How to transfer contacts with SIM-Xiaomi phone cards: full guide

Switching to a new Xiaomi smartphone or resetting the device is often accompanied by the need to transfer contacts from the new smartphone. SIM-Although it seems simple, this process can cause difficulties, from the lack of visibility of contacts in the address book to the loss of data when importing incorrectly. SIM Xiaomi, including Redmi models, POCO, Mi, considering the features of the firmware MIUI 12–15.

The main problem is that modern Xiaomi smartphones by default do not keep contacts on the phone. SIM-maps synced with Mi Accounts or Google accounts, but many users still store numbers on the map. SIM, Especially if you've used push-button phones before, we'll look at both standard import methods through settings and alternative solutions for cases where contacts are not displayed or errors occur.

Why are SIM contacts not displayed on Xiaomi?

Before you move contacts, it’s important to understand why they might not appear in Xiaomi’s address book, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📱 SIM-card not recognized: Make sure the card is inserted correctly into the tray (contacts should be pointing down).On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Only nano-SIMs are supported.
• 🔄 No synchronization: In the contact settings, the display of numbers from the SIM. Check the settings settings → Contacts → Display contacts with.
• 🛠️ Damaged. SIM-Card: If the card is old (e.g. mini-SIM), the contacts on it may not be readable.
• 📵 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for global version) import function with SIM The solution is to use third-party applications.

If contacts don't show up even after checking these points, try restarting your phone or updating your firmware. In rare cases, the problem lies in a hardware malfunction of the slot. SIM-maps - this is relevant for devices after falling or getting moisture.

Method 1: Standard import through Xiaomi settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-15, including Redmi 10/11, POCO X5, Mi 12, etc.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three horizontal stripes (☰) in the upper left corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Import with SIM-Maps and where to keep your contacts: 📱 The device - in the internal memory of the phone. ☁️ Google – to Google account (recommended for backup). 🔑 Mi Account – in the Xiaomi account.

Confirm the import and wait for the process to be completed.

If the item Imports with SIM-no card, update the Contacts app via Google Play or check for system updates in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.

Method 2: Export through the Google Contacts app

If standard import doesn't work, use the official Google Contacts app, which is more reliable because contacts sync to your Google account and are available on any device.

1. Install the Google Contacts app from Google Play (unless it is installed by default).
2. Open the app and tap on your avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Import → SIM-map.
4. Specify the Google account to which you want to save contacts and confirm the import.

The advantage of this method is that contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and will not be lost when you reset your phone, and you can also manage them through the web version of Google Contacts.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools fail, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we recommend two proven apps:

For the Super Backup & Restore:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select Contacts → Backup.
3. Specify the source SIM-map and storage location (e.g. internal memory).
4. Once you have created a backup (.vcf file), import it back through Restore.

Important: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Xiaomi settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization), otherwise the process may be interrupted.

Method 4: Manual transfer via.vcf file

This method is suitable for users who want to have full control of the process. You export the contacts with the SIM to a.vcf file, and then import it into the phone.

1. Open the Contacts app on Xiaomi.

The advantage of this method is the ability to edit contacts before importing (for example, delete duplicates)..vcf file can also be sent to another phone or saved in the cloud.

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If you import.vcf with a “File corrupted” error, try opening it on your computer via Google Contacts or Outlook and then re-exporting it.

Method 5: Transfer contacts with PC

If you have access to a computer, you can use Xiaomi management software like Mi PC Suite or Android File Transfer (for Mac), a method that is useful if the phone is running out of memory or there are errors when importing.

Instructions for Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite on your computer.
2. Connect Xiaomi via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version number → return to Additional → For developers).
3. In the program, select Contacts and click Import/Export.
4. Specify the source SIM-Map and purpose (e.g., Device or Google).

The alternative is to use ADB-For example, to export contacts to a file, perform:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

However, this method requires root rights and is not recommended for beginners.

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Use PC porting if your phone doesn’t have enough memory for temporary files or sync errors occur.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you migrate your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Mistake "Impossible to read" SIM-Map": Often caused by a damaged card. Try inserting it into another phone and exporting contacts from there. If the card is not read anywhere, contact the operator for a replacement.
• 🔄 Contacts are duplicated after import: This happens if you previously synced them with Google or Mi Account. Use the Connect Contacts feature in the Contacts app.
• ⚠️ Not all contacts are imported: Check if the storage limit is exceeded SIM (It's usually 200 to 250 contacts. Break up imports.
• 📵 No item "Imports with" SIM" In settings: Update the Contacts app or use Google Contacts (method 2).

If after importing contacts are displayed without names (numbers only), check the encoding SIM-Older cards can keep the Cyrillic alphabet in the wrong encoding, so the solution is to edit the contacts manually after importing them.

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Before mass import, back up your current contacts. To do this, in Settings → Contacts → Export, save them to a.vcf file.

How to avoid losing contacts in the future?

To avoid having to re-transfer contacts with SIM, follow these guidelines:

⚠️ Note: Never keep your contacts only on the SIM-It can fail, get lost, or be blocked by an operator. Always duplicate data to the cloud (Google or Mi Account).

• ☁️ Enable automatic synchronization: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google. Select your account and activate the Contact Switch.

Make regular backups.

• Use the built-in Settings → Contacts → Backup.
• Export contacts to.vcf and save the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

Use Contact Management Apps

Truecaller

Drupe

If you change phones frequently, consider using cross-platform services (e.g. iCloud to upgrade to an iPhone or Microsoft Outlook to sync with Windows).

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Syncing with Google is the most reliable way to save contacts, and even if you lose your phone, you can restore them to a new device in minutes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions