How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi phone: detailed instructions

Why SIM contacts don’t show up on Xiaomi Redmi and how to fix it

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards seem like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties.The fact is that modern Redmi models (starting with the Redmi Note 10 and later) by default hide contacts with the Redmi. SIM It's about the phone interface. MIUI, Prioritize cloud services and sync through Google Account.

Another common problem is the limit on the number of contacts saved. SIM-Cards (especially Mini-SIM) support only 250-500 entries, whereas phone memory can store tens of thousands, and transfer via standard means often fails due to incompatibility of encoding (for example, Cyrillic names can be displayed as "????"). In this article, we will discuss all working methods of import, including bypassing typical errors.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in import function in the MIUI. It is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models (including Redmi). 12/13, Note 11/12, POCO X5 etc.), but requires pre-configuring of the display SIM-contact.

First, make sure that your SIM contacts are visible in the phone book:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Contact management.
3. Turn on the switch opposite Show SIM contacts (if any).

If the item is missing, go directly to the import:

1. In the Contacts app, click on three dots. → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
2. Choose. SIM-map (if there are two) and specify where to save contacts: in the Google Account or Device.
3. Confirm the import and wait until the completion (can take up to 2-3 minutes with a large number of records).

Free space in the phone memory (minimum 50 MB)

Battery charge >30%

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

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Important! Some MIUI 14+ firmwares have hidden the import point, and if they don't, update the Contacts app via Google Play or use alternative methods in the following sections.

Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (for backup)

This method works if you plan to sync contacts with other devices or back up. It works on all Redmi models, but requires an internet connection.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one) and enable Contact Sync.
3. Return to Contacts, tap on three points → Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.
4. As a place to save, select a Google Account and confirm.

Once imported, the contacts are automatically synced to the cloud to check the results:

• 🔍 Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone.
• 📱 Make sure all records are displayed correctly (without "???" instead of letters).
• ☁️ Enable automatic synchronization in account settings.

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If contact photos are missing after importing to Google Account, check the settings of the Contacts → Contact Display → turn on the option to Show photos.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If standard methods didn’t work (for example, on Redmi 9A with custom firmware or after resetting), third-party software will help. We tested 3 reliable applications that cope with import even when corrupted SIM entries.

We recommend SIM Contacts Manager for most tasks.

1. Install the app and give access to contacts/SIM.
2. Select Import with SIM → specify the target folder (such as Phone or Google).
3. Press Start and wait until completion (the app will show the number of transferred records).

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems, including the most common ones and ways to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after import, do not manually delete them! Use the Connect Contacts function in the Contacts app (three dots) → Contact management → Combine duplicates).

Critical error: Some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro) lose phone numbers after importing, but leave names behind.This is due to data corruption on SIM. The only solution is to transfer contacts to another phone (like the old Nokia), and then export them to the.vcf file and upload to Xiaomi.

Standard import through MIUI|Google Account|Party of annex|Manual input|Another way.-->

How to export your contacts back to SIM (if required)

Sometimes the reverse task arises – transfer contacts from the phone to the phone. SIM-For example, if you are temporarily using another device or want to back up on a physical medium. MIUI This function is also available, but with limitations:

• 📵 Nana SIM You can save only the name and number (without email, addresses, photos).
• 🔢 Limit the number of characters in a name (usually up to 20).
• 📶 The process can take up to 5-10 minutes at 500+ contact.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Contacts → Three Points → Import / Export → Export to SIM-card.
2. Choose your contacts for export (you can note everything).
3. Indicate. SIM-card (slot 1 or 2) and confirm.
4. Wait until the phone is finished and the notification will be displayed.

⚠️ Note: Before exporting to SIM Check the space on the map. One entry takes up ~100-150 bytes, but on the old ones SIM (Mini-SIM can run out of space for even 200 contacts. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Memory. SIM, to see the available space.

Backup Contacts: Why It Matters

Moving your SIM contacts to Xiaomi Redmi is just the first step, and it’s much more important to create a reliable backup so you don’t lose data when you drop your phone, steal it, or break it, and MIUI has built-in tools for that, but they’re not always reliable.

Comparison of backup methods:

We recommend combining methods: for example, once a month to create a new VCF-You can store your file in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud), and use Google Account to sync your file every day, so you can protect yourself from data loss 99% of the time.

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The most reliable way to back up is to export to a VCF file and then save to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) and to a physical medium (a flash drive, a computer).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions