How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods

The transition to a new Xiaomi smartphone is always exciting, especially when it comes to keeping important data safe. SIM-Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply insert a SIM into a new device, but in practice contacts do not always automatically sync with the phone book. SIM on the Redmi, POCO or flagship models of Xiaomi (including devices on the MIUI 14/15), We also tell you how to avoid common mistakes and keep your data safe.

The feature of modern Xiaomi smartphones is that they by default offer to save contacts in the Mi Account or Google account, and not on the phone. SIM-This is convenient for synchronizing between devices, but it makes it difficult to migrate from an old phone, where the numbers were stored exclusively on a SIM, and fortunately, the transfer process takes no more than 5-10 minutes, if you know the right algorithm. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for different versions of the firmware, as well as tips for backing up and restoring lost contacts.

Preparation for transfer: what to check before the start

Before you start importing contacts, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone is ready for the procedure.Missing these steps can result in data loss or a phone book malfunctioning.

First, check the compatibility. SIM-Modern Xiaomi devices support nano-SIM (4FF), If you have an old micro-SIM (3FF) Or a full-size SIM, you'll need a cropping or an adapter. A1 or POCO C50) They may not recognize the contacts on SIM-map 2FF (Mini-SIMs released before 2010.

Secondly, make sure that SIM-The map does store contacts:

1. Put the SIM in the old phone.
2. Open the Contacts app (or Phone).
3. Check if the numbers are displayed in the section «SIM-map (usually highlighted by a separate tab).

⚠️ Note: If you are using a two-sim Xiaomi smartphone (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), make sure that SIM-The contact card is inserted into Slot 1. Some models only read contacts from the first slot by default.

We also recommend charging your phone to at least 30%, which eliminates the risk of interruption due to battery drain. If you are transferring contacts from an iPhone or phone to another brand’s Android, pre-export them to a.vcf file (for more on this, see the section on alternative methods).

2. Standard method: import contacts through "Settings» MIUI

The most reliable and universal method is the use of the built-in import function in firmware. MIUI. It works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi. 10/11/12, POCO X5/F5, Mi 13 older devices (subject to the current version) MIUI). The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12–15.

Steps for import:

1. Put it in. SIM-card with contacts in the smartphone Xiaomi.
2. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
3. Swipe on the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe left in the menu).
4. Select Contact Management → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.
5. Tick the necessary contacts (or click “Select all”).
6. Specify the location of the save: Device, Google or Mi Account.
7. Confirm the import with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after import, check the sync settings in Settings → Accounts: Turn off automatic sync with Google Contacts or Mi Account for the duration of the transfer.

In some models (for example, POCO M5) The path may be slightly different:

Contacts → Settings (cogs) → Import / Export → Import with SIM

If only the numbers without names are displayed in the contact list, this means that the data on the contact list is SIM-The solution is to export them on an old phone to a.vcf file and then import them to Xiaomi.

SIMKA is inserted into slot 1 (for two-sim models)

The phone is charged at least 30%

Nana SIM There is a free space (minimum 5 KB)

Disabled synchronization with the clouds (to avoid duplication)-->

3. Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

In some cases, the in-built import may not work – for example, if SIM-The card is damaged, the smartphone doesn't recognize it, or the contacts are stored in an outdated format.

Method 1: Export to.vcf on an old phone

1. Put it in. SIM-Card to an old phone (not necessarily Xiaomi).
2. Export contacts to the contacts.vcf file (usually the option is in the contact settings).
3. Flip the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, email or cloud storage.
4. On Xiaomi, open the file and the system will automatically prompt you to import contacts.

Method 2: Use of the application «SIM Contacts»

If the built-in function MIUI It doesn’t work, install a third-party app from Google Play, for example:

• 📱 SIM Contacts – simple import/export with support for old formats.
• 🔄 Copy My Data – Transferring Wi-Fi contacts between devices.
• 📋 Contacts Backup – Create backups in.vcf or.csv format.

Method 3: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If the contacts are small (up to 20-30), it is easier to enter them manually:

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.
2. Press + (add contact).
3. Select the location of the save: Device or Google.
4. Enter the data manually.

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If contacts are SIM-maps are displayed in characters, try changing the encoding in the phone settings (section "Language and input"). UTF-8.

4. Where to save contacts: device, Google or Mi Account?

When importing contacts with SIM-Xiaomi offers you to choose a place to save, and it depends on how you can manage the numbers in the future:

If you choose to save to Google Account, be sure to check that the phone settings have sync enabled: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

For maximum reliability, we recommend that you duplicate contacts in two places, such as Google and locally on your device, which will protect you from data loss when sync failures occur.

5. Typical errors and their solution

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems when transferring contacts, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are not displayed after importation

• 🔍 Check that contacts are saved in the correct account (in the Contacts app, select the filter All Contacts»).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes it helps to update your database.
• 📱 Make sure that SIM-card not blocked PUK-code (check in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts

This happens if the contacts have already been synced with Google or Mi Account.

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Combine Doubles.
2. Use the Contact Cleaner app to automatically remove duplicates.

Problem 3: Mistake «SIM-card not supported»

Such a message shall appear if:

• 📶 SIM-The card is too old (before 2010 release).
• 🔌 Contacts on the SIM are damaged.
• 📱 The phone does not support the map format (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T not working 2FF).

Solution: Try inserting SIM-card to another phone and export contacts to.vcf file.

Problem 4: Imports are interrupted in the middle

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Low battery charge (less than 15%).
• 📵 Unstable network connection (if you save it to the cloud).
• 🛠️ Damaged. SIM-map.

Solution: Repeat the procedure after restarting your phone or use an alternative method (e.g. via.vcf).

Backup of contacts: how not to lose data

Transfer of contacts with SIM-To avoid losing numbers in the future, set up automatic backup. Xiaomi has several backup methods:

Method 1: Backup copy through MIUI

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup or Cloud Backup (in Mi Account).
3. Check Contacts and start the process.

Method 2: Export to.vcf file

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Exports.
2. Select the.vcf format and the location of the storage (e.g., internal memory). → Download).
3. Copy the file to your computer or the cloud.

Method 3: Sync with Google

1. Add a Google account to Settings → Accounts.
2. Turn on contact sync.
3. Check the data at contacts.google.com.

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We recommend you set up backup immediately after you move contacts. Even if you save your numbers to Google or Mi Account, a local backup to a.vcf file will be an additional insurance policy.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings (Settings) → Reset settings), pre-disable synchronization of contacts with accounts. Otherwise, after the reset, there may be duplicates or version conflicts.

7. Features of the transfer on different models Xiaomi

While the overall algorithm for importing contacts is the same for all Xiaomi smartphones, some models have nuances.

Budget models (Redmi) A1, POCO C50, Redmi 9A)

• 📱 There is no separate “Contact” app – the import function is hidden in the phone → Menu (three dots) → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 🔌 Supports only nano-SIM (4FF).
• 📶 They may not recognize the contacts on SIM-cards over 5 years old.

Mid-segment (Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO X4/X5, Mi 11 Lite)

• 📱 Full-fledged Contacts app with filter support and doubles integration.
• 🔄 Importability from two countries SIM-mapping.
• 📋 Support for export to.vcf and.csv.

Flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold 2/3, Black Shark)

• 📱 Integration with Mi Account to sync between devices (e.g. smartphone) + Xiaomi Pad).

On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F5) The route to import may be different:

Contacts → Profile (user icon) → Settings → Import / Export

If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global), the interface will be in English, but the sequence of actions remains the same. → Additionally. → Language and input.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)