How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to SIM-card: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts to SIM-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face when changing their device, resetting their settings or switching to a phone without cloud-based reservations. MIUI (from 12 before 14) Android (10-14) actively promote synchronization through Google Account or Mi Cloud, the function of exporting to the Internet SIM It is still in demand, especially when it comes to budget models (Redmi). 9A, Poco C31) or devices with limited access to the Internet.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts to the SIM-Xiaomi map, including hidden settings, circumventing restrictions MIUI You will learn how to avoid common mistakes (e.g. loss of contact photos when copying on a computer) SIM), What data formats are supported and why some contacts may not be transferred, instructions are adapted to the latest firmware and take into account the peculiarities of working with nano-SIM and eSIM.

Why Contacts Are Not Transferred to SIM-Map in Xiaomi: common reasons

Before you start exporting, it’s important to understand why the feature can be blocked or not work properly.

• 🔹 Restrictions MIUI: Starting with MIUI 12, developers removed the direct export button on SIM from the contact interface, leaving it only in deep settings.
• 🔹 Type. SIM-Nano-SIM and eSIM have limited memory (usually up to 250 pins), and older micro-SIMs may not support Russian characters in names.
• 🔹 Data format: SIM-The cards only keep the name. + number, no photos, email, or additional fields, and multiple number contacts may be partially transferred.
• 🔹 Application rights: If you use third-party contact apps (like Truecaller), they may block access to system features.

Another common problem is post-transfer duplicate contacts, which occurs if the SIM already has a record with the same number but a different name. MIUI does not offer conflict resolution options (unlike Samsung or Huawei), so it is recommended to clear the SIM of old data before exporting.

Method 1: Standard export through contact settings (MIUI 12-14)

This is the most reliable method, but it is hidden in the depths of the menu, and the instructions are suitable for most models of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco based on Android 10-14:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All).
6. Confirm the export, wait for completion (can take up to 2-3 minutes with a large number of records).

If the export items SIM-The card is not on the menu, so your firmware is hiding it.

⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM Any additional contact fields (addresses, birthdays, notes) are lost. If they are important, pre-backup through Settings → Google → Backup.

Method 2: Export through the Engineering Menu (for hidden MIUI features)

If the standard method is not available, you can use the hidden engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful:

1. Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##3646633## (some models may require ##4636##).
2. In the menu that opens, select Information (or Information).
3. Go to section. SIM Card Info (information on SIM-map).
4. Tap on Read Contacts (read contacts), then Write Contacts (write contacts).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to select contacts and confirm exports.

This method circumvents the limitations of MIUI, but has risks:

• 🛑 There may be a problem with the engineering menu (don’t interrupt the process!).
• 🛑 Some firmware may not have Write Contacts.
• 🛑 Does not work with eSIM (only for physical use) SIM-map).

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for MIUI with reduced functions)

If the built-in methods don't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

Instructions for Copy to SIM Card:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. Select contacts for export (you can filter by group).
4. Press Copy to SIM and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SIM Contacts Backups may request export fees for more than 50 contacts!

💡

Before using third-party apps, check their permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. If the utility requests access to SMS or calls, this is suspicious and may indicate spyware.

Method 4: Manual transfer via VCF file (for power users)

If you need to migrate contacts to SIM, but standard methods do not work, you can use intermediate export to the VCF file (virtual business card).This method is suitable for Xiaomi with any versions of MIUI and allows you to save all data before transferring.

Algorithm of action:

1. Export contacts to the file VCF: Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. Select a save location (e.g., Internal Memory) → Download).

contacts.vcf

Google Contacts

Outlook

On the target device, export contacts to SIM in the standard way.

The advantage of this method is to keep all data (including photos and additional fields) in a backup, and the disadvantage is that it requires additional devices or a PC.

💡

The VCF file is a universal format for transferring contacts between any device, including iPhones and computers, and can be opened even in Excel for editing.

Method 5: Transfer contacts to SIM via computer (for MIUI with locks)

If your Xiaomi has completely disabled the export function on SIM (for example, on firmware for the European market), you can use a PC and Mi PC Suite program. This method requires the installation of official software from Xiaomi, but guarantees the safety of data.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
3. In the program, go to the Contacts section.
4. Select the necessary contacts and click Export → Nana SIM-map.
5. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring contacts to SIM-Xiaomi users are facing typical problems. We've collected the most common and ways to fix them:

If the contacts are duplicated or displayed in characters after transferring to SIM, try:

1. Delete all contacts with SIM via the phone menu (Contacts → SIM → Delete Everything).
2. Export contacts again by selecting the option to Replace existing contacts (if available).
3. Check your phone region settings: go to Settings → Additional → Language and region and select Russia (for correct Cyrillic display).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions