How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi phone cards: all ways 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards are a challenge that every new owner of the device faces, and despite their apparent simplicity, the process can cause complications from the lack of visibility of contacts on the menu to import errors. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of transfer (including hidden functions). MIUI), Compare them in speed and reliability, and show how to avoid data loss during a change SIM-map.

Redmi phones (Note 10/11/12/13, A1/A2+, 9C/9A, etc.) feature modified MIUI firmware that sometimes hides standard Android options. For example, some versions do not have the "Import with SIM" button in the contact menu, although the feature is supported, and we will tell you how to find it or circumvent restrictions using alternative methods.

Important: If you are using duality SIM-map SIM), The process of transferring contacts may vary, as you can read about it in a separate section, and we will also touch on the issue of automatic sync with Google Account and Mi Cloud, so that your contacts are always safe.

Standard import via the Contact Menu (MIUI 12-14)

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import function in the Contacts app, but depending on the MIUI version and the Redmi model, the location of the option may vary.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section → press Import with SIM-map.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts or click Select all.
5. Specify the location of the storage: Device (locally) or Google/AMi account (for synchronization).
6. Confirm the import with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: If the menu does not include the item "Import with" SIM", Update Contacts through Google Play or use alternative methods from the following sections. on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This option is hidden in Settings → System system → Imports/Exports.

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

Check the contact balance on SIM (maximum 250-300 numbers)

Close all background applications to speed up the process

Connect to Wi-Fi if you plan to sync with Google-->

2. Transfer over Phone Settings (hidden method)

If the standard method didn't work, try an alternative way through system settings, which works even on Redmi with outdated firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shackle 7 times to activate Developer Mode – not necessarily for import, but useful for other features).
2. Go back to the main Settings menu → select Apps → App Management.
3. Find the Contacts app → Storage → Data Management.
4. Tap Import from SIM-card (can be called Copy Contacts).

This path often works on the Redmi Note 8/9 Pro, where the standard import menu is simplified. If there is no option here, move on to the next method.

3. Use of the application "SIM-contact" (for older models)

The Redmi 4X/5A/6A and other budget models often lack built-in imports, and the third-party SIM Contacts app (or Copy to SIM Card, SIM Manager) will help. Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

1. Open the app and give access to contacts/SMS.
2. Select Import with SIM → Device.
3. Check the numbers you want (or click Select All).
4. Specify the target folder: Local Contacts or Google Account.

Note: Apps like SIM Contacts can request suspicious permissions (such as SMS access) and only install programs with a rating of 4.5+ and more than 1 million downloads.

Standard import through Contacts

Through phone settings

Application side (SIM Contacts, etc.)

Synchronization with Google

Another way.-->

4. Export of SIM contacts to your computer (for backup)

If you want to not only migrate contacts to Redmi, but also back them up, use this method. You'll need a SIM card reader or an old export-enabled phone.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SIM-card to an old phone (for example, Nokia 105 or Samsung) E1200).
2. Export contacts to the.vcf file (via the Contacts menu → Settings → Export).
3. Move the file to your computer, then upload it to Google Contacts (contacts.google.com).
4. On Redmi, log in to the same Google Account – contacts are synced automatically.

⚠️ Note: When exporting contacts to.vcf, check the encoding. Cyrillic names can be displayed by cranks if the file is saved in the file. ANSI instead UTF-8. Corrected by Resave in Notepad with Choosing the Right Encoding.

5. Sync with Google Account (automatic transfer)

If you use a Google Account, you can pair the SIM contacts with sync, ensuring that numbers are available on any device:

1. Transfer your SIM contacts to your phone in any of the ways described (e.g., via SIM Contacts).
2. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
3. Turn on the Contact switch (if switched off).
4. Wait for the sync to complete (check at contacts.google.com).

The advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and restored when a phone is reset, and the disadvantage is that you need a stable Internet connection.

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If contacts are duplicated after sync, use the merge function in Google Contacts: highlight duplicates → click “More” → “Merge contacts”.

6.Contact transfer on Dual SIM models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+, 12 Pro 5G)

On two phones. SIM-Cards (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Redmi 10 5G The import process is nuanced. Here's how to transfer contacts with one of the two. SIM:

1. Put it in. SIM-Slot 1 (main) contact card. Second SIM It may interfere with the identification of the source.
2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
3. Select SIM 1 (or SIM 2 if contacts are there) → specify the target (Device or Google).
4. If contacts are not displayed, restart your phone with only one SIM enabled.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9T, Note 10S) importation SIM 2 contacts can be saved in this folder SIM, Not the phone's general memory. Check the location manually!

7. Solving errors in the transfer of contacts

Common problems and their solutions:

• 🔴 "No contact at all. SIM": Check the card on another phone, maybe the contacts are stored in the device's memory, not on the device. SIM. Use the app. SIM Card (from SimCardTools) for Diagnostics.
• 🔴 "Import interrupted": Close all apps, restart your phone and try again. on Redmi with 4GB of RAM, cache clearing can help (Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 🔴 "Contacts are duplicated: Disable sync with Mi Cloud and Google before importing, then turn it on again.
• 🔴 "Lack of memory. SIM": Remove old contacts directly to SIM via the Contact Menu → Management → Edit contacts SIM.

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Before any contact pen, back up! Use export to.vcf or sync with Google - it will take 2-3 minutes, but save data if it crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi Redmi