How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways of 2026

Switching to a new smartphone or recovering data after resetting is often accompanied by the need to transfer contacts. Xiaomi Redmi 4 owners face this task especially acutely: The 2016 model does not support modern cloud synchronization services by default, and the interface MIUI It's been a big change. In this article, we're going to look at three ways that we can actually move our contacts. SIM-Cards to Phone – From Standard Tools to Workarounds for Complex Cases.

The main problem with Redmi 4 is limited memory SIM-maps (usually up to 250 contacts) and no automatic sync with Google Contacts when first enabled, and many users experience the error "failed to import contacts" if they are not able to use the link. SIM-A card from another operator or an adapter for nano-SIM is used. MIUI 8-12 and prepared a universal solution for all software versions.

Preparation: What to do before transfer

Before starting the procedure, make sure that your SIM-The card is compatible with Redmi 4:

• 📱 Micro-SIM (main slot) or Nano-SIM (via adapter)
• 🔢 Contacts in vCard format 2.1/3.0 (standard for most operators)
• 📶 Active network connection (to check operator restrictions)

If you're using a nano-SIM with an adapter, check the density of the contacts -- Redmi 4 is sensitive to poor adapters. For the test, insert the SIM into another phone and try to read the contacts there. If they show up, the problem is with Xiaomi's settings, if not, with the map itself.

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If contacts are SIM-The card is duplicated or contains special characters (for example, "+7 (9xx) xxx-xx-xx"), before transferring them to the computer through the MyPhoneExplorer program and clean manually. MIUI

Also prepare:

• 🔋 At least 30% battery charge (when using a computer)
• 📥 Free space in internal memory (minimum 5 MB for backup)
• 🔑 Pin code from SIM-Cards (if requested upon inclusion)

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The simplest method that works on all versions MIUI 8 to 12. Suitable for contacts stored in memory SIM-Instructions in standard format:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

If the item Import from the SIM-card is missing:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Check if it's recognized. SIM-map in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🛠️ Update the Contacts app via Play Market (if available for your version) MIUI).

After importing the contacts will appear in the Phone (not SIM!) section to avoid duplication:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Turn off the Contact option (if it was previously enabled).
3. Manually export contacts to VCF-file through contact management → Exports.

Method 2: Transfer through Google Contacts (for synchronization)

This method is suitable if you plan to sync your contacts with your Google account for further backups, and it requires an internet connection, but it ensures that your data is safe even when you reset your phone.

Algorithm of action:

1. Make sure that you have added a Google account (Settings → Accounts) on your phone.
2. Open Contacts. → Management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
3. After importing, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → [your email] → Contact Sync.
4. Turn on the option and wait for the process to complete (the synchronization icon in the notification panel).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 📱 Access contacts from any device via contacts.google.com.
• 🔍 Possibility of editing and combining duplicates online.

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Synchronizing with Google Contacts is the only way to save numbers when you reset Redmi 4 to factory settings. Without it, the data will be lost!

If the synchronization is not started:

• 🔌 Check your internet connection (better via Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Update Google Play Market Services (Google Play Services).
• 📅 Make sure the date and time on the phone is set automatically.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another Google account, new data may overwrite old ones. Before importing, export your current contacts from contacts.google.com to.csv.

Method 3: Using a computer and MyPhoneExplorer

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to damage) SIM-A card or an outdated firmware, and you'll need to transfer it over a PC:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (original for Redmi 4).
• 📥 MyPhoneExplorer (Free Edition).

Step-by-step:

1. Install MyPhoneExplorer on your computer and run the program.
2. Connect Redmi 4 to USB by selecting File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. In the program, select the file. → Connect. → Sony Ericsson/Android (Despite the name, it works with Xiaomi).
4. After connecting, go to the Contact section → Import with SIM-map.
5. Export your contacts to a.vcf file or directly to your phone book.

Advantages of this method:

If the program doesn't see the phone:

• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers through the official website.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📱 Turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).

⚠️ Note: When connecting via MyPhoneExplorer, do not remove SIM-card from the phone before the process is complete, which can cause the file system to crash MIUI and data loss in the section /data.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 4 users face typical problems.

1. "Cannot import contacts" error

Causes and solutions:

• 📶 SIM-The card is not recognized: Check it on another phone. If the problem persists, contact the operator for a replacement.
• 🔢 Incompatible format: Export contacts to.vcf via another phone, then import the file to Redmi 4.
• 🛠️ Contacts app failure: Clear cache (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Memory. → Clear the cache).

2 Contacts are imported without names (numbers only)

This is due to the damage to the metadata SIM-The decision:

1. Import contacts to your computer through MyPhoneExplorer.
2. Open the.vcf file in the text editor and check the structure: BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:3.0 FN:Ivan Ivanovo TEL:+79123456789 END:VCARD
3. If the FN fields are missing, add them manually and save the file.

Duplicate contacts after importation

To avoid taking:

• Before importing, export your current phone contacts to the file.
• Use the option to combine duplicates in Google Contacts.
• Install Duplicate Contacts from Play Market to clean up automatically.

Additional tips for Xiaomi Redmi 4

To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Regular backup: Export contacts to.vcf once a month and save the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Use one storage source: Do not store your contacts at the same time. SIM, In phone and Google, this leads to synchronization conflicts.
• 🔧 Update the firmware: MIUI 12 the process of importation is more stable than the MIUI 8. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If you change often SIM-maps (for example, for travel abroad), consider the option with a virtual SIM (Although Redmi 4 does not support eSIM physically, you can use applications like Airalo to manage multiple numbers without moving contacts.

For users who work with a large number of contacts (for example, in business), we recommend:

• 📊 Use it. CRM-systems (e.g. HubSpot or Bitrix24) Integration through Google Contacts.
• 🔍 Configure contact groups in MIUI for quick search (contacts) → Groups).
• 📞 Install alternative calls (such as Truecaller or Drupe) that offer advanced management features.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions