How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi phone: all ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of the device or user who decides to change operator. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from the limitations of the device to the limitations of the user. SIM by number of saved numbers to interface features MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to import contacts, including hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions.

Modern models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi (starting with MIUI 12) support automatic synchronization of contacts with a Google account or Mi Account, but what if the numbers are stored only on SIM? We tested all methods on devices in 2020-2026 and identified the optimal solutions for different scenarios, from manual copying to using third-party applications.

Important: the procedure is different for single and dual-symbol phones, and also depends on the firmware version. If your Xiaomi does not see contacts on SIM, check the slot settings or update the software.

Preparation for transfer: what to check before import

Before you start copying contacts, make sure that your phone reads the data correctly from the phone. SIM-For this, it's a map:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and check the status of the slot (should be written "Connected" or "Active").
• 🔍 Open the Contacts app and go to Contact Management. → Imports/Exports If item "Imports with SIM" Inactive – a problem in a card or slot.
• 🔄 Try restarting your phone or retracting/pasting SIM On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) it helps to reset the network settings to Settings. → Connections → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

Pay special attention to the format of the contact SIM. Older cards (issued before 2015) may use an outdated standard that is MIUI It doesn't support, and in this case, it's only manually entering or using a reading adapter that helps. SIM PC-only.

Method 1: Standard import through the "Contacts" application

The simplest method that works on all devices with MIUI 12–15. Suitable for transferring contacts to internal phone memory or account Google/Mi.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip three dots in the top right corner (or swipe right to left on some models).
3. Select Contact Management → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.
4. Specify the target storage: 📱 Device – contacts will be stored in the phone’s memory (not synchronized). ☁️ Google – Numbers will be linked to your account (recommended for backup). 🔵 Mi Account – synchronization through Xiaomi services (useful for owners of several devices of the brand).

Select the contacts you need (or click “Select All”) and confirm the import.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), contacts may be duplicated after import. To avoid this, clean the storage before the procedure: Settings → Applications → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data.

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If after importing the names of contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics, check the encoding SIM-maps in operator settings. MIUI 14+ This problem is solved by updating the firmware.

Method 2: Transfer contacts through system settings

An alternative method available on all models, including the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T. Suitable if the standard Contacts app does not see the SIM or gives an error.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Import / Export contacts (on some devices, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Import / Export).
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Specify the slot (SIM 1 or SIM 2 for two-symbol models).
4. Select storage to save (Google recommends for automatic backup).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

This method is often more stable than importing through the Contacts app, as it uses MIUI system tools. However, some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) may not have a slot selection option, in which case use Method 1 or Method 4.

Check the connection. SIM-maps in "Settings" → SIM-map"

Update the Contacts app on Google Play

Clear the cache of the Contacts app (Settings → Apps → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache)

Backup your current contacts (if any)

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Method 3: Sync with a Google account (for backup)

If you plan to not only migrate your contacts to the SIM, but also back them up, link them to your Google account, which will allow you to restore numbers on any Android device, even if the phone is lost.

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone in any of the ways described above, by selecting Google as storage.
2. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
3. Make sure that the slider opposite the Contact is active (on).
4. For forced synchronization, tap on three dots in the upper right corner and select Sync Now.

Instructions for Copy My Data:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the utility and select Copy contacts from SIM.
3. Specify the target storage (recommended by Google).
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start, otherwise the process may be interrupted.

Method 5: Manual contact entry (for a small number of numbers)

If there are fewer than 20 contacts on the SIM, it is sometimes easier to type them manually, which is also true for Xiaomi owners with custom firmware (like LineageOS), where import tools may not be available.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app and tap on the "+" (addition icon).
2. Enter the name and number in the appropriate fields.
3. Click Save and select Storage (Device, Google or Mi Account).
4. Repeat for all contacts.

To speed up the process, use voice input: click on the microphone icon in the name or number field and dictate the data. On models with MIUI 13+, recognition is supported in Russian, English and Chinese.

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Manual input is the only way to transfer contacts if SIM-The card is damaged, but the numbers on it are still read through specialized software on the PC.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

When you migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, you're going to have a typical problem, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods work, check the integrity. SIM-To do this, insert it into another phone and try to read the contacts. If they don't show up, the card is damaged and the data can only be restored through specialized services (for example, in communication salons).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) after importing the contact with SIM They can automatically duplicate in Mi Account storage, even if you choose Google. To avoid this, turn off sync with Mi Account in the pre-import settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions