How to Include (Import) Contacts with SIM-Xiaomi maps: all ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or resetting their settings. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: the system does not see contacts on the device. SIM, Import errors occur, or some numbers are lost. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts for devices to the Internet. MIUI 12/13/14, including hidden functions and avoidance of typical problems.

Xiaomi’s own MIUI shell is a feature that sometimes changes the standard Android paths. For example, in some firmwares, the import option is hidden in the “Advanced” submenus, and in new versions it has been moved to the “Google” section. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models, the instructions are universal for most of the brand’s devices.

If you are faced with a situation where the smartphone does not recognize SIM-- a contact card, don't be quick to blame the device. Most often the problem lies in the wrong format of storage of numbers (for example, old ones) SIM Support only 200 contacts with character restriction or security settings MIUI. Next – step-by-step solutions for all scenarios.

Standard import through “Contacts” (MIUI 12–14)

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Contacts app, but depending on the version of MIUI, the path to the function may be different. Let's look at both.

On MIUI 14 (relevant to Xiaomi 13/13T/14, Redmi Note 12):

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Select Import with SIM-maps and specify your target account (e.g. Device or Google).

MIUI 12/13 (for POCO F3, Redmi 10 and older):

1. In Contacts, click on your avatar at the top → Contact settings.
2. Select Import/Export → Import with SIM.
3. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Select All) → Import.

Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM1 (Some models do not read the contacts from the second slot)

Check that the contacts are saved to SIM (insert the card into another phone and make sure they are available)

Battery charge above 20% (at low charge MIUI can block memory operations)

Disable VPN (sometimes interferes with system applications)

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If the import button is inactive or not available, it means:

• 📱 SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts (relevant for nano-SIM without a file system).
• 🔒 Security settings block access (check Settings section) → Annexes → Permits → Contacts).
• 🛠️ The file system is damaged. SIM (Try to clean the map through the engineering menu).

2.Import through the System Settings (alternative method)

If the Contacts app doesn't see SIM, try to do without it. MIUI has a hidden import path through system settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SIM-map and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map, MTS or Beeline).
3. Tap on SIM-card Contacts (in some firmware, the item is called Contact Management).
4. Click Import to the device or Copy Everything.

This method works even if the Contacts app is removed or disabled, but it has a limitation: only phone numbers are imported without additional fields (email, addresses, birthdays).

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If you have duplicated contacts after import, open Contacts → Settings → Combine duplicates. MIUI will automatically find and combine the duplicate entries.

3. Transfer contacts through Google account (for backup)

If you plan to sync your contacts to the cloud, it’s best to import them to Google Contacts right away, which will protect your data from being lost when you reset your phone and allow you to restore it to any Android device.

Instructions:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import / Export.
2. Select Import with SIM-Maps and Google as the goal (authentication required).
3. Wait for the process to be completed and check sync in Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 📱 Access contacts from any device (including PCs via contacts.google.com).
• 🛡️ Protection against loss in case of phone theft or breakdown.

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Importing to a Google account is the only way to save extended contact fields (such as multiple numbers or addresses) when moving from your Google account to your Google account. SIM-map.

If the synchronization is not working:

⚠️ Note: Make sure that the settings are → Accounts. → Google has enabled Contact Sync. Also check your Internet connection — no network. MIUI blocking cloud operations.

4. Use of third-party applications (for complex cases)

If the built-in methods didn't work, use specialized utilities. We recommend two proven applications:

1. "SIM Contacts Backup" (free, no advertising):

• 📲 Download from Google Play.
• 🔍 Launch the application and select Import with SIM.
• 📋 Tag the desired contacts and click Save to the device (.vcf format).
• 📤 Import the received file through Contacts → Imports/Exports → Import from the file.

2. "Copy My Data" (for transfer between devices):

• 📱 Install on both phones (old and new).
• 🔗 Connect to a single Wi-Fi network.
• 📤 On the old phone, select Send contacts, on the new one – Receive data.

Warning:

⚠️ Note: Contact applications require permission to access the SMS/MMS Do not grant these rights to obscure utilities, the risk of data leakage!

Standard import through Contacts

Import through Google Account

Third-party applications (specify which ones are in the comments)

Manual input (I don't trust automation)

Another option-->

5. Problem Solving: SIM is not defined or contacts are not imported

If the Xiaomi smartphone does not see the contacts SIM-map, perform the diagnosis on the table below:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📶 Format SIM-cards: old Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM may not read in newer slots.
• 🔧 Updates MIUI: In some firmware, import bugs are only fixed in the latest versions. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings (data) SIM unaffected).

6. Manual input and alternative methods

If the automatics don't work, you have to manually carry it, and it's laborious, but it guarantees 100% success.

Method 1: Screen photography

Method 2: Export to Excel

• 📊 Use the app. SIM Card Manager for exporting contacts to.csv.
• 📑 Open a file on your PC in Excel or Google Sheets, edit the data.
• 📤 Import back through Google Contacts (supports downloading.csv).

To accelerate manual input:

• 🎤 Use voice input in Google Contacts (click on the microphone in the name field).
• 📋 Group contacts alphabetically and type in series (for example, first everything in "A", then in "B").

7. How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid repeating the transfer of contacts with each change of phone, set up automatic backup:

1. Google synchronization:

• 🔄 Enable the option in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
• 📱 Set backup frequency (weekly or when contacts change).

2. Local backup:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Export to the device.
2. Save the contacts.vcf file to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) or to a flash drive.

Backup applications:

• 🛡️ Super Backup & Restore – Creates backups of contacts, SMS and call logs.
• 📦 Swift Backup – Supports automatic copying on schedule.

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Store your contacts backups in three places: on your phone (device memory), in the cloud (Google/Mi Cloud), and on a physical medium (a flash drive or PC) to protect your data from any failures.

Warning:

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account for sync, make sure Contact Backup is enabled in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization: Otherwise, when you reset your phone, your data will be lost!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the perenos of contacts on Xiaomi