How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards: all ways 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of a device or user who decides to upgrade a phone, and despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause complications, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to data loss when copying incorrectly. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), We explain why some contacts may not be copied and show you how to avoid common mistakes.

Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — self-shell MIUI, It sometimes changes standard Android processes, for example, some versions don't have an "Import with" button. SIM" In the contact menu, and in the other contacts, the contacts are duplicated when synchronized with Google Account. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including beta versions).

If you use two of them SIM-It is important to understand that the contacts are stored only on one of them (usually the one that was inserted first). SIM-The cards support a limited number of records (maximum 250-500 contacts depending on the operator), so transferring to the phone will make room for new numbers.

1. Method: Standard import through the "Contacts" application

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Phone in global firmware), which works on all Xiaomi models, but may vary depending on the version. MIUI.

Open the Contacts app and follow the following steps:

1. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
2. Choose Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
3. Tap on Import with SIM-map.
4. Select the contacts you need (or click “Select All”) and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: If the item "Imports with" SIM" No menu, so your version is not. MIUI In this case, use method 2 or update the Contact app via Google Play.

After importing the contacts are stored in the phone memory (not on the phone). SIM!). To prevent them from getting lost when resetting, sync them with your Google Account:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Google accounts → Synchronization.
• 📱 Turn on the switch opposite "Contacts".
• 🔒 Wait for the synchronization to be completed (may take up to 5 minutes).

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If contacts don't show up after import, reboot your phone. MIUI Requires restart to update the contact database.

Method: Export through "Settings" SIM-map"

A little-known method that works even if the Contacts app doesn't show the import option. MIUI direct access to data SIM.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Tap on the contact. SIM-map.
4. Press three points (⋮) → Import with SIM.
5. Specify where to save contacts: in Google Account or Memory of the phone.

🔍 Why is this more reliable? Because it uses a system system system. API MIUI, It's not a "Contacts" application, which can be modified by the manufacturer, but it has a limitation: some operators (e.g., operators, Tele2) Block access to contacts through this menu.

If contacts are duplicated after import, delete the repeated entries using the Contacts app:

• 🔍 Open the menu (⋮) → Contact management → Connecting contacts.
• 🤖 Choose Automatic Connection for Quick Cleaning.

3. Method: Manual input (if there are few contacts)

If SIM-The card has less than 20 contacts, and it's easier to manually transfer them, and this method guarantees 100% accuracy, but it takes time.

How to move:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press on "+" (connect).
3. Enter the data from SIM-cards (name, number, additional fields).
4. Keep in touch by selecting a Google account or phone memory.

⚠️ Warning: It is easy to make typos in rooms with manual input, and check each contact before saving, especially if it is a work or important number.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No risk of data loss in case of import failure.
• ✅ You can immediately structure contacts (add photos, groups).
• ✅ Suitable for the old ones. SIM-maps with damaged data.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes a lot of time with lots of contacts.
• ❌ There is no possibility of mass editing.

Check the balance on SIM-card (sometimes operators block access to contacts with zero balance)

Connect your phone to charge (the long process drains the battery)

Create a backup copy SIM-cards through the old device (if any)

Use a stylus or toothpick for precise input (relevant for small screens)-->

4. Method: Transfer through an old device (Android/iPhone)

If you have a previous phone (even not Xiaomi), you can export contacts with the company first. SIM-maps to it, then sync with Google Account or forward the.vcf file.

For Android:

1. Put it in. SIM-map.
2. Import contacts into your phone’s memory (similar to method 1).
3. Export contacts to the file: Contacts → Settings → Exports (save as.vcf).
4. Switch the file to the new Xiaomi (by Bluetooth, email or cloud).
5. Import.vcf on your new phone.

For the iPhone:

1. Import contacts with SIM iPhone (settings) SIM-map → "Import of contacts").
2. Sync with iCloud or export via iTunes.
3. On Xiaomi, add an iCloud account (if any) or use a.vcf file.

📌 Important: When you send it via.vcf, check the file encoding. If the contact names appear "krakozyabr" (incorrect characters), open the file in the text editor and save it in encoding. UTF-8.

5. Method: Sync with Google Account (automatic transfer)

If you've already used an Android phone and synced your contacts with Google, the new Xiaomi will automatically load them when you log in. SIM-map?

Algorithm:

1. Import contacts with SIM by phone (method 1 or 2).
2. Open Settings → Google Accounts → Your account.
3. Activate contact synchronization.
4. Wait until it is completed (check at contacts.google.com).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used an iPhone and migrate contacts to Xiaomi, do not sync them directly with Google – export them to.vcf first and clear out duplicates. Otherwise, Google Contacts may have empty entries or numbers without names.

Benefits of syncing with Google:

• 🌐 Access contacts from any device (even through the web version).
• 🔄 Automatic backup.
• 📱 Easy recovery when resetting your phone.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires a stable Internet for first synchronization.
• ❌ Possible conflicts with existing contacts.

6. Method: Use of Third-Party Applications

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use the apps from Google Play, and we tested a few and we picked the most reliable ones.

1. SIM Card Contacts Backup (link)

• 📲 Exports contacts to.vcf or.csv.
• 🔍 Shows hidden contacts on the SIM.
• 📤 Supports sending by email or to the cloud.

2. Copy My Data (link)

• 📱 Transfer Wi-Fi contacts from one phone to another.
• 🔄 It works without the internet (direct connection).
• 📎 It also supports photos and calendars.

3. My Contacts Backup (link)

• 📧 Sends backup copy to email.
• 🔒 Encrypts data when exporting.
• 📱 Restores contacts even after resetting.

⚠️ Warning: When using third-party apps, only give them access to contacts and storage. SMS, Calls or location – this can be dangerous to privacy.

If you choose a portable app, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Google Play rating (not lower than 4.0).
• 📅 Date of last update (current applications are updated at least 1 time in 6 months).
• 📄 User reviews (seek mentions of Xiaomi).

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The app side is handy, but always check their permissions. It's better to use open source software (like Simple Contacts) if you care about data security.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, you'll see some common mistakes, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Contacts are not displayed after importation

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Check if contacts are hidden in the display settings (in the Contacts app" → "Display contacts from: All accounts").
• 🔍 Make sure that your contacts are saved to the correct account (not on the account). SIM-map).

Problem 2: Duplicate contacts

• 🤖 Use the unification function in the "Contact" app".
• 📎 Export contacts to.vcf, delete all phone records, then import back.
• 🔍 Check if your contacts are synced with your Google and Mi Account at the same time.

Problem 3: Not all contacts were copied

• 📱 SIM-The cards have a limit on the number of contacts (usually 250.
• 🔍 Some operators block access to contacts through API. Try another way of importing.
• 📎 Check if it's damaged. SIM-card (insert it into another device).

Problem 4: Hieroglyphs instead of Cyrillic

• 📄 When exporting/importing, choose the coding UTF-8.
• 🔍 If you use.vcf, open the file in the text editor and save with the correct encoding.
• 📱 Update the Contacts app to the latest version.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Contacts app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find "Contacts" and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Reset Settings.
4. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions