How to transfer numbers from SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 cards are a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces, and even if you've been using your phone for years, you'll have to update your device, and with it, your stored information. Unlike the old push-button machines, where the numbers were stored only on the SIM, Xiaomi offers several import methods, from manual copying to automatic synchronization through the cloud.

The main problem is the risk of data loss in the event of an incorrect transfer. SIM-If you're not able to re-create a card during the process or interrupt the synchronization, some of the numbers may disappear without the possibility of recovery. SIM This is limited in size (usually up to 250 records) and does not support additional fields such as email or addresses. MIUI roundabouts.

Why not just leave the numbers on SIM-map?

Many users have been storing contacts exclusively on SIM for years without realizing the pitfalls of this method, and here are the key reasons why it is worth migrating them to a phone or cloud memory:

  • πŸ“± Limited volume: SIM-The card only stores names and numbers (maximum 250 entries), without photos, addresses or notes.
  • ⚑ Slow access: Reading contacts with SIM It takes longer than the internal memory of the phone.
  • πŸ”„ Risk of loss: In case of damage SIM All numbers will be lost (unlike cloud reserve).
  • 🚫 No sync: Changes to one device will not show up on others unless the numbers are only on the same device. SIM.

On the Redmi Note 10 (and other Xiaomi smartphones), SIM contacts are displayed in a separate section of the phone book, which cannot be edited directly, just viewed or copied, which is a inconvenience, especially if you are actively using multiple devices.

πŸ“Š Where do you keep your contacts usually?
Only on the SIM-map
In the memory of the phone
On Google account
In the other cloud (iCloud, Mi Cloud)
I don't know.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in MIUI, which is suitable for most users and does not require additional programs.

  1. Open the Contacts app (the phone book icon on the home screen).
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
  3. Tap Import/Export Contacts β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  4. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) and confirm the import.
  5. Specify where to save numbers: to the Device (locally) or to Google account (for synchronization).

The process takes from a few seconds to a minute depending on the number of entries. Once completed, the numbers will appear in the main contact list. Please note: if you have chosen to save to a Google account, make sure that the phone is synced (see next section).

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Close all background applications to speed up the process

Check the space in the phone’s memory (minimum 10 MB)

Turn off energy saving mode during importation-->

⚠️ Note: If numbers are displayed without names after import (numbers only), check the encoding SIM-Old Cyrillic-named cards can be misread, so the solution is to transfer contacts to your computer through a card reader and then import them into your phone through a.vcf file.

Method 2: Sync with Google Account (Automatic Transfer)

If you use Google services, this method will not only allow you to transfer numbers from SIM, but also automatically sync them between devices, suitable for those who often change phones or use multiple gadgets.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and Sync β†’ Google.
  2. Choose your account (or add a new one if you don’t have one).
  3. Activate the Contact Switch.
  4. Return to Contacts, click Management β†’ Import/Export β†’ Import with SIM.
  5. Select the purpose of saving: Google (not β€œDevice”).

Once imported, the contacts will appear on your Google account and be available on any device after login, and the advantage of this method is automatic backup and recovery when you reset your phone, but keep in mind that you need a stable Internet connection to work.

Transfer methodSpeed.Internet is requiredSynchronizationSupport for additional fields
Import via MIUI⚑ Quickly.❌ No.❌ No.❌ Only a name. + number
Google account🐒 Slower.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Full support
Manual input⏳ Very long.❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Full support
Through a.vcf file⚑ Quickly.❌ No.❌ Not unless you upload it to the cloud)βœ… Full support

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If some contacts are duplicated after synchronization with Google, use the β€œMerge and Correct” function in the Google Contacts settings (available via a browser on your computer).

Method 3: Export contacts to file.vcf and import to phone

This method is suitable if standard import doesn't work (for example, due to SIM read errors) or if you want to back up before transfer..vcf (vCard) file is a universal format for storing contacts that all modern phones support.

How to move:

  1. Put it in. SIM-Card to an old phone or card reader (if you use a computer).
  2. Export contacts to file: On Android: Contacts β†’ Management β†’ Export to the drive (save as contacts.vcf). On your computer: use a program like SIM Card Data Recovery to read data from the card.

.vcf

Redmi Note 10

Open the file on the phone and the system will prompt you to import contacts.

The advantage of this method is complete control over data. You can edit a.vcf file in a text editor (for example, delete unnecessary numbers) before importing, and it is the only way to transfer contacts from the iPhone to Xiaomi if you do not have access to iCloud.

How to open a vcf file on your computer?
The vCard file can be viewed in any text editor (e.g. Notepad++). Each contact starts with the BEGIN:VCARD string and ends with END:VCARD. The format supports UTF-8 encoding, so the Cyrillic names will be displayed correctly.

Method 4: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If there are less than 20-30 numbers on the SIM, it is sometimes easier to enter them manually, which guarantees 100% accuracy and allows you to immediately add additional information (email, address, photo).

Algorithm:

  1. Open the Contacts app on Redmi Note 10.
  2. Press + (the icon of adding contact).
  3. Manually enter data. To speed up: Use voice input (microphone next to keyboard). Copy the number from SMS or call log (hold your finger on number β†’ Copy).

Keep in touch by selecting an account to sync (e.g. Google or Mi Account).

Manual input takes a lot of time, but has its advantages:

  • βœ… No risk of data loss due to failures.
  • βœ… You can immediately structure contacts (groups, labels).
  • βœ… Suitable for rooms with non-standard format (for example, short codes or international numbers).

⚠️ Note: When you manually enter, it is easy to misprint the room. To check for correctness, immediately after saving, call this number (for example, via messenger) or send a test. SMS.

Method 5: Transfer over Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi account holders)

If you use Mi Account (a Xiaomi account), you can transfer contacts through the Mi Cloud cloud, which is convenient if you previously synced numbers with another Xiaomi device.

Instructions:

  1. Sign in to Mi Account on Redmi Note 10 (Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Account).
  2. Enable Contact Synchronization: Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Contacts.
  3. If your contacts are already in the cloud, they will automatically be uploaded to your phone.
  4. If not, import them from the SIM to the Mi Cloud via the old device and then sync with the Redmi Note 10.

Mi Cloud offers 5GB of free space, enough to store thousands of contacts. However, note that Xiaomi services are less common outside of China, so if you change the phone brand (for example, Samsung), additional exports may be required.

πŸ’‘

Mi Cloud automatically backs up contacts when connected to Wi-Fi, which protects against data loss even if the phone is dropped or lost.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When you move contacts, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Contacts are not imported: Check if inserted correctly SIM-card (contacts must be clean) Reboot your phone and try again. SIM old, try inserting it into another device and exporting contacts from there.
  • πŸ“› Names are displayed by Krakozabra: The problem is the coding SIM. The solution is to export contacts to.vcf through your computer and import them to your phone. If you use Windows, open a file in Notepad.++ and save it in code. UTF-8.
  • πŸ” Numbers are duplicated: In Google Contacts (web version), use the Find and combine duplicates tool. On phone: Contacts β†’ Management β†’ Connecting contacts.
  • 🚫 No option to import from SIM: Make sure that SIM-card not blocked PUK-Update the Contact App via Google Play. If you use two SIM, Try to move the card to another slot.

If none of the methods worked, check if it is not damaged. SIM-To do this, insert it into another phone and try to read the contacts. In extreme cases, contact the operator for a change of card (the numbers can be restored using the passport).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer SIM contacts to Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, all of the methods described (except for working with a.vcf file via a PC) are done on the phone. The easiest option is standard import via Contacts β†’ Manage β†’ Import with SIM.
Why did some of the numbers disappear after import?
This can happen for several reasons: SIM-The number of contacts (usually 250) was exceeded by the card, and the numbers were saved in a non-standard format (e.g. with spaces or symbols), the number failed during import (e.g., the phone died), the solution: repeat import or export contacts through another device.
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi Redmi Note 10?
There are three ways: Through iCloud: Export contacts from iCloud.com to a.vcf file, then import it to Xiaomi. Through Google Account: Add a Google account to your iPhone, sync contacts, then log in to the same account on Redmi Note 10. SIM-Map: Move the contacts to SIM on iPhone (via Settings) β†’ Contacts β†’ Import on SIM), Then insert it into Xiaomi.
Can I transfer contacts to SIM on SD-map?
There is no direct way, but you can do it in two stages: Import contacts with the help of the scalp. SIM to the phone memory (as described above). Export them to the.vcf file on the SD-map: Contacts β†’ Management β†’ Exports to storage β†’ choose SD-The file will be available in the Download folder or MIUI memory-card.
How to restore contacts if they are lost after import?
Recovery methods depend on where the contacts were stored before the loss: If you were on SIM: Insert the card into another phone and export the contacts again. If you synced with Google: Open contacts.google.com and check if they are stored in the cloud. If you need to export from there. If you were only on your phone: Use data recovery programs, such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (root rights required). In the future, set up automatic sync with Google or Mi Cloud to avoid losses.