How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new owner of the device or user who decides to change operator. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from the lack of visibility of contacts to the user. SIM before import errors in MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of copying - from standard system tools to workaround solutions for outdated models.

Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO is MIUI, We took that into account and gave instructions for versions. MIUI 12-14, including details for Android 11-14 devices, and how to avoid duplicate contacts, why some numbers may not be copied, and what to do if the phone can’t see SIM-mapping.

If you are using Xiaomi with two SIM-And the process of moving the maps will be different, and we've set up a separate section for this, and for owners of older models, like Redmi. 4X or Mi A1) They have led to alternative methods, as their firmware may not support modern synchronization functions.

1. Standard method: import through the “Contacts” application

The most obvious and quick method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Phone in some versions). MIUI). This method works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 And Mi 11. The main condition — SIM-The card must be active and properly installed in the tray.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Import/Export section (in some versions – Contact Management).
4. Select Import with SIM-map.
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the import.

After the process is complete, the contacts will appear in the Device (or Phone) section. SIM-The card is inactive, check it out:

• 📱 Is it inserted correctly? SIM-Map (try restarting your phone).
• 🔄 Is the firmware updated to the latest version? MIUI.
• 🔒 Are there no restrictions on reading contacts in the security settings (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Contacts).

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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, before importing switch to the one SIM-the card you want to copy your contacts with, in the settings Mobile network or SIM-map.

2. Transfer through system settings (alternative method)

If the standard method didn’t work, try importing contacts through system settings, which is especially useful for devices with MIUI 13/14, where the Contacts interface may differ, and is also suitable for Android One models (such as Mi A2/A3) that don’t have a proprietary shell.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Apps → Application management.
3. Find the “Contacts” list and tap it.
4. Choose a storage (or memory)
5. Press Import with SIM-Cards (if no option, go back to the first method).

This is a way to do it for firmware, where the import function is hidden deeper in the menu, and if it doesn't work here, it could be:

• 🚫 Damaged. SIM-Card (try inserting it into another phone).
• 🔧 Operator restrictions (some of them) SIM block out reading contacts).
• 📵 Incompatibility of format (old) SIM keep contacts in truncated form).

3.Use of Google Account for Backup

If you need to not only copy your SIM contacts to your phone, but also back them up, synchronization with your Google account is the best option, which is suitable for long-term storage and automatic recovery when you change your device.

How it works:

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone in any of the ways described above.
2. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Google)
3. Select your Google account** and activate the Contacts slider.

Advantages of the method:

• ☁️ Contacts will be saved in the cloud and available on any device.
• 🔄 Automatic update when changing numbers.
• 📲 Recovery capability even after resetting phone to factory settings.

Important: When importing from SIM to Google, some special characters (such as contact names) may not show correctly.

4. Transfer of contacts to two-symbol Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphone owners with two SIM-Cards (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, POCO F4 GT Often faced with a problem: the phone sees contacts with only one person. SIM, And the second one is invisible. MIUI By default, the import is tied to the main SIM-card (Slot 1).

How to copy contacts with the second SIM:

1. Return to the Contacts app and repeat the import.

If the contacts are not displayed:

• 📌 Check if yours is supported. SIM-Contact card storage (some virtual operators, for example, Tele2 Yota can block this function).

Check the correct installation SIM-map|Update the Contacts app on Google Play|Make sure you're on SIM There is a free space (minimum 1 free slot)|Turn it off. VPN (Can block access to system functions)-->

5. Problem Solving: Why Contacts Aren't Copyed

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, importing contacts can end up in error. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them.

If neither method worked, the last option is manual input.

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Before manually entering, take screenshots of contacts with SIM - this will speed up the process and help avoid errors.

6. Export contacts to VCF file (for backup)

If you want to not only transfer your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, but also back them up in a universal format, export them to a VCF (vCard) file.

How to export:

1. Open Contacts** → Settings → Import/Export.

To import this file later:

• 📁 Move contacts.vcf to your phone memory.
• 🔗 In the Contacts app** select Import from the file.

The advantage of VCF is:

• 🔄 Compatible with all modern smartphones.
• 📎 The ability to edit a file on a PC (for example, for massive number changes).
• ☁️ You can download to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) for secure storage.

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If you change your phone frequently, keep it up-to-date. VCF-file in the cloud (for example, in Mi Cloud or Google Drive) This eliminates the need to transfer contacts from the cloud to the cloud every time. SIM.

7. Features for older Xiaomi models

Owners of older smartphones (Redmi 3S, Mi 4, Redmi Note 4X, etc.) may find that their firmware does not support modern import methods.

Method 1: Using third-party applications

Install one of the apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Sim Contacts Backup (Saves Contacts in the Internet) XML/VCF).
• 🔄 Copy to SIM Card (for retransfer).
• ☁️ Super Backup & Restore (Cloud Backup).

Method 2: Manual copying through the engineering menu

For advanced users:

1. Dial in the dialer ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information → Choose. SIM.
3. Check the visibility of the contacts and copy them manually.

⚠️ Note: Engineering menus may vary from firmware to firmware. Do not change other settings to avoid crashes!

Method 3: Transfer over another phone

If nothing helps:

1. Put it in. SIM-card to another smartphone (for example, Samsung or iPhone).
2. Copy the contacts to the device, then export them to the VCF.
3. Transfer the file to Xiaomi and import it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi maps are a task that seems simple only at first glance.In practice, users are faced with the nuances associated with the version MIUI, type SIM-If you follow our instructions, you can avoid errors and save all the important numbers, and if none of the methods work, you always have the option of manual input, which is long but reliable.

For owners of Xiaomi with two SIM-It is especially important to monitor which card is selected as the main one in the settings - this is a common reason for unsuccessful imports.