How to copy contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards: the full guide

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards are a challenge faced by every new smartphone owner or user who decides to change devices. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from lack of visibility SIM-contact information in the phone book before export errors when using old cards. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of copying, including hidden functions. MIUI, Avoiding common mistakes and tips for optimizing contact storage.

Feature of Redmi (unlike the flagship Xiaomi or POCO) — flattening MIUI, And there's some options hidden in the back of the menu, like the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ Redmi 12 is different from Redmi. A2 or Redmi 10C. We have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on all versions. MIUI 12-14 You will also learn why some contacts may not be copied due to restrictions. SIM-250-record cards and how to get around them.

Preparation: What to do before copying

Before you move contacts, check two key points: compatibility. SIM-Modern nano-SIMs (and even more so eSIMs) often don’t support the storage of contacts — a feature inherited from the outdated mini-SIM. If your card was released after 2018, it probably doesn’t have contacts, and the problem lies elsewhere.

To ensure that data is available on the SIM:

• 📱 Insert the card into your old phone (if any) and check the contact list in the section"SIM".
• 🔍 On Redmi, open the Contacts app, tap on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Import/Export. If item "Import with" SIM" Inactive – no contact on the map.
• 🛠️ Use an adapter to read SIM on PCs, for example, ACR38U) program SIM Card Reader to view content.

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If you SIM-Tele2 or Yota card, check it for compatibility: these providers often issue cards without support for storing contacts.

The second step is to clear the phone book of duplicates, if you've previously synced your contacts with Google or Mi Account, when importing from the phone. SIM There may be conflicts. Go to the settings. → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Memory and cache clear. This will prevent copy failures.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI function. It works on all Redmi models, but may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, in the Redmi Note 11 (MIUI 13), the route to import is shorter than in the Redmi 9A (MIUI 12.5).

For MIUI 14 (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 11 and later):

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Tick the necessary contacts (or click "Select all") → Import.
5. Specify the location of the save: Device (locally) or Google/Mi Account (for sync).

For MIUI 12.5 and below (Redmi 10, Redmi 9, Redmi 8):

• 📞 Contact us. → Settings (cogs).
• 🔄 Choose Import/Export → Import with SIM.
• ✅ Mark contacts and confirm importation.

Check the balance. SIM-cards (some operators block access to contacts with negative balance)

Disable VPN (may interfere with syncing with Google)

Close your background apps (especially messengers that can block access to contacts)

Make sure your phone has enough memory (importing 500 contacts takes ~2–3 MB)

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Typical errors and decisions:

• 🚫 Failed to import contacts → Reboot your phone and try again. If the error persists, remove it and insert it again. SIM-map.
• ⚠️ Contacts are imported without names → Check the encoding. SIM (In the mobile network settings, select Preferred Network: 3G — That often solves the problem).
• 🔄 Imports are interrupted by half → Turn off power saving for the Contacts app in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

Method 2: Export via VCF file (for backup)

If standard import doesn’t work or you want to back up, use exporting contacts to a.vcf (vCard) file.This method is versatile and suitable for transferring data between different devices, including iPhone or Samsung.

Instructions:

1. On the old phone (where the contacts are stored on the phone) SIM) export them to the file: 📱 Android: Contacts → Settings → Exports → To the memory card (save as contacts.vcf). 🍎 iPhone: Settings → Contacts → Exports SIM-Contacts (iTunes required).

contacts.vcf

Redmi

• 📎 Bluetooth (send the file to yourself).
• ☁️ The cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 💻 Cable USB (copy it to the Download folder).
• On Redmi, open the contacts.vcf file and automatically prompt you to import contacts into your phone book.

Standard import via SIM

Export to the VCF file

Synchronization with Google/Mi Account

Manual input.

In other ways.-->

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Stores all information (names, numbers, email, notes).
• 📱 It works even if it does. SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts.
• 🛡️ The.vcf file can be edited manually (e.g., in Notepad).++).

⚠️ Note: If some contacts are duplicated when importing.vcf, use the merge function in Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates. MIUI automatically locate and combine repeated records.

Method 3: Sync with Google Account (for long-term storage)

The most reliable way to link your contacts to a Google Account is to not only move them from SIM to Redmi, but also back them up in the cloud, and the main advantage is that when you change your phone or reset your settings, your contacts will automatically recover.

Step-by-step:

1. On Redmi, add Google Account (if not added): Settings → Accounts and sync → Add an account → Google
2. Enable Contact Sync: Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google → Sync Contacts (enable)
3. Import contacts with SIM: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Import with SIM → Save it to Google.
4. Wait for the sync to complete (check in Settings → Accounts → Google → Last sync).

Nuances:

• 🔗 If you already have a Google contact, when you import it from SIM They will not replace existing contacts, but will be added as new ones. To avoid duplicates, export your current contacts to.vcf first and clear Google Contacts through the web version.
• 📶 Synchronization requires the Internet (Edge/2G) process.
• 🛠️ If sync is suspended, clear the cache of the Google Play Contacts and Services app.

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Sync with Google Account is the only way to ensure that contacts are restored even after the phone is completely reset to factory settings.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If embedded tools MIUI They do not work (for example, they cannot be seen). SIM-Contacts or when importing, use specialized applications that support advanced features: batch import, editing before perenosom, format conversion.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

How to use (SIM Contacts Backup):

1. Install the app and give access to contacts.
2. Select Backup from SIM → wait for the scan.
3. Mark the right contacts → Export to Phone.
4. Specify the format (VCF or CSV) and the folder to save.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Battery → Application selection: otherwise, the import process may be interrupted due to background constraints MIUI.

Method 5: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If SIM-With less than 20 contacts, the most reliable way is to manually enter, which eliminates the risk of data loss due to software failures, especially for Redmi owners with custom firmware (like LineageOS), where standard features are used. MIUI They may not work properly.

Algorithm:

1. Open the Contacts → Press + (Add Contact) app.
2. Enter name and number. To speed up the process: Use voice input (the microphone icon on the keyboard). Copy the number from an SMS or call log (hold your finger on the number → Copy).

Assign a group to the contact (e.g., “Work”, “Family”) for easy search.

Repeat for all records.

Tips for acceleration:

• 📋 Take a picture of the contact list on your old phone and enter data from the screen.
• 🔤 Use abbreviations: for example, instead of "Ivan Ivanovich Petrov" enter "Petrov I.I.", and add the full name later.
• 📞 For frequently used numbers (relatives, colleagues) add Quick dial in the Phone app.

Problem Solving: Why Contacts Aren't Copyed

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi Redmi users face common mistakes, and we will examine the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: SIM-The card is not displayed in the list of sources for import

• 🔌 Restart the phone and check if it is recognized. SIM In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• 🔄 Try inserting. SIM In the other slot (if Redmi has two slots).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (Below 12.5) there are reading bugs SIM.

Problem 2: Not all contacts are imported

• 📏 Check the restriction SIM-cards: most cards only store 250 contacts, the rest will have to be transferred in parts or via.vcf.
• 🔍 Filter contacts by the first letter: perhaps some of the records begin with characters (for example, the first letter,"+(7) which are not recognized.
• 📱 Use the app. SIM Card (from SimsTech) to view the full list of entries on the card.

Problem 3: Contacts are imported without names (numbers only)

• 📵 Check the encoding. SIM: In Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Coding SIM choose UTF-8.
• 🔄 Restore contacts on an old phone with the correct encoding and repeat import.
• 🛠️ If the problem persists, export contacts to.vcf and edit the file in a text editor (replace the empty fields). FN: name-name).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring contacts to Xiaomi Redmi