How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi phone cards: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that every new owner of the device faces. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility SIM-Contacts in the phone book before import errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transferring numbers, including hidden functions. MIUI, Avoiding typical problems and optimizing contact storage for Redmi Note 12 Pro models+, Redmi 10C, POCO X5 others.

Feature Xiaomi – its own shell MIUI, It sometimes modifies standard Android processes, for example, some versions don't have a direct "Import with" button. SIM" We'll show you how to get around this restriction, and we'll also show you why you prefer to move through your Google account for backup. If you're using two-sim Redmi, you can look at the section on choosing the right one. SIM-Cards are a common cause of failure.

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 Standard import through settings MIUI (It works on 90% of models)
• 🔹 Manual export for obsolete SIM-maps (if no contacts are displayed)
• 🔹 Google Sync – How to Avoid Duplicating Contacts
• 🔹 Third-party mass transfer applications with additional features
• 🔹 Mistakes: "SIM-Card not supported", "Contacts not found"

Preparation: verification SIM-maps and contacts

Before transferring, make sure that your SIM-The card is compatible with the export function (2FF) Or carrier cards issued before 2010 may not support the storage of contacts:

1. Put it in. SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi and open the Contacts app.
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export → Import from SIM-card.

If the item Import with SIM-The card is missing or inactive, the problem may be:

• 📱 Wrongly chosen SIM-card (in two-symbol Redmi you need to specify the slot).
• 🔌 Lack of contact on SIM (Check through another device).
• 🛑 Blocking by the operator (relevant for corporate companies) SIM).

⚠️ Note: If you use eSIM (e.g. in Redmi Note 12 Pro) 5G), physicality SIM Impossible – data is stored only in the cloud or in the phone’s memory.

2. Standard import via MIUI (fastest way)

This method works on all Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later. Instructions are relevant for the models of Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi 10 2022, POCO M4 Pro and others:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Import/Export of contacts.
3. Select Import with SIM-map.
4. If you have two. SIM-Cards, specify the desired slot (for example, SIM 1 (MTS)).
5. Check the contacts for transfer (or click Select All).
6. Click Import and select the save location: Device or Google account.

Important: When you select a Google account, your contacts are automatically synced to the cloud, which protects them from being lost when you drop your phone. If you select a Device, the data will only be stored in Redmi memory.

On some MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.0.6 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the import point may be hidden elsewhere:

Settings → Applications → Contacts → Permissions → Memory (include)

If the importation is not started, check these permits.

3. Manual transfer for obsolete SIM-map

If the standard import doesn’t work (e.g., on Redmi 8A with MIUI 11), try an alternative method via the call menu:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Contacts tab → press three points (⋮).
3. Select Settings → Import / Export → Import with SIM.
4. If contacts don't show, try Export on SIM (yes, it's not a typo!).In some versions of MIUI, the import function is hidden behind the export.

Redmi with Android 10 and below may require a side app (Section 4). If you have contacts on SIM, but the phone does not see them, the problem is in the storage format. Older cards use ADN encoding, which modern smartphones do not always support.

4. Transfer through Google Account (a reliable way)

Synchronizing contacts with Google Contacts is the best option for backup.

• 🔄 Automatic contact updates on all devices.
• ☁️ Protection against loss when resetting Redmi.
• 📱 Ability to edit contacts with PC via contacts.google.com.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the Contact Switch (if it is turned off).
3. Get back in touch. → press three points (⋮) → Settings → Imports/Exports.
4. Select Import with SIM-Maps and specify Google account as a place of preservation.

If you see duplicate contacts when synchronizing, delete them through the web version of Google Contacts: select duplicates → “Combine”.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 When you first import into Google, you may have a "failed to sync" error. Solution: restart your phone and try again in 5 minutes.

5. Use of third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t work, install one of the proven applications:

How to transfer contacts via Copy My Data:

1. Install the app on Redmi.
2. Open it and select Copy Contacts From → SIM Card.
3. Mark the contacts you need and press Copy.
4. Select Copy Contacts To → This Device.

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Before using third-party apps, check reviews for the past 2 months – some utilities may contain advertising software.

6. Solving common errors

When transferring contacts, Xiaomi Redmi users often face the following problems:

• 🚫 "SIM-Card not supported" - relevant for micro-SIM cards (3FF) Solution: insert a card without an adapter or use another device for export.
• 🔍 "Contacts not found – check if the numbers are saved SIM (Sometimes they are stored in the memory of an old phone).
• 🔄 "Import interrupted" - disable battery optimization for the Contacts app in settings MIUI.
• 📱 "Contacts are duplicated" - disable sync with Mi Account (if enabled) in Settings → Accounts.

For Redmi models with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ You may need permission to access SIM-map:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Permissions → SIM- Map (include)

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If none of these methods work, export your contacts with SIM To another phone (like an old Samsung or Nokia) and then transfer them to Redmi via a phone. VCF-file.

7. Optimization of contacts after transfer

After successful import, we recommend:

1. Combine the doubles: Open Contacts → three-point (⋮) → Contact management → Combine the takes.
2. Add photos: MIUI can assign photos for contacts directly from the gallery.
3. Set up groups: Create groups (e.g., Work, Family) for easy search.
4. Export backup: Settings → Import/Export → Export to file (save VCF to Google Drive).

Redmi with MIUI 14 has a feature called Intelligent Grouping, which automatically sorts contacts by frequency of calls, to enable it:

Contacts → Settings → Intelligent functions → Contact Grouping

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer