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

Transfer of contacts with one SIM-Maps to another on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models and other devices) POCO) It's often a headache for users, especially when changing carriers or updating rates. Unlike older push-button phones, where copying was done in a couple of clicks, modern devices are not very good at the same time. MIUI The problem is complicated by the fact that the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of the menu in new versions of the shell, and some functions (for example, direct export from the product). SIM on SIM) It may be hidden or absent from certain models.

In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to transfer contacts between the two countries. SIM-maps - from standard tools MIUI We will focus on common errors that may cause contacts to not be copied (for example, limiting the number of records on the Internet). SIM You will also learn how to avoid duplication of records and why some numbers lose their associated names after transferring them.

1. Standard method via the Contacts menu in MIUI

The most obvious method is to use the built-in export/import function in the Contacts app. However, there are pitfalls: on some versions of MIUI (especially 12-14), the path to settings may differ, and on devices with POCO Launcher, the menu is completely hidden deeper.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Export from SIM-card.
4. Select your target. SIM-The card (if there are two) and confirm the copy.

An important point: if you have MIUI 13/14 Xiaomi 12/13 series or Redmi Note 11/12, The path may look like this: Contacts → ⚙️ Settings → Imports/Exports → Copy with SIM. On older models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The menu is called Backup.

Free space on target SIM-map (maximum) ~250 contacts)

Absence PIN-code SIM (may block access)

No connection is required, but it is better to disable mobile data

Close all background applications (especially messengers)

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If the Export button with the SIM is inactive or not, this means:

• 📱 SIM-The card does not support contact recording (relevant for some virtual operators).
• 🔒 It's on the map. PIN-Code – it must be temporarily disabled in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🛠️ You have custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where the function is disabled.

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If the contacts are not copied due to a reading error SIM", Try restarting your phone and repeating the operation. POCO Helps retrieval and re-installation SIM-map.

2. Transfer through Google Account (the most reliable method)

Google Account Sync is a universal solution that works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the version of MIUI. The advantage of the method is that contacts are saved in the cloud and can be restored even after a phone is reset.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Select your account (or add a new one) and enable Contacts slider.
3. Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Import with SIM.
4. Select Google as your import target and wait until it’s finished.
5. Now, put a new one in. SIM-Card and export contacts back: Export → Nana SIM-map.

Critical detail: if you use two Google accounts, make sure that contacts are saved in the main (checked in the sync settings), otherwise they can “split” between accounts, and some numbers will disappear when you move.

Standard export to MIUI

Google Account

VCF-file (backup copy)

Third-party applications

Manual input

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3.Export/import through VCF-File (for experienced users)

VCF (vCard) is a universal standard for storing contacts that all modern phones understand, and it is suitable if you want to back up or transfer contacts to a device of another brand (for example, from Xiaomi to iPhone).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to the device.
2. Choose. SIM-map as a source and confirm the creation of the contact.vcf file.
3. The file will be saved in the Download or MIUI/backup/Contacts folder.
4. Insert the new one. SIM-map, then import VCF: Import from the device → select the file.

If the file is not opened or the contacts are imported with errors:

• 📄 Check the encoding. VCF (must have UTF-8). Some Xiaomi exports have problems with Cyrillic.
• 🔄 Try opening a file on your PC through Outlook or Google Contacts, then re-export it.
• 📱 In the models with MIUI 14 You may need to rename the file to contacts_backup.vcf.

4. Use of applications to copy contacts

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on POCO F3 with custom firmware), you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Copy My Data (from Avast) – Copys Wi-Fi contacts between devices.
• 🔄 Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts, SMS applications.
• ☁️ My Contacts Backup – Exporting Contacts to the Internet VCF and send it to an email.

Warning: When using third-party apps, disable autosynchronization with Mi Cloud or Google to avoid conflicting contact versions. For example, if you import contacts via Super Backup and then enable sync with Google, duplicates may appear.

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Third-party apps are handy, but always check reviews on Google Play before installing.Some utilities (like Contacts Optimizer) can remove duplicates along with original contacts.

5. Manual contact transfer (if nothing helps)

If automatic methods fail (e.g., Redmi Go with Android Go), you can manually enter the process to speed up:

1. Export contacts from the original SIM to the VCF (as described in Section 3).
2. Open the file on your PC via Excel or Google Sheets (use separator;).
3. Sort the contacts alphabetically and remove duplicates.
4. Insert the new one. SIM-Map and manually add contacts through Contacts → Add.

You can use voice input to accelerate:

1. Open Contacts. → Add → Name.
2. Click on the microphone icon on the keyboard and dictate: "Ivan Ivanov, mobile, 999-123-45-67."
3. Google Keyboard will automatically break data into fields.

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On models with MIUI 14 and above, voice input works more accurately if you pre-enable Settings → Additional → Speech recognition offline and download the Russian language package.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Xiaomi users face problems.

⚠️ Warning: If contacts are displayed without names (numbers only) after transfer, the encoding conflict is to blame. VCF, Open the file in Notepad and save with encoding UTF-8, Then import again.

Error 1: Contacts are not copied to the new SIM

• 🔌 Check if the new one supports SIM-contact card (some of the 4G/5G SIM from the body2 Or Yota has limitations).
• 📶 Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (On some Xiaomi, the recording features only work for the main slot).

Mistake 2: Duplicate contacts

• ☁️ Turn off autosynchronization with Mi Cloud and Google before transfer.
• 🧹 After import, use the function of Combine contacts in the contact management menu.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ import VCF You can use a limit on the number of contacts (maximum 500 per operation) if you have more records, break the file into parts using the service. VCF Splitter.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions