Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-A card, another smartphone, or in cloud storage seems like a simple task β as long as you donβt face the limitations of the system. MIUI Unlike older push-button phones, where it took a couple of clicks to copy numbers, modern Redmi devices, POCO or Mi require a firmware version to be considered, such as SIM-maps and even regional settings. MIUI 14/15 Direct exports of contacts have disappeared SIM via the standard menu, and in some models (for example, Redmi Note) 12 Pro+) The function is blocked by the operator.
This article covers all the current ways to copy numbers from Xiaomi β from the classic transfer to the new model. SIM Before syncing through Google Account or Mi Cloud, we'll break down the nuances for different versions. MIUI, We'll explain why some of these methods stopped working after the updates, and we'll show you workarounds. SIM-maps, operator restrictions (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and restore contacts after resetting settings.
If youβre looking for a way to transfer numbers from the old Xiaomi to the new one, backup before selling your phone or just want to duplicate contacts on the phone. SIM-map -- you'll find step-by-step instructions with screenshots (for key steps) and warnings about typical errors. SIM Are you losing photos of your contacts and additional fields like your address or your birthday? SIM, If the card is issued after 2018?
1. Copying numbers on SIM-map: step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14/15
Standard way of transferring contacts to SIM-Xiaomi map becomes less obvious after updates MIUI 12+. In the new version of the firmware item "Export to the SIM" It is hidden deeper and in some models (for example, in the, POCO F5) It's not there at all. Here's how to find a function:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner β select Contact Management.
- Scroll down to the Import/Export section β click Export on SIM-map.
- Choose. SIM-a card (if there are two) and confirm the export. The process will take 10 to 30 seconds.
β οΈ Note: If the item "Export to" SIM" No menu, so:
- π± Your Xiaomi model does not support the recording SIM (relevant POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60 etc.).
- πΆ SIM-The card is blocked by the operator (most often MTS and Tele2).
- π You are using eSIM β virtual SIM Not support the maintenance of contacts.
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Check the space available on SIM (maximum ~250 contacts)
Turn off operator restrictions (call support)
Save a backup of contacts in Mi Cloud
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Limitations of the method:
- π« Only name and number are saved β photos, email, addresses and notes will be lost.
- π΅ Maximum number of contacts on SIM: 250-500 (depending on operator).
- π For importation with SIM On another phone, Chinese characters or emojis in names can be displayed as "???".
2.Transfer contacts via Mi Cloud: a reliable way to synchronize
The branded Mi Cloud is the most versatile method of backing up contacts on Xiaomi. SIM-cards, all fields (photos, addresses, birthdays) are saved here and there are no restrictions on the number of cards, the main condition is the presence of a Mi Account (if you do not have one, register on the Settings path). β Xiaomi account).
Synchronization instructions:
- Go to Settings β Xiaomi Account β Mi Cloud.
- Make sure the switch opposite Contact is active (green).
- Click on Contacts. β Synchronize.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes with a large number of contacts).
To transfer contacts to another Xiaomi phone:
- Sign in with the same Mi Account on your new device.
- Activate synchronization in Mi Cloud (the same path).
- Contacts will appear automatically within 1-2 minutes.
1) Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
2) Date and time on the phone (incorrect settings block synchronization).
3) Free space in Mi Cloud (free 5 GB, contacts take up ~1-2 MB).-->
Advantages of Mi Cloud:
- βοΈ Automatic backup (can be set to schedule).
- π All contact data, including photos and notes, is stored.
- π± Access from any device via the web version of Mi Cloud.
Disadvantages:
- π Mi Account Requires (linked to phone number).
- π In some regions (e.g. India) the Mi Cloud functionality is limited.
- π When resetting your phone without leaving your account, contacts may not be restored (you need to know the login / password).
3. Exporting contacts to file VCF (portable Android/iPhone)
Format VCF (or.vcf) β a universal way to transfer contacts between any device, including iPhone, Samsung or even a computer. VCF It works consistently in all versions. MIUI, But the path to function is different depending on the model.
How to save contacts in a file VCF:
- Open Contacts. β triple-point β Contact management.
- Select Import/Export β Export to file.
- Tick the necessary contacts (or click "Select all").
- Click Export and select a save location (e.g., Internal Memory β Download).
Contacts.vcf file can be:
- π€ Send by email or messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp).
- π₯οΈ Copy to a computer through USB-cable.
- π± Transfer to another phone and import via Contacts β Imports.
How to import VCF iPhone?
β οΈ Note: When exporting to VCF Xiaomi could be in trouble:
- π Multiple number contacts are sometimes broken down into separate records.
- π§ Fields like βOrganizationβ or βOfficeβ may not be migrated to iPhone.
- π Cyrillic characters in names are sometimes encoded incorrectly (solved by resaving the file to the name). UTF-8).
4.Sync through Google Account: The Best Option for Android
If you use Google services (Gmail, YouTube, Play Market), syncing contacts through a Google Account is the most reliable way. Unlike Mi Cloud, there is no brand binding, and contacts will be available on any Android device.
How to turn on synchronization:
- Go to Settings β Accounts and Sync β Google.
- Select your account (or add a new one).
- Activate the switch opposite Contact.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner β Sync now.
To transfer contacts to another phone:
- Sign in to the same Google Account on your new device.
- Turn on contact synchronization in the settings.
