Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro cards are a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. Despite their apparent simplicity, the process can cause complications, from the lack of visible options on the menu to import errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), explain why some numbers may not be copied and show you how to avoid duplication of contacts.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro features MIUI-based functionality (even on the latest Android 12/13), where the contact import interface is different from pure Android. We have taken into account all the nuances of the firmware, including the limit on the number of contacts when importing with the SIM (maximum 250 numbers per operation), and prepared instructions that work on all versions of MIUI for this model.
You don't need root rights or third-party software, all of which are built-in tools, and if you've tried to move contacts and you've encountered an error, there's a section at the end of the article that addresses typical problems (from "I can't see" to "I can't see" to "I can't see" to "I can't see" to "I can't see" the problem." SIM-contact" to "only names without numbers imported").
Preparation for transfer: what to do before import
Before you start the transfer, follow 3 mandatory steps to avoid data loss or crashes:
- π± Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. β The phone. β Version. MIUI. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has 12.5-14 versions, and some import methods only work on the Redmi Note. MIUI 13+.
- π Make a backup copy. SIM-Contacts: copy them to another phone or write down important numbers on paper. SIM-The cards have a limit on the number of records (usually 200-250), and if the import error, the data can be erased.
- πΆ Make sure your network is stable: if you plan to sync your contacts with Mi Account or Google, connect to Wi-Fi.
Important: Redmi Note 8 Pro supports two SIM-maps (nanoSIM) + nanoSIM/microSD). If you use a hybrid slot, do not remove the memory card before transferring contacts β this can lead to a reading error. SIM. Also check that on SIM-no map PIN-Code: A blocked card will not display contacts in the import menu.
Method 1: Standard import via "Contacts" (fastest)
This is a basic method that works on all versions. MIUI. This is good if you have less than 250 contacts. SIM-You are not planning to sync with the cloud.
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner β select Contact Management.
- Tap Import/Export Contacts β Import with SIM-map.
- Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and mark the contacts for import.
- Specify where to save contacts: Device (locally) or Google/Mi Account (for sync).
Limitations of the method:
- π« Do not import contact photos and additional fields (email, address).
- π« If SIM More than 250 contacts, you have to split them into parts (MIUI It only shows the first 250 records).
- π« Contacts with Cyrillic symbols can be displayed by Krakozabras (solved by changing the encoding, see Section 5).
βοΈ Checklist before import
Method 2: Import via βSettingsβ (alternative)
If the Contacts app does not display the import option (this happens on custom firmware), use the system menu:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Contacts β Import / Export.
- Select Import with SIM-map.
- Mark the contacts you want (or click Select All).
- Click Import and specify the location of the save (locally or Google/Mi Account).
The advantage of this is that it works even if the Contacts app is removed or disabled, but it also has a limit of 250 contacts per import, and if you have more records, repeat the procedure for the remaining ones.
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If contacts are duplicated after import, open Contacts β Management β Combine and fix and select Find duplicates. MIUI will automatically prompt you to merge the same records.
Method 3: Synchronize with Mi Account (for backup)
This method not only transfers SIM contacts to your phone, but also backs them up in the Xiaomi cloud, useful if youβre planning to drop your phone or switch to another Xiaomi.
- Open Settings β Xiaomi Account and log in (if not authorized).
- Enable contact synchronization: Settings β Xiaomi Account β Mi Cloud β Synchronization β Contacts.
- Return to the Contacts app, press the Control β Imports/Exports β Import with SIM-map.
- When importing, select Mi Account as your save location.
Once imported, the contacts will automatically be uploaded to the cloud to check this out:
- π Go to i.mi.com from your PC.
- π Sign in with the same Mi Account.
- π Go to Contacts section β imported numbers should be displayed there.
β οΈ Warning: If you previously synced contacts with Mi Account on another phone, new imported numbers will be combined with old ones.
5. Solving the Problem: Why Contacts Are Not Imported
If errors occur when transferring numbers, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| I do not see the option βImport from SIM-cardβ | Custom firmware installed or the system application βContactsβ is disabled | Use method 2 (via βSettingsβ) or reinstall the Contacts app through Settings β Apps β App Management β Contacts β Remove Updates |
| Only names without numbers were imported. | Incorrect encoding SIM-Cards (often in the old ones) SIM from MTS/Beeline) | Before importing, insert the SIM into another phone, export the contacts to the VCF file, then import it on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. |
| Error: βImpossible to import contactsβ | SIM-card blocked PIN-code-break | Take it down. PIN-code SIM (Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Setting up SIM-maps or try another one SIM |
| Contacts are displayed by the Krakozabras | Encoding conflict (CP1251 vs UTF-8) | Use the SIM Card app from Google Play for manual copying with a choice of encoding |
If none of these methods worked, try updating the Contacts app via Google Play. Sometimes import errors are associated with an outdated version of the program.
- Open the application page.
- Press Update (if the button is active).
- Restart the phone and repeat the import.
What if the contact was partially imported?
Method 4: Transfer via VCF file (for large contact bases)
If you SIM-card more than 250 contacts, or you want to save additional fields (email, addresses), use intermediate export to the file.vcf:
- Export from SIM to PC: Insert SIM into any phone (not even Xiaomi). Export contacts to a VCF file (usually via Contacts β Settings β Export). Copy the file to your computer.
- Edit (if necessary): Open the VCF file in a notebook or Excel (via import). Delete the duplicates or correct the encoding (replace CHARSET=WINDOWS-1251 with CHARSET=UTF-8).
Redmi Note 8 Pro
:
- Flip the VCF file to your phone (via USB, Bluetooth, or cloud).
- Open Contacts β Management β Import / Export β Import from the file.
- Select a VCF file and specify an account to save.
Advantages of the method:
- β There is no limit on the number of contacts.
- β All fields (phones, email, addresses, photos) are saved).
- β Data can be edited before importation.
β οΈ Attention: If the file VCF If you weigh more than 10MB, split it into parts (200-300 contacts each) and large files may not be imported due to restrictions. MIUI.
7. Method 5: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)
If the built-in MIUI tools fail, installing specialized applications will help move contacts with additional options. We tested 3 programs that run on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Card | Shows hidden contacts, supports old SIM with non-standard encoding | Advertising requires permission to access contacts | Google Play |
| Contacts Backup | Backups in XML/VCF, can be exported directly to Google Drive | Paid version for importing more than 50 contacts | Google Play |
| Copy My Data | Transfers Wi-Fi contacts from another phone (including iPhone) | Requires installation on both devices | Google Play |
Instructions for SIM Card (the most reliable option for problem SIM):
- Install the application and open it.
- Choose. SIM-map.
- Click Import All or mark the necessary contacts manually.
- Please indicate where to save: phone or Google.
- Confirm the import and wait until it is completed.
These applications are particularly useful if:
- πΉ You need to transfer your iPhone contacts to Xiaomi (via Copy My Data).
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The application side should only be used if the built-in MIUI tools fail. They may request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or geodata) - read the conditions carefully before installing.
8. How to avoid duplication of contacts after importation
After transferring contacts to the SIM, the Redmi Note 8 Pro often gets duplicates.
- π The same contact was already saved in Google or Mi Account.
- π Numbers differ in formatting (e.g., formatting, +79XX and 89XX).
- π Contact was imported earlier with another SIM-map.
To clear the base:
- Open Contacts β Management β Combine and Fix.
- Click Find duplicates β the system will show all the repeated entries.
- Choose Combine All or check the doubles manually (click on each contact to see the differences).
- After the combination, press Ready and wait for the synchronization.
If the doubles are left, use manual cleaning:
- π Sort contacts by name (display settings) β Sorting by name).
- π Check Contact Groups: Sometimes duplicates are hidden in different accounts (Google, Mi Account, Phone).
- π Remove unnecessary notes by keeping your finger in contact β Delete.
To prevent future doubles:
- π± Set up automatic sync with only one account (or with Google or Mi Account).
- π± For importation with SIM Select to save to your Device rather than to the cloud if contacts are already there.
- π± Regularly check doubles through Combine and Fix (every 2-3 months).
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can I transfer contacts from SIM to Redmi Note 8 Pro without a computer?
Why did some SIM contacts disappear after import?
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Using the Copy My Data app
- Install the app on both phones.
- On iPhone, select Send Contacts, on Xiaomi, select Receive Data.
- Connect to a single Wi-Fi network and follow the instructions.