How to copy contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone card is often a necessity when changing your device, resetting your settings, or wanting to back up important numbers, even though modern phones are using cloud services like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud, SIM-The card remains a universal solution – it works without the Internet and is compatible with almost any phone.

However, Xiaomi users often face problems: in new versions MIUI 13/14 exportation SIM hidden deep in settings, and in some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ or POCO F5) It's not in the standard interface at all, and in this article, we're going to look at all the current ways, from standard tools to workarounds using third-party applications.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi is that the manufacturer is actively promoting its own cloud solutions, so the transfer of contacts to the company is not a problem. SIM It's not always intuitive, SIM-Cards support a limited number of records (usually up to 250 contacts) and do not store additional fields such as email or addresses - only name and number.

If you use Xiaomi with two SIM-In the old models, the system can suggest that you select a target card to copy. 4X or Mi A1) The interface is different, so we'll focus on retro devices, and for flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3, we'll give you alternative methods if the standard method is not available.

1. Standard method: export through "Contacts» (MIUI 12/13/14)

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app. MIUI The way to the feature has changed, and many users simply can not find it. MIUI 14 (also suitable for MIUI 13 and MIUI 12.5 Enhanced):

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).

2.Shoot three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.

3. Scroll down and find the Import/Export Contacts section.

4. Select Export to SIM-map.

5. tick the contacts you want to copy (or click Select All).

6.Click Export and confirm action.

In some cases, the scaling (for example, POCO X5 Pro) a paragraph may be called Copy on SIM or save on SIM. If you have a global version MIUI, The interface will be in English, look for it. Import/Export contacts.

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

Check the space available on SIM (usually up to 250 contacts)

Close all background applications for stable operation

Connect your phone to charge if the charge is below 20%-->

If the Export button is on SIM Inactive or absent, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 📱 SIM-The card does not support contact recording (relevant for some virtual operators such as the Tele2 or Yota).
  • 🔒 The card is blocked by PIN code - unlock it in the settings SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  • 📵 No access to memory. SIM — Try restarting your phone or re-inserting/resetting the card.
  • 🛠️ Firmware restriction in some regional versions MIUI The function is disabled (for example, in Indian Redmi).

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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, check which one before exporting. SIM-The card is the default card for calls, and the contacts are copied to that card, even if you manually specify the other one.

2. Alternative method: via the "Settings" of the phone

If the Contacts app doesn’t offer an export option, try doing so through system settings. 10C, POCO M5 Xiaomi 12 Lite:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Find and select the Contacts app (or Contacts in global firmware).

3. Storage (or Storage) is a memory.

4. At the bottom of the screen will appear the button Contact Management — click on it.

Follow the standard export procedure (see section 1).

This path is relevant for devices where the function is hidden from the main interface. MIUI 13.0.6 standard export may not be available, but via Settings it is available.

If this method did not work, the reason may be:

  • 📲 Updated firmware with remote function - in the latest beta versions MIUI 14 Developers Sometimes Remove “Old” Options.
  • 🔧 Operator restrictions – some SIM-cards (for example, from MTS or Beeline of the old sample) block the record.
  • 🔄 Duplicate contact conflict – if the phone book has repeating numbers, the system can block exports.
What to do if SIM-map is not defined?
If the phone can't see SIM-card at all, try: 1. wipe the contacts of the card with a sweep (cleaning from oxidation). 2. Insert it into another smartphone and check the performance. 3. Update the firmware of the module SIM through settings → The phone. → Update MIUI. 4. Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset. If the problem persists, it may be malfunctioning. SIM-Slot - contact the service center.

3. Use of third-party applications (if the standard methods do not work)

If you have Xiaomi (for example, Redmi) K50 Ultra or POCO F4 GT) exportation SIM And we've taken it out, and we've got third-party tools coming in, and we've tested a few apps, and we've selected the most reliable ones:

1. «Copy to SIM Card» (Simpler Apps)

  • 🔹 Free, without advertising, supports the Russian language.
  • 🔹 Allows selectively copy contacts with the indication of the slot SIM.
  • 🔹 It works on Android. 10-13 (including MIUI 14).

2. «SIM Contacts Manager»

  • 🔹 Paid version ($1.99) removes the 50 contact limit.
  • 🔹 Supports backup to.vcf file.
  • 🔹 Compatible with Xiaomi on Android 9+.

3. «Contacts Optimizer»

  • 🔹 Further cleanses duplicates before export.
  • 🔹 There is a function of merging contacts from different accounts.

To copy contacts using these applications:

1. Download and install the utility from Google Play.

2. grant permission to access contacts and SIM-map.

3. Select contacts for export (you can filter by group).

4. Specify the target SIM-card (if two of them).

5. Confirm the copy.

Standard export through "Contacts"

Through third-party applications

Synchronization with Google/Account Xiaomi

Manual input on a new phone

Another way.-->

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, check reviews about them on Google Play. some utilities (for example, «SIM Card Contacts Backups may request redundant permissions or contain advertising software.We recommend using only proven solutions from our list.

4. Transfer of contacts by computer (for advanced users)

If the phone refuses to copy the contacts SIM, You can do it on a PC. You'll need to:

  • 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
  • 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
  • 🛠️ Programme Mi PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.

2. Connect the phone to the computer and allow access to the data (the phone will be asked).

3. in the program go to the Contacts (or Contacts) section.

