How to transfer numbers from SIM-Xiaomi PocoPhone: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi PocoPhone cards are a challenge that users face when buying a new device or changing operators. Despite the fact that modern phones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, many still use the device. SIM-The problem is that the cards are like a backup room. MIUI It is not always automatic to copy your contacts. SIM, a) manual transfer may cause difficulties for beginners.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring numbers from SIM PocoPhone F1, Poco X3, Poco X5 Other models in the series, from standard Android tools to hidden features MIUI 14 You will learn how to avoid data loss, why some contacts may not be copied, and what to do if the phone can't see SIM-And also a unique life hack for moving contacts from a damaged one. SIM numberless.

If you have never done this before, don’t worry: the instructions are tailored to users of all levels, and the main thing is to follow the steps consistently and not miss the important nuances, which we will discuss below.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before you start copying contacts, make sure your Xiaomi PocoPhone is ready for the procedure.Incorrect preparation is the main cause of data portability failures.

First, check if your phone recognizes you. SIM-Open the settings for this. → SIM-If the card is not displayed, try restarting the device or clearing the slot contacts (neatly blow or wipe with dry cloth). X3 NFC Sometimes it helps to switch the network mode with 4G on 3G back and forth.

Secondly, make sure that SIM-Older cards (especially Mini-SIM) can only store 200-250 contacts, and when transferred, additional buffer space is required. If there are more than 150 contacts, it is better to divide them into groups of 50-100 numbers.

• 📱 Check the model. SIM: PocoPhone supports Nano-SIM (4FF). If you have a Micro-SIM (3FF) or mini-SIM (2FF), Use an adapter or trim the card according to a template.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is above 30%. MIUI may interrupt the copying operation.
• 📡 Operator Network: Turn off mobile Internet (Settings) → SIM-map → Mobile data – this will speed up the process of reading contacts.
• 🔒 Unlocking: If the phone is protected by a pattern lock or PIN-code SIM, Enter them in advance – some transfer methods require confirmation.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (two cards at the same time), before transferring, disable the second card in the settings. Conflict between slots can lead to duplication or loss of contacts.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Contacts in global firmware), which works on all PocoPhone models regardless of the MIUI version.

Open the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon) in the upper right corner, click three dots (⋮) and select Contact Management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-The system will automatically scan the map and show you a list of available contacts. Select the ones you need (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

By default, the contacts will be saved to your Google account (if it is tied) or to your phone's internal memory. To select a save location, click on the gear before importing (⚙️) In the upper right corner and specify the target account.

The Contacts app is open

Selected the “Contact Management” menu

Connection checked SIM-map

Selected a target account for saving

-->

If some contacts are not displayed after import, check:

• 🔍 Filter in the appendix: B Contacts → Settings → Display contacts select All contacts.
• 📁 Storage folder: Sometimes contacts are saved to a hidden group (e.g., a hidden group, SIM-import).
• 🔄 Sync: For a Google account, check Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

Method 2: Transfer through system settings (for MIUI 12–14)

MIUI 12 and later has an alternative way to import directly from system settings, which is useful if the standard Contacts app is not working properly.

Go to Settings. → Memory. → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-The system will offer to choose a slot (if you have two). SIM-maps and displays a contact list, where you can filter numbers by group (e.g., mobile only or names only). After selecting, click Import and specify your target account.

The advantage of this method is the ability to export to a VCF file, which is useful if you want to back up before transfer. To do this, after import, return to Import/Export and select Export to file. The file will be saved in the MIUI/Backup/Contacts folder.

💡

If there is an error in the importation, "I could not read it". SIM-And you can try to re-extract and re-paste the card. X3 Sometimes it helps to turn on the “In the plane” mode for 10 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China (CN-ROM) The option of importing via settings may not be available. In this case, use method 1 or 3.

Method 3: Sync with Google Account (for backup)

If you plan to not only move contacts but also back them up, sync with your Google account is the best option, which ensures that numbers are available on any device after you log in.

First, import SIM contacts into your phone (any of the methods described above), then:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one).
3. Activate the contact synchronization slider.
4. Press More. → Synchronize now.

To check the results, go to contacts.google.com from a computer or other device, and all contacts should be displayed there within 5-10 minutes, the advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically updated when new numbers are added to the phone.

