How to transfer data from SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: all working methods

Data transfer from SIM-Xiaomi cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause complications, from the lack of visible options on the menu to errors when importing contacts. This is especially true for the owners of modern Redmi models. POCO, where the manufacturer often refuses to play SD-Maps favor second nano-SIM, limiting backup options.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of transfer – from standard functions. MIUI You can use it to workarounds for devices without external drives, and you can learn how to copy not only contacts, but also contacts. SMS-What to do if your phone doesn’t see SIM-The card or data is not imported. The instructions are adapted to the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14/15) and take into account the features of popular models: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5.

Preparation for transfer: what you need to know before starting

Before you start copying your data, make sure that your SIM-The card is compatible with the device.Modern Xiaomi smartphones support nano-SIM (4FF), And old micro-SIMs (3FF) or full-size cards will need to be cropped or replaced by the operator:

• 🔋 Battery charge – the import process can take up to 10 minutes, and an interruption due to discharge will result in the loss of unsaved data.
• 📶 Network signal - if SIM-The card is not determined, the transfer will not be possible. Try to restart the phone or insert the card into another slot (if there are two of them).
• 📱 Version MIUI — firmware MIUI 12 import menu may differ. Update system in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.

It's important: SIM-The cards store the contacts in a format limited to 255 characters per record and 250 records in total. If you have more contacts, the data will have to be transferred in parts or use alternative methods.

If you plan to carry over SMS-Note that not all Xiaomi models support their import directly from the SIM. In this case, you will need third-party software (about it in the appropriate section).

Method 1: Standard import via contact menu

The easiest way is to use the built-in function. MIUI. It is suitable for transferring contacts and works on all devices, regardless of the availability of a slot for the device. SD-Follow the instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the contacts for transfer.
5. Specify a save account (such as a Xiaomi or Google Account) and confirm.

If the option Import from the SIM-card is not available:

• 🔄 Try to update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 📲 Install alternative contact software (such as Truecaller or Google Contacts) where the import feature can be accessed.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Contact photos and additional fields (e.g. dates of birth) are not transferred).
• ❌ SMS-Messages are not imported - only contacts.
• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F4 GT) The function may be hidden due to custom firmware.

Method 2: Transfer through the Messages app (for SMS)

For copying SMS-message SIM-Xiaomi cards with standard tools MIUI But some versions of the firmware still have the function:

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings → Additionally. → Import with SIM-map.
3. Select messages to transfer and confirm the action.

If you do not have an option, use third-party utilities:

• 📱 SMS Backup & Restore (Free on Google Play) SMS into XML-A file that can then be restored on the phone.
• 💾 Super Backup – Supports Exports SMS on SD-map.

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Before using third-party SMS apps, check their permissions in Google Play. utilities should request access to messages and storage ONLY, but not to geolocation or microphone.

Important for owners of two SIM-If the message is stored on the second SIM, The phone can't see them, try it:

1. Reboot the device with only one installed SIM-card.
2. Insert the SIM into another slot (e.g. from SIM2 to SIM1).
3. Update MIUI to the latest version – in firmware older than MIUI 11, bugs with second SIM recognition are often encountered.

Method 3: Use SD-cards (for older models)

If you support Xiaomi SD-cards (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) or POCO X3 Pro, you can transfer data through an external drive, and this method is suitable for backup before resetting your phone or replacing it. SIM. Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if the phone supports hybrid slot, you will have to temporarily remove the second slot). SIM).
2. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Exports to SD-map.
3. Select the export format (usually.vcf) and confirm.
4. Extract. SD-card, insert into a new phone and import the file through Contacts → Import with SD-map.

Please note:

• 🔄 Not all Xiaomi models allow you to export contacts to the market. SD — into MIUI 14+ This function can be disabled.
• 📁 You can copy the.vcf file to your computer and then send it to your new phone via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

Method 4: Transfer over a computer (for advanced users)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can copy the data from the SIM to your PC and then upload it to Xiaomi.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS;
• 📱 Card reader for SIM (or phone support OTG);
• 🔌 Reading programme SIM (for example, SIM Card Reader or PhoneBook).

Step-by-step:

1. Extract. SIM-card from the phone and insert into the card reader connected to the PC.
2. Install a SIM reader program (e.g. SIM Card Data Recovery).
3. Export contacts to.vcf or.csv format.
4. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB (enable File Transfer Mode in the notification curtain).
5. Copy the contact file to the Download folder on your phone.
6. Import contacts through the Contacts app (as in Method 1).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even if the phone can’t see it. SIM.
• ✅ Allows you to edit contacts before importing (e.g., delete duplicates).
• ✅ Suitable for recovering data from damaged SIM.

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Use this method if other methods have failed or you need to transfer data from the old format SIM (mini-SIM).

Problem Solving: What to Do When Data Is Not Portable

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and consider typical situations and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If an error appears when importing contacts, "I could not read" SIM-Check the card on another phone, it may be damaged or blocked by the operator (for example, if you lose the card).

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔧 Check it out. SIM-Map on another device – maybe the problem is.
• 📡 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings.
• 🔄 Return to factory settings (pre-return via Settings) → The phone. → Backup).

Data security: how not to lose information when transferring

Data transfer from SIM-maps are a process where the risk of loss of information is minimal, but it still exists:

• 🔐 Backup before you start. Copy contacts to another phone or export to.vcf.
• 🚫 Don't take it out. SIM-Card during importation – this can cause data damage.
• 🔍 Check your target account. If you import contacts to Google, they sync to the cloud. For local storage, select your Phone Account.

What NOT to do:

• ❌ Use informal reading programs SIM without checking reviews – they may contain malicious code.
• ❌ Format SIM-map in an attempt to "clean" it - this will delete all data without the possibility of recovery.
• ❌ Ignore contact requests/SMS when using third-party applications.

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If you are migrating data to the new Xiaomi, check sync with the cloud immediately after import. → Accounts. → Xiaomi/Google and enable automatic contact synchronization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer from SIM to Xiaomi