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 device or changing operator. Despite the seeming simplicity, the process can be difficult: somewhere the import button is hidden in the depths of the menu. MIUI, Some contacts are duplicated, and sometimes not displayed at all. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to copy contacts from the Internet. SIM on the Redmi, POCO Xiaomi flagship models – from standard system tools to workarounds for older versions of firmware.

The MIUI feature is that the interface of importing contacts can differ even on devices of the same line – it all depends on the version of the shell (for example, MIUI 14 vs HyperOS).We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will work on 95% of Xiaomi devices released after 2018. If you use an older model (for example, Redmi Note 4 or Mi A1), pay attention to the section on outdated versions of the firmware.

Before you start, check out two key points:

• 📱 SIM card inserted correctly - contacts should be displayed in the phone book as «SIM 1" or «SIM 2" If none are available, reboot the device or check card compatibility (some Xiaomi doesn't support nano-SIM in the microSD slot).
• 📞 Contacts retained on SIM — Not all operators default to write numbers to the card. Check with your provider (for example, MTS or Beeline may have restrictions).

Method 1: Standard import through Xiaomi settings

The most reliable and quickest method is to use the built-in import function in MIUI. It works on all current models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 14.

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Specify your target account to save: 📱 Device – contacts will only be stored in the phone’s memory (not synchronized). ☁️ Google is the recommended option if you have sync with Gmail. 🔄 Xiaomi Cloud – Suitable for Backup to Mi Account Ecosystem.

Ready.

OK.

If the button Import with SIM-The card is inactive or absent, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🚫 SIM-The card is not recognized by the system (check it on another phone).
• 🔒 Contacts blocked. PIN-code (request) PUK operator).
• 📵 Nana SIM No saved contacts (check with the operator).

Method 2: Sync through Google Account

If standard import didn’t work or you want to automatically back up contacts in the cloud, use Google sync, which is suitable for models on MIUI 12 and later, as well as for devices with HyperOS.

Advantages of the method:

• ☁️ Contacts are automatically backed up and available on any device with your Gmail.
• 🔄 When changing the phone, just log into the account - the contacts will be downloaded themselves.
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss (e.g. when resetting your phone).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Choose your account (or add a new one if you don’t have one).
3. Activate the Contact Synchronization switch.
4. Return to the Contacts app** and wait until the sync is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).
5. Now import contacts with SIM Google: Go to Contact Management → Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-Maps and specify your target Google account.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are duplicated after synchronization, delete the extra ones via the web version of Google Contacts. → Unite.

Method 3: Applications for copying contacts

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work well (e.g., older models like the Redmi 5A or Mi Max 2), use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular apps and picked the two most reliable ones:

We recommend Copy My Data, which specializes in contacts and is not overloaded with unnecessary functions.

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select Copy Contacts to this device.
3. Click Next and wait for the scan. SIM-map.
4. Check the necessary contacts and tap Copy.
5. Select your target account (device or Google).

How to export SIM contacts to VCF:

1. Open Contacts** → Contact Management → Import/Export.

If the.vcf file is not opened, check it through Google Contacts:

1. Go to the site and log in to your account.
2. Click Import on the left menu.
3. Download the.vcf file from your phone.
4. Contacts will appear in your phone book after synchronization.

💡

A VCF file is the most reliable way to back up contacts, and it is compatible with any device and service, including iCloud and Outlook.

Method 5: Transfer contacts on older versions of MIUI

If you have Xiaomi on MIUI 9-11 (like Redmi 4X, Mi 6 or POCO F1), the contact import interface may be different.

Option 1: Through the Contacts app (old version)

1. Open the “Contacts” and tap on the icon. ⋮ (three-point).
2. Select Settings → Imports/Exports.
3. Press Import with SIM-maps and follow the clues.

Option 2: Through system settings

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 8 and older (Redmi) 3S, Mi 5 standard import may not work due to the limitations of Android 6.0. In this case, use third-party applications or export to the Internet. VCF.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When migrating SIM contacts to Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and we have collected the TOP-5 problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (does not delete data, only resets connections).
3. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

Important: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9C or POCO M3), the contact import function may be disabled by the manufacturer for certain regions, in which case use a workaround through a Google account or third-party apps.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)