Have you ever lost important contacts saved on your SIM card? Maybe because you got a new phone, your SIM card got damaged, or you accidentally deleted them. Losing those valuable contacts can be really frustrating and inconvenient.
Fret not, as this comprehensive guide on how to recover contacts from SIM will walk you through multiple effective techniques, ensuring your peace of mind and seamless communication.
In this article
How To Recover Contacts From SIM On Android
Each of these methods offers different ways to recover contacts from a SIM card on Android. This will ensure you have options for any situation.
| If you have... | You can try |
| Previously synced contacts with your Google account | Method 1: Restore Contacts from Gmail |
| A SIM card with contacts but no previous backup | Method 2: Recover Contacts from SIM Cards with Google Contacts |
| Difficulty using built-in contact management features | Method 3: Restore SIM Card Contacts with ES File Explorer |
Method 1: Restore Contacts from Gmail
If you have previously synced your contacts with your Google account, restoring them from Gmail is a straightforward and convenient process.
This method is particularly useful if you have accidentally deleted contacts from your Android device or if you're setting up a new device and want to transfer your existing contacts seamlessly.
Here's how to restore contacts from SIM:
Step 1: Open the Gmail website on your PC. Sign in using the same Google account that you previously used to sync your contacts. On the right panel, select the "Contacts" option.
Step 2: The Google Contacts window will now appear on the screen. Select "All Contacts”. Tap on the three-dot icon and then choose the "Export" option.
Step 3: A new window will appear, prompting you to select the export format. Here, check the "Google CSV format" checkbox and click "Export" to initiate the process.
Step 4: Once the export is complete, download the CSV file containing your contacts to your computer.
Step 5: Use a USB lightning cable to connect your phone to PC. Transfer the downloaded CSV file from your computer to your Android device's internal storage or external SD card.
Step 6: After successfully copying the file, disconnect your Android device from the computer. Restart your device. Open the Contacts app on your Android device. You will now see the contacts here!
By following these steps, you can effectively export your Google Contacts in CSV format, transfer the file to your Android device, and restore your contacts within the device's Contacts app.
Pros and Cons of Using Google CSV:
Method 2: Restore Contacts on SIM Card from Google Contacts
If you've previously backed up your SIM card contacts to your Google account, you can easily restore them. Here's how to restore SIM card contacts:
Step 1: Go to Google Contacts and sign in with the same Gmail account you used on your Android phone.
Step 2: Look for the "Settings" icon at the top-right corner of the screen. It might be a gear shape or three dots. Click on it and choose "Undo changes."
Step 3: You will see a calendar or timeline. Go back to the date and time before you accidentally deleted any contacts. Pick that date and time.
Step 4: Click or tap on the "Undo" button. This will bring back your contacts to how they were before the deletions.
Step 5: After clicking "Undo," check your contacts again. The deleted ones should now be back in your contact list.
Pros and Cons of Using Google Contacts:
Method 3: Restore SIM Card Contacts with ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a popular file management app that can help you recover contacts from a SIM card. This method is particularly useful if you prefer using a third-party app or if you're unable to access your device's built-in contact management features for any reason.
Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Install ES File Explorer on your Android phone. Open the app and head to "Settings”.
Step 2: Choose "Import from SIM". Select the contacts you want to import from your SIM card. Tap "Import" to transfer the contacts to your device.
Pros and Cons of Using ES File Explorer App:
How to Import Contacts from SIM Card to New iPhone
Now that we've covered how to recover contacts from a SIM card on Android devices, let's switch gears a bit. Here is a bonus for you.Maybe you're thinking about changing from an Android phone to an iPhone. Don't worry! You can still bring your contacts with you.
Even though iPhones work differently from Android phones, there's an easy way to move your SIM card contacts to your new iPhone. Let's walk through the steps to make this switch smooth and simple, ensuring you don't lose any important contact information along the way.
Step 1: Insert your SIM card into your new iPhone. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts.
Step 2: Review the contacts and choose which ones you want to import. Tap "Import" to transfer the contacts from your SIM card to your iPhone.
Bonus: How to Retrieve Lost Phone Data on Android
Lost your valuable data including contacts from your Android device? Don't worry! A reliable third-party tool like Wondershare Dr.Fone can be a lifesaver. Dr.Fone is a powerful data recovery software that can help you retrieve lost or deleted data from various sources, including internal storage, external SD cards, and even broken or damaged Android devices.
With Dr.Fone, you can easily recover contacts, messages, photos, videos, and other types of data that may have been accidentally deleted or lost due to various reasons. The software is user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that guides you through the recovery process step by step.
To use Dr.Fone for data recovery, simply connect your Android device to your computer, launch the software, and follow the on-screen instructions. Here are the simple steps to get started.
Step 1: Open Dr.Fone on your computer and select "Data Recovery"
Step 2: Choose Android
Step 3: Now select “Recover Android Data”.
Step 4: Connect your Android phone to the computer with a USB cable.
Step 5: Select the types of files you want to recover. Click "Start Scan" and wait for it to finish.
Step 6: Preview and select the files you want to recover. Click "Recover" and choose where to save the recovered files on your computer.
Conclusion
This wraps up our guide on how to recover contacts from SIM on Android using different methods. Losing contacts stored on your SIM card can be a frustrating experience, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily recover them and restore your valuable connections.
Whether you prefer syncing with your Google account, using file management apps, or relying on powerful data recovery tools like Dr.Fone, there's a solution tailored to your needs.
FAQ
Where Are my SIM Contacts Stored?
Your SIM contacts are stored directly on the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card itself. The SIM card acts as a portable storage medium, allowing you to transfer your contacts between different devices by SIMply swapping SIM cards.Are my contacts backed up on my SIM card?
By default, most Android devices do not automatically back up contacts to the SIM card. However, you can manually choose to store and backup your contacts on the SIM card, ensuring they are available even if you switch devices or encounter data loss.How do I prevent losing contacts on my SIM card?
To prevent losing contacts stored on your SIM card, it's recommended to regularly back up your contacts to your Google account or another cloud storage service. Additionally, handle your SIM card with care to avoid physical damage, and avoid deleting contacts from the SIM card unless you have a backup.Can I transfer contacts from an old SIM card to a new SIM card?
Yes, you can transfer contacts from an old SIM card to a new one. Most Android devices allow you to import contacts from a SIM card or export contacts to a new SIM card using the device's built-in contact management features or third-party apps.
