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

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards seem like a simple task, but in practice users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of an import button in the menu to synchronization errors. POCO X5) often-display SIM-Contacts in the standard Contacts app, forcing you to look for workarounds.

In this article, we will analyze 5 current ways to transfer contacts – from built-in functions MIUI 14 to universal methods through Google account. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not say: why some contacts are not copied, how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if the phone does not see SIM-All instructions tested on devices with MIUI 12–14 and relevant for 2020–2026 models.

Before you start, check two key points: whether unlocked SIM-card (some operators block access to contacts when active) PIN-If you have a Xiaomi with two, if you have enough memory on your phone to import. SIM-Make sure you choose the right slot – the system can only “see” contacts with the main slot. SIM.

1. Standard import through the “Contacts” app

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import feature in Xiaomi’s proprietary app. However, there are pitfalls: depending on the MIUI version and phone model, the interface may differ, and sometimes the import option is hidden altogether.

To find her:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Scroll down to Contact Management and click Import/Export Contacts.
4. Select Import with SIM-map → specify the slot (SIM 1 SIM 2) → Check the contacts you need or click Select All.
5. Click Import and select the save location: Device or Google account.

⚠️ Note: If there is no import option on the list SIM, This means that your Xiaomi model does not support this feature directly (often found on the budget Redmi A and the Redmi A). POCO C) In this case, proceed to the following method.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Turn it off. PIN-code SIM safety-setting

Check the space in the phone’s memory (need ≥50MB)

Close all background applications for stable operation-->

After importing, it is recommended to check duplicates: go to Contacts → Settings → Combine and fix. Here the system automatically finds the repeated records and suggests combining them. This step is critical if you previously synced contacts with another device.

2. Import through system settings (alternative method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try importing contacts through system settings, which works even on devices where the option is hidden in the Contacts app.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Import / Export (on some models the path: Settings → Additional → Import / Export contacts).
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Specify the SIM slot and mark the contacts for transfer.
4. Click Ready and wait for the process to be completed.

🔍 Why might this not work? On some Xiaomi firmware (especially global versions) MIUI) Import option blocked due to security policy, in which case the Google Contacts workaround will help (see method 4).

Standard import via the "Contacts" app

Through system settings

Synchronization with Google account

Manual input

None of the above.-->

If your model doesn’t support direct import, don’t despair: the following methods are versatile and work on any Xiaomi devices, including the most budget-friendly ones.

3. Manual contact entry (for a small number of records)

If SIM-The map has less than 20 contacts, and the most reliable (albeit laborious) way is manual input, which ensures that there are no errors and duplicates, and allows you to immediately edit outdated data.

How to do this effectively:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app → press + (connect).
• 📞 Enter your name and number, then click Save. Select the save location: Device or Google.
• 🔄 To speed up the process, use voice input: click on the microphone icon next to the number field and dictate the data.
• 📌 To avoid losing progress, periodically export contacts to the file. VCF (see method 5).

⚠️ Attention: When you manually enter, it is easy to misprint the numbers. Check each contact through the Phone app: dial the first digits of the number, the system should tell the name of the subscriber.

💡

Use quick shortcuts to add contacts: in the Phone app, click on the number in the call log → Save → select SIM or device.

This is ideal for carrying a business book where accuracy is important, for example, if you save customer or partner numbers, manual entry will allow you to immediately add additional information: email, job title, company name.

4. Sync with Google account (universal method)

If the built-in methods don't work, Google Contacts will be your lifesaver, and this way not only transfers data from SIM, but also creates a backup in the cloud that is accessible from any device.

Step-by-step:

1. Make sure that your phone has a Google account added (Settings → Accounts and Sync → Add an account).
2. Open the Contacts app → Click on three points → Settings → Import.
3. Select Import with SIM-map → Specify your Google account to save.
4. After importing, check sync: go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync and turn it on.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 📱 Access to contacts from any device (even if your phone is lost).
• 🔍 Ability to edit contacts on your computer via contacts.google.com.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another device, duplicates may occur when importing. To avoid this, export current contacts to a file before transferring. VCF (See method 5 and then delete them from your Google account.

This is especially true for users who frequently change phones or use multiple devices (e.g. Xiaomi for work and iPhone for personal use).Sync with Google ensures that your contacts are always at hand.

5. Export contacts to VCF file and import to Xiaomi

If none of the previous methods worked, the one-size-fits-all method is exporting contacts to a VCF file, followed by importation to Xiaomi, which requires additional actions, but works on 100% of devices.

How to do this:

1. Exports with SIM: Put it in. SIM-card to another phone (such as an old Samsung or Nokia), export contacts to file VCF via the “Contact” menu» → «Imports/Exports».
2. File transfer: Upload a VCF file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, Email, or cloud storage (such as Mi Cloud).
3. Import to Xiaomi: Open the VCF file on your phone → the system will suggest importing contacts. Select a save location (Device or Google).

📌 Where to find the file VCF Xiaomi after transfer?

The file is usually saved in the Download folder or Mi Cloud. To open it, use any file manager (such as the embedded Files or Mi File Manager).

💡

The VCF file is a universal format for transferring contacts between any device, including iPhone, Android and even computers.

If you don’t have a second phone to export, you can use it. SIM-reader (reader) SIM-map USB). Connect it to your computer, copy the contacts to the file VCF programmatically SIM Card Data Recovery or CopyTrans Contacts, then transfer the file to Xiaomi.

6 Problem Solving: What to Do If Contacts Are Not Copyed

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

🛠 Extended solutions:

• 🔄 Resetting the Contacts app settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will delete all local contacts, so back up first!
• 📱 Use of third-party applications: Applications like SIM Card Contacts or Copy My Data can bypass restrictions MIUI.
• 🔧 Firmware Update: In some cases, the problem is solved by installing the latest version MIUI (Check in the settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

If none of these methods helped, the problem may be the problem. SIM-Try the map:

1. Clear contacts on SIM via another device.
2. Contact the operator for a replacement SIM (some old cards have a restriction on the storage of contacts).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi