How to copy contacts with SIM-cards on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 4X: detailed guide

Why it is important to move your contacts to SIM Xiaomi Redmi 4X

SIM cards are no longer a reliable storage for phone numbers. On Xiaomi Redmi 4X (2017 model with MIUI 8/9 and Android 6.0/7.1), SIM memory is limited to only 250-500 contacts, without the ability to store additional fields like email or addresses, and if you lose or replace the card, all numbers will disappear irretrievably.

Moving contacts to the device solves these problems: data is stored in internal memory or the cloud, supports expanded fields, syncs between devices and is backed up automatically, and if you plan to upgrade your firmware or reset Redmi 4X to factory settings, local copies of contacts will keep them from losing them.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for copying SIM contacts to Xiaomi Redmi 4X, including solutions for cases when the phone does not see the SIM card or contacts do not appear in the import menu, as well as how to avoid duplication of records and why some numbers may not be copied.

Preparation: What to check before transferring contacts

Before starting the process, make sure that:

• 📱 SIM-The card is inserted correctly. 4X SIM card tray is located on the left side (for models with two slots — SIM1 or SIM2). Check that the card is fixed before clicking.
• 🔍 Contacts to SIM Open the Contacts app, tap three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management → Imports/Exports: If the item "Imports with" SIM» No – the problem is in the map or settings.
• 📶 There are no operator restrictions. Some mobile operators (e.g, Tele2 Yota blocks access to memory SIM. In this case, only a replacement card will help.
• 🔋 Battery charge above 30%, transfer of large number of contacts (100)+) It can take a few minutes and consumes more energy.

If you have problems with the test (for example, the phone does not see contacts on SIM), try:

1. Reboot Redmi 4X with the SIM card retrieved and re-inserted.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI for your model (current version at the time of the article release is MIUI 11 for Android 7.1).
3. Clear the cache of the Contacts app in settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Clear the cache).

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If you use two of them SIM-Check both cards in the import menu, even if the main numbers are stored on the same card.

Method 1: Import through the standard Contacts app

The simplest method that works on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 4X. Instructions are relevant for firmware from MIUI 8 to MIUI 12.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Slip on three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select Contact Management (or Settings in some versions).
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-If you have two SIM cards, please specify the one you need (SIM1 or SIM2).
5. Tick the contacts you want to copy (or click Select All), and tap Import.
6. Select a conservation location: 📱 Device – contacts will be stored in the phone’s memory (without synchronization). ☁️ Google – Contacts will be uploaded to your Google account (recommended for backups).

Wait until the process is complete. A successful import notification will appear on the screen.

If not all numbers are displayed on the SIM contact list, this may be due to:

• 🗃️ Restriction of memory SIM. Old cards (up to 2010) only support up to 250 contacts.
• 🔠 Text encoding: Cyrillic names can be displayed as question marks or not read at all.
• 📵 Data damage, if the contacts were recorded SIM via another device (such as a button phone), some of the records may have been saved with errors.

Method 2: Sync with Google Account (for backup)

This method not only transfers contacts from the SIM to the Redmi 4X, but also backs them up in the cloud, which is suitable if you plan to drop your phone or upgrade to a new device.

Important: This method requires an active Google account linked to your phone. If it is not available, add it to your settings first (Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Google).

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone according to the instructions in Method 1, selecting Device as your location.
2. Open Settings → Accounts → Google and select your account.
3. Activate the switch opposite Contact (if it is turned off).
4. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and choose Sync now.
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

If the synchronization is not started:

⚠️ Please check if it is on Redmi. 4X Traffic saving mode for Google services. Go to Settings → Connections → Use of data → Save traffic and add Google Contacts to exceptions.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the phone does not see the contacts on the phone). SIM or import interrupted, will help third-party software. 4X fit:

• 📲 Copy to SIM Card – allows you to selectively copy contacts in both directions (c) SIM phone and back).
• 🔄 Contacts Backup & Restore – backups contacts in.vcf format that can then be imported.
• ☁️ SIM Card Manager – Supports several activities SIM-Maps and Exports to Cloud Services.

Let’s look at the Contacts Backup & Restore:

1. Download the app from Google Play and install it.
2. Open the application and click Import/Export.
3. Select Import with SIM-map.
4. Mark the contacts you need and click Import.
5. Select the save format (VCF-file or directly to the phone contact).
6. If you have chosen VCF, open the file through the standard Contacts app and confirm the import.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, give them access to Contacts and Warehouse in permission settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Without these permits, imports will not work.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Work even if standard import refuses to copy contacts.
• ✅ Support selective import (only the required numbers can be copied).
• ✅ Allows you to edit contacts before import (for example, correct name encoding).

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The app side is the only way to migrate contacts from the SIM to the Xiaomi Redmi 4X if standard methods do not work due to firmware errors or operator limitations.

What to do if the contacts are duplicated after import

After transferring your SIM contacts to Redmi 4X, you may experience duplicate records if:

• Some SIM numbers have already been saved on the phone.
• You have imported contacts several times in a row.
• Contacts are synced from both Google and SIM.

To remove the duplicates:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap on three points → Contact management → Combine doubles.
3. The app will automatically find the repeating entries. Click Combine for each pair or select Combine all.
4. If the automatic association does not work, manually sort contacts by name (Settings → Sorting order) and remove the extra ones manually.

To prevent future duplication:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic synchronization of contacts with Google at the time of import (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → disconnect).
• 📱 Before importing, export your existing phone contacts to a.vcf file (backup copy).
• 🧹 After importing, clean the memory SIM Unnecessary contacts (contacts) → Management → Exports to SIM → Remove from SIM export).

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Their Causes

When transferring contacts with the SIM to the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, users face typical problems.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the firmware of the phone. On Redmi 4X with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the standard Contacts app may not work properly.

1. Install an alternative contact launcher (such as Simple Contacts).
2. Update your firmware to the official version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Reset your phone settings to factory settings (Warning: This will delete all data!).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions