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

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone or recovering data after a reset is often accompanied by the need to move contacts. Despite the development of cloud services, many users still store important numbers on the Internet. SIM-The process of syncing them to the phone may seem trivial, but in practice, users are faced with nuances, from the lack of import option in the menu to errors in reading the map. MIUI 14/15, where the interface has undergone changes.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts with SIM to Xiaomi, including standard system tools, third-party applications and workarounds for older models. We will focus on the typical problems when the phone does not see contacts on the SIM or the import is interrupted. If you are using the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instructions will be tailored to the features of the firmware.

Contact synchronization is not just about copying numbers, but also preserving their structure (names, groups, additional fields). At Xiaomi, this process can be complicated by privacy settings, operator restrictions or data corruption on SIM. We tested all methods on current devices and identified those that work stably even with mini-SIM, Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM cards.

Before you start, make sure your SIM-The card is unlocked (does not require) PUK-If the phone doesn't recognize the card, try rebooting the device or clearing the contacts of the tray of dust.

1. Standard import of contacts through the “Contacts” MIUI

The most obvious way to do this is to use the built-in Contacts app. In recent versions of MIUI, the import algorithm is simplified, but the path to function may vary depending on the model.

Open the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon) in the upper right corner, click three dots (⋮) and select Contact Management → Import/Export contacts. Here you will see a list of available sources, including yours. SIM-If the option is Import with SIM Inactive, this may mean that the card is not recognized by the system or there are no saved contacts on it.

Once you select the SIM, you'll see a list of numbers.

By default, contacts are imported into the local memory of the phone. To avoid losing them when reset, we recommend exporting the backup immediately to the phone. VCF-File (export option in the same menu).

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

Check your SIM balance (some operators block access to contacts when your balance is negative)

Close background apps that can use contacts (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)

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2.Import via Phone Settings

If the Contacts app doesn’t display the import option, try an alternative path through system settings.This method works on all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi 10 and POCO F4, where the interface may differ.

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Contact repository. Here you'll see all the sources available: Device, SIM 1/SIM 2, and Google and Mi accounts. Click on SIM-map, then select Import Contacts. The system will offer to save data to your phone memory or to your Google account (recommended for backup).

The important point is that if you use two SIM-maps, make sure you choose the one that stores contacts. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) slot SIM 2 may not support the import function due to hardware limitations.

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If the phone doesn’t see contacts on SIM, try pasting the card into another device (like an old button phone) and exporting contacts from there via Bluetooth or USB.

3. Transfer contacts using the application “SIM-contacts”

On some firmware MIUI (Especially on budget models like Redmi. A1) Standard import methods may not work because of system optimization, and a separate application will help «SIM-contact»** (SIM Contacts, which is preinstalled on most Xiaomi devices.

Find it through an app search (swipe down on the home screen) or in the Tools folder. Once you run, you'll see a list of contacts saved on SIM.

When importing, the app will suggest selecting the target storage, the best option is a Google Account, as this will allow you to sync contacts with other devices. If you choose a Phone, remember to back up manually.

Nana SIM-map

Google account

In the cloud Xiaomi (Mi Account)

On the phone (no synchronization)

Another option-->

4.Use of third-party applications for import

If embedded tools MIUI They can't do it, and third-party apps from Google Play will come to the rescue, and they're especially useful for mass importation or for dealing with damaged ones. SIM-Let's look at the top.-3 tested solutions:

To use Copy My Data, install the app on both devices (if you transfer it from another phone) and follow the setup wizard. When importing with SIM, select the SIM → Phone option and wait until the process is complete. The advantage of this method is to save additional fields (email, addresses) that are often lost during standard import.

Important: Some applications require permission to access SMS and call logs, and refuse such permissions unless they are critical for importing contacts.

Manual transfer through export to VCF-file

If the automatic methods do not work, you can use a workaround: export contacts with the help of the Internet. SIM You can use a.vcf file and then import it to Xiaomi, and it's universal and works even with damaged files. SIM-cards (provided that the phone recognizes them).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Put it in. SIM-card to any phone that supports exporting contacts (such as Samsung or iPhone).
2. Export contacts to the contacts.vcf file (usually the option is in the Contact Settings menu → Export).
3. Move the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, email, or cloud storage.
4. On Xiaomi, open the contacts.vcf file and the system will automatically prompt you to import contacts.

This method is also useful for combining contacts from different sources, for example, if you have contacts on an old SIM and a Google account, they can be merged into a single.vcf file, edit duplicates, and then import back.

6. Solving common import problems

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi users may encounter errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t see the contacts on SIM.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) slot SIM 2 does not support reading contacts. Move the card to SIM 1 or use an adapter to connect via USB-reader.

• 🔧 Check if the option to read contacts is enabled SIM customized SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone with retrieved and re-inserted SIM.
• 📱 Update the firmware MIUI — In the old versions there were bugs with recognition SIM.

Problem 2: Imports are interrupted or contacts are not fully transferred.

⚠️ Attention: If SIM stored more 200 contact, standard importation MIUI It can end with a mistake. Break it down into pieces. 50-100 Contact or use third-party applications.

• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Contacts app (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📵 Before importing, turn off mobile internet – sometimes background synchronization interferes with the process.

Problem 3: After importing, names or parts of numbers are missing.

This is a typical situation when transferring from the old SIM-maps where the fields are limited to 11 characters:

• 🔄 Repeat import by selecting save to Google Account – long names are supported.
• ✏️ Manually edit contacts after importation by adding missing data.

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If SIM contacts are critical, back them up before any manipulations through export to the VCF or a screen photo with a list of numbers.

7. synchronize contacts with the cloud Xiaomi (Mi Account)

After successfully importing contacts into the phone memory, it is recommended to sync them with the Mi Account. This will protect the data from loss when resetting or replacing the device.

Open Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and make sure that Contact Sync is enabled. If you have imported contacts to a Google Account, sync with Mi Cloud will occur automatically the next time you update your data.

Benefits of synchronizing with Mi Account:

• ☁️ Automatic backup – contacts are saved in the cloud Xiaomi.
• 🔄 Cross-platform access – you can view contacts on i.mi.com.
• 📱 Quick recovery when changing the phone – just log in to the account.

Note that the free Mi Account provides 5GB of cloud storage, which will last for tens of thousands of contacts, and you may need to confirm your phone number to activate sync.

8.Alternative methods: Bluetooth and USB-OTG

If your Xiaomi doesn’t recognize you SIM-But the contacts on it are critical, and you can use bypasses with other devices:

Method 1: Transfer over Bluetooth

1. Insert the SIM into an old phone (like Nokia or Samsung).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
3. On your old phone, select Send Contacts. → Through Bluetooth.
4. Accept the file on Xiaomi and import it through Contacts.

Method 2: Use of the USB-reader SIM

Buy it. USB-SIM reader (stands) ~300 rubles and connect it to Xiaomi via OTG-Adapter. Install the app. SIM Card (from section 4) and import contacts directly from the card. SIM or devices without a slot (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6).

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If you still have an old button phone with SIM contacts but it doesn’t support Bluetooth, use the SIM → MicroSD adapter (if you have one) or service centers to copy data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer