How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: a detailed guide

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-contact in the telephone book before import errors MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI 14), explain why some contacts may not be copied, and show how to avoid data loss when changing SIM-map.

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones feature the use of MIUI, which sometimes hides the standard Android features. For example, in newer versions of MIUI, the contact import button is hidden in the depth of the menu, and in older models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you may need to manually copy through the file system. We have tested all methods on devices from Xiaomi 11T to POCO X5 – and are ready to provide working solutions.

Preparation for transfer: what to check before the start

Before you start copying your contacts, make sure yours is yours. SIM-The card is correctly recognized by the system. There are times when the phone sees the card as "empty", when in fact it stores data:

• 📱 Check the display. SIM-If there is no signal, restart the phone or reinstall it. SIM.
• 🔍 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and make sure the card is active (Connected status").
• 📞 Try making an outgoing call – if the link is working but the contacts aren’t displayed, the problem is with the phone book settings.
• 🔄 On older models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) You may need to reset your network settings to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Critical feature MIUI: If you use two of them SIM-The contact information can only be stored on one of the cards (usually on the SIM1). Check this in the import menu - the system will show which card is available to copy from.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi via SIM-Note that iOS is saving on the map. SIM Name and number only (no photos, email or additional fields) for full transfer, it is better to use Mi Mover or cloud.

Method 1: Standard import through the "Contacts" application

The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Phone depending on the MIUI version), which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

1. Open the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Contact Management".
3. Go to the section "Import / Export contacts".
4. Select "Import with" SIM-map".
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click "Select all") and confirm the import.
6. Specify your target account to save: “Device” (locally) or “Google”/”Mi Account” (for sync).

If the import button is inactive or not:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Check that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (On some models, import only works from the first slot).
• 🔧 Update the Contacts app via the Google Play Store (sometimes older versions) MIUI buggy).

SIM-card inserted SIM1

The phone sees the network (there is a signal)

Contact appendix updated

Free at least 50 MB of memory on the device

Don't disturb mode is off"-->

Method 2: Transfer through system settings (for MIUI 14 and later)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (installed on Xiaomi 13/13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), developers have moved the function of importing contacts to the system settings. This method is more reliable, since it does not depend on the version of the Contacts application.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Scroll down and select "Import/Export Contacts".
3. Press "Import with" SIM-map".
4. Choose. SIM-map (if there are several) and mark the contacts for transfer.
5. Specify the location of the save: “Local” – contacts will only be saved on the phone (without synchronization); “Google Account” – contacts are synchronized with the cloud (recommended); “Mi Account” – synchronization with Xiaomi servers (requires authorization).

Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes with a large number of contacts).

The advantage of this method is that it automatically checks for duplicates and offers to merge contacts, for example, if the number is already in the phone book, but with a different name, MIUI will suggest choosing the right one.

⚠️ Note: If you choose to save in "Mi Account", make sure you have sync enabled in Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization, otherwise, contacts may disappear after the phone is reset.

💡

If contacts are SIM-The maps are displayed in characters, meaning they are stored in the wrong encoding. Before you use a penos, try reading them on another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung) and save them again.

Method 3: Manual export through the file system (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., custom firmware or after a reset), you can manually transfer contacts through the file system. ADB, It is suitable for recovering data from damaged SIM-map.

Instructions for devices with unlocked loader:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (such as MiXplorer or Root Explorer).
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db This is an Android contact database.
3. Back up the contacts2.db file (copy it to your computer).
4. Use SQLite Editor to edit the database and import contacts with SIM.