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

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards are a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility to lack of visibility. SIM-Contacts in the phone book to data loss when you copy incorrectly. In this article, we will look at all the current methods of transfer — from standard functions. MIUI Up to alternative solutions for old and new Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 and more).

Feature SIM-The way you store your contacts on a map is in an outdated format with limited volume (e.g., only a name and number without photos or additional fields), and when you transfer them to your phone, the data is converted to a modern vCard format, which allows you to add avatars, mail and other details. We will also explain how to avoid duplicate contacts and why some numbers may not be copied.

Preparation for transfer: what to check before the start

Before you start copying, make sure your SIM-card correctly installed in the slot SIM1 (On some Redmi models, contacts are read only from the first slot:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Make sure that your operator (e.g. MTS, Beeline) is displayed next to SIM1.
3. Check if the Import/Export option is active (it is hidden on some MIUI firmware).

If contacts are SIM-The card is not displayed in the phone book, the reason may be:

• 🔌 Incompatibility of the format: the old SIM (For example, from 2010 MegaFon, you can use an outdated storage standard.
• 📵 Card damage: physical defects or chip failures.
• 🔒 Restrictions MIUI: Some versions of the firmware block reading SIM-default.

Important: If you use dual SIM (two cards at once), contacts can be duplicated. Before transferring, it is recommended to temporarily remove the second SIM to avoid confusion. Also check if there is enough memory on the phone - 500 contacts will require ~1-2 MB of free space.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function. It works on all Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi A1, etc.).

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's 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. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

Once completed, contacts will appear in the Phone or Google section (depending on the account you choose). If the Import option with SIM is missing, update the Contacts app via Google Play or check your sync settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 7A) Importation may be interrupted if SIM-The map contains contacts with Cyrillic symbols in names.

Method 2: Export through Google Account (for backup)

If you want to not only transfer contacts to your phone, but also back them up, use Google Sync, which is suitable for models with MIUI 11-14 and ensures that data is safe even when you reset your phone.

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Add your Google account (if not added) or select an existing one.
3. Activate the Contacts slider in the Synchronization section.
4. Return to the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Imports/exports → Import with SIM-map.
5. Select Google (not Phone) as your save location.

Once imported, the contacts will automatically be uploaded to your Google account and available on any device.

• ☁️ Cloud storage: data will not be lost when your phone breaks.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization: changes on one device will affect all.
• 📱 Cross-platform: contacts will be available on iPhone or tablet.

The critical feature is that if you import contacts to Google but are not connected to the Internet, the process will end in error.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for older models)

On devices with MIUI 9-10 (e.g. Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A), standard import may not work due to outdated firmware, in which case the Copy to Phone app or SIM Contacts Backup will help.

1. Download the app from Google Play (link: Copy to Phone).
2. Launch it and give access to Contacts and Warehouse.
3. Select Copy from SIM to Phone.
4. Check the contacts and press Copy.
5. Confirm your saving to your phone book or Google account.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🛠️ It runs on older versions of Android 6-8.
• 📊 Allows selective copying of contacts (for example, only with MTS numbers).
• 🔍 Supports search by SIM-pre-import contacts.

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If the app does not see SIM-Contacts, restart your phone and try again. Some Redmi models require you to turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, and then turn it off to reset the connection from the phone. SIM.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like SIM Contacts Backup may request access to the SMS Refuse unnecessary permissions - only Contacts and Warehouses are available to transfer contacts.

Method 4: Manual input for a small number of contacts

If you SIM-With less than 20 contacts, the most reliable (though long) way to do this is by manual input, which ensures that there are no formatting errors and duplicates:

1. Open the Contacts app and go to the SIM tab (if it appears).
2. View contacts one by one, remembering or writing data.
3. Manually add each contact via + → New contact, choosing to save to Phone or Google.

Tips for speeding up the process:

• ⌨️ Use voice input: tap the microphone in the keyboard and dictate the name and number.
• 📋 Take a picture of your contact screen and recognize the text through Google Lens.
• 🔄 For repeating numbers (e.g., workers), create Contact Groups.

The manual method is also useful if you want to filter out outdated numbers or add missing data (e.g. email or birthday), minus the high labor intensity, but the result will be perfectly structured.

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for advanced users)

If you have access to a PC, you can export contacts from the PC. SIM-The card is in a.vcf file and then import it to Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Mac.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ MyPhoneExplorer (Free).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB by selecting File Transfer mode.
2. Install and run MyPhoneExplorer (you can download from the official website).
3. In the program, select the file. → Connect. → Through USB-cable.
4. Go to Contacts → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.
5. Save contacts to the.vcf file on your computer.
6. Copy the file to your phone and import it through Contacts → Import/Export.

This method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Technically difficult cases (e.g. damaged) SIM, But the data is read through the PC).
• 📂 Mass editing of contacts before transfer.
• 🔒 Building an archive in case of losing a phone.

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Using a PC to transfer contacts is the only way to recover data from a damaged one SIM-cards if the phone doesn't see them.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi Redmi, users experience common errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If after importing some contacts are missing, check:

• 🔍 Phonebook filters: Only Google contacts may be included.
• 📵 Limitations SIM: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block reading of contacts over 5 years of age.
• 🔄 Cash App Contacts: Clean it in Settings → Annexes.

For Redmi models with custom firmware (such as LineageOS), standard import may not work. ADB-team:

adb shell content insert --uri content://com.android.contacts/raw_contacts --bind name: "Name" --bind phone: "+79991234567"

This command adds one contact. Mass import requires a script.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions