How to copy numbers from SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every new owner of the device faces. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: not everyone knows where to find the device. MIUI The problem is that the import function is hidden, how to avoid duplication of records or why some numbers are not copied, and it is especially important for users who are switching from button phones or other brands of devices where contacts are traditionally stored on the Internet. SIM.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to transfer contacts, from standard import through settings to backup through Mi Cloud and third-party apps. You’ll learn how to avoid data loss, why some numbers may not be copied (and how to fix it), and how to automate the synchronization process so you never do it manually again. Instructions adapted to the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and tested on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others.

Why it is better to keep your contacts on your phone instead of on your phone SIM-map

SIM-These cards are not designed to be used for long-term contact storage, but their primary function is to authenticate the network of the operator. SIM, You are facing a number of limitations:

• 📵 Limited number of records: most SIM no more 250-300 contact, and without the possibility of adding photos, multiple numbers or email.
• 🔍 No search and sorting: on SIM It is not possible to quickly find contact by name or filter records (for example, by groups "Work" / "Friends").
• ⚡ Risk of data loss: in case of damage SIM or replace it (for example, when switching to nano-SIM), all contacts will be lost.
• 📱 No synchronization: numbers on SIM They don’t sync with your Google or Mi Cloud account, so when you reset your phone, you’ll have to re-shoot them.

In MIUI, contacts are stored in VCF (vCard) format, allowing multiple numbers, addresses, birthdays and even photos to be linked to a single record, and automatically backs up data to the cloud if synchronization is enabled, eliminating the need to manually copy numbers when you buy a new phone.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (two physical cards in Xiaomi, import contacts is only possible from the SIM, The second card will have to temporarily change places or use alternative transfer methods.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

This is the easiest and fastest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12-15. Instructions are universal for Redmi models, POCO and Xiaomi lineup (including Xiaomi 14).

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) in the upper left corner, then select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the contacts you want to copy. To import all, click Select all.
5. Click Import and confirm the action. Contacts will appear in Device (local storage).

If the button Import with SIM-The card is inactive or absent, check it out:

• 🔌 Whether inserted SIM-card in the slot (sometimes contacts are not fitting well).
• 📶 Does yours support you? SIM Storage of contacts (some virtual operators, for example, Tele2 Or Yota, which blocks this function).
• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI unrecognisable SIM immediately after installation.

Check that the SIM is inserted into slot 1

Make sure there are contacts on the SIM (check on your old phone)

Close all background applications (especially Contacts and Phone)

Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)

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After importing, it is recommended to check duplicates. To do this, in the same Contact Management menu, select Find and combine duplicates, the system automatically finds the duplicates and prompts them to combine.

Method 2: Export contacts to VCF file and import to Xiaomi

If the standard import doesn’t work (for example, because of a corrupted SIM or incompatibility), you can export contacts to a.vcf file on another phone and then transfer it to Xiaomi. This method is also useful if you want to save a backup before resetting your settings.

Instructions for export:

1. On your old phone, open Contacts and find the export function (usually in the app settings).
2. Select Export to SIM or Export to VCF. If only the first option is available, export to SIM, then repeat Method 1.
3. If export to VCF is available, save the file to your phone or microSD.
4. Transfer the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, USB-Cable or cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive).

Imports to Xiaomi:

1. Open the Contacts application → Contact Management → Import/Export.
2. Select Import from the device and specify the path to the.vcf file.
3. Confirm the import. Contacts will appear in the Device section.

⚠️ Attention: Files VCF They can contain viruses if they come from unreliable sources. Never import contacts from files sent by strangers in the mail or messengers. Xiaomi automatically scans them for viruses, but it's better to be safe.

Method 3: Sync with Mi Cloud (Xiaomi Cloud)

If you use a Mi Account, the most reliable way to transfer contacts is through Mi Cloud, which ensures that your contacts are available on any Xiaomi device after you sign in.

How to turn on synchronization:

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi Account (or Mi Account).
2. Sign in to your account (if not logged in) or create a new one.
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
4. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (may take a few minutes).

After that, all contacts stored in the phone (including those imported from SIM) will be uploaded to the cloud to be transferred to another Xiaomi:

• 📱 Sign in to the same Mi Account on your new device.
• 🔄 Enable contact synchronization in Mi Cloud.
• 📥 Contacts will automatically be uploaded to local storage.

Mi Cloud not only stores numbers, but also your call history, messages and notes, if synchronized accordingly, and is the only way to transfer contacts with additional fields (such as "Birthday" or "Address") without loss.

Standard import with SIM

Through Google/Account Xiaomi

Using a VCF file

I use third-party apps.

Never carried, hand-in.

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Method 4: Using a Google Account to Transfer

If you prefer the Google ecosystem, you can sync your contacts through Google Account, which is universal and works not only on Xiaomi, but also on other brands’ devices.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Passwords and Accounts).
2. Add your Google Account (or select an existing one).
3. Slip on the account → turn on the contact slider.
4. Wait until the contacts are synced with Google servers (can take up to 10 minutes).

To check if your contacts are saved on Google:

• 🌐 Open contacts.google.com on your computer.
• 🔍 Make sure all numbers are displayed in the web version.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic sync with Gmail, Google Meet and other services.
• 📱 Access to contacts from any device (including iPhone or Windows-telephone).
• 🛡️ Backups are stored on Google servers, which is more reliable than local storage.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously imported contacts from SIM To Xiaomi’s local storage (Device), they must be manually exported to Google Account" → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to Google account.

Method 5: Third-party applications for contact transfer

If standard methods fail (e.g., due to a corrupted SIM or outdated firmware), third-party applications can be used. We only recommend proven utilities from Google Play to avoid data leakage.

Top.-3 contact-transfer applications:

• 📱 Copy My Data (from Media Mushroom) – Transfers contacts, photos and calendars over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts in the format XML or VCF.
• ☁️ My Contacts Backup – Exports contacts to a file and sends them to an email.

Instructions for Copy My Data:

1. Install the app on your old and new phone (Xiaomi).
2. On your old phone, select Send Data → Contacts.
3. On Xiaomi, select Receive Data and connect to the same Wi-Fi.
4. Scanner. QR-The code on the new phone counts the code from the old one - confirm the transfer.

Warning: Some apps (like ShareIt or Xender) request access to contacts but may collect data for advertising.

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If you’re using a POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14, the built-in Mi Mover feature (in Settings → Additional) lets you move contacts from another phone over cable without third-party apps.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, you'll see some common mistakes, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (does not delete data, only resets communication settings).
3. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

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Before resetting your network settings, save your Wi-Fi passwords – they will be deleted!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions