How to transfer contacts from a SIM card to Xiaomi (MIUI): all methods 2026

Transferring contacts from SIM cards to a smartphone Xiaomi with a shell MIUI seems like a simple task - until you encounter interface nuances or limitations of the old SIM card. Unlike the iPhone or “bare” Android, here the algorithm depends on the firmware version, phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and even the type of SIM card (regular vs nano). In some places, contacts are copied automatically upon first launch, and in others you have to use workarounds through Google Contacts or third-party applications.

In this article - relevant methods for 2026 to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi, including hidden functions MIUI, solving problems with duplicates and instructions for devices without a slot for a full-size SIM. We will analyze both standard methods through Settings → Contacts, and alternative options for cases when the phone “does not see” the contacts on the SIM card or offers to transfer only part of the records.

1. Standard transfer via MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import function in MIUI. It works on most models (Redmi 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5, Mi 13), but may differ depending on the firmware version. Important: if you two SIM cards, the system may ask you to select a slot for import.

Action algorithm:

• 📱 Open the application Contact (icon with a silhouette person).
• ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Manage contacts.
• 🔄 Tap Import/Export contacts → Import from SIM cards.
• 📋 Select the desired contacts (or press Select all) → confirm the import.

Make sure the SIM card is inserted into slot 1 (main)|

Check that the contacts are saved on the SIM (and not in the phone memory)|

Close all background applications (especially instant messengers)|

Connect the phone to charge (for long-term operations)

-->

If the option Import from SIM card is inactive or missing:

• 🔌 Try rebooting the phone - sometimes MIUI does not recognize the SIM card immediately after insertion.
• 📶 Check if your SIM card supports storing contacts (older cards may have a limit of 250 records).
• 🔄 Move the SIM card to another slot (if there are two of them).

2. Transfer via Google Contacts (for synchronization)

This method is suitable if you want not only to transfer contacts from SIM to phone, but synchronize them with a Google account. Advantage: the data will be available on any device after logging into the same account. Minus - a stable Internet connection is required.

Step-by-step guide:

1. 📱 Import contacts from SIM to your phone via the standard method (see section 1).
2. ☁️ Open Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
3. 🔄 Turn on the slider opposite Contact (if it is turned off).
4. 📤 Wait for synchronization to complete (may take up to 5 minutes).

After this, all contacts will be available in Google Contacts (opens in the browser). To make sure that the transfer was successful:

• 🔍 Go to Contacts → Manage contacts → Displayed contacts.
• 📌 Make sure the option is selected All contacts or your Google account.

3. Using the Contacts application from Google

If the standard application MIUI does not work (for example, it does not see contacts on the SIM or gives an error), try the official application Google Contacts. It often works better with older SIM cards and offers more import options.

How to transfer contacts via Google Contacts:

1. 📥 Install the application from Google Play.
2. 📱 Open it and tap on profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. ⚙️ Select Settings → Import.
4. 📋 Specify SIM card as a source and follow the prompts.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Better recognizes contacts with Cyrillic and special characters.
• 📊 Allows you to edit duplicates immediately after import.
• ☁️ Automatically synchronizes with the cloud (if the option is enabled).

What to do if Google Contacts does not see the SIM?

Check whether your SIM card supports the contacts storage function (some operators disable it for nano-SIM). Also try inserting the SIM into another phone (for example, an old one) and export contacts from there via Bluetooth or a VCF file. Nokia or Samsung) and export contacts from there via Bluetooth or VCF file.

4. Transfer via VCF file (for backup)

Format .vcf (vCard) - a universal way to export/import contacts. It comes in handy if you want to create a backup before transferring or transfer contacts to another phone. MIUI this function is hidden deeper than in standard Android.

Instructions for exporting from SIM to VCF:

1. 📱 Open Contact → Manage contacts → Import/Export.
2. 📤 Select Export to device (if the option is not available, first import contacts from SIM to the phone).
3. 📁 Specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads) and confirm.

To import VCF back:

• 📥 Move the file to the phone memory (for example, via Explorer).
• 📋 In the same menu Import/Export select Import from devices and specify the file .vcf.

Format	Advantages	Disadvantages
.vcf	Universal, supported by all phones	Takes up memory space, requires manual control
Google Contacts	Automatic synchronization, access from any device	Requires an Internet connection
SIM card	Independent of the phone, fast copying	Limitation on the number of contacts (usually 250)

5. Transfer using third-party applications

If the built-in tools MIUI do not work (for example, they do not see contacts on the SIM or give an error), you can use third-party utilities. The best options for Xiaomi:

• 📲 Copy My Data - transfers contacts via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• 📲 Super Backup & Restore - creates backup copies of contacts, SMS and call logs.
• 📲 SIM Contacts Backup - specializes in working with SIM cards.

Example of transfer via Super Backup & Restore:

1. 📥 Install the application from Google Play.
2. 📋 Launch it and select Contact → Backup.
3. 📤 Save the file to your device or to the cloud.
4. 🔄 To import select Recovery and specify the file.

Through MIUI settings|

Google Contacts|

VCF application|

Utility side (specify which ones)|

Another method

-->

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• 🚫 Avoid apps with suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or geolocation for no reason).
• 🔒 Check reviews on Google Play - some utilities may contain advertising or plugins.
• 📡 To transfer via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, make sure that both devices are connected to the same network.

6. Solving problems when transferring contacts

Even if you follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The phone does not see the contacts on the SIM card.

• 🔧 Check whether your SIM card supports storing contacts (check with your operator).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone or remove/insert the SIM again.
• 📱 Try inserting the SIM into another phone and exporting contacts from there.

Problem 2: Not all contacts were transferred.

• 📋 Make sure there is enough free space on the SIM (old cards are limited to 250 entries).
• 🔍 Check if some contacts are hidden in the display settings.
• 📤 Export contacts in parts (for example, 50 entries at a time).

Problem 3: Duplicate contacts after import.

• 🧹 Use the merge function in Google Contacts or app Contact.
• 🔄 Before importing, remove old duplicates from your phone.
• 📊 Enable the option Show only contacts with numbers in the display settings.

7. Transferring contacts to Xiaomi without a slot for a full-size SIM

Many modern Xiaomi (Redmi Note 12 Pro, POCO F5, Mi 13 Ultra) only support nano-SIM, and old SIM cards with contacts can be standard or micro-sized. In this case, there are three options:

1. 🔄 Cut SIM to nano-format (risky if the card is old).
2. 📱 Use an adapter to read the old SIM through another phone.
3. ☁️ Transfer contacts via the cloud (for example, export them on your old phone to Google Contacts).

If you chose cropping:

• 📏 Use a template for nano-SIM (can be printed from the operator's official website).
• ✂️ Cut carefully without touching the chip.
• 🔍 Before cutting, make a backup copy of your contacts (via your old device).

What to do if the SIM stops working after cutting?

Contact your operator for a replacement card (usually free upon presentation of your passport). Some communication shops provide a trimming service with a guarantee - check in advance.

8. Automation of transfer: setting up auto-import in MIUI

In MIUI 14 and newer there is a hidden function of automatically importing contacts from SIM when you first install the card. To activate it:

1. 📱 Insert the SIM card and restart the phone.
2. ⚙️ Go to Settings → Memory → Advanced → Auto import data.
3. 🔄 Enable the option Import contacts from SIM.

Limitations of this method:

• 📌 Works only when connecting the SIM for the first time (or after resetting the settings).
• 📡 Does not import contacts added to SIM later.
• 🔒 May not work on custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

For constant synchronization, it is better to configure automatic backup v Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Cloud (if you use an account Xiaomi).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring contacts to Xiaomi

🔹 Is it possible to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi without the Internet?

Yes, to do this, use standard import via Settings → Contacts → Import from SIM card or export contacts to a file .vcf on another phone and transfer it to Xiaomi via a USB cable or Bluetooth.

🔹 Why, after transfer, are some contacts displayed without names?

This is due to incompatible SIM card encoding. Try:

1. Change SIM encoding in settings (Settings → SIM cards → Encoding).
2. Import contacts via Google Contacts (better recognizes Cyrillic).
3. Edit contacts manually after import.

🔹 How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi via SIM?

iPhone does not support exporting contacts to a SIM card directly. Alternative methods:

• Sync your contacts with iCloud, then export them to .vcf via the web version.
• Use the application Move to iOS (works in the opposite direction for some models).
• Transfer contacts to Android via Google Contacts (to iPhone: Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add Google).

🔹 Where do they go contacts after importing from SIM?

By default they are saved in local phone memory (not in SIM and not in Google). →

1. Open Contact → click on the three dots → Displayed contacts.
2. Make sure the option Phone or Local contacts.

For reliability, copy them to your Google account (see section 2).

🔹 Is it possible to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi if the phone does not turn on?

If the phone is completely inoperative, remove the SIM card and:

• Insert it into another phone and export contacts to .vcf or Google Contacts.
• Use card reader for SIM (connects to a computer via USB) and special software like SIM Card Data Recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Not all card readers support reading contacts - check compatibility before purchasing.