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

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new phone or changing operators. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to import errors in the phone. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of copying - from standard system tools to alternative solutions for old and new Redmi models, POCO mi.

Xiaomi phones feature the MIUI, which periodically changes the layout of the menu. We took into account all the nuances of the latest versions (including MIUI 15 based on Android 14) and collected instructions that work even on budget devices like Redmi A2 or POCO M6 Pro. If you are faced with a problem that contacts on the SIM are not displayed or copied in full, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard import through Xiaomi settings

The most reliable way is to use the built-in import function in the MIUI. It doesn’t require any additional apps and works on all models, including Xiaomi. 13T Redmi Note 12 is the main condition: SIM-The card must be correctly recognized by the system (in the Settings menu). β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks are displayed as active).

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  • πŸ”§ Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Select Contact Management.
  • πŸ“€ Tap Import/Export Contacts β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  • πŸ“‹ Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
  • πŸ’Ύ Click Import and wait until completion (usually takes a lot of time). 5-10 seconds).

After importing the contacts will appear in the Device or Phone section (depending on version). MIUI). If it's stalled, restart your phone and try again, POCO X5) It may be necessary to pre-include the display SIM-Contacts in the Application Settings Contacts.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)|Check the balance on SIM (At some rates, access to contacts is blocked)|Close all background apps (especially messengers)|Connect your phone to charge (if the charge is below 20%)

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2.Import through the Google Contacts app

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to a MIUI failure), use the official Google Contacts app, which is suitable for synchronization with your Google account and ensures that data is safe even when you reset your phone.

Step-by-step:

  • 🌐 Open Google Contacts (if not, set up your contacts).
  • ☰ Click on three lines in the upper left corner β†’ Select Settings.
  • πŸ“₯ Tap Import. β†’ choose SIM-map.
  • πŸ”„ Select your contacts and click Import. They will automatically be saved to your Google account.
  • πŸ”„ Return to the main menu and enable Autosynchronization (if disabled).

The advantage of this method is that contacts will be available on any device after you log in to Google. However, if you store more than 200 contacts on SIM, it can take several minutes to import. On Xiaomi 12 Pro and later, the process is accelerated by optimizing MIUI for flagship models.

Nana SIM-map|Google account|In the phone memory|In the cloud (Mi Cloud, iCloud)|Another option-->

3. Transfer contacts using Mi Mover (for new phones)

Xiaomi’s Mi Mover app is designed to transfer data between devices, but it can also be used to import contacts with SIM. This method is relevant for owners of Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 11T and other models with Mi Mover preinstalled. The main advantage is the ability to choose the format of saving (in phone memory or Mi Account).

How to copy contacts:

  1. πŸ“² Open Mi Mover (find through search by app).
  2. πŸ”„ Select I am a new user β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  3. πŸ“‹ Check the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
  4. πŸ’Ύ Specify the place of conservation: πŸ“± Local storage – contacts will only be on the phone. ☁️ Mi Cloud – synced with Xiaomi account.

Start importing

Important: Mi Mover may not display SIM contacts if they have been previously imported and removed, in which case use the method with Google Contacts or third-party apps.

What to do if the Mi Mover can't see SIM-map?
Check if it's active. SIM in settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-If you do, reboot your phone and try again. MIUI (for example POCO F4) You need to update Mi Mover through the Play Store, even if it is preinstalled.

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

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work (relevant to Redmi 5A, Mi A2 and other Android 9-10 devices), use third-party utilities. We tested several apps and selected the most reliable ones:

AnnexRatings.AdvantagesDeficiencies
Copy to SIM Card4.7Supports package import/export, works without the InternetAdvertising, limit to 50 contacts in the free version
SIM Contacts Manager4.5Preserves import history, editing before copyingPlugins for additional functions
Contacts Backup4.3Export to CSV/VCF, backup to the cloudSlow operation on weak devices

Recommendations for use:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Download apps only from the Play Store (avoid) APK from unknown sources).
  • πŸ“Š Check reviews before importing – some utilities do not work on the MIUI 14+.
  • πŸ”„ After importing, restart your phone so that contacts appear in the standard app.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) request access to the app. SMS Refuse unnecessary permissions - you can import contacts with access to Contacts and Warehouse.

5. copying contacts via computer (for advanced users)

If Xiaomi phone doesn’t recognize SIM-map (for example, after updating) MIUI Or mechanically damaging the slot, you can extract the contacts through the PC:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/macOS.
  • πŸ“± Cable USB (Best Original from Xiaomi).
  • πŸ› οΈ MyPhoneExplorer or Moborobo.

Instructions for MyPhoneExplorer:

  1. πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to your PC through USB, Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP).
  2. πŸ–₯️ Install and run MyPhoneExplorer on your computer.
  3. πŸ“± On the phone, let me debug you. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times press to activate the developer mode β†’ Return to the Additional Settings β†’ For developers β†’ Turn on Debugging. USB).
  4. πŸ”„ In the program on PC, select the File β†’ Connect. β†’ USB-cable.
  5. πŸ“‹ Go to the Contact section β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM.

This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K40 and other models with support for MTP. If the program can not see the phone, try another cable or USB port. on macOS you may need to install the Android File Transfer driver.

πŸ’‘

Before connecting to your PC, turn off screen lock (PIN/pattern lock) – some programs do not work with locked devices.

Problem Solving: Why are contacts not copied?

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
SIM-map not definedSIM slot or contacts are damagedTry inserting the SIM into another slot or phone. Clean the contacts of the card with a smoother.
Contacts are not fully importedLimit the number of contacts (usually 250)Break up imports into parts or use a PC.
The Contact App is Hanging UpMisfunction in MIUI or lack of memoryClear the app cache (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Contacts β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache).
No import option with SIMOutdated version of MIUI or custom firmwareUpdate your phone or use Google Contacts.

On Xiaomi with MIUI 12.5 and later, sometimes resetting the Contacts app helps:

  1. πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.
  2. πŸ” Find contacts and tap on them.
  3. πŸ—‘οΈ Select Warehouse. β†’ Management of space β†’ Clear all data.
  4. πŸ”„ Restart your phone and repeat the import.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi 9A) After resetting the Contacts app, you may need to re-authorize your Google or Mi Account.

7 How to avoid losing contact in the future?

To avoid having to re-copy contacts with SIM, set up automatic synchronization:

  • ☁️ Mi Cloud: πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud. πŸ”„ Enable Contact Slider and Press Sync.
  • 🌐 Google Contacts: πŸ”§ Open the Settings. β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google. πŸ”„ Select your account and enable synchronization of Contacts.
  1. πŸ“‹ In the Contacts app, select Contact Management β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Export to device.
  2. πŸ’Ύ Save the.vcf file to a safe location (e.g., a memory card).

For added reliability, use a combination of two methods, such as synchronizing contacts with both Mi Cloud and Google, which will protect data even when the phone is reset to factory settings.

πŸ’‘

Check your backups regularly! Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup and make sure the latest data is saved no later than a month ago.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi

πŸ”Ή Can I transfer contacts to SIM on Xiaomi without internet?
Yes, use standard import via the Contacts app or Mi Mover. the Internet is only needed to sync with Google or Mi Cloud.
πŸ”Ή Why do you need to duplicate your contacts after import?
This happens if contacts have already been copied before. To eliminate duplicates, open Google Contacts on PC (contacts.google.com), select Duplicates from the menu on the left, and click Consolidate.
πŸ”Ή How to copy contacts with SIM Xiaomi, if the phone is not turned on?
Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (e.g. Redmi or Samsung), import contacts, then export them to the.vcf file.
πŸ”Ή Does Xiaomi support importing contacts with iPhone (via the Internet) SIM)?
Yes, but with limitations: iOS only saves your name and number (no mail, address, etc.) to SIM. Use Move to iOS (from Android to iPhone) or Google Contacts (back).
πŸ”Ή Can I import contacts with SIM Xiaomi via Bluetooth?
No, MIUI does not support direct Bluetooth contacts import.However, you can send a.vcf file from another phone to Xiaomi via Bluetooth and then import it manually.