How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 10: all ways + frequent errors

Why migrating SIM contacts to Redmi 10 is not a trivial task

SIM cards are still a lifeline for many users: they store contacts when the phone breaks, loses or discharges. But once you buy the new Xiaomi Redmi 10, the question is: how do you transfer this data to the device so that it does not disappear when you change the SIM? It would seem that it can be easier — but in practice, users face incomplete imports, duplication of records or card reading errors.

The fact is that Redmi 10 is working on the MIUI — Xiaomi's branded shell, which has its own contact processing features, for example, the system can automatically combine duplicates from different sources (SIM, Google, phones, which sometimes leads to data loss, and not everyone knows that SIM-The cards support a limited storage format: only name and number (without photos, addresses or additional fields), which means that some information may be lost when transferred.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to transfer contacts, from standard MIUI tools to workarounds for complex cases, and you will also learn why sometimes contacts are not copied and how to fix it without losing data.

Method 1: Standard import via "Contacts" (the easiest)

If your Redmi 10 recognizes SIM-You can use the built-in import function to show you the contacts you've saved on the map. MIUI 12-14 and does not require additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
3. Choose Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Press Import with SIM-maps and select your target account (e.g. Device or Google).
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are not displayed after import, check if they are hidden in the display settings. → Menus. → Settings → Show contacts and enable display for SIM and the device.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check your SIM balance (some operators block access to contacts when your balance is negative)

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)

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Method 2: Export to VCF file and manual transfer

If the standard import didn’t work (for example, because of a SIM reading error), you can export contacts to a.vcf file and upload it to Redmi 10.

Steps:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts → Settings → Export to SIM (or Export to File).
2. Save the contacts.vcf file to a memory card or internal memory.
3. Transfer the file to Redmi 10 (via Bluetooth, cable, or cloud).
4. On Redmi 10, open the contacts.vcf file and the system will prompt you to import contacts.

🔹 The advantage of the method: the.vcf file saves more data than the SIM (e.g., e-mail addresses).

🔹 Disadvantage: if there are many contacts (500)+), The file may not open – break it down into pieces.

Method 3: Sync with a Google account (for backup)

If you plan to use Redmi 10 for a long time, the best way is to transfer contacts to your Google account, which will not only solve the SIM problem, but also back up your phone in case you lose it.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Sign in to your account (or create a new one).
3. Turn on the Contacts switch for synchronization.
4. Contacts → Menu → Contact Management → Import / Export.
5. Select Import with SIM-map → Google account.

Important: After importing, wait until synchronization is complete (the cloud icon in the notification panel should disappear). If you interrupt the process, contacts can be duplicated.

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To avoid duplicates, clear your Google contacts before importing: go to contacts.google.com, highlight all contacts and delete them (if they are outdated).

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If embedded tools MIUI They do not work (for example, they cannot be seen). SIM-Map or contacts are not copied, third-party software will help. We tested 3 applications that are guaranteed to work on Redmi 10:

• 📱 Copy My Data (Transfer Media & Contacts) – Transfers Wi-Fi contacts from one phone to another.
• 🔄 SIM Card Contacts Backup – Creates a backup of contacts with SIM file.
• ☁️ My Contacts Backup – Exports contacts to.vcf and sends them to email.

📌 Recommendation: Check reviews on Google Play before using third-party apps – some contain ads or require unnecessary permissions.

Method 5: Manual input (if contacts are few)

If you have less than 20 contacts left on your SIM, it's sometimes easier to manually type them, which takes time, but guarantees 100% accuracy.

How to speed up the process:

• 📝 Use Notepad for temporary storage: copy names and numbers from SIM Into a text file and then enter them into Contacts.
• 🔠 Turn it on. T9-Keyboard tips (keyboard settings) → Text input → Hints).
• 📋 Group contacts into categories (e.g., “Work”, “Family”) for convenience.

⚠️ Warning: It is easy to make a room error when you manually enter. Check each contact through a call or SMS (Send a test message to yourself).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful importation, Redmi 10 users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Contacts are not displayed after importation Reason: they are saved in a hidden account.Solution: Contact Contacts → Menus. → Settings → Show contacts and include all sources.
• 🔄 Duplicate records Reason: MIUI Automatically combines contacts from multiple sources. Solution: In your contact settings, disable Autounification.
• ❌ Mistake «SIM-The card is not supported" Reason: outdated SIM Solution: try inserting the card into another phone and exporting contacts from there.
• 📵 Not all contacts were copied Reason: limitation SIM Solution: break the contacts into pieces and import them in turn.

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If none of these methods work, check your physical condition. SIM-Cards: wipe the contacts with a wipe or replace the card in the operator's cabin.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions