Transfer of contacts with SIM-cards for the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T — The challenge that every new device owner faces, although seemingly simple, can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts on the menu to errors in importation. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), We will talk about the nuances of working with different types SIM-maps, and give recommendations for backup so that you do not lose important numbers when changing the phone.
Features of the Redmi Note 8T — modified MIUI, It sometimes hides the standard Android options, for example, in some versions of the firmware, the "Import/Export Contacts" item is hidden in the Settings submenu. → Annexes → Contacts, not the phone app itself, and we'll show you where to look for the options you want, and what to do if the phone doesn't see the contacts on the phone. SIM-map.
Important: If you use nano-SIM or eSIM, the transfer algorithm may differ from the classic micro-SIM.
Preparation for transfer: what to check before import
Before you start transferring, make sure your SIM-The card is compatible with Redmi Note 8T. The device supports:
- 📱 Micro-SIM (standard slot) – most operators still issue cards of this format.
- 🪪 Nano-SIM (via adapter) – if you have a nano-SIM, use the adapter from the kit.
- 📲 Dual-SIM – you can transfer contacts from either of the two cards (the main thing is to choose the right slot in the settings).
If the phone does not see the contact SIM-map, the problem may be in:
- 🔌 Incorrect installation – check if the card is tightly inserted into the tray.
- 🛠️ Contact damage - check in SIM scratch-to-slice.
- 📵 Disabled slot - go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and activate the desired slot.
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If you use two of them SIM-Before transferring the cards, disable the second in the settings – this will speed up the import process and avoid confusion.
We also recommend backing up your contacts on your old phone (if it still works).
- Open the Contacts app.
- Go to Settings → Import / Export → Export to the memory card.
- Save the file in.vcf (business card) format.
Method 1: Standard import through the "Contact" application
This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI, and the instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 12-14 firmware:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner (⋮) and select Settings.
- Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
- Select Import with SIM-map.
- Select a slot (SIM 1 or SIM 2) if you have two cards.
- Tick the necessary contacts or click Select all.
- Click Import and wait for the process to be completed.
If the item "Import / Export" is not on the menu, try an alternative route:
- Go to Phone Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Contacts and click on it.
- Select Import/Export from the list of options.
Check that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Make sure there is enough free memory on your phone.
Turn off the second. SIM-card (if any)
Close all background applications to speed up the process-->
Important: Redmi Note 8T does not support importing contacts with eSIM via the standard menu. №4 (via Google Account).
3. Method 2: Import through settings SIM-map
If the standard method doesn’t work, try moving contacts through the menu. SIM-This is a way to do firmware. MIUI 11 and older:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
- Click on Contacts. SIM-map.
- In the list that opens, click on three dots (⋮) and choose to import everything.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
If there is no item in the menu "Contact" SIM-"cards," so your firmware doesn't support it. In this case, move on to method 3.
| Method | Compatibility | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard imports | MIUI 12–14 | Quick, doesn't require the internet | Maybe not working on custom firmware. |
| Through SIM settings | MIUI 11+ | It works even if the "Contact" app is bugged. | Not all firmware supports |
| Through Google Account | Any version | Synchronization with the cloud, backup | Requires Internet and Google Account |
Standard import through the "Contact" application
Through settings SIM-map
Synchronization with Google Account
Manual input
Another way.-->
Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (for backup)
This method is suitable if you want to not only transfer contacts to the Redmi Note 8T, but also back them up in the cloud.
- On your old phone, export your contacts to the.vcf file (see Preparation section).
- Send this file to the mail or upload to Google Drive.
- On the Redmi Note 8T, open the.vcf file and the phone will prompt you to import contacts.
- Confirm the import and select Save to Google account.
Alternatively (if the old phone is on Android):
- On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
- Turn on contact sync.
- On the Redmi Note 8T, add the same Google account and enable sync.
The advantage of this method is automatic backup, if you lose your phone, your contacts will stay in your Google account.
What happens if the contacts are duplicated after import?
5. Method 4: Manual transfer for nano-SIM and eSIM
If you have a nano-SIM or an eSIM, the standard methods may not work.
- 📱 For nano-SIM: Use a micro-SIM adapter (company with your phone) and transfer contacts via the method №1 №2.
- 📲 For eSIM: export contacts to a.vcf file on an old phone and import it on a Redmi Note 8T via Google Drive or email.
If you don’t have an adapter, you can temporarily insert nano-SIM into another phone that supports this format, export contacts to the file, and then transfer it to the Redmi Note 8T.
⚠️ Note: When using eSIM, some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Yota) block access to contacts on the Internet. SIM-In this case, the transfer is possible only through export to the.vcf file.
Method 5: Transfer through third-party applications
If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities.
- 📱 Copy My Data – Transfers Contacts, Photos and Calendars over Wi-Fi.
- 🔄 SIM Card Contacts Backup – Specializes in working with SIM-map.
- ☁️ Google Contacts – the official application for managing contacts in your Google account.
Instructions for Copy My Data:
- Install the app on both phones (old and Redmi Note 8T).
- On your old phone, select Send Data → Contacts.
- On the Redmi Note 8T, select Receive Data and connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the old phone.
- Confirm the transmission and wait for completion.
Warning: some annexes (e.g, SIM Card Contacts Backup requires root rights to work with SIM-On the Redmi Note. 8T Getting root can lead to loss of warranty and problems with OTA-update.
7 Problem Solving: What to do if contacts are not transferred
If none of these methods worked, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone can't see contacts on SIM | Slot is disabled or card is faulty | Check the settings. SIM-Try another card and try another card. |
| Imports are interrupted by half | Insufficient memory or application conflict | Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application and try again |
| Contacts moved, but no names. | Coding SIM-cards not supported | Use the method with export to.vcf |
If the problem persists, try resetting the Contacts app settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
- Restart the phone and repeat the import.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the Contacts app data will delete all locally saved numbers that are not synced with Google or Google. SIM-Before resetting, make sure you have a backup copy.
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If none of these methods worked, check if the phone has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). MIUI to restore the functionality of the work with SIM-card.