Transfer of contacts with one SIM-Maps to another in Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Transfer of contacts with one SIM-Maps to another on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and other devices) POCO) It often becomes a headache for users, especially when changing operators or updating rates, unlike the old callers, where contacts were stored only on the Internet. SIM, modern-day devices MIUI There are several ways to migrate data, from manual copying to automatic synchronization through the cloud, but not all methods are equally reliable: some lead to the loss of avatars or additional fields (for example, dates of birth), and others require a mandatory Internet connection.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven methods of transferring contacts between SIM-Xiaomi cards, including hidden features MIUI 14/15, circumventing operator restrictions (for example, when blocking the recording of the SIM) We'll focus on the nuances of working with nano-SIM and eSIM, and explain why some contacts can disappear after transfer. 8 (2019 Note: the menu interface may differ – for such cases, we will give alternative ways.

Method: Manual export/import via contact menu

The most versatile method that works even without the Internet is suitable for all Xiaomi models. MIUI 12-15, including POCO F5, Redmi 12 and Xiaomi 13T. The main advantage is that all contact fields are saved (except for notes and associated accounts). SIM There are records already, they will be rewritten.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
• 🔧 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
• 📤 Select Export on Export SIM-map → tick the necessary contacts (or click Allocate all).
• 💾 Confirm export. The system will show the number of successfully copied records.
• 🔄 Remove the old one. SIM, insert → Repeat the path, but choose Import with SIM-map.

Free space on the new SIM (maximum of ~250 contacts)

Absence PIN-code SIM (can block the record)

Name format (Cyrillic is not supported by all operators)

Backup of contacts in MI Cloud (in case of failure)

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Important: some operators (for example, Tele2) block the recording of the SIM In this case, use the menu. №3 (through files) VCF). Also note that the Email and Address fields are lost during this transfer – they are not supported by the standard storage on the Internet. SIM.

2. Method: Synchronization via Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)

If your smartphone is tied to Mi Account, this method will allow you to transfer contacts without physical access to your phone. SIM-It's good for the devices on the maps. MIUI 11+ It requires a stable Internet, and it has the advantage of storing all the data, including photos of contacts and linked social media accounts.

How it works:

1. 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
2. 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
3. ☁️ Turn on the contact sync slider (if it is turned off).
4. 🔄 Wait for the synchronization to be completed (notification will appear in the upper panel).
5. 📲 Insert the new one. SIM-map → Repeat steps 2-3. Contacts will automatically be downloaded from the cloud.

1. availability of MI Cloud servers (sometimes there are failures in Russia).

2. date and time settings on the phone (should be automatic).

3. Permissions for the "Contacts" application in Settings → Annexes → Permits.-->

Restrictions: Free Mi Account allows you to store up to 5,000 contacts, if you have more, some of the data is not synchronized, and this method is not suitable if you change the region of the account (for example, from Chinese to global) - contacts may not be transferred.

3. Method: Export to VCF (vCard) and import

A method for advanced users that ensures that all data is safe, including notes and additional fields..vcf can be edited manually (e.g. in Excel) or stored as a backup. Works on all versions of Android, including Xiaomi with custom firmware.

Step-by-step:

• 📄 In the Contacts app, select Management → Export to file.
• 💾 Save the file (for example, contacts_backup.vcf) in memory of the phone or on Google Drive.
• 📲 Insert the new one. SIM-map → Open the file through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
• 📥 The system will offer to import contacts - confirm the action.

Warning: If you are importing VCF-a file with Google Contacts, some fields (such as the Group) may not appear in the standard Xiaomi app.

4. Method: Transfer through Google Account

An alternative to MI Cloud for those who are actively using Google services, this method is convenient if you plan to use contacts on other devices (for example, on a tablet or PC), all Xiaomi models with Google Play Services are supported.

How to move:

1. 🔗 B Settings → Add or select your Google Account.
2. 🔄 Enable contact synchronization (Contact slider should be active).
3. ☁️ Wait for the synchronization to be completed (check at contacts.google.com).
4. 📲 Insert the new one. SIM → Repeat steps 1-2. Contacts will be automatically downloaded.

Mi Account (Xiaomi Cloud)|Google Account|Manual export/import |Other |Not sync-->

Nuance: If you previously synced contacts with Mi Account, you may see duplicates when you add a Google Account, to avoid this, before syncing:

1. Export contacts to VCF (method №3).
2. Remove all contacts from your phone.
3. Import them back by selecting a Google Account as your target.

5. Method: Use of Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to operator restrictions or a damaged SIM), third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 3 applications that work reliably on Xiaomi:

Recommendation: Before using third-party applications, check their permissions in Settings → Applications. If the utility requests access to SMS or Call Log for no obvious reason, refuse to install it.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with proper portability, contacts may not be displayed or duplicated, and consider common errors and ways to correct them:

⚠️ Note: If the contacts are displayed as "unknown numbers" after the transfer, check the format of the phone numbers. +7, and Beeline doesn't. Correct it manually or through the Truecaller app.

Problem 1: Contacts are not copied to the new SIM.

• 🔍 Check if the new one supports SIM Contact records (some eSIMs and corporate contacts) SIM limit).
• 🔄 Try restarting your phone and repeating your export.
• 🛠️ Use a third-party application (method) №5).

Problem 2: Duplicate records after synchronization.

• 🧹 In the Contacts app, select Management → Combine the takes.
• 🔄 Turn off sync in Mi Account and Google Account, then turn on only one source.

Problem 3: Contact photos are missing.

• 🖼️ Photos are stored only in the cloud or in your phone's memory.
• ☁️ Restore the avatars through MI Cloud or Google Contacts.

1. the folder "Archive" in the "Contacts" application (sometimes the records are moved there automatically).

2. Display settings in Contacts → Three dots → Display contacts (possibly hidden groups).

3. Google Contacts Recycle Bin (stored for 30 days).-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions