How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi smartphone: all ways 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards are a challenge that every new owner of the brand’s smartphone faces. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from the lack of visibility of contacts to the lack of a new smartphone. SIM In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), explain why some contacts may not be copied and give a checklist to check the result.

Feature Xiaomi – its own shell MIUI, It sometimes changes the standard paths of Android, like newer versions (MIUI 14+) The contact import menu is hidden deeper than in pure Android. We took these nuances into account and adapted the instructions for the models of 2022-2026 (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi). 13T, POCO F5 You will also learn how to avoid duplication of contacts and what to do if you are not in contact with them. SIM-map not recognized.

Important: If you are using duality SIM-map SIM), The procedure for the transfer will be different, we have a separate section for this. 4X, Mi A1) They have led alternative methods, since their firmware does not support modern synchronization algorithms.

1.Preparation: What to do before transferring contacts

Before you start importing, follow 3 mandatory steps to save time and prevent data loss:

• 🔍 Check visibility. SIM-maps: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM It doesn’t show up, remove and reinstall it (some Xiaomi requires a reboot).
• 📱 Update. MIUI: in older versions (below) MIUI 12) there may be no import option.Update:Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Make a backup: export contacts with SIM To your computer via MyPhoneExplorer (instructions in Section 5) or copy them to another SIM-card.

If you SIM-Nano-SIM or eSIM map, please note:

• 📏 Nano-SIM supports up to 250 contacts (standard) GSM), However, some operators (such as MTS) limit this number to 200.
• 🔗 eSIM does not store contacts – they can only be transferred through the cloud or.vcf file.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate SIM-card (e.g. from MegaFon Business), contacts on it can be blocked for copying. in this case, request access from the mobile network administrator.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

This is the easiest method that works on all Xiaomi with MIUI 10 and newer. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12, POCO X4 Pro and others:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Please indicate where to import: 📁 Google Account – syncs with the cloud (recommended). 📱 Device – retains locally (risk of loss upon reset).

OK.

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

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📌 Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (on some Xiaomi imports only work from the main slot).
• 🛠️ Update the Contacts app via Google Play.

Make a backup copy of contacts|Check visibility SIM-card|Update MIUI last-minute|Make sure that SIM Inserted into slot 1 (for Dual) SIM)-->

Method 2: Import through system settings (for MIUI 14+)

In the latest versions of MIUI, developers have moved some of the features to Settings, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other new models:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Import / Export.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Specify the target storage: 🖥️ Mi Account – synchronizes with Xiaomi servers (requires authorization). ☁️ Google Account – Standard Synchronization.

Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 2 minutes with 500+ contacts).

MIUI 14.0.5+ has a function to automatically combine duplicates after import. To use it, go to Contacts → Management → Combine and Correct after transfer.

⚠️ Note: If you choose to import into a Mi Account, make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB is provided.

Method 3: Transfer via VCF file (for older models)

If your Xiaomi Released is before 2020 (Redmi 8, Mi 9), the standard import may not work, in which case exporting contacts to the.vcf file will help:

1. Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (such as Samsung or iPhone).
2. Export contacts to file: On Android: Contacts → Export → Save to a memory card. On iPhone: Use iCloud to export to.vcf.

Xiaomi

Bluetooth

USB

Xiaomi

If the file does not open:

• 📂 Check the extension: it should be.vcf, not.txt.
• 🔧 Use File Manager from Xiaomi (pre-installed app).
• 🌐 Upload the file to Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) and sync with your phone.

5. Method 4: Sync through Google Account (recommended)

This method ensures that contacts are automatically backed up and available on any device, and is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark:

1. Move the contacts with SIM Google Account: Open Contacts» → «Management» → «Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-map → Please specify Google Account as a target.

autosynchronization

• Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
• Activate the switch opposite Contact.

Advantages of this method:

• ☁️ Contacts are automatically restored when the phone is reset.
• 🔄 Changes to one device apply to all (for example, if you add a contact on a tablet).
• 🛡️ Data protected by Google’s two-factor authentication.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another Google account, new contacts may be duplicated. To avoid this, clear the old data before importing: Settings → Google → Managing a Google Account → Data and personalization → Contacts → Delete.

💡

If you have two Google accounts on Xiaomi, choose the main one to sync in Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google → Default account.

Method 5: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If the standard methods do not work (for example, SIM-Card damaged or phone does not recognize it, use specialized applications:

Instructions for MyPhoneExplorer (relevant for Xiaomi with the USB-debugging):

1. Install the app on your PC and phone.
2. Connect Xiaomi to USB (enable File Transfer Mode).
3. In MyPhoneExplorer, select Contacts → Import with SIM.
4. Save a backup to your PC (.mbf format).

If the app does not see SIM-map:

• 🔌 Try connecting via Wi-Fi (in MyPhoneExplorer settings).
• 🛠️ Update Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website).

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The side of the appendix is useful if SIM-The card is physically damaged or the phone doesn't recognize it, but check reviews before using it - some programs (such as Super Backup) contain ads and may ask for unnecessary permissions.

7. Problem Solving: Why Contacts Are Not Portable

If the import is completed with an error or contacts are not displayed, check these points:

• 🚫 SIM-card blocked: some operators (for example, Tele2) block access to contacts.
• 📵 Incompatible format: the old SIM-cards (before 2010) can use an outdated storage standard. SIM service-centre.
• 🔋 Insufficient memory: if the phone has less than 100 MB of free space, MIUI You can interrupt the import. → Memory. → Clean up.
• 🔄 Synchronization conflict: if contacts are already in Google, new ones may not be added. The solution is to temporarily disable synchronization (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Disconnect contacts).

If after importing the contacts are displayed without names (numbers only):

1. Open the "Contact» → press on the empty contact.
2. Choose Edit and manually add a name.
3. Use the option to combine if the contact is duplicated.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)