How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operators. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility SIM-Contacts in the phone book before export errors due to outdated storage standards. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), Explain why some contacts may not be copied and show you how to avoid data loss when you upgrade to Android 14.

Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — self-shell MIUI, It's a tool that modifies standard Android tools, for example, some versions don't have the "Import with" option. SIM" In the contact menu, and in the other, automatically duplicated entries when synchronized with Google Account, we tested all methods on the latest firmware (including the latest firmware). MIUI 14/15) And they've identified the only reliable way for two-way devices. SIM-A card that guarantees all numbers without loss.

1.Preparation: Why SIM contacts may not be displayed

Before proceeding with the transfer, check the visibility SIM-On Xiaomi smartphones, they are often hidden by default. Open the Contacts app → Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Settings → Contact management → Make sure you check the box in front of yours. SIM-maps, for example, SIM 1 (MTS)).

If contacts do not appear, the problem may be:

• 🔹 Outdated format SIM: standard-card SIM 2G store up 250 contact with restricted symbols (e.g., Cyrillic cuts) Modern nano-SIM 4G/5G support 500 records, but some operators (for example, Tele2) They still give out cards with reduced capabilities.
• 🔹 Damaged data: if SIM-The card was used for a long time in old phones (for example, Nokia 3310), some contacts could be damaged by repeated overwriting.
• 🔹 Restrictions MIUI: in the firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM) importation SIM Disconnected due to local regulations.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (two cards at the same time, before transferring, turn off the second SIM in settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Turn it off. SIM Otherwise, the system may duplicate contacts or save them to the wrong account.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) is suitable for MIUI 12-15 firmware:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to the Contact Management section → Import/Export of contacts.
4. Select Import with SIM-map → specify SIM (for example, SIM 1).
5. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Select All) → Import.
6. Select your target account: Device (local storage) or Google (cloud sync).

If the item Imports with SIM-The map is not on the menu, so your version is not on the menu. MIUI Go to Method 2.

Do SIM contacts appear in the phone book?

Is there enough space in the device memory (minimum 50 MB)

Is the Internet connected (to sync with Google)

Is the second off? SIM-card (if any)

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3. Method 2: Export via VCF file (for older SIMs)

If the standard import does not work (for example, on Xiaomi Mi). A3 with pure Android), use a workaround through export to.vcf. This method is universal and suitable for any SIM-maps, including damaged ones:

1. Install a third-party SIM application, such as SIM Card (from SimCardTools) or Copy to SIM Card from Google Play.
2. Open the app → select Export with SIM → specify a save path (e.g., Internal Memory → Download).
3. The file will be saved as contacts.vcf. Open it through the standard Contacts app → click Import.

The advantage of this method is the ability to edit a.vcf file manually (for example, via Notepad++), if some contacts are not imported due to encoding errors, and the file can be sent to another phone via Bluetooth or Email.

Standard import through Contacts

Export to VCF file

Synchronization with Google Account

Manual input

Another way.-->

Method 3: Sync with Google Account (for backup)

If you plan to regularly transfer contacts between devices (for example, when changing your phone), the best option is to sync with your Google Account, which ensures that all data is available on any Android device after you sign in to the same account.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the switch opposite Contact (if it is turned off).
3. Return to Contacts → Click on three points → Settings → Import/Export → Import with SIM.
4. When importing, select your target Google account (not “Device”).

All contacts will then automatically be uploaded to your Google Account and available at contacts.google.com. Important: If you previously synced contacts with another account (such as Mi Account), disable this sync before importing to avoid duplicates.

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Before syncing with Google, check if your account has any old duplicate contacts. Go to contacts.google.com → Duplicates → Combine.

5. Method 4: Transfer over Mi Mover (for new Xiaomi devices)

If you are buying a new Xiaomi smartphone (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), use the Mi Mover app, which allows you to transfer not only contacts, but also SMS, photos, applications.

• 📱 Both phones must be from Xiaomi (or Redmi/POCO).
• 🔄 On the old phone should be firmware not lower MIUI 9.
• 🔌 Battery level above 20%.

How to move:

1. On the new phone, when you first turn on, select Data Transfer → Mi Mover.
2. On your old phone, install Mi Mover from Google Play (if it’s not on the system).
3. Scan the scanner on your new phone QR-code that will appear on the old.
4. Select data to transfer (mark Contacts) → Start.

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not tolerate contacts saved only on the SIM-First, import them into your phone's memory (Method 1 or 2), and then use Mi Mover.

Method 5: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If you have fewer than 20 contacts, the most reliable (though long) way is to manually type, which ensures that there are no coding errors and takes, to speed up the process:

• 📋 Use the function Copy the number in the phone application: long press on the contact → Copy the number → insertion.
• 🔠 For Cyrillic names, turn on T9-Keyboard settings (Gboard or Xiaomi Keyboard).
• 📞 Check the numbers for correctness: in Russia, mobile numbers should begin with the +7 or 8, not 9 (for example, +79123456789, not 9123456789).

For convenience, create contact groups (for example, "Work", "Family"):

1. Open Contacts → Press Groups (the icon with two silhouettes).
2. Click Create a Group → Enter the name → Add contacts.

7. Problem Solving: Contacts are not carried over or duplicated

If after the transfer of contacts:

• 🔍 Not displayed: check if they are hidden in settings (Contacts) → Settings → Also make sure you choose the correct account when importing (e.g., not to use it "SIM", a "Device" or "Google").
• 📌 Duplicate: Contact us at Contact → Settings → Combining and correcting → Combine duplicates. Google Contacts is more advanced.
• ❌ Missing after update MIUI: This is a common mistake when moving to MIUI 14+. Restore contacts from backup (Settings) → The phone. → Backups or re-imports with SIM.

If the contacts are saved in +7 (9XX) XXX-XX-XX format and you need 8 (9XX) XXX-XX-XX, change the display format:

1. Open Contacts → Click on Contact → Edit.
2. Click on the number → select Change the format → specify the desired template.

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If SIM contacts are not imported in any way, the problem is likely with the card itself. Try inserting it into another phone (like a Samsung or iPhone) and exporting the contacts from there.

8 How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid having to transfer contacts to SIM every time, set up automatic backup:

• 🔄 Sync with Google: Enable it in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact synchronization, data will be updated once a day.
• 📱 Local backup: in Settings → The phone. → Backup: Create a backup of contacts for internal memory or Mi Cloud.
• 💾 Export to file: once a month export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Export and save the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Drive).

If you change often SIM-Cards (for example, when traveling abroad), use virtual cards SIM (eSIM) on supported Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60). Contacts are then linked to the device, not to a physical card.

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Before selling or resetting your phone, be sure to remove all contacts from the device’s memory. Go to Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Delete all contacts from the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi