How to copy contacts with one person SIM-Maps to another in the Xiaomi phone: all working methods

Why do we move the contacts between SIM-Xiaomi cards are difficult to find

Transition to a new one SIM-The card is a standard procedure that every Xiaomi user faces at least once every 2-3 years, POCO Mi loses hours manually entering numbers without knowing the built-in tools MIUI. The problem is compounded by the fact that modern SIM-Cards (especially virtual eSIMs) often do not support the old contact protocol. USSD-The team that worked on the button phones.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to transfer contacts between physical and physical SIM-And you can use cards in a single Xiaomi phone, from standard export through Settings to workarounds for devices with a corrupted file system. MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware) and do not require root rights, with special attention to the nuances that the manufacturer does not say: for example, why photos of subscribers disappear when copying through Google Contacts or how to avoid duplication of records.

If you are using Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi Note 12 or older model like Mi 9 - instructions will remain relevant. MIUI 11 and below may not have a direct copy option between SIM-maps in the contact menu (we will warn about this in the relevant section).

Method 1: Standard copying via the Contacts menu (MIUI 12–14)

The most obvious method that has worked on most Xiaomi smartphones in recent years, and its main advantage is that you do not need to connect to the Internet or install third-party applications. SIM-Cards are active on the phone (inserted into slots) SIM1 and SIM2).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
  2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner β†’ select Contact Management.
  3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts β†’ Copy from the SIM-card.
  4. Select the original. SIM-map, SIM1: MegaFon).
  5. Check the contacts for transfer (or click Select All).
  6. Click Copy and specify the target SIM-map (SIM2: Tele2).
  7. Confirm the action – the contacts are copied within 10–30 seconds.

⚠️ Note: If the contact list does not show all numbers from SIM-maps, check the cards:

  • πŸ”Ή Number storage format: old SIM-cards (up to 2010) can save numbers in format +7(XXX)XXX-XX-XX, which MIUI It doesn't always read correctly. So the solution is to edit those contacts manually before copying.
  • πŸ”Ή Duplicate: if one number is saved and SIM-map, and in Google Contacts, the system may miss it when copying.

Both SIM-Cards are recognized by the system (check in Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks)

Targeted. SIM-The card is sufficient memory (maximum) ~250 contacts per person SIM)

The phone is not in power saving mode (may interrupt the process)

Contacts not blocked PIN-code SIM-map-->

Method 2: Export to a VCF file and import to another SIM

A universal method that is suitable for any Xiaomi models, including the old ones (Mi). A1, Redmi 4X) The bottom line is that the contacts are first exported to a.vcf file (a virtual business card) and then imported to another. SIM-Advantage: You can edit the file before importing (e.g. delete unnecessary numbers).

How to do this:

  1. Open Contacts. β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/Exports.
  2. Select Export to Device β†’ Specify SIM-Source Card.
  3. The contacts.vcf file will be saved in the Download (or Download) folder.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC (or use a file manager) and open contacts.vcf in a text editor (like Notepad++).
  5. Return to Import/Export β†’ Choose Import from the device β†’ Enter the contacts.vcf file and target SIM-map.

πŸ”§ Technical nuance: If the error "Can not import contacts" occurs during import, check the encoding of the.vcf file. UTF-8. Use Notepad to change++: Coding β†’ convert into UTF-8 (without BOM).

What to do if VCF-file won't open?
If a file is corrupted, try recovering it through online services like VCF Repair, and the alternative is to use Google Play’s Contacts+ app, which can recover broken business cards.

Method 3: Sync through Google account (for MIUI with Google services)

This is a good idea if you are using a global version. MIUI (Its key advantage is that contacts are synced automatically and available on any device after authorization, but there are also disadvantages: photos of subscribers will not be saved, and numbers will be linked to an account, not to an account. SIM-map.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google Accounts β†’ Select your account.
  2. Activate the Contact Sync switch (if it is turned off).
  3. Get back in touch. β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/Exports.
  4. Choose Copy with C SIM-map β†’ specify the original SIM β†’ Copy to your Google account.
  5. After synchronization, insert the target SIM-Map and repeat the process, but select Copy from your Google account SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version MIUI (Without Google, this is not going to work. The alternative is sync through Mi Account (but there is no export option for the user). SIM-map).

Standard copying through the Contact Menu|Exports to VCF-file|Synchronization through Google|Other methods-->

MethodPlusesConsSuitable for
Direct copyingQuick, no need for the internet.It does not work on MIUI 11 or lower.MIUI 12-14, both SIMs on the phone
VCF-fileUniversally, it can be editedRequires manual actionAll Xiaomi models
Google-synchronizationAutomatic backupNo photo of contacts.Global versions of MIUI
SIM Copy (annex)It's running on old firmware.Risk of data leakageMIUI 11 and below

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for older models)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 10 or earlier, there may be no standard copying methods, and Google Play’s SIM Contacts Backup or Copy to SIM Card can help.

  • πŸ“± Reading contacts with anyone SIM-Cards (including old Mini-SIMs).
  • πŸ”„ Copy numbers between SIM-The phone can’t see them even if the phone doesn’t see them".
  • πŸ“‚ Export contacts to Excel or CSV editable.

πŸ› οΈ Instructions for Copy to SIM Card:

  1. Install the app from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tekacm.simcontacts).
  2. Launch the utility and give access to contacts.
  3. Select the original. SIM-map β†’ mark the contacts β†’ press Copy.
  4. Specify target. SIM-map and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: Before using third-party apps, check reviews – some utilities (especially with titles like β€œSuper” SIM Copy Pros may contain advertising software or collect data, and the alternative is to temporarily install the application in a sandbox (e.g., via Island or Shelter).

πŸ’‘

If your app doesn’t see yours SIM-If you want to reset your phone, try rebooting it with Flight Mode enabled, and sometimes it resets the cache of the communications module and restores access to your contacts.

Method 5: A Bluetooth bypass (if the phone can't see SIM)

Situation: Your Xiaomi won’t recognize one of the SIM-You can transfer your contacts over Bluetooth, using the second phone as an intermediary, for example, after a drop or moisture hit.

Step-by-step:

  1. Insert the original. SIM-card to the second phone (any, even button).
  2. On the second phone, export contacts to a.vcf file or send them over Bluetooth.
  3. On your Xiaomi, accept the file via Bluetooth (it will be saved in Downloads).
  4. Import contacts from the file to the target SIM-map (see Method 2).

πŸ“Œ If you don’t have a second phone, use it. USB-Connect Xiaomi to a PC, insert it. SIM-map USB-modem (e.g. Huawei) E3372), copy contacts through the modem program (usually there is an option to export to the Internet). CSV).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

  • 🚫 "Contacts are not copied" ("failed to import" error: SIM-card blocked PIN-code or damaged. Solution enter PIN In Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks or try another SIM-map.
  • πŸ”„ Duplicate Contacts Reason: Numbers already exist in Google Contacts or on another SIM-Solution: Before copying, merge duplicates into the Contact Management menu β†’ Connecting contacts.
  • πŸ“΅ Not all contacts were copied Reason: Limitation SIM-maps by number of records (usually 200-250).Solution: Break contacts into parts or use VCF-file.
  • πŸ”’ Contacts copied, but not displayed Reason: In settings disabled display contacts with SIM-Solution: Go to Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Display contacts with and include a tick opposite the desired SIM.

πŸ’‘

Before any copy of contacts, back up! in MIUI, this can be done via Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup. Select Contacts and save data to Mi Cloud or to your device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I copy SIM contacts to eSIM in Xiaomi?
Yes, but only through workarounds: Export contacts with physical SIM into VCF-File (see Method 2) Import the file to Google Contacts. Activate eSIM and sync contacts through your Google account. SIM eSIM in MIUI no.
Why did the photos of the contacts disappear after copying?
Photos of subscribers are stored only in Google Contacts or phone memory, but not on the phone. SIM-To save them: Before copying, export your contacts to VCF-File with the option "Save photos" enabled (if available). Use applications like My Contacts Backup that save photos to the cloud.
How to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi if the phone is not turned on?
You'll need: Remove SIM-You can put it in another phone, export it to another phone. VCF Or send them to an email. After Xiaomi repairs, import the file back. If the second phone is missing, use it. USB-SIM card reader (stands) ~300 rubles) and programme SIM Card Data Recovery on PC.
Does copying contacts on Xiaomi work with two nano-SIMs?
Yes, but there is a caveat: if you use a hybrid slot (for example, if you are using a hybrid slot, SIM2 + microSD, insert both SIM-In some models, the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) MicroSD is the first priority, and the second is SIM may not be recognized.
Can I copy SIM contacts to SIM without a phone?
Technically yes, but you will need special equipment: πŸ–₯️ SIM-Reader (connects to PC via USB). πŸ› οΈ Programme SIM Card Copier (such as MagicSim or SIMedit) is a complex and risky process (you can damage the data on the computer). SIM), So it is better to use the phone.