How to import contacts to SIM-Xiaomi map: The full guide

The transition to a smartphone from Xiaomi often becomes a pleasant surprise for the user due to the rich functionality of the shell. MIUI But when you change your device, many people have to move the phone book from the old gadget, and one of the easiest, though somewhat outdated, ways is to use the phone book. SIM-Chinese brand owners often wonder how to properly import contacts to the Xiaomi SIM card so as not to lose important numbers during the migration process.

It's worth noting that modern versions of Android and branded shells have their own features of working with SIM memory. SIM-It can store hundreds of records, but today limits are much stricter and the format of the data is limited to base fields, but this method remains relevant for those who do not use cloud services or want to back up on physical media. Below we will discuss in detail all the nuances of this procedure.

Technical limitations and features of the SIM format

Before you start transferring data, you need to understand the physical and software limitations of the data itself. SIM-It's not a full-fledged storage device, but a dedicated security chip with a very modest amount of storage for subscriber data. GSM Initially, it was not intended to store a large amount of information, so the number of characters in the name and number is strictly regulated.

Most often, when you try to copy a complex contact, you may experience a name clipping or loss of additional numbers, and the system will automatically truncate the data to the maximum standard possible for a given format, usually about 15-20 characters for a name and one primary phone number.

In addition, modern Xiaomi smartphones by default offer to store all data in a Google account or in the memory of the device. This is not accidental, since cloud storage provides instant synchronization and protection from loss. SIM-Cards as the main storage are now considered a less reliable option.

⚠️ Note: When copying contacts with photos, email addresses and multiple phone numbers on SIM-All the additional information will be permanently lost, only the name and number will be retained.

It is also important to note that the encoding of names may vary, if you use contacts in Russian, and SIM-The map has old encoding standards, so instead of letters, you can display question marks or crankshades, and this is especially true when you transfer data between devices from different manufacturers and generations.

Preparation of the device and compatibility check

Before starting the procedure, make sure that your SIM-The card is installed in the correct slot, especially if the device supports two cards.In some Xiaomi models with a hybrid slot, memory is installed. SIM-The card can only be readable if the card is installed in the second connector.

You also need to check if it is unlocked. SIM-map PIN-If a pin request is set on the card when you turn it on, Android will request it when you first contact your contacts, and without the correct code, access to the recording or reading of the data will be blocked for security reasons.

• 📱 Make sure that SIM-The map is defined by the system and displayed in the status bar.
• 🔒 Unlock the lock. PIN-code before mass operations are initiated so that the process is not interrupted.
• ☁️ It is advisable to have an active internet connection to back up to Google in case of a crash.
• 🔋 Charge the device to minimum 30-40%, to avoid turning off data during recording.

Owners of MIUI shell devices should be aware that the standard Contacts app may vary depending on the firmware region. Global versions use the standard Google interface, while Chinese firmware or older versions of MIUI may customize the interface. The algorithm of actions is generally similar, but the names of menu items may vary.

Step-by-step: Import from the phone memory

The main use case is the transfer of an existing phone book from the internal memory of the smartphone to the SIM-This process is called "Export" in Android terminology from the phone's memory, although it looks like a SIM entry to the user. First, open the standard Contacts or Phone app and go to the Contact Management section.

In the application interface, find the menu button, which is usually indicated by three dots or three bars in the corner of the screen. In the list that opens, select Settings or Contact Management. This is where import and export functions hide. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be called "Import / Export contacts".

Then select Export to Storage or Copy Contacts, and the system will suggest selecting a source (usually a "Phone" or "Google") and a destination. SIM-card, it will be signed by the operator's name or marked as SIM 1 / SIM 2. Once the selection is confirmed, the copying process will begin.

Depending on the number of contacts, the process can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. During the operation, it is not recommended to switch between applications or block the screen, as this can interrupt the copy script. Upon completion, you will see a notification of successful completion or an error report if any contacts were not recorded.

⚠️ Attention: If SIM-The map will run out of space, the copy will be interrupted, and you will delete the old unnecessary records in advance to make room.

Import from Google Account and Cloud Services

Syncing with a Google account is the most preferred way to store data for Android users.If your contacts are saved to the Google cloud, you can easily transfer them to the Google cloud. SIM-This is convenient if you change your phone and want to quickly transfer the number base to a new SIM card without using third-party software.

To do this, go to Settings smartphone, then select Accounts and sync (or just Google). Find your account and make sure that the contact box is synced. If the data is uploaded to the phone, repeat the export procedure described in the previous section, selecting the source of the account Google.

Owners of Xiaomi devices can also use the Mi Cloud service.If you have previously done a backup through Mi Account, you can restore contacts to the device and then export them to SIM. However, direct export from Mi Cloud to the SIM card without first downloading to the phone book is not possible.

It is worth noting that when exported from Google, the system can warn that some data cannot be stored, which is a normal reaction of the system to trying to write in a limited format. SIM-Extended fields such as birthday cards or social networking.

Work with VCF-files and third-party sources

Often users get a contact database as a file with the.vcf (vCard) extension, which is the universal standard for sharing contact information, and if you have one, you can import it into your phone and then, if you need it, re-write it to your phone. SIM-Direct import from the file to the SIM card bypassing the phone book in Android is not supported.

To import a file, place it in your smartphone memory and open it through the Contacts app. The system automatically recognizes the format and suggests adding the records to your chosen storage. Select Phone or Google, wait until the process is complete, and then export to the location. SIM-map as described above.

Using third-party apps from the Google Play store can also make things easier.There are many contact management utilities that can filter duplicates and optimize entries before writing to SIM. However, beware: such apps often require access to your entire phone book, which can be insecure from a privacy perspective.

When working with files, it is usually UTF-8. If you see unreadable characters when importing, try opening the file on your computer and saving it again with the correct encoding.

Solving problems and errors when copying

Xiaomi users may encounter various errors during data transfer, one of the most common is the message "Not enough space for the user to use the data." SIM-Even if the card is new, the actual capacity of the card may be limited by the manufacturer or previous records, in which case you must manually delete the old records through the control menu. SIM-contact.

Another common problem is duplicate contacts. When imported from different sources (like Google first, then SIM), the same numbers can appear twice. Modern versions of Android and MIUI have a built-in unification feature. Go to the contact settings and select Combine duplicates so that the system automatically clears the list.

• 🔄 Sync Error: If contacts aren’t copied, try disabling and re-enable Google Sync in your account settings.
• 📵 Contact not visible: Check the display filter. In the contact app, click the menu and make sure it is ticked. SIM", Not just the device".
• ⚡ Copy Failure: Reboot your smartphone.This will clear the temporary cache of applications and may solve the process freeze problem.

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SIM-This can damage the file system of the map and lose all data, including the very ability to determine the network.

If none of these methods help, perhaps they themselves. SIM-card is physically worn or has damaged contacts, in this case, it is advisable to contact the operator's communication salon to replace the card with a number saved, having previously made a backup to the cloud service.

💡

Save a master copy of your contacts in.vcf format on Google Drive or send yourself an email once a month, which will take a couple of seconds, but will save you in case of loss of your phone or a breakdown. SIM-map.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

💡

SIM-A card is an emergency option for carrying basic numbers, but not a place to permanently store your digital phone book.