Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often, you have to transfer the phone book to the physical. SIM-This may be due to a switch to a new device, a desire to keep backup numbers in hardware, or the specific requirements of some carriers. MIUI HyperOS hides the standard import and export function, making the process unobvious to the average user.
The standard procedure, familiar from pure Android, doesn't work directly through the contact settings menu here. SIM-However, the technical possibility of transfer exists, and to implement it will require a number of specific actions, which we will discuss in detail in this guide.
Before you start, it is important to understand the risks. SIM-The card has extremely limited memory and an outdated file system, which often results in the trimming of long names or the loss of additional numbers (working, fax) if they are tied to a single contact. Therefore, backing up before any manipulation is a must-do step that cannot be ignored to avoid losing important data forever.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
The first step before starting the transfer procedure is to assess the current state of your phone book and the state of your phone book. SIM-Not all carriers and not all cards support data recording, although 99% of the time, modern SIMs have basic memory to store up to 250 contacts. You need to make sure that the card is installed in the correct slot, especially if you have a dual-sym device.
Check where your numbers are currently stored. Open the Contacts app and go to the display settings. If the numbers are saved to a Google account, phone or Mi Cloud, they will need to be exported to a local file first or directly to SIM if menu allows. Two-step authorization in cloud services should be configured so that in the event of a crash, you can quickly restore access to data.
⚠️ Note: Before any contact transactions are initiated, we strongly advise you to make a full backup through the Mi Cloud or export the.vcf file to your computer. A port error can result in the phone book being completely erased without recovery.
It’s also worth checking the shell version. In newer versions of HyperOS, the contact algorithms have been changed and some older methods may not work. Make sure your device has a battery charge of at least 30-40%, as the synchronization process and working with the file manager can consume energy, and an interruption in the middle can damage the contact database.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Method 1: Using a hidden menu through dialing
The most reliable and time-tested method that works on most Xiaomi and Redmi models with MIUI 12, 13, 14 shells and the initial versions of HyperOS is to activate a hidden function through system code. This method allows you to open the native import / export menu, which is usually hidden from the user’s eyes in the standard interface.
To start, open the Phone app and go to the dial tab. You need to type a special command. Enter the code ##4636##. Please note that after entering the last grille, the menu must open automatically, you do not need to press the call button. If the code doesn’t work, it’s possible that your carrier or firmware will block it. USSD-request.
Once you have successfully entered the code, you will open the Testing menu. Select Phone information from the list. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will find the Import/export contacts button. You will access the standard Android SIM tool by clicking on it.
What if the code doesn't work?
In the window that opens, you will be asked to select source and destination. SIM card (Export to SIM-The system will warn you that some data (photo, email, additional numbers) will be lost, as the format is not available. SIM-The cards don't support them. Confirm the action and wait until the process is complete.
Method 2: Export via VCF file and third-party applications
If the hidden menu doesn't open or doesn't work properly, you can use a workaround. The essence of the method is to export all contacts to a universal.vcf file (vCard), and then use a specialized application to write this file to the user. SIM-This is more time-consuming, but often the only working option on new firmware.
First, unload contacts. Go to the Contacts app, click on the three dots in the corner (menu) and select Import/Export contacts. Select Export to.vcf and save it to the device's internal memory. Now you have a digital cast of your entire phone book.
You'll need a third-party app from the Google Play store, and programs like Copy to SIM Card or SIM Card Manager have proven to be good, so you can install the app you choose, give it the necessary permissions to access your contacts and files.
- 📂 Open the installed application and select the option “Import from file).
- 📄 Find the previously saved.vcf file in your phone’s memory.
- 💾 Press the "Copy to" button. SIM» or "Write to" SIM».
- ⏳ Wait for the process to end without turning off the smartphone screen.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party apps may request excessive permissions. Read the terms of access carefully. Use only proven high-ranking software to avoid leaking your personal data and phone numbers.
Once you have finished copying, be sure to check the result. Go to the contact display settings and select "Only" SIM-If the numbers were displayed, the procedure was successful. Now you can delete the.vcf file or leave it as an additional backup just in case.
Table: Comparison of methods of maintaining contacts
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of your current tasks and smartphone model.
| Method | Difficulty | Saves a photo. | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronization of Google | Low. | Yes. | Minimum |
| Export to SIM (Hidden Menu) | Medium | No. | Tall (name cropping) |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | No. | Medium. |
| Bluetooth exchange | Low. | Depends on the device. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the transfer to SIM-The card is the least reliable way to keep the full contact information safe. 10-15 The extra fields disappear, but for the basic problem of "save number," this method is perfect.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
During the transfer process, users often face various problems, one of the most common is the error “failed to keep contact” or silent failure when the process comes to a head. 99% And it stops. It's often associated with overflowing memory. SIM-Old cards can hold everything. 50-100 Numbers, whereas modern smartphones store thousands.
Another common problem is encoding, when you transfer contacts with Cyrillic names (in Russian) to the Cyrillic names. SIM-So instead of letters, you might have question marks or cranks, because the standard is a very simple one. GSM for SIM-The cards have limitations on character sets, and this is completely impossible to solve, but you can transliterate names (writing Ivan instead of Ivan) before exporting.
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If contacts are lost or are not displayed correctly after transfer, do not panic. Go to the contact cart (if you use Google Contacts) or restore a backup from Mi Cloud. Always keep a.vcf file on hand until you have a full health check. SIM-card on another phone.
Also worth mentioning is the problem of duplicates. SIM-If you've moved the cards back and forth to your phone, you may have multiple copies of the same people. The Contacts app has a "Joint Duplicates" feature that automatically finds the duplicates and merges them into one card, keeping all the unique numbers.
Why Xiaomi is hiding this feature
Many users are wondering why they should hide a feature that has been the de facto standard for mobile phones for 20 years? The answer lies in Xiaomi’s philosophy and current Android trends. The company is committed to moving all users into the ecosystem of its cloud services and Google services.
Keeping contacts on SIM-The card is considered archaic and insecure, can be demagnetized, lost or physically damaged, and in the cloud, data is protected by password and two-factor authentication, SIM-The card does not allow you to store a modern contact structure: several phones, an email address, a link to a profile in social networks,_ringtone_ photo.
⚠️ Attention: Remember that SIM-The card is not designed to store important data for long-term use, but it is a transport medium for identification on the operator's network, and the chip will break down and cause the loss of all the numbers recorded on it to be permanent.
By restricting direct access, MIUI developers are gently pushing the user toward more progressive backup methods. However, the user's right to manage their data remains a priority, so the workarounds described above continue to work on most devices.
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Hiding the export function on SIM is not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi’s policy aimed at popularizing cloud technologies and protecting user data from loss due to physical damage to the card.
Alternatives: Cloud synchronization and Mi Mover
If your goal is not to write down the numbers specifically on plastic SIM-The Mi Mover app allows you to transfer the entire phone book, messages, photos and even place icons on the new Xiaomi smartphone in a couple of minutes via Wi-Fi.
Syncing with a Google account works automatically. Just add an account to your new phone settings and all the numbers will appear on their own. This eliminates the need to mess with files, codes and third-party programs. To switch to an iPhone, there is also a “Move to iOS” app that takes contacts from your Google account.
Importantly, using cloud-based methods, you get the ability to edit contacts from your computer, recover deleted numbers in the last 30 days, and have a single base for all your devices — tablet, watch, and smartphone. SIM-The card can never be provided.