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

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every new owner of the device faces. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility SIM-In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer numbers, including hidden functions. MIUI, Standard Android Tools and Workarounds for Older Models.

Feature of Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi line, POCO and Mi) - its own shell MIUI, It sometimes modifies standard Android processes, for example, in some versions. MIUI 14/15 The option of importing contacts is hidden in the depth of the menu, and in budget models (for example, Redmi). 12C) There may be no support SIM-We took these nuances into account and prepared instructions that are relevant to all Xiaomi Android devices. 11–14.

1. Standard import via "Contacts" (fastest way)

This method works for most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer. The main condition — SIM-The card must support the storage of contacts (usually these are mini-SIM or micro-SIM cards, not modern Nano-SIM cards).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app** (a human silhouette icon).
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Select Contact Management.
• 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
• 📋 Select the necessary contacts (or click Allocate all) → Imports.
• 💾 Specify an account to save (e.g. Device or Google).

If the item Import from the SIM-card is not:

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) option is hidden. Try first to click on Settings in the Contact app, then select Display Contacts → display SIM-contact.

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

Check your SIM contact balance (usually 250-500 number limit)

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

Connect to Wi-Fi if you plan to sync with Google

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2.Import via the phone's "Settings" (alternative path)

If the standard method didn’t work, try importing contacts through system settings, a method that works for Xiaomi with MIUI 13-15 and Android 12-14.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the contact list and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Import/Export of contacts.
4. Press Import with SIM-maps and follow the clues.

If the Warehouse menu does not have import options:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📌 Check if it's offline. SIM-map in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Turn on.

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If the contacts on the SIM are displayed as unreadable characters (for example, characters), change the SIM encoding in the network settings to GSM 7-bit or UCS2 before importing.

3. Transfer contacts using Google Account (for backup)

This is a great way to do this if you want to not only migrate your SIM contacts to your phone, but also back them up in the cloud, and the advantage is that you sync them between devices.

How to do this:

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone in any of the ways described above (save them to your device).
2. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
3. Turn on the Contact Switch (if it is turned off).
4. Click Sync and wait for the process to be completed.

To check if your contacts are saved on Google:

• 🌐 Open on your computer contacts.google.com.
• 🔍 Make sure all numbers are displayed in the list.

4.Use of third-party applications (for older Xiaomi models)

If your Xiaomi is released before 2018 (such as Redmi 4X or Mi A1), standard methods may not work due to the outdated version of MIUI. In this case, the “Copy to SIM Card” app (or analogues: SIM Contacts Manager, Contacts Backup) will help.

Instructions:

• 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
• 🔓 Provide all the permissions requested (access to contacts and SIM-map).
• 📤 In the main menu, select Copy from SIM to Phone.
• 📋 Mark the contacts you need and press Copy.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require root rights to work with the software. SIM-On Xiaomi, this can lead to loss of warranty.

Standard import via menu

Synchronization with Google Account

I use third-party apps.

Manual numbering

Another way.-->

5. Manual input and export to the VCF file (for a small number of contacts)

If SIM-The card has few contacts (up to 20–30), and the most reliable way is to manually copy them into a phone book, which is also useful if the numbers are stored in a non-standard format (for example, with additional characters).

How to do this:

1. Open the Contacts app → go to the SIM tab (if it is displayed).
2. Slip on the desired contact → click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Copy the number (long press → Copy).
4. Return to the main phone book → + Add contact → insert the number.

To export all contacts to the file:

• 📄 Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 📥 Select Export to File → specify the format VCF (or CSV).
• 📎 The file will be stored in the internal memory in the Downloads folder or MIUI/Backup/Contacts.

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A VCF file can be sent by email or messenger and then imported to another phone, a universal way to transfer contacts between devices of different brands.

Problem Solving: Why are contacts not imported?

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

If the problem persists:

• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi via the Mi Community app (Feedback section).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi