Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards seem like a simple task, but in practice, users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of import options in the menu to errors in reading the map. MIUI Up to workarounds for old models and non-standard situations.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all featured in the MIUI shell, which is updated regularly, which means that the path to importing contacts can be different even on devices of the same line, but with different versions of the firmware, and we took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on MIUI 12-15, including global and Chinese versions.
Important: If yours SIM-map issued before 2010 year (format) SIM 2G), Her memory may be limited. 250 And the data fields are being cut down. USIM 4G/5G support 500+ contact with extended fields (email, address, etc.) Check the type of card before transferring!
Standard import through “Contacts” (MIUI 14–15)
The most reliable way for new models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and later) the algorithm works on global and European firmware, but may not be available in Chinese versions of MIUI without Google services.
Open the Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette) 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 suggest you select contacts to carry. 12T) Import option hidden in Settings section → Memory. → Data Import – Check both ways.
- 📱 Advantages: does not require an Internet connection, retains the formatting of numbers (country codes, separators).
- ⚠️ Restrictions: Cannot tolerate contact photos and additional fields (email, birthdays).
- 🔄 Nuance: If there are more than 300 contacts, break down imports into 100-150 pieces to avoid mistakes.
⚠️ Note: If after importing the numbers are displayed without country codes (e.g. 89123456789 instead of the country codes) +79123456789), open your phone settings → Additionally. → Regional settings and set the right country, which will fix the format for future contacts.
2.Import via Settings (for MIUI 12–13)
On devices with MIUI 12–13 (e.g. Redmi Note 10, POCO X3) Import option can be hidden in system settings, this method is also suitable if the Contacts app does not display SIM-map.
Go to Settings. → Memory. → Data Import (or Settings) → System and device → Import/Export on some models. Select Import with SIM-Maps, wait for scans and check the contacts you want. At this point, the system will suggest saving data to your Mi Account, Google or locally on your device. Select the cloud for backup, select offline storage.
| Xiaomi model | The path to import in MIUI 12 | The road to import in MIUI 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9/10 | Settings → Memory → Data Import | Settings → System → Import / Export |
| POCO X3/F3 | Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Import with SIM | Settings → Google → Backup → Import |
| Mi 10/11 | Settings → Additional → Import | Contacts → ⋮ → Settings → Imports |
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI For the Chinese market, the option of importing SIM not available due to local law restrictions, in which case use the methods in Section 4 (third party applications).
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Check your SIM balance (some cards block imports with negative balance)
Close all background apps (especially messengers)
Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)
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3. Transfer through a Google account (universal method)
If the standard methods don’t work or you want to sync contacts between multiple devices, use a Google account.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including older ones (Redmi 4X, Mi A1).
First, export your SIM contacts to your phone (if possible) and then:
- Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
- Select your account and activate Contact Sync.
- Return to the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM (If you need to save a backup copy or sync with Google immediately.
The advantage of this method is automatic backup and access to contacts from any device.
- 🔒 Data is stored on Google servers (privacy risks).
- ⏳ The first synchronization can take up to 10 minutes with a large number of contacts.
- 📶 A stable internet connection is required (Wi-Fi is recommended).
1. Is the switch enabled Contact Sync in the settings of the Google account.
2. Is there enough space in the cloud (15 GB is available for free, but contacts take up little space).
3. whether there are restrictions on geolocation (for example, VPN can block synchronization).-->
4. Use of third-party applications (for older models)
If your Xiaomi is released before 2019 (Redmi 5, Mi 8 and older), standard methods may not work due to an outdated version of MIUI or hardware limitations, in which case the SIM Contacts Backup app (available on Google Play) will help.
Install the application and follow the instructions:
- Run SIM Contacts Backup and give access to your contacts.
- Select Import from SIM (Import from SIM).
- Mark the contacts you need and press Import.
- Select the save format: VCF (for backup) or Phone Contacts (for direct transfer).
Alternative annexes:
- 📲 Copy My Data – Transfers Wi-Fi contacts between devices.
- 🔄 Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups in.vcf format.
- 📱 My Contacts Backup – sends contacts by email.
⚠️ Note: Apps from third-party sources (not Google Play) may contain malicious code. Check reviews and ratings (must be at least 4.0) before installing. SMS Calls or calls are unnecessary permissions to import contacts.
What to do if the app does not see SIM-map?
5. Manual transfer via VCF file (for power users)
This method is suitable if you need to migrate contacts to multiple devices or create a backup..vcf (vCard) format is supported by all modern smartphones, including Xiaomi.
Instructions:
- Export your SIM contacts to your old phone (if any) to a.vcf file.
- Move the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, email, or cloud storage.
- Open the file – the system will prompt you to import contacts into the phone’s memory.
If you don’t have another phone, use a PC:
- 🖥️ Connect. SIM computer-to-computer USB-reader (stands) ~300 rubles.).
- 📂 Use the program. SIM Card Data Recovery for export to.vcf.
- 📲 Transfer the file to Xiaomi and import it.
The advantage of this method is full control over data and the ability to edit contacts before import (for example, in Excel through the conversion of.vcf →.csv).
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A VCF file is the only way to transfer contacts with additional fields (photos, addresses, notes) that are not saved when you import them with a SIM.
6. Solving problems when transferring contacts
If contacts are not portable or are carried over with errors, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SIM-map not defined | Bad contact, damaged chip | Clean the contacts of the card with a lastic, reboot the phone |
| Imports interrupted | Lack of memory on the phone | Clear the cache in Settings → Memory |
| Numbers are displayed without names | SIM encoding (old cards) | Use the hand-encoded SIM Contacts Backup app |
| Not all contacts were moved. | Limiting SIM on the number of records | Break up imports into 100 contacts |
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.
⚠️ Attention: Data cleanup of the Contacts app will remove all unsynchronized numbers from your phone! pre-export them to a.vcf file or sync with Google/Mi Account.