How to copy data from SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: full guide

Data transfer from SIM-Xiaomi cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. Despite the fact that modern phones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, many still use the device. SIM The problem is that not everyone knows how to export information without loss, especially if you're talking about old cards with limited memory.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to copy data from SIM to Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi, including contacts, SMS (where possible), and even notes. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice: from the restrictions on the number of characters in the contact name to compatibility with different SIM standards (Mini, Micro, Nano).

Note that not all data can be copied, for example, SMS from SIM to Xiaomi are only transferred through third-party applications, and standard MIUI tools often ignore the "additional number" or "notes" fields to contacts, but about everything in order.

1. Standard import of contacts via MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in import function in firmware MIUI. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13T. The main condition: SIM-The card must be active and correctly recognized by the phone.

To begin the transfer:

1. Put it in. SIM-card in the tray of the smartphone (on some models, for example, Redmi) 10C, Adapter for Nano-SIM is required).
2. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
3. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → Contact management → Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Import from SIM-card and specify where to save data (in Mi Account, Google or locally on the phone).

An important caveat: MIUI may not show import option if the SIM does not have any saved contacts, and the system ignores blank fields (for example, if the contact has only a name but no number).

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Then go to Phone Information. → SIM-map and see the number of records.

Check your SIM balance (some operators block access to memory with a zero score)

Make sure the card is inserted into the SIM1 slot (on some Xiaomi, the SIM2 slot does not support import)

Close all background apps (especially messengers that can block access to contacts)

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you import to the cloud)

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2. Transfer of contacts through Google account

If standard importing didn’t work or you want to sync your data to other devices, use Google Contacts, a method that works even on older models like the Redmi 5A.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Add your Google account (if not added) or tap on an existing one.
3. Activate the synchronization of Contacts.
4. Return to Contacts, click on three points → Import/Export → select Import with SIM and specify Google as the target.

The advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on any device, but there are limitations:

• 📛 Not all fields are transferred (e.g., "dates of birth" or "addresses" may be missing).
• 🔄 Synchronization takes up to 10 minutes – do not interrupt the process.
• 🚫 If SIM More than 250 contacts, importation may be completed with an error (break into pieces).

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On Google Contacts

In the Xiaomi account

On the phone (locally)

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3.Exports SMS s SIM-Cards (if supported)

Standard. SIM-The cards not only store the contacts, but also SMS-communications (usually before) 20-50 But Xiaomi doesn't default to providing tools to port them. SMS Backup & Restore or Super Backup.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and select Backup.
3. In the section Source indicate SIM-Card (if option is available).
4. Save your backup to internal memory or the cloud.
5. To recover on Xiaomi, select Restore and specify the backup file.

Important: Not all carriers allow SMS reading with SIM. For example, MTS and Beeline often block this feature at the card level. If the application does not see the message, try inserting SIM into an old phone (for example, Nokia 105) and forwarding SMS to Xiaomi via Bluetooth.

4. Manual copying through the engineering menu (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try to move data through Xiaomi’s hidden settings, which requires caution, as improper actions can reset network settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the dialer and type in: ##36446337###
2. Select SIM Management → Read SIM Contacts from the Engineering Menu.
3. The system will show a list of contacts in VCF format. Save the file to internal memory.
4. Import VCF via Contacts → Import/Export.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 Lite) Engineering menu blocked. If after entering the code nothing happens, then the function is disabled by the manufacturer.

5. Data transfer via PC (for older SIMs)

If you SIM-The card was issued before 2010 (format) SIM 2G), Xiaomi smartphone may not recognize it correctly, in which case a computer with a card reader will help.

What you need:

• 💻 PC Windows/macOS slot-in SIM or USB-adapter (stands) ~300₽).
• 📱 Programme SIM Card Data Recovery or Mobile PhoneTools.
• 🔌 Cable USB Connecting Xiaomi to a PC.

Process:

1. Insert the SIM into the card reader and connect to the PC.
2. Start a SIM reader program (such as SIM Card Data Recovery).
3. Export contacts to a CSV or VCF file.
4. Connect Xiaomi to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP).
5. Transfer the file to your phone and import through Contacts.

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If the program does not see SIM, try to clear the card contacts from empty entries. To do this, insert it into an old phone (for example, a Samsung E1200) and manually remove unnecessary entries.

6. Problems and solutions in data copying

Even when following instructions, users encounter errors, including cases and ways to fix them.

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

• 🔹 Check if it's active. SIM (plug in another phone).
• 🔹 Make sure that contacts are saved on the card, not in the phone’s memory.
• 🔹 Try another slot (for example, move from the SIM2 on SIM1).

Problem 2: Imports are interrupted by half.

• 🔹 Break contacts into groups of 50 pieces and import in parts.
• 🔹 Turn it off. Wi-Fi/mobile data at the time of transfer.
• 🔹 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had an import bug).

⚠️ Note: If after importing the contacts are displayed in hieroglyphs, then the encoding SIM It doesn't match Xiaomi's regional settings. → Additionally. → Language and input → Encoding (select) UTF-8).

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Before any data transfer, back up your contacts in VCF format. In the Contacts app, select Export to Device, which can be recovered even if you crash.

7. Alternative methods: cloud and messengers

If neither method worked, use workarounds, such as exporting your SIM contacts to another phone and then syncing them to Xiaomi via the cloud.

Method 1: Through WhatsApp or Telegram

1. Insert the SIM into an old phone (like an iPhone or Samsung).
2. Export your contacts to VCF and send the file to your Telegram or WhatsApp.
3. On Xiaomi, download the file and import it through Contacts.

Method 2: Using Xiaomi (Mi Cloud) Account

• 📱 Download contacts with SIM on another Xiaomi phone.
• 🌥️ Sync them with the Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 On the target device, log in to the same account and enable synchronization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer from SIM to Xiaomi