. We tested 3 applications that work reliably with MIUI:

• 📱 SIM Card Manager – supports import/export in.vcf format, allows you to edit contacts directly to the SIM-map.
• 🔄 Copy to SIM Card – convenient for selective transfer of individual contacts.
• ☁️ Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts, SMS and call logs.

Instructions for SIM Card Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and give access to the contacts.
3. Select Import with SIM and select the required numbers.
4. Click Save to your device or Export to VCF (for further import to Google).

Warning: Some apps (such as SIM Contacts Backup) may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions.

Method 4: Manual transfer via export to VCF file

This method is suitable for users who want to have full control of the process or transfer contacts to multiple devices..vcf (vCard) file is a universal format supported by all smartphones.

1. Export contacts with SIM-Maps to file: Open "Contacts» → Management → Export to the device. Select SIM-map as a source and specify a storage path (e.g., internal memory) → Download).

• In the same menu, select Import from the device.
• Specify the contacts.vcf file and select the target storage (phone or Google).

The advantage of this method is the ability to edit a.vcf file on a computer (for example, delete duplicates or correct errors in numbers).++) or a specialized program like VCF Editor.

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If, when importing from VCF Cyrillic symbols are missing, change the coding before exporting SIM-card UTF-8 in the phone settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Coding).

Method 5: Transfer contacts via PC (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer, you can use it. ADB-programs or programs like Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) is a useful method if you want to use it:

• 🔧 We need to move the contact with the damaged one. SIM-map.
• 🖥️ You prefer to manage data through a PC.
• 📊 Mass editing is required before importation.

Instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install the program from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 times tap the version number).
3. In the program, select Contacts → Import / Export → From SIM-card.
4. Follow the tips of the import master.

For ADB-user-user:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

This command will copy the contact database from phone to PC. Use:

adb push contacts2.db /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/

⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB It requires an unlocked bootloader and can cause data loss if used improperly.This method is recommended only for advanced users.

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For most users, Xiaomi Redmi is enough standard import through the settings of MIUI or Google account. Methods with ADB and PC are relevant only for specific tasks (for example, data recovery after a reset).

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even when following instructions, users face difficulties, and consider typical situations and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📵 Slot SIM-Cards – try inserting the card into another slot (if the phone supports Dual) SIM).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI — in older versions (below) MIUI (11) import options may not be available.
• 🛠️ Resetting settings – in extreme cases, reset the settings of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions