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

Why contact with the SIM-The cards are not automatically synchronized?

You just put a new one in. SIM-The card is your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but all the phone numbers saved on it didn't appear in the phone book? MIUI By default, do not import contacts with SIM It's automatic. The reasons are simple:

First of all, SIM-The cards have a very limited amount of memory (total). 250-500 contact, and their storage format is outdated 10 And second, Google and Xiaomi are pushing cloud syncs through accounts where data is stored more securely, and finally, many users don't even know that they're connected to the cloud. SIM They don't update when you change numbers on your phone, it creates chaos in the phone book.

In this article you will find 4 Proven methods of transferring contacts from SIM Xiaomi, including hidden features MIUI, Workarounds for older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) And it's all about fixing problems when the phone doesn't see the contacts on the map. MIUI 14/15 And they work without root rights.

Method 1: Standard import through MIUI settings

The fastest way is to use the built-in import feature.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4 and the flagship Xiaomi 13T. Follow the instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Select the contacts you need (or click Select All) → Import.
5. Specify where to save: Device or Google account (we recommend the second option).

⚠️ Note: If the option is Import with SIM-The card is inactive (grey), so yours is not SIM Does not support the storage of contacts (for example, virtual eSIM) or the card is damaged. Try inserting it into another phone and checking for contacts.

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

Make sure there is free space on the SIM (minimum 10KB)

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

Connect to Wi-Fi if you plan to sync with Google

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After importing, check duplicates: go to Contacts → Three Points → Settings → Combine Duplicates. MIUI will automatically find the duplicates and suggest combining them, especially if you have previously transferred contacts from another phone.

Method 2: Export through Google Account (for backup)

If you want to not only migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, but also back them up, use Google Contacts sync.This method ensures that numbers are not lost even when you reset your phone to factory settings.

Instructions:

• 📱 Import contacts with SIM by telephone (see Method 1).
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
• 🔒 Turn on the switch opposite Contact (if it is turned off).
• ☁️ Click Sync Now and wait for the process to be completed.

Now your contacts are available at contacts.google.com. To make sure that sync is successful, open the web version and check for all numbers. If there are no contacts on the site, but they are on the phone, delete your Google account from MIUI and add it again.

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Create a separate tag for imported contacts in Google Contacts, such as “C” SIM-This will help you quickly find them among thousands of other records.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for older models)

On devices with MIUI 12 and below (e.g. Redmi 8 or Mi A3), standard import may not work due to outdated software. In this case, the SIM Contacts Backup app (available on Google Play) will help.

• 🔄 Supports bilateral transfer (SIM ↔ phone).
• 📤 Exports contacts to.vcf files (business cards).
• 🛡️ It works without Internet and root rights.
• 📱 Compatible with Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei and other brands.

How to use:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and select Import with SIM.
3. Check the necessary contacts with ticks → Import.
4. Select the save format: To the phone book or to the VCF file.

⚠️ Note: Some applications for working with SIM-Contacts request access to SMS and Call Log, and refuse these permissions, they are not necessary for transferring numbers and can be dangerous.

Method 4: Transfer over a computer (for mass editing)

If you need to not only copy your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, but also edit them before importing (e.g., delete duplicates or correct numbers), use a computer.This method is suitable for users who work with large contact databases (e.g., for business).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 📱 Cable USB (Best Original from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ MyPhoneExplorer (Free).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install MyPhoneExplorer on PC.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Start the program, wait for the device to connect.
4. Go to Contacts → Import / Export → Import from SIM-card.
5. Select contacts, edit them if necessary → Save to your phone.

⚠️ Note: When connecting Xiaomi to your computer USB The program may request debugging by USB. Include it in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful importation, users are faced with common mistakes.

Problem 1: Contacts were imported without names (numbers only)

This is what happens when SIM-The card numbers are stored in an outdated format:

• 📱 Open the imported contact → press edit.
• 🔤 Manually add the name and save it.
• 🔄 Or export contacts to VCF-edit the file on your PC (via Excel or text editor) and import it back.

Problem 2: The phone is writing «SIM-The card does not contain any contacts»

Modern nano-SIMs and eSIMs often don't have memory to store numbers.

• 📋 If contacts are displayed, the problem is Xiaomi.

Problem 3: Duplicate contacts after importation

MIUI automatically creates duplicates if you already have numbers on Google or your phone, to clear:

1. Open Contacts → Three Points → Settings → Combine Duplicates.

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Before importing SIM contacts, always check their relevance, numbers saved 5-10 years ago may have changed, and old records will only clog the phone book.

How to avoid losing contacts in the future

Moving your SIM contacts to Xiaomi is a one-off action, so you don’t have to lose numbers anymore, follow these rules:

• ☁️ Enable automatic sync with Google or Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts).
• 📅 Export backups to.vcf file regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 🚫 Do not keep your contacts only on SIM — This is unreliable and limits functionality (for example, you can not add a photo or email).
• 🔄 Check duplicates once a quarter through Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates.

If you change your phones frequently, use cross-platform services:

• 🍎 iCloud (if there are Apple devices).
• 🤖 Google Contacts (Universal Option).
• 📧 Outlook or Yandex Contacts (for corporate users).

⚠️ Warning: When selling or transferring a Xiaomi phone to another person, be sure to delete all synchronized accounts (Settings) → Accounts. → Delete your account or the new owner will have access to your contacts, photos and other data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions