The switch to a new Xiaomi smartphone is often accompanied by the need to quickly transfer all the accumulated data, and the first step is usually to save the phone book. SIM-This is the most reliable method, independent of the cloud services or Google accounts, and it really allows you to instantly activate a number on any other device without complex synchronization procedures.
But in the MIUI ecosystem, which is installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, the process isn’t always obvious because of the interface. The standard menu paths may be different from pure Android, which raises questions for beginners. In this article, we’ll detail how to export numbers correctly so that you don’t lose any important entries.
It is worth noting immediately that SIM-The card has a limit on the number of characters in the contact name (usually up to the 10-14 It does not allow you to save additional numbers or email addresses for a single record. Therefore, this method is ideal for basic backup, but is not suitable for the complete cloning of a complex phone book with advanced data.
Preparing the device and checking the SIM restrictions
Before proceeding with the copying procedure, you need to make sure that your SIM-Older Mini-SIM cards or just worn-out chips may have damaged memory or a limitation on the number of records saved, leading to an export error. Modern operator cards usually have no problems with 200 to 500 contacts, but it is better to check this in advance.
It's also important to understand the difference between storage formats, unlike a Google account, where a contact can contain a photo, ringtone and multiple numbers, SIM-The card only stores the name and one primary number. If you try to copy a contact with a long name, the system will automatically crop it, which can make searching by name difficult in the future.
⚠️ Note: Before mass copying, make sure that SIM-If the card is full, the process will be interrupted, and some contacts may not be saved, leading to confusion.
It is recommended to sort the list in advance and remove duplicates so as not to waste time cleaning the card later. Xiaomi smartphones have built-in tools to combine duplicates that are worth using before you start transferring.
Use of the standard application Contacts
The main tool for managing records in the shell MIUI It's the built-in Contacts app, and that's where the memory interacts. SIM-Open the app, which usually has a green icon with a human silhouette, and find the settings menu.
Depending on the firmware version, the menu may be called differently, but the logic remains the same: you need to find the item responsible for managing or importing/exporting data, often hidden under three dots in the corner of the screen or in the side-sliding menu.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Click on the menu button (three dots or bars) and select Settings.
- 📥 Select the Import/Export Contacts item in the Options List.
- 💾 Click Export on SIM-map.
Once you select the item, the system will suggest you to mark the contacts you want to transfer, and you can select individual records or click "Select all" if you want to copy the entire phone book.
Step-by-step instructions for data export
The process of transferring requires care, especially if you have several thousand numbers on your phone, and the system can warn you that some contacts will not be copied due to format or lack of space, which is a normal Android security response.
When you press the confirmation button, the process of writing data to the chip begins, depending on the number of contacts and the speed of the SIM memory controller, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and it is not recommended to remove the card or restart the phone at this time.
☑️ Checklist of successful copying
Once the operation is complete, the system will issue a success notification or report on how many contacts were copied and how many missed. If you see an error message, check if the card is full or blocked. PIN-code.
In some versions MIUI The path may be slightly different. Try to cross the path: Contacts → Menu (three dots) → Settings → Import/export of contacts → Exports to SIM-If the menu looks different, look for names that are similar in meaning.
Alternative methods through Google Account
Keeping contacts on SIM-Maps are an old-school method that has its drawbacks, and a modern and more reliable way is to sync with Google Contacts, which allows you to save unlimited data, photos and additional fields that will not physically fit into the map. SIM.
To check if your data is synced, go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google. Make sure the switch opposite the Contacts item is activated, in which case your numbers are saved in the cloud and accessible from any device when you log in.
A comparison of storage methods shows the clear benefits of cloud technologies:
| Characteristics | SIM-map | Google Account | Phone memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limit of records | 200-500 pcs. | No restrictions. | Depends on memory. |
| Length of name | Up to 14 characters | No restrictions. | |
| Photo of contact | Not supported | Supported | Supported |
| Risk of loss | High (if card breaks) | Minimum | Medium (on discharge) |
Using Google also makes it easy to recover remote contacts through the web interface over the past 30 days.This (a feature) often saves users from losing important numbers after accidentally cleaning.
What happens if the export does not start?
Solving Common Problems When Copying
Xiaomi users often face a situation where the system refuses to copy contacts, giving an error “Not enough space” or “SIM error.” This can be due not only to overflow, but also to the formatting of the card.
Another common problem is the presence of special symbols in the names of contacts. SIM-The card supports a limited set of characters (usually only Latin and numerals, sometimes Cyrillic, but not always correctly). If the contact name has grubber, complex punctuation marks or rare characters, the system will miss such a record.
⚠️ Note: When copying names in Cyrillic on old SIM-In the cards, the letters can turn into question marks or unreadable characters.
If you are trying to copy contacts from a dual-sim phone, make sure you choose the one you want. SIM-The export menu often offers a choice of card, and a choice error will lead to the wrong chip being written to the wrong card.
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Tip: If you have a very long phone book, copy contacts in small groups of 50-100, which will reduce the risk of error in the event of a process failure and allow you to control the result.
Importing contacts back to the phone
After you have moved the numbers to a new one SIM-And you put it in the new Xiaomi, and you have to put it back in your phone's memory for easy use, and the import process mirrors the export process, and it takes seconds.
Go to the Contacts app, select Settings and click Import/Export Contacts. This time, select Import with. SIM-The system will ask where to save data: in memory of the phone or in Google account.
The best option is to save your Google Account, which will automatically sync and protect your data, and if you choose Phone, your contacts will only be stored in the device’s local memory, and when you reset, they will disappear.
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The Best Strategy: Use It SIM-Map only as a temporary transport for transfer, and the main storage always keep a cloud account Google for maximum data security.
After importing, be sure to check a few random contacts to make sure the numbers and names are displayed correctly and without distortion.