- Wait for the automatic update (it can take up to 10 minutes).
SIM-map|Mi Cloud|Google Account|File. VCF|Other-->
Advantages of Google Account:
| Criteria | Mi Cloud | Google Account |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-platformity | Only Xiaomi. | Any Android/iOS |
| Saving photos of contacts | Yes. | Yes. |
| Limitation on quantity | No. | No. |
| Access to PC | Through i.mi.com | Through contacts.google.com |
| Automatic backup | Yes. | Yes. |
β οΈ Warning: If you delete a contact on your phone, it will automatically disappear in your Google Account (and vice versa) to avoid loss before massive changes:
- Make a backup copy. VCF (see section 3).
- Turn off synchronization in your account settings.
- Make changes, then turn the sync back on.
5. Transfer of contacts using third-party applications
If standard methods do not work (for example, the operator has blocked the recording of the SIM, Mi Cloud is not available in your area, you can use third-party apps:
- π± Copy My Data (for Wi-Fi between phones).
- π€ Super Backup & Restore (Creates Backups in the World) VCF/XML).
- π CLONEit (transferring contacts, messages and apps to a new phone).
- π My Contacts Backup (sends backup to email).
Instructions for Super Backup & Restore:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Open it and select Contacts.
- Click Backup and save the file to your phoneβs memory.
- Transfer the file to a new phone and restore contacts through Recovery.
1. Check reviews and ratings in the Play Market (avoid programs with a score below 4.0).
2.Do not give applications access to SMS Calls or calls β this is not necessary for backup of contacts.
3. After the transfer, delete the application so as not to load the system.-->
The advantages of third-party applications:
- π§ It works even if the operator has blocked the standard functions.
- π Only the necessary contacts can be copied selectively.
- π± Supports transfer between different brands (e.g., Xiaomi to Samsung).
Cons:
- π‘οΈ Data Leakage Risk (only use verified applications).
- π΄ Some features are paid (for example, cloud storage).
- π There may be no call history or contact notes.
6. Features of the transfer of contacts on different models Xiaomi
The number copying functionality may vary depending on the Xiaomi model and version. MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular devices:
| Model | Exports on SIM | Mi Cloud | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | No. | Yes. | Operators block the recording on SIM. Use a Google Account. |
| POCO F5 | Yes (hidden) | Yes. | Item βExports to SIM" It only appears after the second connection. SIM-map. |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Yes. | Yes. | Supports the export of contact with photos to SIM (rare MIUI 14). |
| Redmi 10A | Yes. | Yes. | For export on SIM Cyrillic symbols are lost in names. |
| POCO X3 Pro | No. | Yes. | Recording SIM It's locked at the firmware level. VCF. |
For models with double SIM-A card (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro):
- πΆ Exports to SIM It only works for slot 1 (main).
- π When moving contacts with one SIM Others may require manual editing of numbers (e.g., adding a number). +7 instead of 8).
- π± In the settings SIM-maps (Settings) β SIM-Maps and mobile networks can be selected where new contacts are saved by default.
π‘
Before buying a new Xiaomi, check the export support for the new Xiaomi. SIM site 4PDA Or in a model review, like a lineup. POCO After 2022, this function is often absent.
7. Recovery of contacts after resetting or loss of phone
If you lost your phone or reset your settings (Settings) β The phone. β Resetting settings, restore contacts in several ways β depending on which backups were created in advance.
Recovery methods:
- Through Mi Cloud: Sign in to the same Mi Account and enable contact sync in your settings.
- Google Account: Add your account to Settings β Accounts and activate synchronization.
- From the file VCF: If you have a backup copy, import it through Contacts β Imports.
- Through SIM-Insert the map SIM Into a new phone and import contacts (Contacts) β Import with SIM).
β οΈ Note: If you did not log out of your Mi Account before resetting, then when you re-authorize on the same device, contacts from the Mi Cloud will be restored automatically. However, if the phone was stolen or sold, the new owner will be able to access your contacts if he does not make a full reset!
What to do if there are no backup copies?
- π Ask friends and colleagues to send their numbers again (for example, via WhatsApp or Telegram).
- π§ Check the history of emails in Gmail β there may be saved numbers from signatures or correspondence.
- π Use services like NumLooker (with caution β there is a risk of running into scammers).
8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often have trouble copying numbers from Xiaomi, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| I don't see the item "Export to" SIM" | The operator has blocked the function or SIM toothy | Use Mi Cloud or Google Account |
| Contacts are not synced with Mi Cloud | Whether or not the internet is incorrect | Check your time settings and network connection |
| When importing VCF Photos are missing on iPhone | Limitation of iOS | Transfer it via Google Account or iCloud |
| Nana SIM Only 100 contacts are saved from 500 | Limitation of the operator (for example, MTS) | Break your contacts into parts or use the cloud |
| After the reset, contacts did not recover. | No synchronization was enabled. | Check backups in Mi Cloud or Google |
Tips for avoiding problems:
- π Make regular backups (at least once a month).
- π± Use two clouds (Mi Cloud) + Google for reliability.
- πΆ Before selling your phone, log out of your Mi Account and Google Account, then make a reset.
- π οΈ Update. MIUI β In new versions, synchronization bugs are often fixed.
1. Weekly sync with Google Account.
Monthly exports to the VCF computer.
3. Periodic backup check in Mi Cloud.-->