How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Mi A3: all ways + problem solving

Why migrating your SIM contacts to the Xiaomi Mi A3 is an important task

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A3 It is still a popular choice among users who value a clean Android and a reliable hardware platform, but many people face the problem of keeping their contacts on the Internet. SIM-It's a lot of inconvenience, from being unable to edit numbers to the risk of losing them when you change the card.

Transfer of contacts with SIM internal memory of Mi A3 It solves several tasks at once: synchronization with a Google account, the ability to back up, access to advanced functions (photo contacts, groups, notes, SIM-The card has a limit on the number of records (usually) 200-250 In the memory of the phone, this number is almost unlimited.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to import contacts, from standard Android tools to workarounds for cases where the phone doesn’t see SIM or emits errors, and learn how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if contacts are transferred incorrectly.

πŸ“Š How do you usually keep your contacts?
Only on the SIM-map
In the memory of the phone
Synchronizing with Google
I use third-party services (iCloud, Yandex, etc.)

Preparation for transfer: what to do before import

Before you start the transfer, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss and failures in the process.

First, check the number of contacts on the SIM-For this, please contact the map. β†’ Settings β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ S SIM-The system will show the total number of records, and if there are more than 200, you may have to move the contacts in batches.

Second, make room for the phone, because although the contacts are very small, there can be errors with a lot of contacts, and make sure that the Mi A3 has at least 500MB of free space.

Make sure that SIM-card correctly inserted in the tray

Check your SIM balance (if you use an old card)

Charge your phone at least 30%

Turn off the power saving mode (if enabled)

Backup of contacts to your computer (optional)-->

The third important point is to turn off the doubles. SIM-Maps (if you use them) Xiaomi Mi A3 It supports two nano-SIMs, but when you move contacts, you should leave the one you're copying the data with.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SIM-Old-style card (mini-SIM or micro-SIM) with an adapter, be sure to check its performance on another phone before transferring contacts. Adapters can cause read errors, which cause contacts to be transferred incompletely.

Method 1: Standard import via the Contacts menu (the easiest one)

This is the basic method that works on all Xiaomi Android smartphones, requiring no additional software and only takes a couple of minutes.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the Contact Management section β†’ Imports/Exports.
  4. Select Import with SIM-map.
  5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All).
  6. Click Import and specify the place of saving – Device or Google account.
  7. Wait until the process is completed (usually 10-30 seconds).

After importing, check the contacts in the main list. If some numbers are not moved, repeat the procedure or try alternative methods from the following sections.

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If the imported contacts do not have names (only numbers), edit them directly to the port before transferring them. SIM-card through an old device or service center of the operator.

Method 2: Move over Google Contacts (for sync with the cloud)

This method is suitable for those who want to not only transfer contacts to their phone, but also sync them with a Google account, with the advantage of accessing numbers from any device and automatic backup.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Make sure that your Mi A3 has a Google account added and is active. Check this in Settings β†’ Accounts.
  2. Open Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Contact Management β†’ Import / Export.
  3. Select Import with SIM-Maps and mark the necessary contacts.
  4. Please specify Google (not β€œDevice”) as your save location.
  5. Confirm the import and wait until it is completed.
  6. Go to contacts.google.com from your computer or other device to make sure your contacts are synced.

If your contacts don’t appear on Google, check your sync settings:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ your account.
  • πŸ”„ Make sure the contact switch is on.
  • πŸ“Ά Check your internet connection (synchronization only works with mobile or Wi-Fi network).

⚠️ Note: When importing to Google, contacts with the same names can be combined automatically. If you have duplicates (for example, two numbers for Ivan Ivanov), before transferring them manually combine them through the editing menu on the Internet. SIM-map.

Method 3: Use third-party applications (if standard methods don't work)

Sometimes built-in tools Xiaomi Mi A3 They do not import, for example, if SIM-The card is damaged or the contacts are recorded in a non-standard format, in which case the third-party software will help.

We recommend two proven applications:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficienciesReference
Sim Contacts BackupFree, simple interface, export to CSVAdvertising, no Russian languageGoogle Play
Copy My DataTransfer between devices over Wi-Fi, support for old SIMLimit the number of contacts in the free versionGoogle Play
My Contacts BackupExport to VCF, backup to emailPaid functions for recoveryGoogle Play

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and give access to your contacts.
  3. Select Import from SIM.
  4. Mark contacts and press Import.
  5. Tell me where to save: on the device or in Google.
What to do if the app does not see SIM-map?
If the third-party software does not detect the SIM, try this: 1. Reboot the phone. 2. Insert the SIM into another slot (if you use two cards). 3. Clear the cache of the Contacts app in the settings. 4. Check the SIM on another phone - it may be damaged.

Method 4: Manual transfer via export to VCF file (for power users)

This method is suitable if you need to not only transfer contacts, but also save them backup as a file. VCF format (vCard) is supported by all modern devices and services.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Contact Management β†’ Import / Export.
  2. Select Export on Export SD-card (even if you don’t have one, the system will offer to save it to internal memory).
  3. Specify the format VCF-file and confirm export.
  4. The file will be saved in the Download or Contacts folder under the name Contacts.vcf.
  5. Now open this file through Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Import / Export β†’ Import from a VCF file.
  6. Select the location of the save (device or Google).

The advantage of this is that you get a full backup of all contacts that can be transferred to another phone or restored after resetting, and you can also open a VCF file on your computer through Excel or specialized programs like Outlook.

⚠️ Note: When exporting to VCF Contact photos are not saved, just names, numbers, emails and addresses. If you want photos, use Google sync or specialized backup apps.

Solving common problems when transferring contacts

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi Mi A3 users sometimes encounter errors.

Problem 1: The phone can't see SIM-map or contact.

  • πŸ”§ Check if it is inserted correctly SIM (chips must be facing upwards).
  • πŸ“Ά Try pasting the card into another smartphone – if contacts are displayed there, the problem is Mi. A3.
  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone or reset your network settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • πŸ› οΈ If SIM Ask the operator for a replacement with nano-SIM.

Problem 2: Contacts have been moved, but without names (numbers only).

  • πŸ“ This means that on SIM The solution is to edit the contacts on another phone (where they are displayed correctly) and repeat the import.
  • πŸ–₯️ Use software to work with SIM-PC cards (e.g, SIM Card Data Recovery).

Problem 3: Duplicate contacts after importation.

  • πŸ” Manually combine duplicates through the contact editing menu (click on the avatar) β†’ Unite).
  • πŸ€– Install Duplicate Contacts app to automatically search and remove duplicates.

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If none of these methods worked, the problem is likely to be the problem. SIM-Contact the communication salon to transfer contacts to a new card or use the service "Copy Contacts" (free of charge from most operators).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi Mi A3

Can I transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi Mi A3 without the Internet?
Yes, use the standard import through the Contact Menu. β†’ Import with SIM-maps and select save on Device. Internet is only needed for sync with Google.
Why are some contacts displayed in hieroglyphics after transfer?
It's about coding. SIM-Solution: Move contacts to another phone (where they read correctly), edit and repeat import on Mi A3. The app will also help. SIM Card from Google Play for manual encoding correction.
How to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi Mi A3 if the phone is locked?
If your phone is locked with a pattern lock or password, connect it to your computer via USB, unlock (if you remember the password), and use Mi PC Suite to back up. In extreme cases, reset via Recovery (but this will delete all data).
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to SIM and then to Xiaomi Mi A3?
Technically yes, but the iPhone does not support exporting contacts to SIM. Alternative: export contacts from the iPhone to iCloud, then import them to Google Contacts via the web version, and from there sync with the Mi A3.
How many contacts can be stored on SIM-mapping A3?
Normal. SIM-The card can hold up to 250 contacts, but the real number depends on the operator. For example, Beeline and MegaFon have a limit of 200 contacts, MTS has 250. A3 no limits.