How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards including Redmi models, POCO, Black Shark is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or resetting settings. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be challenging due to the nature of the shell. MIUI limitations SIM-In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to import contacts, including hidden functions and avoiding common errors.

The main problem is that modern SIM-cards (especially nano-SIM) often have limited memory, from 50 to 250 contacts, and Xiaomi does not always offer an intuitive interface for data transfer. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5), to provide current instructions.

It is important to take into account that some operators (for example, MTS, Beeline) block the recording of contacts on the Internet. SIM-card via smartphone, but allow them to be read if your contacts are stored only on the SIM, If you don’t have them on your phone, follow our recommendations so you don’t lose important numbers.

1. Standard import through Xiaomi settings

The most reliable way is to use the built-in import function in the MIUI. This method works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the model and firmware version: SIM-The card must be recognized by the system (displayed in the network status).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Select All) → Import.
6. Specify the location of the save: Device (locally) or Google account (for synchronization).

If the item Import with SIM-The card is missing, check it out:

• 🔄 Whether inserted SIM-slot-card SIM1 (Some Xiaomi models only support import from the main slot).
• 📱 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in) MIUI 12 and older function is more stable).
• 🔒 Are there any restrictions from the operator (for example, Tele2 sometimes blocks access to contacts on the Internet) SIM).

2.Import via the Contacts app (alternative method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try importing directly through the Contacts interface, which is especially useful for devices with MIUI 13 and below, where settings may differ.

Step-by-step:

1. Launch the Contacts app.
2. Click on the profile icon (or avatar) in the upper right corner → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.
4. The system will choose SIM-If there are two cards, please indicate the correct one.
5. Mark the contacts for import and click Ready.

After importing, contacts will appear in the Device or Google section (depending on the option chosen).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) The import function can be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Permits and enable access to Warehouse and Contacts.

3. Transfer contacts through Google account (for synchronization)

If you plan to use contacts on multiple devices, the best option is to import them into a Google account, which will automatically sync numbers with other gadgets (for example, a tablet or laptop).

How to do this:

1. Import contacts with SIM-Cards to the phone (modes 1 or 2).
2. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
3. Turn on the Contact Switch (if it is turned off).
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 📱 Access to contacts from any device after logging in to your account.
• 🔍 Recovery from phone loss.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires a stable Internet connection.
• 🔒 Contacts are stored on Google servers (privacy issue).

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If contacts are not displayed after importing to your Google account, check if the “Show Contacts Only with Phone Numbers” feature is enabled in the Contacts app settings.

4. Use of third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)

In rare cases, embedded tools MIUI They may not be able to handle imports (for example, due to damage). SIM-So we've tested 3 reliable applications:

How to use Super Backup & Restore (increased)

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and give access to the contacts.
3. Select Contacts → Backup.
4. Specify the source: SIM-map.
5. Click Create a backup and save the.vcf file.
6. Then select Restore and specify the goal: Device or Google.

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

5. Manual export of contacts to VCF file (for power users)

If you want to migrate your contacts to other devices, such as your iPhone or computer, the best option is to export them to a universal.vcf (vCard) file, which requires a little more action, but guarantees compatibility.

Instructions:

1. Import contacts with SIM-Phone cards (any of the above methods).
2. Open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export.
3. Select Export to Device (or Export to File).
4. Specify the location of the storage (for example, internal memory → Download).
5. Contacts.vcf can be sent by email, uploaded to the cloud, or transferred to another phone.

To import.vcf back to Xiaomi:

1. Open the file through Explorer (or send it to the mail and download).
2. The system will suggest importing contacts - confirm the action.

6. Solving typical problems when transferring contacts

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and we have collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📶 Quality of communication (sometimes the operator blocks access to the service) SIM-low-signal contacts).
• 🔧 Security settings: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Access to contacts and enable access to the Contacts app.
• 🔄 Version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If you SIM-Old-style card (mini-SIM or micro-SIM), try transferring it to the adapter and inserting it into the slot SIM2. Sometimes it helps the system to recognize contacts.

7. How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid repeating the import procedure every time you drop or buy a new phone, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Enable automatic sync with Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
• ☁️ Create a local backup once a month through Contacts → Settings → Exports.
• 📱 Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive) for additional backup.
• 🔒 Refuse to keep contacts on SIM — Modern phones more reliably store data in internal memory.

Important: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi to another person, be sure to delete all contacts and reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset). Otherwise, the new owner will be able to recover your data, including phone numbers.

For additional security, you can encrypt a backup of contacts.

1. Export your contacts to the.vcf file.
2. Copy the file to the computer.
3. Archive it with a password (for example, via WinRAR or 7-Zip).
4. Keep the archive in the cloud or on a flash drive.

Frequently asked questions