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

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new phone or resetting their settings. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can be difficult: older models MIUI They hide the import option in the back of the menu, and new versions require permission confirmation. SIM Often duplicated, lost profile photos or distributed across multiple accounts (Google, Mi Account, local memory).

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to migrate contacts, from standard import through Settings to backup through Google Contacts and manual export to.vcf. We’ll focus on the nuances for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi devices on MIUI 12-14, as well as solutions to problems with unreadable characters or missing numbers. If you’re switching from an iPhone or other Android device, here too, you’ll find topical tips.

1. Standard import of contacts through Xiaomi settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import feature in MIUI. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and POCO X5, but may vary depending on the firmware version. The main advantage of the method is speed: contacts are transferred in 1-2 minutes without additional applications.

To get started, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
• 🔧 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
• 📤 Go to the Import/Export Contacts section → Import with SIM-map.
• 📋 Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
• 💾 Click Import and specify the save location: Device (local memory) or Google.

After importing, check the result in the Contacts app: Contacts should appear in the Device or Google section (depending on the option you choose). If some numbers are not moved, try repeating the process or using alternative methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Import option may not be available in the Contacts menu, in which case use the path: Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Permits and enable access to SIM-map.

2. Export contacts to VCF file and transfer to Xiaomi

If the standard import didn’t work or you want to back up, exporting contacts to a.vcf (vCard) file is a reliable solution, and this method is universal: you can transfer the file to any Xiaomi, and also use it for synchronization with Google or other services.

Instructions for the old phone (from where we export):

1. Open Contacts. → Settings (or Contact Management).
2. Choose Import/Export → Export to device (or Export to device) SD-map).
3. Specify the format VCF-file and confirm export. the file will be saved in the Downloads or Contacts folder.

Now transfer the file to Xiaomi:

• 📁 Connect your phone to your PC through USB Or send the file to yourself. Telegram/Email.
• 📲 On Xiaomi, open a.vcf file (for example, through Files or Downloads).
• 🔄 The system will prompt you to import contacts – select your target account (Device or Google).

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If the.vcf file doesn’t open on Xiaomi, try renaming it contacts.vcf (without spaces) or using the VCF Fix app from Google Play.

3. Synchronize contacts with Google Account

One of the most reliable ways is to sync your contacts with your Google Account, and it's not just going to move numbers from your Google Account. SIM-This method is especially useful if you change phones frequently or use multiple gadgets (e.g. Xiaomi). + tablet).

Steps for transfer:

1. On your old phone, export contacts with SIM Google Contacts: Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-Maps and Targets – Google.
2. On Xiaomi, add the same Google Account: Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. Click Add Account → Google and log in to your profile.

• In the Accounts section, select your Google profile.
• Activate the switch opposite Contact.

Mi Mover runs on Wi-Fi Direct, so you don't need Internet, and the speed of the transfer depends on the amount of data, but usually the contacts are copied in 1-2 minutes. Note: the app may not support some Samsung or iPhone models, in which case, use alternative methods.

5. Manual contact entry (for a small number of numbers)

If you SIM-The card has less than 20 contacts, the most reliable way is manual input, which takes longer, but ensures no errors (e.g. loss of characters or duplicates), and is also suitable if other methods have not worked due to technical limitations.

How to enter contacts manually:

• 📞 Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi and click + (addendum).
• 📇 Fill in the fields: Name, phone number, Email (if necessary).
• 🏷️ Specify the number type (Mobile, Work, etc.) for easy search.
• 💾 Click Save and select an account to save (Device or Google).

To speed up the process, you can use voice input: click on the Name or Number field and say the data out loud (the function works if Google Voice is enabled in the keyboard settings).

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Manual input is the only way to avoid duplicates and formatting errors, but it takes the most time. Use it for mission-critical contacts (such as work numbers).

6. Solving problems when transferring contacts

Even if you follow the instructions, you might have a problem, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) importation option SIM-The cards are blocked by a communications operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), in which case the only way out is to export to the Internet. VCF on another phone.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 📶 Make sure that SIM-The card is recognized by the phone (check in Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔧 Reset the settings of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data.