For PocoPhone models with MIUI 14, an additional option is available - backup in Mi Cloud.

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on Contact Sync.
3. Click Backup and wait until it is completed.

5. Method 4: Transferring from damaged or unreadable SIM-map

If you SIM-The card is damaged (for example, scratched or bent), but the phone still recognizes it, you can try partial import:

Put it in. SIM-You can use a card in PocoPhone and open the Contacts app. Instead of importing the standard, you can use manual input. The phone will try to read the contacts one at a time. This process will take longer, but the chances of saving at least some of the numbers are higher.

If the card is not read at all, try the following steps:

• 🛠️ Cleaning contacts: Clean your contacts carefully SIM-cards with a stroke (without pressing!) and blow the slot.
• 🔄 Another phone: Insert SIM to an old device (such as a button phone) and export contacts via Bluetooth or SMS.
• 💾 Specialized services: In communication salons (for example, MTS or Beeline) can offer data transfer from damaged SIM new.

💡

If SIM-The card is not readable on any device, but it is critical to restore the numbers, contact the operator's service center with a passport. They can extract data from their database (if the card was released no more than 2 years ago).

Unique lifehack for extreme cases: if SIM has unreadable contacts, but you remember at least some of the numbers, use the service "Contact Search" from Google. Enter a known snippet of the number (for example, the last 3 digits) in the search bar contacts.google.com - the system can find matches from your call history or emails.

Problems and errors during transfer: how to solve them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users of Xiaomi PocoPhone sometimes encounter errors. Let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them.

If after transfer, the names of contacts are displayed in hieroglyphs or Krakozabra, the problem is encoding. SIM-The decision:

1. Export contacts to the VCF file (via Settings → Memory → Export).
2. Open the file on your computer in Excel or Notepad++.
3. Replace the encoding with UTF-8 and save it.
4. Import the corrected file back to your phone.

⚠️ Note: On PocoPhone models with global firmware (MIUI Global) when importing from VCF-The file may be confused by the format of telephone numbers (for example, +7 turns into 8. Open the file in the text editor before importing and manually correct the formats to international (+7XXX instead 8XXX).

7.Alternative methods: Bluetooth, SMS and third-party applications

If the standard methods don't work, you can use alternative methods, which are less reliable, but sometimes they can save you in unusual situations.

Transfer via Bluetooth:

1. Insert the SIM into an old phone (like Nokia or Samsung).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
3. On your old phone, select Send Contacts. → Through Bluetooth.
4. Take the file to PocoPhone and import it.

SMS Transfer: Some older phones (such as Siemens or Alcatel) support sending contacts over SMS. One contact = one message. The downside is the limit on the number of characters (maximum 10-15 contacts at a time).

Side of the application: Google Play has utilities to work with SIM-contact, for example:

• SIM Card Manager – allows you to edit contacts directly to SIM.
• Copy to SIM Card – reverse transfer (from phone to SIM).
• Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts to the cloud.

Check reviews before using – some apps contain ads or require a paid subscription to work properly.

adb backup -f contacts.ab -apk com.android.contacts

Contacts.ab will be saved to your computer. Use the command adb restore contacts.ab to restore.-->

8 How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid any more problems with transferring contacts, follow simple rules:

• ☁️ Cloud Backup: Set up automatic sync with Google Contacts or Mi Cloud (once a week).
• 📱 Local Copies: Export contacts to file once a month VCF and save it to a computer or flash drive.
• 🔄 Duplicate: Store important numbers in two places (e.g., on your phone and in Telegram Saved Messages).
• 📋 Export before changing phone: Always move contacts before retrieving SIM-card.

On the PocoPhone models with MIUI 14 there was a function Clone apps, which allows you to duplicate messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Viber) for different SIM-This makes it easier to separate personal and work contacts. To enable it, go to Settings. → Clon of applications and select the desired messengers.

If you travel frequently and use local SIM-Consider the card with a virtual version. SIM (eSIM) Poco models X4 Pro 5G and newer support eSIM, which allows you to store contacts in the cloud without being tied to a physical card.

💡

The most reliable way to never lose contacts is a combination of cloud sync (Google/Mi Cloud) + Local backup (file) VCF).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions