Changing a mobile device is often stressful for the user, especially when hundreds of important numbers are stored in the memory of an old smartphone. MIUI They're faced with the need to move data quickly so they don't lose touch with business partners and friends. SIM-The card remains one of the most versatile and reliable ways of migration, which does not require complex configuration of cloud services or a permanent Internet connection.
Modern smartphones offer many synchronization options, but the old-fashioned method of copying to a SIM card chip is still relevant due to its simplicity and compatibility with any phone models. You do not need to understand the complex settings of a Google account or use third-party applications if you just need to save a list of numbers. This solution is ideal for those who are switching from a button phone to Android or vice versa, and also when buying a used device.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for different versions of MIUI firmware, look at possible errors and suggest alternative backup methods. You will learn how to avoid data loss and what limitations this method has. Proper preparation for data transfer is the guarantee that your phone book will remain safe in any situation.
Preparation for data transfer and verification of restrictions
Before you start copying, you need to make sure that your SIM-Standard Nano-SIM or Micro-SIM cards have a limited amount of memory for storing contacts, which usually ranges from 200 to 500 records depending on the operator and year of release of the plastic. If your subscriber list significantly exceeds this limit, the system will prompt you to select contacts to transfer or automatically copy only a portion of them, which can lead to confusion.
It is also worth checking whether the SIM card is securely installed in the device tray. When removing the tray during a data recording operation, there is a high risk of damage to the card file system and complete loss of records. Make sure that the smartphone is charged at least 30-40%, since the process of copying large amounts of data can take several minutes and require stable power to the processor.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, we strongly advise you to back up your contacts to your Google account or to your.vcf file to have a recovery point in case of a failure when writing to your account. SIM-map.
It's important to understand the difference between storing numbers in your phone's memory and on your SIM chip. The SIM only stores basic data: name and phone number. All the additional fields, such as email addresses, photos, addresses and notes, will be permanently lost when you transfer, so if you want a full contact card, you'd better use sync via Google Contacts or export to the file.
Step-by-step: copying through a standard application
The main method of transfer is implemented through the built-in Contacts app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS), but the logic of actions remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
When you start the app, look at the bottom of the screen or the top corner, where the three dots or menu icon are located. When you click on it, you will see a drop-down list of actions. You will need to find "Import/Export Contacts" or simply "Contact Management." In some versions of the firmware, this section may be called "Contact Settings."
☑️ Checklist before copying
In the menu, select the option “Export to” SIM-map (or "copy on" SIM-The system will automatically analyze the phone book and show the number of contacts available for transfer. If you want to copy not all numbers, but only favorites, some versions of the interface allow you to pre-check the necessary entries before launching the export function.
Once the action is confirmed, the copying process will begin, and you may see a warning on the screen that additional fields will be cropped, agree and wait for completion, and at the end of the operation, you will receive a notification of success or error if there is not enough space on the map, and now your numbers are available on any other phone after you simply install the SIM card.
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If you have a two-sim smartphone, the system will ask which one. SIM-card (1 or 2) you need to write down the contacts.
Alternative methods through system settings and Mi Cloud
If a standard application is not working properly or the interface seems confusing, you can use the Android system settings. The path to the desired function may vary, but often it is hidden in the depth of the menu. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts. Here, in the Storage section, the data management option is sometimes available, although direct export to SIM from here is rare and depends on the specific model.
A more reliable alternative is to use the Mi Cloud cloud service, which is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. Make sure the Contacts switch is activated. Once synchronized, you can log into your account from any other device (including through your browser on your computer) and upload contacts in.vcf format, which is then easily imported to any phone.
Another option is to use the Mi Mover feature, a special application from Xiaomi designed to migrate data from an old smartphone to a new one, which works by creating a local Wi-Fi network between devices, and although the main goal is to transfer to a new phone, this method ensures that all contact fields, including photos and addresses, are saved, which is impossible when copying to a SIM card.
| Transfer method | Saves a photo. | Internet is required | Limit of records | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIM-map | No. | No. | 200-500 | Low. |
| Google Account | Yes. | Yes. | No. | Medium |
| File.vcf (Bluetooth) | Yes. | No. | No. | Medium |
| Mi Mover | Yes. | No (locally) | No. | Low. |
Solution: Errors and problems when copying
Users often face a situation where the item "Export to the SIM-The card is simply not on the menu or is inactive (blocked in gray), most often because the current source of contacts is not the internal drive of the phone, but a Google or Exchange account. To fix this, open your contact display settings and select “All Contacts” or specifically “Phone” so that the system understands where to get data.
Another common problem is the memory error. SIM-As mentioned earlier, the chip has limited capacity. If you have 600 contacts and the SIM holds 250, only the first 250 will be copied alphabetically, or the process will interrupt. In this case, you will have to delete old or unnecessary numbers from the SIM card directly in the control menu. SIM-map, or break the process into several stages, if the interface allows you to select specific groups.
⚠️ Note: When copying names in Cyrillic (Russian) in very old SIM-If you're transposing them to foreign-branded button phones, they can be rendered as unreadable characters. SIM-map.
Sometimes the process hangs in the middle. Don't rush out the SIM card. Wait 2-3 minutes. If there's no reaction, try restarting your smartphone and repeating the procedure. Also helps is clearing the Contacts app cache through the app settings menu: Settings → Apps → Contacts → Memory → Clear your cache. This won't delete your numbers, but will reset temporary files that may have caused the crash.
Why did the names disappear after the transfer?
Import contacts from SIM-cards to the new Xiaomi
After successfully transferring data to the SIM card and installing it in the new Xiaomi smartphone, you need to perform the reverse procedure - import. This action will copy the numbers from the chip to the internal memory of the phone, making them full-fledged Android contacts. Open the Contacts app and go back to the settings or import/export menu.
Select the item "Import with" SIM-The system will suggest choosing a destination: internal phone memory or Google account. It is recommended to choose a Google account, as this will provide automatic synchronization and protection against data loss in the future. If you choose Phone, contacts will only be stored on that particular device.
During the import process, the system may ask how to handle duplicates if there are already numbers in memory. Select the option “Do not import duplicates” or “Combine” to avoid cluttering the phone book with repetitive entries. Once the process is complete, be sure to check several random numbers to make sure that the display of names is correct.
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Importing to a Google account is preferable to storing it on a Google account. SIM-map, as it allows you to save full contact profiles with photos and sync them between all your devices.
Comparison of storage methods: SIM-map
In the digital age, it's considered obsolete to have a SIM-only contact, but it's a valid option, and the main advantage of a SIM is autonomy, you can move it to any phone, even the oldest phone, and the numbers will be accessible, no passwords, no internet, no sync settings, it's a backup of iron that's always on hand.
However, the disadvantages of this method are significant. In addition to the small volume and lack of support for additional fields (address, email, photo), there is a risk of physical damage to the card. Contacts on the SIM card have no version and history of changes. If you accidentally delete a number or change it to an incorrect one, it will be impossible to restore the previous version, unlike cloud services, which store a history of changes for up to 30 days.
Cloud solutions like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud offer limitless space and smart sorting, automatically combining duplicates, prompting numbers when typing in instant messengers, and allowing you to search for contacts for any keywords from your notes. For the modern user Xiaomi optimal strategy is to store the main base in the cloud, and on the Internet. SIM-The card to copy only the most critical minimum - emergency numbers and close relatives in case of complete discharge of the smartphone and lack of Internet.