Replacing a smartphone or switching to a new one SIM-The card often challenges the user to quickly move the phone book: owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices running the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS, may face nuances different from standard Android, this is due to aggressive system optimization and features of the application “Contacts”, which by default tends to save data in the cloud, rather than on physical media.
Modern smartphones offer many ways of synchronization, but storing numbers directly on the Internet. SIM-This map is still relevant for those who change devices frequently or don't trust cloud storage. SIM-The card has limited memory and an outdated storage format, which can lead to the trimming of long names or the loss of additional numbers if they were tied to a single contact.
In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for different firmware versions, look at hidden menu features, and suggest alternative ways to solve export problems. You will learn not only to copy data, but also to format it correctly to avoid losing important information when changing carriers or buying a new gadget from a Chinese manufacturer.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you start transferring data, you need to make sure that your SIM-The card is physically fit and properly installed in the slot. Modern Xiaomi smartphones often use combined slots or hybrid trays, where the second SIM shares space with the memory card. Make sure the device sees the card and displays the operator's network. If there are no signal icons in the status bar, the copying procedure will not be possible.
It's also worth checking the amount of space in the SIM's phone book. Older cards can only store 250 entries, and each record is limited to a certain number of characters in the name (usually up to 14-20 characters). If you try to copy a few thousand contacts with long names and photos to such a card, the process will end in error or partial success. Formatting data before writing in this case will not help, because the hardware limitation is not.
⚠️ Note: When copying the SIM-All additional numbers (mobile, work, home) tied to a single contact in the phone’s memory will be broken down into separate records or only one primary number will be retained.
It is recommended to perform a phone book audit in advance, remove duplicates and contacts that you no longer need, which will speed up the process and reduce the risk of software failures while working with the system application Contacts. If you have a dual-sim device, decide in advance which medium you plan to write data to, as the system will require you to select a target map.
Classic method through the Contacts app
The most direct and common way to transfer data is through a standard application, which is preinstalled on all devices in the MIUI line. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic of actions remains the same. You need to open the Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette) and go to the settings menu, which is usually hidden behind three dots in the upper right corner or three horizontal bars.
In the menu that opens, you should find the item "Import / Export Contacts" (in some versions it is simply called "Contact Management"). The system will suggest you choose the direction of the operation. We are interested in the action "Export to the Internet". SIM-card or copy from phone to phone SIM». After selecting this item, Android will request confirmation to access the storage and contact list.
☑️ Copying algorithm
Then you'll see a list of all the contacts available for portability, and you can select individual records manually, or you can use the "Select All" button at the top of the screen. Note that when you select a large number of records (more than 500), the interface can slow down, which is normal behavior of the system when processing the data array. After selecting, click on "Copy" or "Export".
The copying process takes time proportional to the number of records. At this time, it is not recommended to switch between applications or block the screen, since the background processes in MIUI can be limited by the energy saving system, which will cause an interruption of the operation. Upon completion, you will receive a notification of successful completion or an error report if some contacts were not recorded due to the data format.
Working with Google Contacts and Cloud Sync
An alternative and often more reliable method involves using the Google ecosystem: If your contacts are saved to a Google account, you can manage them more flexibly using a web interface or a dedicated application. This method is especially relevant if the built-in Xiaomi app is glitchy or not seeing. SIM-First, make sure that sync is enabled in your account settings.
To perform an operation via a standard Android interface (which may differ from the interface) MIUI), Go to your phone settings, look for Users and Accounts or Google, and select Google Account Sync and make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active. After synchronization, the data will be taken to the cloud, from where it can be uploaded to the map through the control menu. SIM-card.
| Parameter | Phone memory | SIM-map | Google Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | No restrictions. | ~250 contacts | No restrictions. |
| Photo preservation | Yes. | No. | Yes. |
| Additional numbers | Yes (multiple) | No (one on record) | Yes. |
| Risk of loss | High (on discharge) | Medium (physical wear and tear) | Minimum |
Using a cloud profile allows you not only to save data, but also to restore it in the event of a loss of the device. SIM, After synchronization with Google, you will still have to use the export function in the contact app, selecting the source of Google, and the recipient «SIM-This adds one step, but guarantees the integrity of the data before writing to a limited medium.
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If you have a dual-sim phone, the system can ask which one to use. SIM-Make a map to record contacts. Choose the right slot carefully so that you don't confuse operators.
Nuances of the MIUI and HyperOS interface
MIUI and HyperOS shells have their own add-on over standard Android called Services and Feedback, or just Xiaomi system apps. In recent firmware versions, the manufacturer sometimes changes menu layouts or hides the direct export feature on SIM to encourage users to use the Mi Cloud cloud service, which can confuse the inexperienced user.
If you do not see the Import/Export menu SIM-If you want to change the contact list, click on the three dots (menu) in the Contacts app and select Display Contacts, make sure you check the "All Contacts" box or select the specific account where the numbers are stored. Sometimes the export function becomes active only after the system “sees” the contacts for the work.
In some cases, cleaning the app cache helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts → Storage and click “Clear Cache.” This won’t delete your numbers, but will reset temporary interface errors. It’s also worth checking the permissions: the app must have access to the phone and contacts, otherwise it won’t be able to read the data to transfer.
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of Xiaomi firmware have a direct copy function on SIM In this case, the only solution is to use third-party applications from the Play Market or export via vCard file and then import through the engineering menu (if available).
HyperOS users should look at the updated design of the settings menu. Logic remains the same, but visual elements may have shifted. Look for System Apps in the general settings if you can't find contact management in the quick menu. The adaptability of the interface in new versions tends to unify the experience, but old user habits can play a cruel joke.
Use of third-party snails and file managers
If Xiaomi’s regular tools fail, third-party solutions come to the rescue. Google Play has a variety of contact management apps, such as Copy My Data, SIM Card Manager, or Contacts+, which often have a simpler, more intuitive interface for mass copying than standard Android tools.
The principle of their work is to read the database of contacts of the phone and then write them to the chip. SIM-Download the application, give it the necessary permissions (access to contacts, phone, SMS) And follow the instructions of the master, and it usually takes a few minutes, even for large phone books.
Another method is to use file managers, such as MI File Manager or Total Commander.You can export contacts to.vcf (business card), save the file to internal memory, and then try to import it through the control menu. SIM-This is a more complex method, but sometimes the only one possible in case of serious system failures.
Why can't contacts be copied?
Removing common errors
During the copying process, users often encounter an error: “Can not copy contacts” or “Memory” SIM-The card is filled, even if the card is empty, and this may be because there are already hidden or deleted entries on the map, but not cleaned. SIM-The card item "Delete all contacts with the SIM» or “Clean up” SIM», Perform cleaning and repeat export attempt.
Another common problem is cropping names, as mentioned earlier, SIM-The card has strict limits on the length of the name string (usually 14 characters in the encoding). GSM). If your contact is called "Alexander Pushkin," it will remain on the map as "Alexander Serg." This is not a Xiaomi phone error, but a technical limitation of the communication standard that you have to put up with.
If the phone doesn't see SIM-map in the export menu, check if it is active. → SIM-Make sure the slot is on, sometimes it helps to just reboot the device with the SIM card extracted: insert the card after the phone is turned on, wait for the network to appear, and only then try to copy the contacts.
In rare cases, the problem is that the card itself is damaged, and if the contacts are not recorded on the second attempt after cleaning, and the card behaves the same way on the other phone, it may be that its memory sector is damaged, in which case you should contact the operator's salon for a free replacement. SIM-number-card.
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The most common cause of failure is a full memory. SIM-Always start the process by completely clearing the card of old records.