How to copy contacts with SIM-Maps on the phone Xiaomi: all ways

Why SIM contacts don’t show up on Xiaomi and how to fix it

You just put a new one in. SIM-Map of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro, but the phone can't see the contacts it's stored on, or do you need to move numbers from your old SIM to your new device? This problem is familiar to many Xiaomi smartphone users -- despite the intuitive interface. MIUI, The contact import function sometimes doesn't work properly, and 80 percent of the time, it's because of the wrong sync settings or the outdated firmware version.

In this article, we will discuss 4 proven ways to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi (including models on MIUI 14 and HyperOS), explain why the phone may not see numbers on the SIM, and show how to avoid data loss when copying. And if you encounter an error "Can not import contacts", at the end of the article there is a section with solutions.

Before proceeding with the transfer, make sure that:

• 📱 SIM-card correctly inserted into the tray (contacts must be addressed to the back of the phone).
• 🔄 The phone has the option "Show contacts with the SIM" (path: Contacts → Settings → Contact management).
• 🔄 You have the latest version of the Contacts app installed (update it via Google Play).

Method 1: Standard import through the "Contact" application

The easiest method is to use the built-in import feature in Xiaomi’s standard Contacts app, which works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including HyperOS. The main advantage is that you do not need an Internet connection or additional programs.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to the Contact Management section → Import/Export of contacts.
4. Select Import from SIM-card → tick the desired contacts (or click "Select all").
5. Specify where to save the numbers: to Google account, Xiaomi account or phone memory.
6. Confirm the import with the OK button.

If the button "Import from SIM-card" is inactive or absent, check:

• 🔌 SIM-The card is recognized by the phone (check the network signal).
• 📵 Contacts are saved on the SIM (try inserting it into another phone).
• 🔄 In the settings SIM-Cards enabled with the option "Read contacts" (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Additional settings).

Backup your contacts on your computer (in case of a crash)

Check the space in the phone memory (needs at least 10 MB)

Disable VPN (can block access to SIM)

Close all background applications (especially messengers)

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Method 2: Transfer through Google Account (Sync)

If you use a Google account on your Xiaomi, this method will not only allow you to copy contacts with your Xiaomi account. SIM, But also automatically sync them to the cloud, POCO and flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

Step-by-step:

1. Import SIM contacts into your phone’s memory (see Method 1).
2. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
3. Select your account → turn on the “Contacts” switch.
4. Click "Sync Now" (Icon) ⚡).

Once synced, the contacts will be available on all devices where you have logged in to this Google account.

• ☁️ Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 🔄 The ability to restore contacts when resetting the phone.
• 📱 Access numbers from any device (even through the web version of Google Contacts).

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If contacts are duplicated after synchronization, use the “Merge and Correct” function in Google Contacts (web version).

⚠️ Note: If you previously synced contacts with another account, new numbers may overwrite old ones. Before importing, check which contacts are already saved to Google to avoid losses.

Method 3: Export via VCF file (for advanced users)

VCF (vCard) is a universal standard for storing contacts, and this is a good method if you want to back up or transfer numbers to another phone (not necessarily Xiaomi), such as transferring contacts from the Redmi Note 10 to an iPhone.

How to export SIM contacts to VCF:

1. Import SIM contacts into your phone’s memory (see Method 1).
2. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Export/Import.
3. Select Export to File → Specify a save location (e.g., Internal Memory → Download).
4. The file will be saved as contacts.vcf.

• 📤 Send by email or messenger.
• 🖥️ Save it to the computer.
• 📱 Import to another phone through Contacts → Imports.

If the VCF file is not opened:

• 🔧 Try renaming it contacts.vcf (sometimes the extension is lost in the transfer).
• 📥 Use third-party applications, such as Contacts+ or Simpler Contacts.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for older models)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 11 or older (like Redmi 8 or Mi A2), standard import methods may not work because of outdated software, in which case the Copy to SIM Card or SIM Contacts Manager application will help.

Recommended annexes:

Instructions for Copy to SIM Card:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. Select "Copy from SIM to Phone".
4. Tag the necessary contacts → press “Copy”.
5. Please indicate where to save: Phone Memory or Google Account.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SIM Contacts Manager requires root permissions to work with contacts on new versions of Android 12+. If your Xiaomi is not rooted, use only proven programs from the official store.

What to do if your SIM contacts are not copied: 5 solutions

On Xiaomi phones with HyperOS, importing contacts with SIM may be blocked due to Google's new security policy (starting with Android 13).If standard methods don't work, try these methods:

1. Cleaning the cache of the "Contacts" application

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache. After restarting the phone, repeat the import.

2. Resetting the settings of the "Contacts" application

In the same menu (Settings → Applications → Contacts), select “Settings Reset” and this will return the standard settings without removing the contacts themselves.

3.Use of the Developer Mode

Activate Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Tap 7 times. Then go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable "Debugging by" USB". Sometimes it's unlocking access to SIM-contact.

4.Update MIUI Recovery

If your Xiaomi is running on outdated firmware, update it through Settings → The phone. → Update the system, new versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS fix reading errors SIM-map.

5.Transfer via another phone

Put it in. SIM-card to an old phone (such as Samsung or iPhone), export contacts to VCF, Then transfer the file to Xiaomi.

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If none of these methods work, the problem may be the problem. SIM-Try replacing it with a new one in the operator's cabin (free service with a number saved).

How to Avoid Loss of Contacts During Transfer: 3 Rules

Shifting your SIM contacts to Xiaomi seems like a simple procedure, but many users lose some numbers due to errors.

1. Always make a backup copy

Before importing, export your SIM contacts to a VCF file or sync them to Google, so you can restore the numbers if something goes wrong.

2. Check the format of imports

On some Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi 9A) when importing from SIM, numbers are saved in the format "+7XXXXXXXXXX" instead of "8XXXXXXXXXXXXXX". This can cause problems with determining contacts when calling.

• Open Contacts → Find the imported number.
• Put it on him. →"Edit" → change the format to the usual.

3.Do not use Chinese firmware

On Xiaomi with the Chinese version of MIUI (for example, for the Chinese market), the import function with SIM is often disabled. If you bought a phone from AliExpress or Gearbest, check the firmware region in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If necessary, scrolle the global version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi