How to copy contacts with SIM-Xiaomi 11 maps: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi 11 cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to the loss of data when importing incorrectly. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of copying, including built-in tools. MIUI, synchronization with Google and third-party solutions - taking into account the features of the Xiaomi 11 line (models 11 Lite) NE 5G, 11T Pro, 11 Ultra, etc.).

Xiaomi 11 features a MIUI 12.5/13/14 shell, where the contact import algorithm differs from pure Android. For example, some firmwares do not have a direct Import with SIM button in the contact menu, and Google sync is disabled by default. We took these nuances into account and prepared instructions that are guaranteed to work even on custom builds. You will also learn how to avoid duplicate contacts when re-importing and why some numbers may not be copied (hint: the storage format on SIM is to blame).

Preparation: What to do before moving contacts

Before you copy your SIM contacts to Xiaomi 11, follow a few steps to prevent data loss and speed up the process:

• 📱 Check compatibility. SIM-maps: Xiaomi 11 Supports nano-SIM support (4FF). If you have a micro-SIM (3FF) standard SIM, Use an adapter or trim the card (risk of damage!) in slots SIM1 and SIM2 Both cards are working. 5G/4G, Import of contacts is possible only with the main SIM.
• 🔋 Charge your phone: when importing a large number of contacts (200)+) system MIUI Make sure the battery is at least 30%.
• 📡 Turn off mobile internet: data should not be updated during the transfer. Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and deactivate data transmission for current SIM.
• 🔒 Backup: If the contacts are SIM They're unique, export them to your computer through the card reader (instruction below.

Important: Xiaomi 11 does not support importing contacts with eSIM (built-in SIM).If your numbers are stored on a virtual card, use the sync method through Google or export the data to a.vcf file on another device.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps simultaneously, system MIUI can only import contacts with SIM1 (To copy the data from the main slot. SIM2, Change the cards temporarily or use a third-party app (Section 4).

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import feature in the MIUI shell.It works on all Xiaomi 11 models regardless of the firmware version, but has a limitation: only names and phone numbers are copied (addresses, email and notes are lost).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the contacts to copy.
5. Specify your account to save: Local phone (only on this device) or Google (cloud sync).

After importing, check the contacts in the phone book. If some numbers do not show up, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📵 Numbers are saved in a non-standard format (for example, with spaces or special characters).
• 🔢 Nana SIM-map of more than 250 contacts — MIUI They can be imported in parts.
• 🛑 Contacts are blocked by the operator (some virtual contacts are blocked by the operator). SIM).

Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM1

Turn off mobile internet

Close background applications (especially messengers)

Check the free space in the phone memory (need ≥10 MB)

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Method 2: Sync with your Google account

If you use Google services (Gmail, Drive, Photos), this method will not only transfer your SIM contacts to Xiaomi 11, but also back them up in the cloud.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Sign in to your account (if not authorized) or select an existing profile.
3. Activate the Contact Slider for Synchronization.
4. Return to the Contacts app, click ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
5. Select Google (not “Local Phone”) as your save location.

After importing, wait until the synchronization is complete (indicator in the notification panel) to check the result:

1. Go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in and make sure that contacts are displayed on the list.

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another device, duplicates may appear when importing on Xiaomi 11.To avoid this, clear your contacts at Google before importing: contacts.google.com → Other activities → Clear the contacts.

I'm using the built-in settings.

Synchronize with Google/Apple ID

Exporting to VCF file

I use third-party apps.

Other (write in the comments)

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Method 3: Export contacts to a VCF file (for backup)

The.vcf (vCard) format is a universal standard for storing contacts. Its advantage is that you can save a file to a computer, send an email or upload it to the cloud, and then import it to any device, including the Xiaomi 11.

How to export SIM contacts to VCF:

1. Put it in. SIM-Xiaomi 11 card or other phone (e.g. old phone).
2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Exports to the vault.
3. Choose. SIM-map as a source and specify a folder to save (for example, Downloads).
4. The file will be created with the name contacts.vcf. Copy it to your computer or to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).

To import VCF on Xiaomi 11:

1. Transfer the.vcf file to your phone’s memory (via USB, Bluetooth, or the cloud).
2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Settings → Imports/Exports → Imports from storage.
3. Select the contacts.vcf file and specify the account to save (Google or local phone).

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in MIUI tools fail (e.g., they don’t see SIM contacts or import them incompletely), use specialized applications. We tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones for Xiaomi 11:

• 📲 Sim Contacts Backup (free, no ads): Copying contacts with the SIM telephone book, supports package import and export to VCF/Excel. Plus: Works with dual-SIM, shows hidden contacts.
• 📲 Copy My Data (from Samsung, but compatible with Xiaomi): transfers contacts, photos and calendars over Wi-Fi or over Wi-Fi QR-Plus: no root rights required.

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch the utility and give access to contacts.
3. Select Import from SIM → Tag the contacts you want → Import to Phone.
4. Please specify your account for saving (Google or local).

Warning: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require additional permissions that may violate MIUI's security policy. Avoid utilities that request access to SMS or call logs - this is redundant for transferring contacts.

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If strange symbols appear in contacts after import (for example, "??" instead of Cyrillic), the reason is incorrect encoding. SIM-Solution: export contacts to VCF, Open the file in the text editor and save it in encoding UTF-8, Then import again.

Method 5: Manual input for a small number of contacts

If your SIM has fewer than 20 contacts, the most reliable (albeit time-consuming) way is to manually add them to your phone book, which guarantees 100% accuracy and allows you to edit numbers immediately (for example, add photos or mailing addresses).

How to add contact manually to Xiaomi 11:

1. Open the Contacts app and click + (plus icon in the lower right corner).
2. Enter your name and phone number. For convenience, use the fields: Mobile for the main number, Worker for business contacts, Home for landlines.

Save.

Tip: To speed up the process, use voice input. In the "Name" or "Number" field, click on the microphone icon and dictate the data. MIUI supports speech recognition in Russian, English and 10+ other languages.

Problem Solving: Why Contacts Aren't Copyed

If neither method worked, it could be hardware or software.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If the problem is not solved, reset the settings of the "Contacts" application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts and Contact Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Reset Settings.
4. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

Solution: Export contacts on another phone (like an iPhone or Samsung) to a VCF file, then import it to Xiaomi 11.