4. Select the necessary contacts and click Export.

5. Select the VCard format (.vcf) and save the file to your PC.

6.Now import contacts back to the phone, but with the choice Save on SIM-map.

This method is universal and works even on devices with damaged screens (if enabled). USB-However, it takes longer and is not suitable for rapid transfer.

⚠️ Note: When you connect Xiaomi to your PC in File Transfer mode, some antiviruses (such as Kaspersky or Avast) may block access to contacts. temporarily disable protection or add Mi PC Suite except in the case of.

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

Depending on the model and firmware version, the process of copying contacts on the SIM We've collected data on popular devices:

Xiaomi modelMIUI versionExport methodNotes
Redmi Note 11 Pro+MIUI 13.0.9Through “Contacts» → «Management» → «Exports»It only works with SIM in slot 1.
POCO X4 ProMIUI 14.0.2Third-party application requiredStandard function removed in global firmware
Xiaomi 12T ProMIUI 13.2.4Through “Settings» → «Annexes» → «Contacts»It supports up to 500 contacts on SIM
Redmi 9AMIUI 12.5.1Direct export from “Contacts”Limitation of 200 contacts
Mi 11 UltraMIUI 14.0.5Only through third-party utilities.The function is blocked in Chinese firmware

For Android One devices (such as Mi) A3 or Mi A2) The process is similar to Android’s stock:

1. Open Google Contacts.

2.Push three dots. → Contact management → Exports.

3. Choose. SIM-goal-card.

Xiaomi owners with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will have to use the ADB-commands or third-party applications, as they often lack built-in support SIM-contact.

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On devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) function of export to the SIM It is usually available, whereas in global and Chinese versions it can be cut down.

6. Solving common problems

When copying contacts on SIM Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Issue 1: Export button for SIM» idle

  • 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
  • 📶 Check if the mode is on the plane.
  • 🔧 Update the Contacts app via Google Play.

Problem 2: Contacts are not fully copied

  • 📇 SIM-The card has a volume limit (usually 250 contacts.
  • 🔠 Delete unnecessary fields (email, address) — SIM It only retains the name and number.
  • 📵 Try another one. SIM-map (for example, from MegaFon instead of MegaFon) Tele2).

Problem 3: “Can’t export contacts” error

  • 🛠️ Clear the cache of the application Contacts in Settings → Annexes.
  • 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset).
  • 📲 Check it out. SIM-The card on another phone, it may be damaged.

Problem 4: Contacts are not displayed after copying

  • 🔍 In the contact settings, select the display of records from SIM (Contacts → Settings → Display contact).
  • 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes it takes time to index.
  • 🔧 Install. SIM-card to another slot (if the phone is two-simulated).

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Memory.

2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.

3.Reboot the phone and repeat the export.

7. How to check that contacts have been successfully copied to SIM

After export, it is important to make sure that the data is actually recorded on the SIM-There are a number of ways that you can do this:

Method 1: Viewing through the phone book

1. Open the Contacts app.

2.Shoot three points (⋮) → Settings → Display contact.

3. Choose. SIM-Card – Copyed numbers should appear.

Method 2: Checking on another phone

1. Extract. SIM-A card from Xiaomi and paste it into another phone (such as a Samsung or iPhone).

2. Open contacts and make sure they appear in the section SIM.

3 If there are contacts, but not all – repeat the export, breaking the list into parts.

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.

2. Go to Phone Information → SIM-information.

3. Check the Contact field on SIM — The number of records should be indicated.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), note that the virtual version is a very simple one. SIM-The card doesn't record contacts, so you'll have to use a cloud backup or a physical nano-SIM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi

Can I copy SIM contacts back to Xiaomi phone?
Yes, for that: Open Contacts → Contact management → Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-Indicate where to keep contacts (by phone or account) Google/Xiaomi). Please note: duplicates may occur when importing if the phone already has similar numbers.
Why is my Xiaomi not offering SIM export options?
It could be related to: 📱 Regional firmware in Chinese and some global versions MIUI function. 🔧 System Update – in the latest versions MIUI 14 developers have removed the “obsolete” options. 📵 Type. SIM-Cards – virtual operators (such as Tinkoff Mobile) often block the recording. Solution: use third-party apps or transfer contacts through Google Account.
How many contacts can be saved on SIM-map?
It depends on the type. SIM: 📱 Standard. SIM — before 250 contact. 📱 USIM (4G/5G) — before 500 contact. 📱 eSIM — 0 Contacts (not supported by recording) also note that SIM retains only the name + Additional fields (email, address, notes) will be lost.
Can I copy the contacts to SIM Xiaomi without a phone?
Yes, if you have another smartphone (even not Xiaomi): Export your contacts with Xiaomi to a.vcf file (via Contacts) → Export. Move the file to another phone (Bluetooth, email, or cloud) Import contacts to a new phone by selecting save on your phone. SIM. This is true if your Xiaomi is broken, but SIM-card.
What to do if you copy your contacts SIM hieroglyphic?
This is a coding problem typical of the old ones. SIM-Solutions: 🔤 Check the language of the system - install Russian in the settings. 📵 Try another one. SIM-map (new) USIM They usually support Unicode). 🔧 Use the app «SIM Contacts Manager — it handles the encoding correctly. If the problem persists, export the contacts to a.vcf file and import them to a new phone without using the same code. SIM.