Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of the device or user who decides to upgrade the gadget. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts on the map to errors when importing. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer, including standard tools. MIUI Alternative solutions for Redmi models, POCO and flagship series Xiaomi 13/14.
Xiaomi phones have their own MIUI shell, which sometimes hides the standard Android features. For example, in some versions of the firmware, the contact import option is hidden in the depths of the menu, and in new models (starting with MIUI 14), the algorithm has changed. We took these nuances into account and prepared instructions that work on all the current devices of the brand, including the budget Redmi Note 12 and the premium Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Important: If yours SIM-The card was released before 2010, and it can use an outdated format for storing contacts (up to 255 entries with a restriction on characters), in which case some of the data may not be transferred, as we will also discuss in the article.
1. Standard import through Xiaomi settings
The most reliable way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It does not require additional applications and works on all models, starting with the MIUI 12. The main condition: SIM-The card must be active and recognized by the phone (inserted into the slot). SIM1 or SIM2).
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app** (human silhouette icon).
- 🔧 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management.
- 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
- 📋 Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and mark the contacts to transfer (or click Select all).
- 💾 Specify the location of the save: Phone (internal memory) or Google account.
- ✅ Confirm the import with a button OK.
The transfer time depends on the number of contacts: 100-200 records will take 10-30 seconds. Once completed, check that contacts have appeared in the main list. If some of the records have not been transferred, repeat the procedure - sometimes restarting the phone before re-importing helps.
Insert SIM-slot-card SIM1 (recommended)
Check the visibility of the map in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks
Close all background applications (especially messengers)
Make sure that the phone has enough free memory (minimum 50 MB)
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2. Import via Google Account (for backup)
If you plan to sync your contacts with the cloud, it is better to import them immediately to Google Contacts, this will allow you to restore data on any Android device, including other Xiaomi smartphones. MIUI 13+, Where Google Services Integration Improved.
Instructions:
- Open Contacts** → Three Points → Contact Management → Import/Export.
The advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and protected from loss when a phone is reset. However, note that Google can combine duplicate contacts automatically, which sometimes leads to the loss of some data (for example, additional phone numbers).
In the memory of the phone
On Google account
Nana SIM-map
In another cloud service (iCloud, Yandex, etc.)
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3.Use of the “SIM Contacts” app (for older models)
On devices with MIUI 11 and below, standard import may not work due to firmware errors «SIM Contacts"** (green icon with the color of the SIM-It is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, but is often hidden in the menu.
How to find and use:
- 🔍 Open “All Apps”** (swipe up the main screen).
If the application is not available, it can be installed from MIUI Store (Xiaomi app store). Alternatively, download APK-file from the official website, but this requires permission to install from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
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If the SIM Contacts app doesn’t show up, try typing its name in the app search (swipe down on the home screen).
4. Transfer through third-party applications (for complex cases)
If the built-in methods don’t work (for example, the phone doesn’t see the contacts on the phone). SIM-We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with the map. MIUI:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy My Data | Transfer over Wi-Fi, without internet | Limitation of 500 contacts in the free version | Google Play |
| Super Backup | Backup in XML/VCF | Advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| SIM Card | Viewing and editing contacts on SIM | Does not support new SIM formats (eSIM) | Google Play |
Recommendation: Before using third-party applications, back up your current contacts (via Export to VCF in the standard menu) to protect your data from accidental deletion or duplication.
What to do if the app does not see SIM-map?
5. Manual transfer (for a small number of contacts)
If SIM-It is easier to manually transfer the data to a card with less than 20 contacts, and it is 100% accurate, but takes time, and is suitable for users who want to edit the data before saving it (e.g., adding photos or notes).
Step-by-step:
- Open Contacts** → go to the SIM tab (at the top of the screen).
Tip: To speed up the process, use the clipboard (for example, the Clipboard Manager application) to save several numbers at once. SIM-map and transfer data from the screen.
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Manual transfer is the only way to keep the contacts in their original form. SIM-The card is damaged and not all data is automatically read.
6. Solving problems when transferring contacts
If contacts are not portable or are carried over with errors, check the following points:
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A and POCO M3) importation SIM-The Cyrillic characters in the names are lost. SIM-Solution: Move contacts through Google account or manually.
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
- 🚫 Mistake "No contact at all" SIM»: - Check that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (on some models SIM2 It does not support reading contacts. - Try another one SIM-Map - possibly the current one is damaged.
- 🔄 Contacts are duplicated: - Before importing, delete old entries from your phone's memory. - Use the Find and combine duplicates option in Google Contacts.
- ❌ Import interrupted: - Close all background apps (especially instant messengers). - Connect your phone to charging - the process requires stable power supply.
If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center – the problem may be related to a hardware malfunction of the slot. SIM-Also check if the import is blocked by antivirus or energy saving mode (turn them off temporarily).
7. Alternative methods: transfer via another phone
If your Xiaomi does not see your contacts SIM-map, but they're displayed on another phone (like an old Samsung or iPhone), use an intermediate device to carry. SIM-map.
Instructions:
- Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (where contacts are visible).
For the iPhone:
- Use iCloud to export contacts to.vcf.
- Open the file on Xiaomi via Contacts** → Three Points → Import/Export.
This method is also useful if you want to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi without the need for a new one. SIM-The main thing is to make sure that the.vcf file is not corrupted (you can open it on your PC via Outlook or Google Contacts).