How to transfer numbers from SIM-Maps to Xiaomi phone: all ways + mistake-making

Why contact with the SIM-The cards are not automatically synchronized?

You just bought the new Xiaomi Redmi Note. 13 Pro+ or POCO F6, insert SIM-And all the numbers that you saved on it didn't appear in the phone book? Is it OK that modern smartphones don't import contacts from the phone book? SIM automatically to avoid duplication of data, and in the latest versions, MIUI 14/15 The import function is hidden deeper than before, and some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) use the import function. SIM-cards with limited memory for contacts - all 250-500 record.

In this article, we will understand 5 proven ways to transfer numbers – from standard import through settings to workaround solutions for old SIM You will also learn why some numbers may not move (for example, with Cyrillic characters in your name) and how to fix it. 13/14, Pay attention to the section on the features MIUI 15 working SIM-contact – there are critical nuances, which are not written in the official documentation.

Before you start, check two things: 1 Make sure that SIM-card correctly inserted into the tray (contacts should be facing upwards and the bevelled angle should match the mark on the phone). 2 Open the Contacts app and make sure that the Contact Management menu is in place. → Import/Export available at Import C SIM-If you don’t have one, your Xiaomi model can use an alternative path (see Section 3).

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

This is the simplest method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-15. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi 10/11/12/13, POCO X3/X4/X5/X6, as well as flagship Xiaomi 12T/13/14.

Steps for import:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Click Import and specify where to save the numbers: in the Xiaomi Account, Google or Local on the device.

Important: If you choose to save to a Xiaomi Account, contacts sync to the cloud and will be available on other devices with the same account.When you choose Google, they will appear in Gmail and other Google services. Local saving is suitable if you do not want sync, but risk losing data when you reset your phone.

Make sure that SIM-The card is recognized by the phone (there is a network signal)

Close all background applications (especially messengers)

Check the free space in the phone memory (need ≥50 MB)

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you plan to sync with the cloud)

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Method 2: Import via phone settings (alternative path)

On some MIUI firmware (especially POCO or Redmi with custom builds), the import point may not be in the Contacts app.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the contact list and tap on it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Imports/Exports.
4. Next, act as in Method 1 (selecting SIM, contacts, and save location).

If this didn’t work, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. MIUI 15 (based on Android 14) may need to update the Contacts app via Google Play:

Warning: On some models (e.g. Redmi A2 or POCO C55), the Contacts app may be system-based and not updated through the Play Store.

Method 3: Transfer via VCF file (for old SIM or corrupted contacts)

If contacts are SIM-If the card is damaged (for example, displayed in characters) or too many (over 1000), the standard import may result in an error, in which case the export to the file.vcf (virtual business card) and subsequent import into the phone will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Exports with SIM on another phone: 📱 Put it in. SIM In an old phone (even if it’s a Nokia 3310 or a Samsung Galaxy) S5). 📤 Export contacts to.vcf file (usually via Contacts menu) → Settings → Imports/Exports). 📎 Flip the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Email or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
2. Imports to Xiaomi: 📥 Open.vcf file on Xiaomi – the system will offer to import contacts. 🔄 Select an account to save (Google recommends for backup).

Critical: If you export an old phone with a.vcf file that weighs more than 10 MB, break it down (500-1000 contacts per file) or MIUI may not process it correctly.

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If the.vcf file does not open on Xiaomi, rename it the extension from.vcf to.csv and import it through Google Contacts on your computer.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If the standard methods didn't work, use the apps from Google Play. We tested the 3 most reliable ones:

How to use SIM Card Contacts:

1. Install the app from the Play Store.
2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. Select Import with SIM → mark the desired numbers.
4. Click Save to your phone and select an account (Google or Local).

⚠️ Note: Applications like Copy My Data may request access to the data SMS Don't give these permissions unless you plan to move the whole story, which increases the risk of data leakage.

Method 5: Manual input for a small number of contacts

If SIM-lesser 20-30 It's sometimes easier to type in numbers manually:

• 📵 Contacts contain special symbols (e.g. #, * in the room).
• 🔠 Names are written in Cyrillic, and the phone does not recognize them.
• 📱 SIM-The card is damaged and is read with errors.

How to speed up the process:

1. Open Contacts. → Create a contact.
2. Enter the number manually and copy the name from SMS or call log (if any).
3. Use voice input: tap the microphone in the Gboard keyboard and dictate the name and number.

Advice: If you need to move the numbers from work SIM-maps, but you are afraid of losing data, make a backup through USSD-For example, send a command operator for MTS. SMS Contact number 111 – you will be sent a contact file.

Problem Solving: Why are contacts not transferred?

If none of these methods worked, check out these points:

Frequent user errors:

• 🚫 Try to import contacts when the Internet is disconnected (needed to synchronize with the Internet). Google/Xiaomi).
• 🚫 Do not update the application Contacts before import.
• 🚫 Choose a save in Localno and then reset the phone without a backup.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after import, use the link link function in the Contact Management menu. MIUI automatically find the repeating numbers and suggest them to be merged.

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Before any perenosom contacts, back up via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Backup or Google Contacts. This will prevent data loss in case of a crash.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi