How to export contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways and nuances

Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map is a task that seems simple only at first glance, and in practice, users face format constraints, compatibility issues, and hidden settings. MIUI. This guide will help you understand how to export numbers to the SIM, which models support the function, and what to do if the phone does not see contacts after transferring.

It is important to understand that modern SIM-Cards (especially nano-SIMs) have strict memory limits: they usually store no more than 250 contacts with a minimum set of fields (name and number only). SIM In such cases, it is better to use cloud services or vCard files.

In this guide, we will look at:

• 🔍 Why Xiaomi is hiding the option of exporting to the SIM newer MIUI
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions for different models (Redmi Note, POCO, Mi)
• ⚠️ Typical errors and how to avoid them (e.g., no contact is saved")
• 🔄 Alternative methods of backup, if SIM-exportation unavailable

Why Xiaomi removed the direct export option on SIM?

Since MIUI 12 and later, many users have noticed that the standard SIM-based contact-export function has disappeared from the menu, not by accident, but by deliberate design.

• 📉 Outdated format: SIM-The cards store contacts in a format that does not support modern fields (for example, multiple numbers per subscriber or photos).
• 🔒 Security: Transfer of contacts through SIM It is considered unsafe – data can be easily stolen by simply inserting a card into another phone.
• ☁️ Priority of cloud services: Xiaomi actively promotes Mi Cloud and sync with Google, where the full history of changes is stored.

However, the feature remained in the system, but hidden deeper, and on some models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO X3 Pro), it can be called through a hidden menu of engineering settings or third-party applications, more about this in the following sections.

Preparation for export: what to check before transfer

Before you start exporting, follow these steps to avoid data loss:

Backup your contacts to Mi Cloud or Google

Check the vacant space on SIM-map (command *#100# or in settings)

Make sure that contacts are stored in your phone’s memory, not on SIM.

Take out the second. SIM-card (if any) to avoid confusion-->

Pay special attention to the location of the contacts. At Xiaomi, they can be in three places:

1. Phone Memory (Internal Storage)
2. SIM-Card (if previously imported)
3. Google/Mi Account (synchronized)

To find out where your contacts are stored:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export → See the list of available sources.

⚠️ Note: If your contacts are stored in a Google account, they cannot be exported directly to the Google account. SIM. First, transfer them to your phone’s memory: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Sync contacts (turn off), then copy contacts to local storage.

Method 1: Standard Export via Contact Menu (for MIUI 11 and older)

On phones with MIUI 11 and earlier, the export option on the SIM remained open access.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Click Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Select contacts for export (you can note everything) and confirm the action.

It takes 10 seconds to a minute depending on the number of records, and when it's done, it'll be notified, Export complete. X contacts copied.

⚠️ Note: Some of the products are exported after contact SIM They're displayed without names -- only numbers. SIM-Solution: use the Latin alphabet for names (e.g. Ivan Petrov instead of Ivan Petrov).

Method 2: Export via engineering menu (for MIUI 12/13/14)

If your phone doesn’t have an export option in the Contacts menu, try calling it through a hidden engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro, and Mi 12T.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Enter the code ##3646633##
3. Select Connectivity → SIM Card → Export Contacts to SIM.
4. Indicate. SIM-map (SIM1 or SIM2) and confirm the export.

If the code doesn’t work, try an alternative:

##4636## → Phone Information → Settings menu (three dots) → Export to SIM

On Snapdragon-based phones (e.g., POCO F5), the engineering menu may not include SIM export options.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the standard methods don’t work, install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Super Backup & Restore – Supports exporting contacts to file VCF importation SIM.
• 🔄 Copy to SIM Card – a specialized application for transferring contacts to SIM (work MIUI 14).
• ☁️ Mi Contacts Backup – Xiaomi’s official backup solution (but not always supported) SIM-export).

Example of Super Backup:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select Contacts → Backup (creates a.vcf file).
3. Connect your phone to your PC, copy the contacts.vcf file to your computer.
4. Use the SIM Card Editor (for Windows) program to download contacts from the VCF to the SIM.

💡

If the app does not see SIM-Map, try rebooting the phone with the retrieved and re-inserted SIM. Sometimes changing the slot helps (for example, move the slot). SIM slot 2 to slot 1).

Problem Solving: Contacts are not exported or displayed

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If after export, the contacts on SIM are displayed as Unknown or Private Number, the problem is in the storage format.

1. Export contacts one by one, checking the correctness of the display.
2. Use only numbers and Latin letters in names (no spaces or symbols).
3. Try another one. SIM-For example, replace the Beeline with a Tele2 — sometimes).

💡

If none of these methods worked, your Xiaomi model is likely to be completely devoid of export support. SIM In this case, use cloud services or physical SIM-PC reader.

Alternative methods of backup contacts

If SIM portability is not possible or convenient, consider these options:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Automatic sync with Xiaomi account. Included in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Contacts.
• 📧 Google Contacts: Export to Gmail: Contacts → Management → Exports to Google.
• 💾 Local file. VCF: Save contacts to a file on your phone or SD-map: Contacts → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
• 📱 Xiaomi's other device: Use Mi Mover for direct Wi-Fi Direct transmission.

The advantage of cloud services is that you can automatically update and access from any device, for example, in Mi Cloud you can restore contacts even after you reset your phone to factory settings, to turn on reservations:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Choose Mi Cloud. → Synchronization of contacts.
3. Activate the switch and wait until the first synchronization is complete.

For additional reliability, set up two-factor authentication in your Xiaomi account – this will protect your contacts from unauthorized access.

FAQ: Frequent questions about exporting contacts on SIM to Xiaomi