How to transfer contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: 3 working methods

Why SIM-card contact transfer is relevant in 2026

Despite cloud services and sync through Google Account, many Xiaomi users still prefer to keep contacts on the Internet. SIM-This is due to several key reasons: autonomy (access to numbers even without the Internet), compatibility with old phones and additional reserve in case of resetting, for example, owners of Redmi Note 12 or the other two. POCO X5 Pro often face the need to quickly transfer contacts when switching to a spare device.

V MIUI 14 (and earlier) export function on the SIM It's still there, but it's been repositioned, and it's now hidden deeper in the settings. SIM Due to operator restrictions (for example, some virtual SIM-This feature can be locked hardwarely in a TV2 or Yota card. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including workarounds for problem cases.

Preparation: What to check before transfer

Before you start exporting contacts, make sure to make three key points:

• 📱 Smartphone model: Old devices (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) Maybe there's no support SIM-New flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5) They usually work without problems.
• 📇 Type SIM-Cards: Standard only SIM (Not nano-SIM in the adapter!) supports recording contacts. eSIM and virtual cards - no.
• 🔋 Battery Charge: With a Large Number of Contacts (>500) the process can take up to 5-7 minutes. Make sure the charge is at least 30%.

Also check the free space on the SIM-map: one entry takes up ~140 bytes and the standard limit is 250-500 contacts (depending on the operator). → Settings → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Viewing SIM-contact.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (two cards), the default system will offer to save contacts to the SIM, To change the target map, you have to temporarily change the call settings to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Method 1: Standard Exports via Contact Menu (MIUI 12–14)

This is the most reliable method for most devices, and is relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 firmware, including global and Chinese versions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate) → Export.
5. Select your target. SIM-card (if there are two) and confirm the action.

It takes 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the number of records, and when the Export notification is complete, go to Contacts → SIM (the tab at the top of the screen) to check the result.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) contact names may be displayed in format after export LASTNAME Firstname: This is a feature of the firmware, which is that you can only fix it manually on the target device.

Method 2: Transfer through system settings (alternative path)

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, due to contact app glitches), try an alternative route through system settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the contact list and tap on it.
3. Select Warehouse → Contact Management → Import / Export.
4. Follow the steps in Method 1 (paragraphs 3-5).

This path is especially useful for customized firmware devices (such as Xiaomi.eu), where the standard contact menu can be changed, and it helps if the Contacts app freezes when you open it.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for problem cases)

If the standard methods didn’t work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 3 apps that work with Xiaomi:

Instructions for SIM Contacts Manager (we recommend it as the most reliable option):

1. Install the app and give access to contacts.
2. Choose Export to SIM → mark the necessary contacts.
3. Press Select SIM and specify the target card.
4. Confirm the export.

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Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts in Google Account or VCF file. This will protect your data from loss in the event of a crash.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

When migrating contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Failure to export contacts: an error occurs when SIM-The card is locked in the PIN. Solution: temporarily disable the PIN in Settings → Security → Lockdown SIM-map.
• 🔄 Contacts are duplicated: This occurs when re-exported. Before a new entry, clear SIM-Contacts through Contacts → SIM → Delete everything.
• 📵 No export options: Some POCO (for example, POCO X3 NFC) Solution: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.
• 🌐 Hieroglyphs instead of names: The problem of encoding when transferring to old phones. Solution: Rename contacts in Latin before exporting.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🛠️ Integrity SIM-Maps: Try inserting it into another phone and recording the contact manually.
• 📲 Developer Mode: Enable it (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap) and turn off the debugging USB — Sometimes it interferes with working with SIM.

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If you SIM-card from Tele2 or Yota, contact support – they often block the recording of contacts at the profile level of the card.

How to Transfer Contacts Back to Xiaomi SIM

The reverse process (importing from SIM to phone) is even easier:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Make sure you have the right contacts (or all of them) → Imports.
4. Specify where to save: on the device or in Google Account.

One important thing to note is that when importing, don't duplicate contacts. If your phone already has copies, select Skip duplicates in the import settings. Also note that the Email and Address fields are SIM-Cards are not portable – they only support numbers and names.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions