How to move Xiaomi contacts with SIM-card SIM: working methods

Why do you transfer contacts to SIM on SIM relevant to Xiaomi

Shift. SIM-Cards are standard procedure when switching to a new tariff, replacing a damaged card or changing operator. But many Xiaomi users (including the Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5 Mi 11 is a problem: how to transfer the saved on the old SIM Unlike iPhones, where contacts are synced via iCloud, on Android devices (including shells) MIUI) process requires manual action.

The main difficulty is that SIM-The cards have limited memory (usually up to 250 contacts) and the storage format on them is outdated. Modern Xiaomi smartphones by default save contacts in Google account or internal memory, but many users habitually store them on the Internet. SIM. In this article, we will discuss three working methods for transferring contacts between the two countries. SIM-maps, including hidden functions MIUI, who know.

Important: If you are using duality SIM (Two cards at once, the process is simplified, you can transfer contacts directly through the phone menu. A2) Additional steps will be required.

Method 1: Export and import contacts via MIUI menu

The most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI 12-14 shell, it does not require an Internet connection and retains the formatting of names and numbers, the manual is suitable for models from Redmi 9A to flagship Xiaomi 14.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Put the old one in. SIM-slot-card SIM 1 if you have two SIM, Use any slot).
  2. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  3. Slip on three dots in the top right corner β†’ select Contact Management.
  4. Go to Import/Export Contacts β†’ Export from SIM-card.
  5. Select all contacts (or select the ones you need) β†’ click Export.
  6. Wait until the process is complete. Contacts will be stored in the internal memory in the.vcf file (business card format).

Now replace SIM-Map to new and perform the reverse process:

  1. Return to Import/Export Contacts β†’ select Import from the device.
  2. Find the saved.vcf file (usually in the Download or MIUI folder).
  3. Select your target. SIM-preserve-card β†’ confirm the import.

Free space on internal memory (needs ~100 KB for 250 contacts)

Battery charge of at least 20% (process can take 2-5 minutes)

Old one. SIM-The card is inserted correctly (check the network signal)

The.vcf file was not deleted after export-->

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ”Ή It works without the Internet and Google account.
  • πŸ”Ή Keeps contact groups (if they were on the SIM).
  • πŸ”Ή Supports Cyrillic symbols and special signs in names.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Not all contact fields (such as addresses or emails) are portable β€” SIM-Cards only store names and numbers.
  • ⚠️ In some models (POCO M5) The menu may be called differently: Settings β†’ Contacts β†’ Additionally.

πŸ’‘

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

Method 2: Sync through Google account (for permanent backup)

This method is suitable if you plan to update your contacts regularly or use them on multiple devices, it requires an Internet connection, but it ensures that your data is safe even if you lose your phone.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google Accounts (or Passwords and Accounts on newer versions of MIUI).
  2. Select your account β†’ turn on the Contact Sync switch.
  3. Return to Contacts β†’ Contact Management β†’ Import/Export.
  4. Select Import with SIM-map β†’ Specify your Google account as a purpose of preservation.
  5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes with a large number of contacts).

To transfer contacts to the new SIM:

  1. Insert the new one. SIM-map.
  2. In the same menu, select Export/Export. SIM-map.
  3. Specify the source – Google account β†’ highlight the necessary contacts β†’ confirm the export.
ParameterExports via MIUISynchronization with Google
Internet is required❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Additional fields (email, address) are saved❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Time of the process1-3 minutes5-15 minutes
Suitable for dual SIMβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.

Important: If you use multiple Google accounts on Xiaomi, make sure your contacts are saved to the correct profile. check this in the Contacts menu β†’ Settings β†’ Default account.

Nana SIM-map

Google account

In the internal memory of the phone

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Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or older Xiaomi Mi A1) models, you can use third-party utilities.

  • πŸ“± Sim Contacts Backup (free, no ads) – export contacts to.vcf or.csv.
  • πŸ“± Copy to SIM Card (paid version with advanced features) – allows you to selectively transfer contacts between the two SIM, cloud-and-phone.

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Start it and give access to the contacts.
  3. Select Backup from SIM β†’ specify a save path (e.g. Internal Storage/Backup).
  4. After creating a backup copy, replace SIM-map.
  5. In the application, select Restore to SIM β†’ specify the saved file.

⚠️ Note: Some applications request access to SMS Refuse these permissions, which are not necessary for transferring contacts and may not be safe.

The advantages of third-party utilities:

  • πŸ”Ή Support for older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X).
  • πŸ”Ή Ability to edit contacts before transfer (remove duplicates or correct numbers).
  • πŸ”Ή Exports in several formats (including Excel).
What to do if the app can’t see SIM-map?
1.Reset the phone. 2. Check if it's inserted correctly. SIM (Some Xiaomi require a reboot after the card has been replaced. 3. SIM (Settings β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks) enable the option to Allow access to contacts SIM (4. Try another application (e.g., another application, SIM Card from Simple Mobile Tools).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face challenges, and consider typical situations and solutions:

  1. Contacts are not exported to new SIM: Reason: new SIM-The card may be blocked by the operator for recording (often Tele2 or Iot).Solution: Call operator support and request unlocking the contact recording function.
  2. Contact names are displayed in hieroglyphics: Reason: Incompatibility of encodings SIM-Solution: Use the method with a Google account or export contacts to a.vcf file and then import.
  3. Not all contacts were transferred: Reason: limitation SIM-Solution: break contacts into parts or use cloud storage.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Black Shark) may have different contact menus. If you don't find an export option, try the path: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Contacts β†’ Permits β†’ Memory (enable access).

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”§ Is firmware updated? MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had contact bugs).
  • πŸ”§ No physical injuries SIM-Cards (scratched contacts can block reading).
  • πŸ”§ Is the power saving mode on, it can interrupt long operations.

Transfer of contacts to Xiaomi with duality SIM-card

If your smartphone supports two SIM-cards (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) or POCO F5), It's simplified. You can transfer contacts directly between cards without intermediate files.

Step-by-step:

  1. Put the old and the new in. SIM-slot-card SIM 1 and SIM 2.
  2. Open Contacts. β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/Exports.
  3. Choose to copy the contacts between SIM-maps (the name may differ).
  4. Specify the source (SIM 1) and the target (SIM 2).
  5. Confirm the copy.

Features of dual SIM on Xiaomi:

  • πŸ”Ή You can copy the contacts in both directions (c) SIM 1-on SIM 2 and back).
  • πŸ”Ή On some models (Xiaomi) 13T) option hidden in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Cloning SIM.
  • πŸ”Ή If it's new SIM-card from another operator, check format compatibility (for example, MTS and Beeline may use different storage standards).

πŸ’‘

On Xiaomi, two SIM-Never retrieve cards while transferring contacts – this can cause a failure and loss of some data.

How to check the success of the transfer of contacts

After the procedure is completed, it is important to make sure that all data is transferred correctly.

  1. Open the Contacts app and switch to displaying contacts with the new one SIM-maps (select the top menu) SIM 2 or the name of your card).
  2. Check the number of contacts: it must match the original (be aware that the number of contacts is identical to the original). SIM-The card does not keep empty records).
  3. Call 2-3 random contacts to make sure the numbers are correct.
  4. If you use groups (such as "Family" or "Work"), make sure they are retained (on the "Family" or "Work"). SIM-Group maps are not always supported).

If missing contacts:

  • πŸ” Repeat export by selecting only missed records.
  • πŸ” Check the.vcf file for all data (open it via email or text editor).
  • πŸ” Use an alternative method (for example, if the export through the MIUI, Try Google Synchronization).

For complete confidence, back up your contacts to the cloud:

  1. Open Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Exports.
  2. Select the.vcf format and save the file to Google Drive or send it to your mail.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer contacts from SIM to SIM without a smartphone (for example, through a computer)?
No, to work with contacts on SIM-card needs a phone or a special card reader with support SIM (However, you can export your contacts with Xiaomi to a.vcf file and then import them to another phone from a new one. SIM-card.
Why did some contact names disappear after the transfer?
It's got to do with the restriction. SIM-maps: they only support Latin and Cyrillic, special characters (e.g. emoji in names or Arabic letters) may not be displayed. Solution: store contacts in a Google account or internal phone memory.
How to transfer contacts from SIM to eSIM to Xiaomi?
On most Xiaomi models (except the Xiaomi 12T Pro and later), eSIM is not supported. If your phone is eSIM compatible, use the sync method with Google: export your SIM contacts to your account, then link the eSIM and import data from the cloud.
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to SIM and then to Xiaomi?
On iPhone, export contacts to.vcf (via iCloud.com or the Contacts app), then transfer the file to Xiaomi and import to SIM. Note that the iPhone does not support recording contacts on SIM directly.
What to do if a new one is SIM-The card does not support contact recording?
This problem is common with virtual operators (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile). Solutions: Use the cloud method (Google or Mi Cloud). SIM-Instead of eSIM, keep your contacts in your phone's internal memory.