Transfer of contacts with one SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphones often become a headache for users, especially when it comes to older phones or devices with custom firmware. Unlike the iPhone, where syncing through iCloud solves the problem in a couple of clicks, owners of Redmi, POCO Mi has to choose between built-in tools. MIUI, This article covers all relevant methods, from standard export through Contacts to use ADB for advanced users.
The main difficulty is that modern SIM cards (especially nano-SIM) often do not support recording contacts directly – their memory is only designed to store a limited number of numbers in the format vCard 2.1. After transferring the data may be displayed incorrectly: photos, notes or groups of contacts will disappear, we will figure out how to avoid these problems and keep all the information intact.
1. Standard transfer via the Contacts app (MIUI 12–14)
The easiest way is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Google Contacts if it is installed by default), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with official firmware, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11. The main advantage is that you do not need to connect to the Internet or install additional programs.
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
- Go to the section Import / Export → Export to SIM-card.
- Select the right contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the export.
- Get the old one. SIM-card, insert a new one and repeat the process by selecting Import with SIM-map.
Free space on SIM-card (usually up to 250 contacts)
Preservation format (vCard 2.1 or 3.0)
No duplicates in the contact list
Connecting to charging (for long-term operations)
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Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 No photos, email addresses and additional fields (name only) are saved + number).
- 🚫 On some firmware MIUI export option SIM It may not be available (solved by installing Google Contacts from Play Market).
- 🚫 If there are more than 250 contacts, you will need to break them into pieces.
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Before export, sort contacts alphabetically (in the settings of the Contacts app) → Sorting. This will make it easier to check the completeness of the transfer.
2. Transfer through Google Account (synchronization)
If your Xiaomi is linked to a Google account, this method will be the most reliable. It not only saves all contact fields (including photos and notes), but also allows you to restore them on any device. MIUI Global or MIUI for Russia.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
- Make sure the Contacts switch is on (if not, turn on and wait for the synchronization).
- Insert the new one. SIM-phone-card.
- Go to Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
- Select Import from Google and confirm the action.
Advantages:
- ✅ All data (photos, emails, addresses, groups) are stored).
- ✅ Automatic backup.
- ✅ It works even if it does. SIM-The card does not support contact recording.
Through SIM-map
Synchronization with Google
I use third-party apps.
Manual input
Another way.
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Important: If you use the Chinese version of MIUI (without Google services), replace your Google Account with Mi Account – the same algorithm for actions.
3. Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)
If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party utilities.
- 📱 Sim Contacts Backup – Export/Import in.vcf format with cloud storage support.
- 📱 Copy to SIM Card - a convenient interface for working with contacts on SIM.
- 📱 My Contacts Backup – Creates a backup file that can be sent by email.
Example of transfer via Sim Contacts Backup:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Start it and select Backup to SIM.
- Make the necessary contacts and confirm the export.
- Insert the new one. SIM-map and select Restore from SIM.
How to avoid doubles when importing?
Warning: Some apps request access to SMS and calls. Check reviews and permissions in the Play Market before installing.
Manual transfer via vCard file (.vcf)
This method is suitable if you need to transfer contacts to a computer or other SIM-It is universal and works even on older Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi). 4X or Mi A1).
Instructions:
- Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
- Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-map) and confirm.
- Connect your phone to your PC and copy the contacts.vcf file.
- Send the file to your new phone (by email, Mi Drop or Bluetooth).
- On a new phone, import the file through Contacts → Import from the file.
If you need to transfer the contact directly to SIM-map:
- Export contacts to.vcf.
- Use the Sim Card app (from Play Market) to import the file to SIM.
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The.vcf file can be opened in Excel or Google Sheets for editing before importing, which is useful if you want to clear the list of unnecessary contacts.
5. Transfer over ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on custom firmware or after resetting), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills but guarantees 100% control over the process.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer's settings).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Teams for export and import:
Export of contacts to a file on PC
adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
Import contacts back (after replacing the SIM)
adb push contacts2.db /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/
Reboot of the contact service
adb shell am force-stop com.android.providers.contacts
adb shell am start -n com.android.contacts/.activities.PeopleActivity💡
Before working with ADB, back up your contacts via Settings → System → Backup. Errors in commands can lead to data loss.
Warnings:
⚠️ Attention: Method C ADB requires root rights on some firmware. /data/data/ may be limited.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can disrupt the system. If you're not sure, use alternative methods.
Comparison of Contact Transfer Methods on Xiaomi
| Method | Data stored | Difficulty | Internet is required | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Contacts app | Name + number | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Quick transfer to the new SIM |
| Google Account | All fields (photos, email, addresses) | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | Full synchronization between devices |
| Third-party annexes | Depends on the program. | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. ✅ cloudy) | Additional functions (backups, editing) |
| File.vcf | All fields. | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Manual editing of the list |
| ADB | All data (including hidden data) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Recovery after reset or on custom firmware |
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:
1. Contacts shall not be exported to SIM-map
- 🔹 Check if yours is supported. SIM-Contact Recording Card (especially relevant for eSIM and new nano-SIMs).
- 🔹 Update the Contacts app through Play Market.
- 🔹 Try using Google Contacts instead of the standard app.
2.Photos or notes are missing after importation
- 🔹 It's normal to carry through. SIM — It only stores names and numbers. Use a Google Account or.vcf file to migrate fully.
- 🔹 Check if the option to Show only contacts with numbers in the display settings is enabled.
3.Duplicate contacts after importation
- 🔹 Manually combine duplicates in Contacts → Management → Combine the takes.
- 🔹 Use applications like Cleanup Duplicate Contacts.
No export/import options visible
- 🔹 Install Google Contacts from Play Market – It Has Extended Features.
- 🔹 Check if the option is hidden in additional settings (sometimes you need to tap on a few more times).