How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 3S: all ways of 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 3S It's still a popular budget smartphone because it's both reliable and simple, but many users are facing the challenge of how to migrate from an outdated phone to a new one. SIM-The cards to the device so they don’t get lost when you replace the SIM or reset your phone? In this article, 4 current ways to transfer (including hidden features) MIUI), Step-by-step instructions with photos, as well as solutions to typical errors that occur when importing.

Feature of Redmi 3S — memory-limit SIM-cards (usually up to 250 contacts) and no slot for the second SIM in some versions, so transferring contacts to internal memory or to a Mi Account is not only convenient, but also necessary. We will look at both standard methods through the phone menu and alternative methods through apps and the computer.

Preparation for the transfer: what to do before importing contacts

Before transferring contacts, be sure to check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – the process can take up to 10 minutes, and an interruption will result in data loss.
• 📶 Network signal – if you use the cloud, you need Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 📱 Free space – internal memory must be at least 50 MB (for backup).
• 🔄 Version MIUI — in old firmware (below) MIUI 10) the import menu may differ.

If contacts are SIM-The map is duplicated or contains errors (for example, incorrect numbers), it is better to edit them before transfer:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Go to section. SIM-map (usually displayed as a separate group).
3. Click on the contact, then edit.

💡

If SIM-The map contains contacts with Cyrillic names, check the encoding before transferring. In some cases, the symbols can appear as "??" - this is treated by resaving contact with Latin letters.

Important for Redmi. 3S: This smartphone only supports SIM-Micro-SIM card format (2FF). If you use Nano-SIM via an adapter, contacts may not be readable – check the card’s adhesion density in the slot.

Method 1: Standard import via the Contacts menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in MIUI, which works on all firmware versions and does not require additional applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
4. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) → Import.
5. Specify the place of conservation: 📱 Device – Contacts will be stored in the phone’s memory. ☁️ Mi Accounts – synced with the cloud (you need to log in to your account). 📇 Google – if you have a Gmail account attached.

OK.

Check that SIM-map inserted correctly|

Close all background applications |

Connect to Wi-Fi if you choose the cloud|

Take a screenshot of the contact list SIM (bug-in)-->

If the button Import with SIM-card-inactive:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📶 Check if it's recognized. SIM-map in settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🛠️ Update the Contacts app through Play Market.

Nana SIM-map|

In memory of the phone |

On Google account |

In Mi Account|

Another option-->

Method 2: Export via “Settings” (alternative method)

If standard importing doesn't work, try migrating contacts through system settings, which is a good way to use MIUI 9-12 firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings → System and device → More
2. Select Import and Export → Import from SIM-card.
3. Specify where to save contacts (for example, locally on the device).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (notification will appear on the screen).

If the contacts are not displayed after import:

⚠️ Warning: Check if they are hidden in the display settings. → ⋮ → Settings → Contacts to display and select All Contacts.

Method 3: Transfer through a Google Account (for backup)

If you use Google services, this method will not only allow you to move contacts, but also automatically sync them with other devices, suitable for users with a Gmail account.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one).
3. Activate the Contact Slider (if it is turned off).
4. Get back in touch. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
5. Select Import with SIM-Maps and Google as a place to save.

After importation:

• 🔄 Contacts are automatically synced to the cloud.
• ☁️ It can be restored on any Android device.
• 📱 In Contacts will appear a group Google.

If synchronization with Google is not working:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Check your internet connection.
• 🔧 Delete and re-add Google account in settings.

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

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we recommend two proven applications:

1. "Copy My Data" (for transfer between devices)

• 📲 Suitable for transferring contacts with Redmi 3S snuff.
• 🔗 It works on Wi-Fi or through QR-code.
• ⚡ Free version is limited to 100 contacts.

2. "SIM Card Contacts Backup" (for backup)

• 💾 Save contacts in.vcf file (can be sent to mail).
• 📊 Shows statistics by contact (number, duplicates).
• 🔄 Supports exports to Google, Excel, XML.

Instructions for SIM Card Contacts Backup:

1. Download the app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and press Read from SIM.
3. Select contacts for export → Save to File
4. Specify the format (.vcf for import to Google or phone).
5. Save the file in the device memory.
6. Import it through Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Import from the file.

⚠️ Note: Some applications for working with SIM-The card requires permission to access the contacts and SMS. Check reviews and ratings in the Play Market before installing (should be higher than 4.0).

Typical errors and their solutions

When transferring contacts, Redmi 3S users often face the following problems:

If none of the methods worked:

• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Reset the settings of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Drop it.
• 🔧 Restore factory settings (pre-make backup!).

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If contacts are SIM-maps are critically important, before any manipulations, make a backup copy of them through a third-party application or manually (by taking a photo of the screen with the numbers).

7. How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid the problem of transference, follow the following simple rules:

• ☁️ Sync your contacts with the cloud (Google or Mi Account) – this will protect you from loss when you reset your phone.
• 📅 Export contacts to.vcf file regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 📱 Do not keep your contacts only on SIM-The map is easy to lose or damage.
• 🔄 Check backups – sometimes files are saved empty.

For automatic backup:

1. Open the Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
2. Activate the synchronization of contacts.
3. Enable Automatic Backup in Settings → Additional → Backup.

Redmi 3S supports Local Backup in MIUI, and uses it to:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup.
2. Select Contacts and click Create Backup.
3. The file is saved in the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder.

Frequently asked questions