Transferring contacts from a SIM card to a smartphone Xiaomi is a task that every user faces when buying a new device or changing an operator. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from the lack of visibility of contacts in the phone book to import errors. In this article we will analyze all current copying methodsincluding standard tools MIUI and workarounds for older models.

Features of phones Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO — proprietary shell MIUIwhich periodically updates the data transfer interface. If you don't find the item you want on the menu, don't panic: most likely, it just moved. We took into account all the nuances of the latest firmware versions and collected 5 proven methodsincluding backup via Google account and the use of third-party applications.

Before you begin, make sure that your SIM card is installed correctly into the tray (contacts down!) and is recognized by the phone. If your smartphone does not see the card, try restarting the device or cleaning the tray contacts from dust. Also check if your SIM supports storing contacts - some modern ones nano-SIM from operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) may not have this function.

📊 How often do you transfer contacts between devices?
When buying a new phone
When changing the SIM card
I regularly synchronize with the cloud
Never transferred

1. Standard import through Xiaomi settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import function in MIUI. This method works on all models, from Redmi Note 4 to flagships Xiaomi 14. The main advantage: does not require the Internet and third-party applications.

Open the application Contact (icon with a silhouette of a person) and follow these steps:

  1. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Manage contacts.
  2. Go to section Import/Export contacts.
  3. Select Import from SIM card.
  4. Tick the required contacts (or press Select all) → Import.
  5. Specify the target folder: Device (local storage) or Google (cloud).

If item Import from SIM card is missing, check:

  • 📱 MIUI Version: in older firmware MIUI 12 the path may be different Try logging in through Settings → Applications → Contacts → Import.
  • 🔄 Rebooting the phone: sometimes the SIM card is detected by the system only after a restart.
  • 📶 Network mode: Switch from 4G to 3G/2G Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks —this may "wake up" old contacts.

Make sure that The SIM card is recognized in the status bar

Check for contacts via ##4636## (Test menu → SIM information)

Free up space in the phone memory (you need at least 500 KB per contact)

Close all background applications (especially messengers)

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⚠️ Attention: If contacts on SIM are recorded in format ADN (outdated standard), Xiaomi can import only names and numbers, skipping additional fields (email, address). For a complete transfer, use the method with Google account (section 3).

2. Transfer through the Google Contacts application

If the standard import did not work or you want to synchronize contacts with the cloud, use the official application from Google. This method is suitable for models with MIUI Global (for example, POCO X6 Pro or Redmi 13C), where Google services are preinstalled.

Instructions:

  1. Install the application Google Contacts from Play Market (if it is not there by default).
  2. Open the application → tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → Import.
  3. Select SIM card as source.
  4. Mark contacts and press Copy to...indicating Google Account.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔗 Automatic synchronization with other devices (if you use the same Google account).
  • 📱 Saving extended fields (dates of birth, notes).
  • 🔄 Ability to roll back changes via history.google.com/contacts (up to 30 days).

If an error occurs during import "Failed to copy contacts"try:

  1. Clear application cache Google Contacts v Settings → Applications.
  2. Disable VPN (some servers block synchronization).
  3. Update Google Play Services to the latest version.
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Before importing, export contacts from SIM to a computer via Bluetooth or a card reader - this will create a backup copy in case of failure.

3. Using third-party applications (for older models)

On devices with MIUI 10 and lower (for example, Redmi 5A or Mi A1) standard methods may not work due to outdated software. In this case, the application SIM Contacts Backup or Copy to Phone iz Play MarketThese utilities support even damaged SIM cards and offer additional ones. functions:

Comparison of popular applications:

Application MIUI support Export to the cloud Backup Restrictions
SIM Contacts Backup MIUI 8–14 Google Drive, Email Yes (VCF, CSV) Advertising in the free version
Copy to Phone MIUI 9–12 No Yes (VCF only) Does not support dual-SIM
Super Backup All versions Google Drive, Dropbox Yes (full backup) Paid functions

Step-by-step guide for SIM Contacts Backup:

  1. Download and install the application, provide access to contacts and storage.
  2. Select Import from SIM → mark the desired contacts.
  3. Click Save to Phone and specify format: VCF (for further import) or CSV (for editing on a PC).
  4. The file will be saved in the folder Download/SIM_Backup. Open it via Contacts → Import/Export → Import from file.
⚠️ Attention: Applications like Copy to Phone can request access to SMS and calls. Give up unnecessary permissions - to transfer contacts, just access to Contacts and Storage.

4. Manual transfer via export to a VCF file

If automatic methods do not work, you can export contacts from SIM to a file .vcf (virtual business card), and then import it into the phone. This method is universal and works even on Xiaomi with custom firmware.

Steps:

  1. Insert the SIM card into another phone (for example, an old one Nokia or Samsung), where the contacts are displayed correctly.
  2. Export contacts to a file .vcf via the phone menu (usually Settings → Contacts → Export to memory card).
  3. Move the file to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, USB cable or cloud storage.
  4. On Xiaomi open Contacts → Import/Export → Import from file and select downloaded .vcf.

If you don’t have a second phone at hand, use USB card reader for SIM cards (costs ~300 rubles). Connect it to your computer and use the app to export contacts to a USB card reader. data-i="202">gives an error when importing SIM Card Data Recovery to export contacts to CSV or VCF.

What should I do if the VCF file does not import?

If Xiaomi gives an error when importing .vcf, check:

1. File encoding: open it in notepad - if there are hieroglyphs instead of letters, resave in encoding UTF-8.

2. File size: MIUI may not import files larger than 10 MB. Break it into parts through the online service vcfsplitter.com.

3. Damage: try opening the file on another device (for example, iPhone via Mail).

5. Transfer contacts using Bluetooth

The method is suitable for owners of two phones (for example, if you change Xiaomi to a new model). Advantage: does not require the Internet and works even with damaged SIM cards.

Instructions:

  1. On an old phone open Contact → select Send contacts (or Share).
  2. Mark the required entries → click Bluetooth.
  3. Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi and confirm receiving the file.
  4. After transfer, open the received file .vcf —the system will offer to add contacts to the phone book.

Method limitations:

  • 📵 No more than 100 contacts can be sent at the same time (protocol limitation). Bluetooth-protocol).
  • 🔋 The battery charge of both phones must be above 30%, otherwise the transfer may be interrupted.
  • 📱 On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi 9A) function Share hidden - use the menu More → Export.
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Bluetooth transfer is the only way to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi without iCloud. On iOS select contacts → Share → Bluetooth and send to Xiaomi as file .vcf.

6. Solving common errors

When transferring contacts, users Xiaomi often encounter typical problems. We have collected proven solutions for each of them:

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

  • 🔧 Check the SIM format: some nano-SIM from MTS or Beeline do not support storage contacts. Try inserting the card into another phone.
  • 🔄 Reboot Xiaomi with the option enabled Fast loading (in Settings → Advanced).
  • 📱 Update MIUI to the latest version: older firmware (for example MIUI 11) has bugs with SIM reading.

Problem 2: Not all contacts are imported

  • 📌 Check the limit on the number of entries: some SIM cards only store 200–250 contacts.
  • 🔍 Use the app SIM Card from Play Market to view hidden entries.
  • 📂 Export contacts in parts: first the letters A-M, then N-Z.

Problem 3: Error "Failed to import contacts"

  • 🔄 Reset the application settings Contact v Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage → Reset.
  • 📱 Delete cache and data Google Contacts Sync (if you use a Google account).
  • 🔧 Check the date and time on your phone: incorrect settings may block synchronization.
⚠️ Attention: If contacts are duplicates after import, use the built-in merge function in MIUI: Contacts → Management → Merge duplicates. Do not delete duplicates manually - this may lead to data loss.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring contacts

Is it possible to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi without a computer?

Yes, all methods from this article (except section 4) do not require a PC. The easiest ways:

  • Standard import via Contacts → Import/Export.
  • Using the application Google Contacts.
  • Transfer via Bluetooth from another phone.

If none of the methods worked, check whether your SIM card supports storing contacts (some operators refuse this function).

Why do contact photos disappear after import?

SIM cards store only text data (name, number, email), but not photographs. To save avatars:

  1. Before transferring, take screenshots of contact photos.
  2. Use Google Contacts for synchronization - there the photos will be saved in the cloud.
  3. After manually import, assign a photo via Edit contact → Edit photo.

Important: photos of contacts in MIUI are stored in a folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.contacts/files/ —do not delete it manually!

How to transfer contacts from SIM to Xiaomi if the phone does not turns on?

If Xiaomi does not respond to charging or is stuck on the logo, try:

  1. Remove the SIM card and insert into another phone to export contacts.
  2. Use the card reader: connect the SIM to the PC and use the app SIM Card Data Recovery.
  3. Restore the phone via Fastboot (if the problem is in the software), then import.

If the phone is physically damaged (for example, a broken screen), contact a service center - technicians can remove data via EDL mode via EDL mode.

Is it possible to transfer contacts from iPhone to Xiaomi via SIM card?

Technically yes, but it's inconvenient:

  1. On iPhone export contacts to SIM via Settings → Contacts → Import SIM contacts (available only on older models up to iPhone 4S).
  2. For new ones iPhone use a workaround: export contacts to iCloud, then to Xiaomi import via Google Contacts (synchronize accounts).

SIM card is the worst option for transferring from iOS, so how Apple restricts export to only basic fields (without email, addresses, etc.).

How to protect contacts from loss after transfer?

To avoid losing contacts when your phone is reset or broken:

  • 🔗 Synchronize with Google: Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact synchronization.
  • 📱 Create a local backup: Contacts → Import/Export → Export to the device (saves file contacts.vcf).
  • ☁️ Use the Xiaomi cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Contacts backup.

We recommend duplicating backup copies: for example, storing .vcf in Google Drive and on a flash drive.