How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways + mistake

Introduction: Why to transfer contacts to SIM-map in 2026

SIM as a store of contacts seems archaic against the background of cloud services like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud, but even in 2026 this method remains relevant in three cases: when you change your phone to a device without support. MIUI (For example, on an iPhone or a feature phone, if you don't have the Internet to sync, or if you don't really trust cloud services. SIM-The card is not tied to the account and does not depend on access to the network.

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi sub-brands, POCO Black Shark has nuances when working with SIM-First, modern models only support importation of SIM, And exports are often hidden in the depths of the menu, SIM-The number of cards is limited: most people only keep 250 contacts with a name and a number (no mail, address, or additional fields) and if your phone book has thousands of records, you will have to selectively transfer only the most important ones.

In this article, we will analyze all working ways to transfer contacts with Xiaomi to the Internet. SIM-map, including workarounds for models where the export function is disabled by default, and consider common errors (e.g., "Cannot export contacts") and how to fix them.

Preparation: What to do before transfer

Before you start exporting, follow a few mandatory steps that will eliminate mistakes such as missing contacts or problems with your business. SIM-card.

📱 Check the model. SIM-Maps: modern nano-SIM (used in Xiaomi) 12/13/14) They can store contacts, but they're limited. Check with the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline limits are usually limited). 250 The records,2 — 200).
🔄 Sync contacts with Mi Cloud: even if you don't plan to use the cloud, backup will come in handy. → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization of contacts.
📊 Clear the duplicates: SIM-The card does not support the merging of the same contacts. → Management → Combine duplicates.
🔋 Charge your phone: With a lot of data, it can take up to 5-10 minutes to export. Make sure the battery is above 30%.

Pay special attention to the format of the SIM contacts. Most Xiaomi phones by default save them in the GSM 7-bit encoding, which does not support Cyrillic. If the names have Russian letters, they will appear as "??" or Krakozabras. The solution is to use the Latin alphabet or export contacts in vCard format (more in the next section).

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dual-SIM model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), Make sure you choose the right export slot. By default, the system may try to write data to the second one. SIM, free-flowing.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in export function in the Contacts app. MIUI 14 This option is hidden deep in the menu. 11T, Redmi Note 10/11, POCO F4 newer:

Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
Scroll down to the Import/Export section → click Export on SIM-map.
Select the contacts to transfer (you can mark all or select selectively) → confirm the action.

If the export items SIM-No card, so your model uses a simplified version of the application:

🔍 Try to find the function through search in settings: open Settings → Search (a magnifier at the top) and enter "export" SIM".
📲 Install an alternative contact app (such as Simple Contacts or Contapps) where the export feature is explicitly available.

The process can take a few minutes. When completed, the notification will appear "Contacts successfully exported." Check the result: go to Contacts → SIM (the tab at the top of the screen).

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the free space on SIM (the "Storage" menu in the SIM settings)

Disable VPN/proxy (they can block access to system functions)

Close all background apps (especially messengers like WhatsApp)

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Method 2: Export via vCard (VCF) followed by importation by SIM

If standard export doesn’t work or you want to move contacts with Cyrillic support, use the intermediate format vCard (.vcf).This method is versatile and suitable for any Xiaomi models, including the Black Shark 5 or Mi Mix Fold.

Step 1: Exporting contacts to VCF

Open Contacts → Management → Import / Export → Export to file.
Select a save location (e.g., Internal Memory → Downloads) and confirm.
A file called contacts.vcf will be created in the selected folder.

Step 2: Imports VCF on SIM-map

Here's the caveat: MIUI does not support direct import of VCF to SIM.

📎 Method A: Use a third-party application SIM Card Contacts (available on Google Play) allows you to import VCF directly SIM.
💻 Method B: Connect your phone to your PC, copy contacts.vcf to your computer, then use MyPhoneExplorer to transfer to your PC. SIM.

The advantage of this method is to save Cyrillic characters and additional fields (e.g. email or address), but it takes more time and additional software.

Why import is not working VCF on SIM into MIUI?

Versions MIUI 12 and later restrict access to low-level functions SIM-This is due to Google's policy on protecting user data (Android 10)+). A workaround — use ADB-commands or root rights, but it is risky for inexperienced users.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed and contacts are critically important to move to SIM, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) and requires command line skills.

Preparation:

Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
Install ADB Tools on your PC.

Export teams:

adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts --projection display_name:number


adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.INSERT -t vnd.android.cursor.dir/contact -e phone [NUMER] -e name "[Name]" --es sim_id 1

Replace [Number] and [Name] with real data. Packet export requires a Python or Bash script, which is complicated, but it guarantees portability even on locked devices.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failure or data loss. Create a backup via adb backup before executing commands. -f backup.ab -apk -shared.

Table: Comparison of methods of transferring contacts to SIM

Method	Difficulty	Cyrillic support	Limitations	Xiaomi models
Standard exports	⭐	❌ (Latin)	Limit 200-250 contacts	All of MIUI 12-14
Through VCF + Third Party Software	⭐⭐	✅	Requires application installation	All models.
ADB-team	⭐⭐⭐	✅	You need a PC and skills	With the loader unlocked
Manual input	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅	Time-consuming.	Anybody.

Typical errors and their solutions

When transferring contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and consider the most common ways to eliminate them:

🚫 "Failed to export contacts": Check if the power saving mode is on (it blocks background processes). → Battery.
🔄 "Contacts to SIM Not displayed": Restart the phone or remove/paste SIM-Sometimes it helps to change the slot (with the card). SIM1 on SIM2).
📵 "No export options for SIM": Update the Contacts app via Google Play. If there are no updates, install APK with APKMirror (version 12.0.5 and later).
🔠 "Cracosabre instead of letters": SIM-The map doesn't support Cyrillic. The solution is to use the Cyrillic method. VCF or rename the contacts in Latin before export.

If the error is repeated, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
Select Warehouse → Clear the data (do not delete the cache!).
Restart the phone and repeat the export.

Standard export through Contacts

Through VCF-file

ADB or root methods

Manual input

I can't stand it, I use the cloud.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring contacts to SIM

Can I transfer my SIM contacts back to my Xiaomi phone?

Yes, open Contacts → Manage → Import / Export → Import with SIM. Select contacts and confirm imports. These will appear under Device or Google (depending on sync settings).

Why not? SIM-The map shows only 200 contacts out of 500?

That's your limitation. SIM-Operators (e.g. MegaFon or Yota) set a limit on the number of records, so the solution is to move only the most important contacts or use several different contacts. SIM-map.

Can I export WhatsApp or Telegram contacts to SIM?

No, messengers store contacts separately from the phone book. First export them to the phone book (on WhatsApp: ⋮ → Contacts → Exports, then transfer to SIM standard-of-the-art.

Will SIM exports work if the phone can’t see the network?

Yes, to transfer contacts to SIM-The card does not require a mobile network or the Internet. SIM-The card was recognized by the phone (displayed in the status of "Done" or "No network").

How to transfer contacts to SIM if the screen of the phone is broken?

Connect your phone to your PC via USB, use MyPhoneExplorer or Dr.Fone to manage your contacts, and the alternative is to connect your keyboard over OTG and control your phone blindly (you need to know the sequence of actions).

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If your Xiaomi model does not support export SIM, use a workaround through VCF-file + It's a universal method that works on 99 percent of devices under the MIUI.

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Before mass perenosom contacts on SIM, check them for duplicates using the Duplicate Contacts app. This will save space and avoid confusion.