Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or resetting settings. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated due to the features of the firmware. MIUI, In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to import contacts (including hidden functions). MIUI), We will tell you how to avoid data loss, and give recommendations for backup.
It is important to understand that modern Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi Note 12 series, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T By default, you save your contacts to your Google or Mi Account, not yours. SIM-This means that when you change your device, your contacts automatically sync up -- but only if they've been moved from the SIM before. SIM, It's time to keep them safe.
This article is relevant for all versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and Xiaomi models released after 2018. For older devices (such as the Redmi 4X or Mi A1), some methods may not work, we will warn you about this separately.
1. Standard import of contacts through the “Contacts” MIUI
The most obvious way is to use the built-in Contacts app (a human silhouette icon), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones without additional software, but has limitations: for example, not all contact fields (such as photos or additional numbers) are ported correctly.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app (if it isn’t on the home screen, search through the swipe search down).
- ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management.
- 🔄 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
- 📋 Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
- 💾 Click Import and wait until completed. Contacts will appear under Device or Google (depending on settings).
The important point is that if you have duality SIM (two SIM cards, the system can only offer import from one of them. To move contacts from the second SIM, temporarily disable the first in the settings. SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)|Make sure that the contacts on the SIM are not empty (call from another phone)|Turn it off. VPN — It can block access to contacts.|Battery charge of at least 30% (in case of failure)
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If the contacts are not displayed after import:
- Reboot the phone.
- Check the Contacts → Device folder (sometimes they get there, not Google).
- Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
2. Import through system settings (alternative method)
If the standard method didn’t work, try migrating contacts through system settings, which is especially useful for devices with custom firmware or if the Contact app isn’t working properly.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find and select Contacts (or Contacts).
- Slip the vault. → Data management.
- Select Import with SIM-maps and follow the clues.
On some models (e.g. POCO F4 or Xiaomi 12 Lite), this path may be different. If you don't find Data Management, try:
- 🔍 Enter the search for settings request “import contacts».
- 📁 Go to Settings → Memory. → Imports/Exports.
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If contacts are SIM-The map is displayed in characters, meaning they are stored in an encoding not supported by your phone. Solution: import them to an old device (where they read normally), then export them to a file. VCF And move it to Xiaomi.
3. Export contacts to VCF file and transfer to Xiaomi
If direct synchronization does not work, you can use an intermediate file format. VCF (This method is universal and suitable for transferring contacts from any phone to Xiaomi, including cases when SIM-The card is damaged or not readable.
How to do this:
- Export from old phone: Open Contacts on old device → Settings → Export to memory card (or Export to file) Save the file with the.vcf extension to SD-card.
Moving to Xiaomi:
- Copy the VCF file to your new smartphone (via Explorer, Google Drive, or USB cable).
- Open the file and the system will prompt you to import contacts. Select an account to save (Google or Device).
After that, all contacts will be available in the web version of Google Contacts.
- 🔄 Automatic backup.
- 🌍 Access from any device (even if the phone breaks down).
- 🔍 Easy search and editing through the browser.