Changing a smartphone is often a cause for concern because of the risk of losing important data, and the first to be hit is usually the entries from the phone book. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices, switching from button phones or devices of other brands, often store numbers directly to the phone book. SIM-It's a legacy approach that's a thing of the past, but it's still relevant for millions of users who want to keep access to a database of acquaintances without manual re-recruitment.
The modern Android operating system, which underlies the MIUI or HyperOS shell, provides built-in tools for data migration. You don't have to download third-party apps or use a computer. Importing contacts takes only a few minutes if you know where to look for the menu items you want, and we'll take a look at all the nuances of the process, including duplicates and synchronization.
But remember, plastic storage has limitations on memory and text formatting, and when you migrate to Xiaomi Redmi, you not only save data, but you can also link photos, emails and extra numbers to each contact, making your notebook a full-fledged digital organizer.
Preparation of SIM-card and smartphone for import
Before you start the copying procedure, you need to make sure that SIM-The card is physically correct and correctly defined by the device. Put the card in the slot, turn on the phone and wait for the network signal to appear. SIM required PIN-code, enter it and make sure that the operator icon appears in the status bar.
An important step is to check the memory of the SIM itself, because older cards can store a limited number of characters in the contact name, which sometimes leads to the shorter names being cropped when exported or imported. If you plan to transfer data from another phone, pre-export contacts to SIM in the menu of the old device.
⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-The card is very old (Mini-SIM format, cut by hand), it can work unstable in modern Nano-SIM slots. In such cases, it is recommended to first contact the operator's salon for a replacement card, saving the number to avoid data loss at the most inopportune moment.
Make sure your Xiaomi has enough free space, although contacts take up a minimum of space. Also check for an active Internet connection if you plan to set up cloud sync immediately after import, this will protect your data from loss in the event of a breakage or theft of the gadget in the future.
Step-by-step: import through the standard application
The basic method of data transfer is built into the standard Contacts app, which is part of the MIUI system. This is the most reliable and does not require the installation of additional software. Open the application menu and find an icon with a phone handset or a silhouette of a person, usually signed as Contacts.
When you start the app, look at the top of the screen or the bottom of the menu bar, and you need to find a three-point button or a gear icon that opens up additional settings. Depending on the version of the HyperOS shell or MIUI, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same.
☑️ Checklist before import
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Click on the settings menu (three dots or gear) in the Contacts app».
- 💾 Select “Import/Export Contacts” or simply “Import».
- 💿 Please indicate as a source «SIM-card" or "import with SIM-map».
- 📂 Select the target storage: “Phone” or your Google account (recommended).
- ✅ Confirm the action by selecting “Import All” or ticking specific numbers.
The copying process takes a few seconds. Once completed, the system will notify you of the success of the operation, and now all the numbers that were previously only available when you installed the SIM on your phone are stored in the device's internal memory and will be accessible even without a card.
Working with contacts through system settings
Sometimes, import functions can be accessed more easily through the smartphone’s global settings, bypassing the phonebook app, which is especially useful if the standard app is not working properly or you’re used to managing the system centrally.
In the settings list, look for the Apps section or search for settings by typing the word Contacts, you need to get into control of a specific system application, and there are important data management functions hidden here, including forced cache clearing and access rights management.
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse | Application memory management | Clear cache (not data) |
| Permits | Access to SIM and memory | Permitted. |
| Notifications | Missed Alerts | Included. |
| Auto-start | Launching with the system | Included. |
In some versions of the firmware, the path to import may be in System Applications -> Contacts. If you don't find import points in the main menu, try resetting the application to factory ones, but remember that this won't delete the contacts themselves if they are saved to the account.
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Use search in settings: type “import” into the settings search bar to get to the right menu right away without wandering through sections.
Using Google Contacts for Migration
The most modern and reliable way is to use the Google ecosystem: If you are logged in to a Google account on the new Xiaomi, you can import contacts directly through the search giant’s services, ensuring that your numbers are not lost even when you change your phone in the future.
To do this, open the Contacts app from Google (if installed separately) or go to the Google account settings. Select Configure and Restore or Sync. Here you can select the import option from SIM-The system will transfer all the records to the cloud.
- ☁️ Open the Google Contacts or Account Settings app.
- 🔄 Find the item "Import" or "Restore contacts».
- 📲 Select the source «SIM-map».
- 💾 Specify your Google account to save.
The advantage of this method is that cloud storage automatically combines duplicates and allows you to edit contacts from any device, including a computer, which is especially useful for maintaining a business directory where the relevance of information is important.
⚠️ Note: When importing through Google, make sure you select the right account if there are multiple contacts on your phone, otherwise the contacts may go to the wrong email and it will be difficult to find them later.
Removal of duplicates after transfer
A common problem with number transfers is the appearance of duplicates, which occurs when the same contact is stored on both the SIM and the phone's memory, or if you have previously entered the number manually. Xiaomi's system has a built-in tool to solve this problem.
Open the Contacts app and go to settings. Find the option “Combine duplicates” or “Delete duplicate contacts.” The system automatically scans the database, finds matches by phone number or name, and suggests combining them into a single card.
Why do duplicates arise?
It is important to carefully review the result of the combination, because the automatic algorithm can go wrong if the contacts have similar but not identical names, for example, "Alexei" and "Lesha" can be perceived as different people, in which case manual verification is necessary to maintain order in the phone book.
Synchronization and backup of data
After successfully migrating numbers to Xiaomi Redmi, it is critical to set up automatic sync to protect you from future data loss, and make sure that your Google account settings tick the “Contact” box.
Xiaomi device owners can also use the Mi Cloud service. Go to Settings -> Mi Account -> Cloud. Here you can enable synchronization of contacts with Xiaomi servers. This will create an additional copy of your phone book.
- 🔒 Check the synchronization status in the settings regularly.
- ☁️ Use at least two storage sources (Google) + Mi Cloud or Locally).
- 📤 Export contacts to.vcf file for storage on your computer.
A backup copy in.vcf format is a universal file that can be opened on any smartphone. SD-A map or cloud drive (e.g., Yandex.Disk or Dropbox) is the gold standard of digital hygiene.
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Automatic synchronization with a Google account is the most reliable way to protect contacts from loss when changing or breaking a smartphone.