Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to move the phone book when changing devices or switching to a different tariff.The standard process seems simple, but the shell interface MIUI The problem is that the default system tends to store all the data in the cloud or internal memory, ignoring the physical. SIM-map.
Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand that the amount of memory SIM-It's very limited. It's usually possible to write only the name of the contact and one phone number on the chip, and all the extra data, like photos, email addresses, birthdays and second numbers, will be permanently lost when you transfer it. Therefore, this method is better used as a temporary solution or for backing up the most important numbers.
In this article, we will not only break down the standard algorithm for actions through the system menu, but also touch on the hidden features available through engineering codes. You will learn how to avoid duplication of records and why sometimes the standard method may not work on certain versions of firmware. Importantly, before mass transfer, it is recommended to make a backup through Mi Cloud or Google account.
Preparation for data transfer and compatibility check
Before you start manipulating the phone book, you need to make sure that the correctness of the work itself SIM-Insert the chip into the smartphone slot and wait for the network to come on. Make sure the device sees the card and displays the number of free storage cells. At modern fares, operators often provide Nano-SIM cards that are physically smaller but logically work just like the old standards.
The next step is to analyze the current status of contacts. Open the Contacts app and check where they are stored. If the records are scattered across different sources (Google, Xiaomi, phone memory), the copying process may not be correct. The best way to do this is to combine duplicates first or export all the data to a single.vcf file to have a rollback point.
- 📱 Make sure that SIM-The card is unlocked and has free memory cells.
- ☁️ Check sync with cloud services in case of a crash.
- 🔋 Charge the smartphone battery to at least 30-40% avoidance.
It is worth noting that some carriers block the recording of data directly to the card chip remotely, in which case the transfer menu may be unavailable or give an error. If you are faced with this situation, the only way out is to use cloud services or third-party applications to transfer data between devices.
Standard way of copying through the Contacts application
The simplest and most secure method available to every user is built into Xiaomi’s standard Contacts app. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You don’t need to install third-party software or obtain superuser rights.
To start, open the app and go to the settings menu, which is usually hidden behind three dots in the upper right corner or behind the "More" button. Find the data import and export point, and the system will suggest you choose the source and destination. The source is the internal memory and the recipient — SIM-map.
☑️ Pre-copying check
When selecting specific numbers to copy, be careful, you can mark all contacts at once or select only favorites. Once confirmed, the system will warn you that some data may be lost due to format limitations. SIM-Only agree to the terms if you understand the consequences.
⚠️ Attention: The copying process can take time with a large number of records. SIM-card and do not restart the phone until a successful completion notice appears.
Use of hidden import/export menu
Some versions of HyperOS firmware or older MIUI builds may not have the standard SIM export button, which developers often hide because they think is outdated, but can be accessed through a dedicated system testing menu.
To activate hidden functions, use the code set in the Phone app. Enter the combination ##4636##. If the code is suitable for your model, the Test menu will open. Here you should select Phone Information or similar, where there may be hidden buttons to manage SIM data.
##4636##An alternative way is to use the code ##6484##, which opens the engineering menu. CIT. Although it is an iron diagnostic, in some cases there are read/write check functions. SIM-Be careful: changing unknown parameters in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the radio module.
What do I do if the codes don't work?
Using hidden menus is an advanced method that requires caution, and if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use standard tools or third-party applications that emulate this process in a more secure way.
Alternative methods and third-party applications
When Xiaomi's built-in tools fail or malfunction, Google Play apps come to the rescue. There are many contact management utilities that are often more flexible and allow you to filter data before recording.
One of the popular solutions is the application “Copy My Data” or specialized managers. SIM-The way they work is simple: you give the application access to the phone book, you select the contacts, you start the recording process, and it breaks down the long names and trims the extra fields, adapting them to the standards. GSM.
- 📲 Copy Contacts to SIM — Simple interface, quick work.
- 📲 SIM Card Manager - advanced functionality for working with multiple cards.
- 📲 Backup & Restore – allows you to create a backup first and then pour it on the map.
When using third-party software, be sure to check the permissions you have requested, the app must not require access to your geolocation or gallery to perform a copying operation, and deny the granting of unnecessary rights for the sake of personal data security.
💡
Use third-party apps only from trusted, high-ranking sources to avoid your phone book leaking to the network.
Format limitations and data loss
It is critical to understand the technical limitations of technology. SIM-This is not a flash drive, but a specialized chip with a rigid data structure. GSM, It has been used for decades, and does not contain multimedia or long text fields.
When you copy, you'll be faced with the following limitations: the length of the contact name is usually limited to 10-15 characters; if the name is longer, it will be cropped; only the main numbers will be retained; additional numbers, faxes and direct internal numbers will be ignored.
| Parameter | In the memory of the phone | Nana SIM-map |
|---|---|---|
| Number of rooms | Unlimitedly. | Usually up to 250-500. |
| Length of name | Up to 100+ characters | 10-15 characters |
| Photo of contact | Supported | Not supported |
| Email/Address | Supported | Not supported |
| Groups | Supported | Partially or not. |
That is why security experts recommend not to store important data exclusively on the Internet. SIM-It's easily lost, broken, or cloned by physical access, and backing up to the cloud remains the most reliable way to store information.
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SIM-The card is only suitable for basic numbers, but not for a full phone book with details.
Solving problems when copying
Users often encounter errors when trying to transfer. The most common problem is the message "Memory" SIM-The card is filled, even if the card is new, which may mean that the card already has hidden or deleted, but not cleared, records from the previous operator.
In this case, a complete cleaning must be performed. SIM-Go to the contact settings, select Contact Management and find Clear SIM». Then try to start the copy again, and the problem can be in the format of numbers: if they are written without a country code, the system may not properly process them.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone writes “Write error”, try restarting the device and pasting it SIM-card to another slot (if there are two), sometimes it helps to temporarily disconnect the Internet.
Another reason for the failures may be incompatibility of the encoding. SIM-These cards can be displayed as question marks or cranks. This is a technical limitation that cannot be circumvented software without replacing the card with a more modern one from your operator.