How to Reset Contacts with SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: full guide

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards including Redmi models, POCO and Mi) is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by firmware features. MIUI, restraint SIM-maps of different generations (2G/3G/4G) In this article, we will discuss three working methods for transferring contacts, including manual export, automatic synchronization and backup through Mi Cloud, and also look at typical problems and their solutions.

It is important to note that modern SIM-cards (especially nano-SIM) often have limited memory capacity. 250-500 Contacts with support for base fields only (name) + When you transfer to Xiaomi, you will be able to save additional information: email, addresses, birthdays and even photos of contacts. MIUI (Settings menu → About the phone), as the interface and location of menu items may differ depending on the shell.

1.Preparation for the transfer of contacts: what to do in advance

Before you start the transfer, follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss or crashes:

• 📱 Check compatibility. SIM-Make sure your card is yours. SIM Supports the storage of contacts (some virtual operators, for example, Tele2 Or Yota, you can use it. SIM functionless).
• 🔋 Battery charge: The charge level must be at least 30% to avoid interruption due to sudden shutdown.
• 📡 Stable network connection. If you plan to sync your contacts over Mi Cloud, connect to Wi-Fi, mobile Internet may be interrupted.
• 📝 Backup. Write down the most important numbers on paper or take a picture of the screen with contacts, which will save you in case of a failure.

Pay special attention to the format SIM-If you use a micro-SIM or nano-SIM adapter, make sure the card contacts are not covered with plastic - this can lead to read errors. - In Xiaomi models with a hybrid slot (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) SIM-The microSD card and memory card cannot be used at the same time – keep this in mind when planning a transfer.

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If you SIM-The card was issued before 2010, it can only support Latin characters in the names of contacts, in which case, before transferring, rename the contacts with a transliterate (for example, "Ivanov" → "Ivanov").

2. Method 1: Manual transfer of contacts through the phone menu

It is the most reliable method, which does not require an Internet connection, and it is suitable for all Xiaomi models based on the Internet. MIUI 12-15, including POCO F5, Redmi 13C Xiaomi 14, the instructions are also relevant for devices with Global ROM, and for Chinese versions of firmware.

Steps for transfer:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All).
6. Specify your target storage: Device (for local storage) or Mi Account (for cloud sync).
7. Confirm the action with the Import button.

The process can take from a few seconds to a minute depending on the number of contacts. Once complete, check that all numbers appear in the main list. If some contacts are not moved, try repeating the procedure or using alternative methods described below.

Compare the number of contacts on SIM and phone | Check the correct names (are there "???" instead of Cyrillic) | Make sure the numbers are saved in +7 instead of 8| Call 1-2 contacts to check-->

Method 2: Automatic synchronization via Mi Account

This method is suitable for users who already have a Mi Account and want to not only transfer contacts with the SIM, but also sync them between several devices (for example, a phone + tablet Xiaomi Pad 6).

Algorithm of action:

• 🔑 Sign in to Mi Account (if not authorized): go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account.
• 🔄 Enable Contact Synchronization: In the same account section, activate the switch opposite Contacts.
• 📥 Import with SIM: Open your contacts. → Management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-Select your Mi Account as your target storage.
• ☁️ Wait until the sync is complete. Depending on the speed of the Internet, it can take up to 5 minutes.

Once imported, all contacts will be available not only on your current device, but also on i.mi.com (Contacts section).This is convenient if you change your phones frequently or want to have a backup off-device. Please note that when you delete a contact from your phone, it will also be deleted from the Mi Cloud if sync is enabled.

Method 3: Export contacts to a VCF file (for backup)

The.vcf (vCard) format is the universal standard for storing contacts supported by all modern smartphones, a method that is useful if you want to back up before resetting your phone or transfer contacts to a device of another brand (for example, from Xiaomi to Samsung).

Export instructions:

1. Open Contacts → Management → Import / Export.
2. Select Export to the device.
3. Specify the format VCF-file and click Export.
4. The file will be saved in the Download (or Download) folder under the name contacts.vcf.
5. Transfer the file to your computer or other device via Bluetooth, email, or cloud storage.

For importation VCF-File on another Xiaomi phone perform the reverse procedure: Contacts → Management → Imports/Exports → Import from the device and select the saved file, which also allows you to edit contacts manually, for example, by opening.vcf in a text editor (for example, Notepad).++) and correcting errors in numbers or names.

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The VCF file can be opened on a PC using the standard Contacts app (Windows) or Address Book (macOS), which is convenient for mass editing before importing to a new phone.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users may encounter problems with moving contacts, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check the permission settings for the Contacts app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Select Permissions and make sure Warehouse and Contacts are enabled.
3. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

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If you use two of them SIM-Make sure that the correct slot is chosen before importing the cards.In some Xiaomi models (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro), contacts can only be stored on the main one. SIM (slot).

6.Contact portability on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 10–11)

If your phone is running an older version of MIUI 10 or 11 (like the Redmi 5 Plus or Mi A2), the menu interface may be different.

1. Open Contact.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Import/Export.
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Specify where to save contacts: phone or Google (if the account is linked).

Older versions of MIUI may also not support Mi Cloud for contacts, in which case we recommend using export to VCF or sync through Google Account:

• 📧 Add a Google Account to Settings → Accounts.
• 🔄 Enable synchronization of contacts with Google.
• 📥 Import contacts with SIM Google (by selecting the appropriate account when importing).

After that, the contacts will be available at contacts.google.com and synced with any Android device.

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On Xiaomi models with Android One (such as the Mi A3), the transfer of contacts is done through the standard Contacts app from Google, rather than through MIUI.

7.Data security: how to protect contacts after a transfer

After successfully transferring contacts to Xiaomi, we recommend taking measures to protect them:

• 🔒 Backup encryption: If you created a contact.vcf file, archive it with a password (e.g., through a password). 7-Zip WinRAR).
• 🔄 Regular sync. Enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account (in account settings).
• 📱 Local backup. Use the built-in Backup function in MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset).
• 🚫 Restrict access. Disable applications from accessing contacts in Settings → Confidentiality → Application authorizations.

Pay special attention to two-factor authentication for Mi Account, if attackers gain access to your account, they can delete all synchronized contacts to enable 2FA:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Open Security. → Two-step verification.
4. Link a phone number or an authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator).

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If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi to another person, be sure to delete all contacts and untie accounts. To do this, perform a factory reset in Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi