How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operators, and while it seems simple, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to export errors. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of transfer, including standard tools. MIUI and third-party solutions, and how to avoid common mistakes.

The Redmi Note 8 (Ginkgo) is a feature of the system. MIUI It is not always automatically readable to the contacts with SIM-This is due to the optimization of work with the cloud services of Xiaomi and Google, but manually transfer data in minutes, the main thing is to choose the appropriate method depending on your goals: Whether you need to save numbers in your phone’s memory, sync with your account, or export to a file.

Preparation: What to do before transfer

Before you start the transfer, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss or duplicate contacts.

1. Check visibility SIM-Open the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. → Accounts → SIM-If the contacts are not displayed, they may be stored in the memory of the old phone, not on the phone. SIM.

2. Estimate the amount of data. SIM-cards usually support no more than 250-300 contacts (depending on the operator), and each number takes up a limited space.

3. Back up. Even if you transfer data from SIM to your phone, it is recommended to save a backup to your computer or to the cloud, you can use the Google Contacts app or specialized utilities like Super Backup.

• 🔍 Check the format SIM: Redmi Note 8 supports nano-SIM. If you have a micro-SIM or mini-SIM, use an adapter.
• 📱 Update. MIUI: Older versions of firmware may not have import options. 8 — MIUI 14+ (Android 10/11).
• 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is at least 30% to avoid failures during the process.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-cards in the Redmi Note 8, the system can request a selection of slots to import. SIM, Otherwise, the contacts will be transferred from an empty map.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in MIUI, which requires no additional applications and works on all firmware versions.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Specify where to save contacts: The device is only in the phone memory (no sync); Google is in the Google account (recommended for backup); Xiaomi is in the Mi Account cloud (requires authorization).

Imports

After importing, check the contacts in the appropriate section. If some numbers are not moved, they may be saved in an incorrect format (for example, with characters or spaces at the beginning).

⚠️ Note: When imported into Google or Xiaomi, contacts are automatically synced to the cloud. If you previously deleted duplicates in the cloud, they may reappear after importing from the cloud. SIM.

Method 2: Exporting through Google Contacts

If you prefer to store contacts on a Google account, this method will not only allow you to transfer them from the SIM, but also automatically sync with other devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google and make sure that your contacts sync is enabled.
2. Return to Contacts, click on three points → Settings → Import/Export.
3. Select Import with SIM-map → Google.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed. Contacts will appear on your Google account and will be available at contacts.google.com.

Example of transfer via Super Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and select Contacts → Backup.
3. Specify the source - SIM-card.
4. Select the save format (.vcf is recommended).
5. After you create a backup, click Restore and specify the target – Phone or Google.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Copy My Data) require permission to access contacts and SMS. Check reviews on Google Play before installing to avoid programs with ads or hidden payments.

Method 4: Manual transfer via VCF file

If you need to not just transfer contacts, but save them to a file for further use (for example, for import to another phone or to the Internet). CRM-The system, the export method to.vcf (vCard) is suitable, and this method is universal and works even on outdated versions. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open Contacts. → Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM-card (if contact is already available) SIM, skip this step).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your computer USB-Enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. On your computer, open the phone folder and find the contact file (usually called contacts.vcf or contact file). SIM_contacts.vcf).
4. Copy the file to your computer for backup.
5. To import contacts back into your phone, move the.vcf file to your device’s memory and open it – the system will prompt you to add contacts to your phone book.

This method is useful if you plan to edit your contacts massively (like Excel or Google Sheets)..vcf can be opened in a text editor and manually correct formatting errors.

💡

The.vcf format is supported by all modern smartphones and services (Gmail, Outlook, iCloud), which is the most reliable way to back up contacts before resetting your phone to factory settings.

Method 5: Transfer with Bluetooth (for older phones)

If you don’t have access to the internet or a computer, but you have an old phone with SIM contacts, you can use Bluetooth, a method that is relevant for users who switch from button phones (like Nokia or Samsung E-series) to the Redmi Note 8.

How to transfer contacts over Bluetooth:

1. On an old phone, turn on Bluetooth and make contacts available for transfer (usually an option called Send All Contacts or Export).
2. On Redmi Note 8, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and enable device visibility.
3. On your old phone, select Redmi Note 8 from the list of available devices and send contacts.
4. On your smartphone, confirm the file. Contacts will be saved in.vcf format — open the file to add them to the phone book.

This is a one-time transfer method, but it's not convenient for regular use, and some older phones send contacts one at a time, which is a long time.

⚠️ Note: Contacts may lose formatting when transmitted over Bluetooth (e.g. number dividers or notes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often have problems moving contacts, and let's look at the most common mistakes and ways to solve them.

1. Contacts are not displayed in the import menu

Reason: SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts (relevant for virtual operators) or contacts are stored in the memory of the old phone.

Solution: Check the settings of your old device or use an export application (e.g. SIM Card Contacts).

2 Not all contacts have been transferred

Reason: Limitation SIM-maps by volume (usually 250-300 entries) or incorrect number format (e.g., with characters"+" or gaps).

Solution: Break the contacts into pieces or edit them before transferring.

Duplicate contacts after importation

Reason: Contacts already exist in a phone book or Google account.

Solution: Use the merge function in Google Contacts or the Contacts app on your phone.

4. Mistake "Cannot import contacts"

Reason: Lack of memory on the phone, failure in work SIM-maps or outdated versions MIUI.

Solution: Free up space in memory, restart the device or update the firmware.

💡

If the contacts are displayed by Krakozabra (incorrect encoding) after transfer, try changing the system language to English, importing again, and then returning the Russian language.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8