Transfer of contacts with SIM-Smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new Xiaomi Redmi owner 7A. Even in 2026, many users are storing phone numbers on outdated ones. SIM-maps where they are difficult to edit, back up or sync with the cloud. 7A, Despite the budget price range, it offers several built-in tools for importing contacts, but not all of them are intuitive. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods - from standard import through settings to workarounds for cases when the phone does not see contacts on the Internet. SIM.
Feature of Redmi 7A The problem is that the model works on the basis of MIUI 10/11 (depending on the firmware version, where the contact import interface differs from the newer versions. MIUI 12+ A separate section was opened called "Contacts". SIM", and in Redmi. 7A It's not there, it's using the classic import/export menu instead. SIM-The cards support the storage of contacts (especially modern nano-SIMs from some carriers).If your phone does not display the import option, the problem may lie in the card, not in the smartphone.
Before proceeding with the transfer, make sure that:
- Yours. SIM-The card physically supports the storage of contacts (usually old micro-SIM or mini-SIM).
- The phone has the current version of MIUI installed (update via Settings β About Phone β System Update).
- You don't use two. SIM-Cards at the same time β this can block access to contacts on one of them.
1. Standard import through Xiaomi Redmi 7A settings
The most obvious way is to use the built-in import feature in the contact menu, which works on all versions of MIUI, including the one installed on the Redmi 7A by default, the main advantage is that there is no need for the Internet or additional applications, but there is a caveat: if the contacts on the SIM are recorded in a non-standard format (for example, with Cyrillic characters in the room), the phone may not recognize them.
To move contacts:
- Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Contact Management and click Import/Export Contacts.
- Select Import with SIM-map.
- Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the import.
Once the process is complete, the contacts will appear in the Phone** section (local device memory) and can be edited, added to a favorite or exported to a.vcf file.
β οΈ Note: If after importing the contact names are displayed as???? or characters, the problem is encoding. SIM-Try transferring contacts to another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung) and then exporting them to a.vcf file and uploading them to Redmi. 7A.
Check that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (basic)
Make sure there is free space on the SIM (at least 10KB)
Close all background apps (especially messengers)
Connect your phone to charge (in case of a long process)
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2.Import via the Google Contacts app (synchronization with your account)
If you use a Google Account, moving your SIM contacts to Redmi 7A can be combined with backing them up to the cloud, a method that is suitable for those who plan to change their phones or reconnect after resetting, with the advantage of automatic synchronization between devices.
Instructions:
- π± Install the Google Contacts app** from the Play Market (if it is not available by default).
Once imported, the contacts will be available under Google** in the Contacts app and can be edited at contacts.google.com or via the mobile app.
| Method of import | Advantages | Deficiencies | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Imports (MIUI) | It doesn't require the Internet, it's simple. | Maybe not recognize Cyrillic. | 1-3 minutes |
| Through Google Contacts | Automatic backup | I need a Google Account. | 2-5 minutes |
| Through the.vcf file | Universal format, can be edited | An additional phone is required. | 5-10 minutes |
| Third-party applications | Extended functions (combination of duplicates) | Risk of data leakage | 3-7 minutes |
3. Export SIM contacts to.vcf file (via another phone)
If the Xiaomi Redmi 7A doesnβt see contacts on SIM or the import is completed with an error, you can use an intermediate device, such as an old Samsung, iPhone or even a Nokia button phone, the essence of the method is to export contacts to a.vcf file and then transfer it to the Redmi 7A.
Step-by-step:
- Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (where contacts are displayed correctly).
- Export contacts to.vcf: Android: Contacts β Settings β Export. On iPhone: use iCloud or Contacts app** β Share contact. On Nokia: Contacts β Options β Copy to memory card (save as.vcf).
Redmi 7A
.vcf
Important: A.vcf file can weigh up to a few megabytes if there are many contacts. Before transferring, make sure that Redmi 7A has enough free space (at least 50 MB).
What happens if the.vcf file is not opened?
4.Use of third-party applications for import
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party apps from the Play Market, which offer advanced features, such as:
- π Search and consolidation of duplicates.
- π€ Export of contacts to Excel or CSV.
- π Automatic synchronization with multiple accounts.
Among the verified applications:
- Copy My Data* β Transfers Wi-Fi contacts between devices.
- Super Backup & Restore* β Backup of contacts, SMS and call logs.
- Contacts Optimizer ** - Cleaning and optimizing contacts.
Example of import through Super Backup & Restore:
- Install the app and give access to contacts.
- Select Import/Export β Import with SIM.
- Mark the contacts you need and click Import.
- Select your target account (such as βPhoneβ or βGoogleβ).
β οΈ Note: Applications from unknown developers may request excessive permissions (e.g. access to the software) SMS Check the reviews and ratings in the Play Market before installing, and give preference to programs with more than 100,000 installations and a rating above 4.0.
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Before using a third-party app, back up your contacts manually, and export them to a.vcf file through the standard Redmi 7A settings and send them to your post office.
5. Manual contact entry (if there are no other methods)
If none of the above methods work (for example, SIM-The card is damaged or the phone doesn't recognize it, and you have to manually type it, which is the longest, but it's guaranteed to work, to speed up the process:
- π Use Google Sheets or Excel to pre-enter data on your PC, then import it to contacts via.csv.
- π± Enable voice input in Gboard (keyboard from Google) to dictate names and numbers.
- π Group contacts into categories (e.g., Work, Family) and enter them in bundles.
How to import contacts from Excel:
- Create a table with columns: Name, Phone, Email (optional).
- Save the file in CSV format.
- Upload it to Google Contacts (contacts.google.com β Import).
- Sync your account with Redmi 7A.
If you don't have many contacts (up to 20 or 30), it's easier to type them into your phone.
- Open Contacts** β Press + (Add icon).
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The manual input is the only way to SIM-The card is physically damaged or does not support the storage of contacts, in which case it is recommended to use cloud services (Google Contacts, Mi Cloud) for backup in the future.
6. Solving common import problems
The transfer of contacts from SIM to Xiaomi Redmi 7A is not always smooth.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone can't see contacts on SIM | SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts | Check the card on another phone or contact the operator |
| Imports are completed with an error | Not enough memory on the phone | Clear the cache or delete unnecessary files |
| Contacts were imported with hieroglyphs | Incompatible coding SIM-map | Export contacts via another phone to.vcf |
| No option βImport with SIMβ on the menu | SIM-card inserted SIM2 | Move it to SIM1 (main slot) |
| Contacts are duplicated after importation | Existing contacts on the phone | Use the application to remove duplicates (e.g., Clearup Duplicates**) |
If none of these methods helped, the reason could be:
- π οΈ Software glitch β try restarting your phone or resetting your Contacts app settings** (Settings) β Annexes β Contacts β Warehouse β Clear the data).