How to clean it completely SIM-Xiaomi phone card: from contacts to system cache

Cleanup SIM-Xiaomi's smartphone cards are a procedure that can be used in a variety of situations, from a simple memory deficit to preparing the card for transfer to another person. SIM-settings as simplified as possible, MIUI It offers advanced tools, but they're hidden in the depths of the menu. SIM-The card is not only the contact, but also the SMS-messages, call data, and sometimes operator cache, which can take up to 50% of available space.

In this article, we will look at all possible cleanup methods, from standard MIUI functions to hidden commands through the engineering menu. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of Xiaomi: some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and POCO F4) automatically reserve SIM data to the Mi Account cloud, which can lead to their recovery after deletion, and you will learn how to avoid a common error when after cleaning the card ceases to be determined on the network – this happens due to a reset of the operator profile.

Why you might need a cleanup SIM-map

At first glance, modern nano-SIM cards have enough memory (up to 256 KB on the new standards) to store thousands of contacts.

• 📱 The "Memory" error SIM “full” appears when trying to maintain a new contact or accept SMS. Especially relevant for cards of the old sample (until 2015), where the memory capacity did not exceed 32 KB.
• 🔄 Contact transfer conflicts – if you are switching from Android to iPhone or vice versa, duplicate entries to your iPhone SIM Can cause synchronization failures.
• 📡 Failures in the mobile network – clogged cache operator (for example, MTS or Beeline) can lead to loss of signal or inability to connect to the network. 4G/5G.
• 🔒 Preparation for sale / transfer – even after removing contacts through the phone menu, they can be restored using specialized software such as SIM Card Recovery.

Interesting fact: in MIUI 14 there is a function of automatic optimization SIM-It only works on flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, MIX Fold 3: On budget devices (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5) This procedure must be performed manually.

Method 1: Standard contact removal via MIUI menu

The simplest method that is suitable for most users is that it allows you to delete contacts and SMS, but does not affect the operator's system data.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the tab. SIM-Card (if you have two cards, choose the one you want).
4. Click All or manually mark unnecessary contacts.
5. Slip on the basket icon (Delete) and confirm the action.

To delete the SMS:

1. Launch the Messages app.
2. Select a section SIM-map (not to be confused with All messages").
3. Press any message with your finger, then mark the rest or tap All.
4. Click on the basket icon.

All contacts with SIM-map|

Removed SMS-messages saved on SIM|

Call log linked to SIM| is cleared

NOT removed

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially custom) after mass removal of contacts may appear error "SIM-card is not supported. In this case, restart the phone or retrieve/paste the card.

Method 2: Completely reset SIM settings via engineering menu

This method allows you to clean all data, including hidden files of the operator, but requires caution. Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can lead to malfunctions in the mobile network.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information in English firmware).
3. Scroll down to the SIM Information block.
4. Click on Refresh, then select yours. SIM-map (SIM1 or SIM2).
5. Tap on Reset SIM or Clear SIM Data (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).

After this procedure has been completed:

• 📌 All contacts and SMS will be destroyed without the possibility of restoration.
• 📡 The mobile internet settings will be reset (APN). You will have to reconfigure them or request them from the operator.
• 🔄 Update profile USIM (may temporarily disappear the network).

Method 3: Cleaning the SIM cache through MIUI settings

Few people know, but MIUI Creates a cache to speed up work with SIM-Over time, this cache can grow and cause errors, and you can clean it without removing the contacts:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find the phone (or com.android.phone) in the list and tap it.
4. Choose Memory and Cache.
5. Click Clear Cache (do not click Clear Data – this will reset all call settings!).

This procedure helps in the following cases:

• 📞 The phone is looking for a long network after turning on.
• 📶 Often disappears 4G/5G for no apparent reason.
• 🔋 Battery is discharged quickly due to constant activity of the communication module.

Method 4: Formatting SIM via PC (for power users)

If standard methods do not help, you can try formatting. SIM-This method is suitable for cards standard Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM (nano-SIM will require an adapter).

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11.
• 📇 Card reader for SIM (cost).
• 🛠 Programme SIM Card Editor or PySIM (free utility).

Step-by-step:

1. Extract. SIM-card from the phone and insert it into the card reader.
2. Connect the reader to your computer. Windows should define it as a removable disk.
3. Install and run the SIM Card Editor program.
4. In the main window of the program, select your SIM-card (if there are several).
5. Go to the Tools tab and click Format SIM.
6. Select the Standard GSM file system and confirm the formatting.

⚠️ Note: PC formatting completely erases all data, including operator service information. SIM-cards in the communication room, as some operators (for example, Tele2) block cards after low-level formatting.

💡

Before formatting via PC, back up your contacts using the Mi Mover app (available in Settings → About Phone → Backup) to allow you to recover data even if the card is blocked by the operator.

Method 5: Resetting phone settings (extreme case)

If none of the above methods have helped, SIM-The card still doesn't work properly, you can reset the phone completely, and this will remove all data from the device, including system files that may conflict with the device. SIM.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if linked).
4. Confirm the reset. It'll take 5-10 minutes.

After the reboot:

• 🔄 SIM-The card will be defined as new (mobile network settings will be required).
• 📲 All contacts and SMS, The ones on the phone will be deleted.
• 🔐 Reference to Mi Account will remain (if you do not manually disable it).

💡

Resetting your phone is a last resort, and before you do it, try all the other ways and make sure that the problem is the problem. SIM-not on the phone itself (for example, a faulty card) SIM-slot).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning SIM-Xiaomi cards are often the most common problems that users face, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🚫 "SIM-card not supported after cleaning - arises due to resetting profile USIM. Solution: Reboot your phone or contact the operator to update your profile.
• 📵 Mobile network disappears – check your settings APN (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → If the settings are reset, ask the operator for them.
• 🔒 Blocked. PUK-code if you have entered incorrectly 3 times PIN-code, card is blocked. PUK-code can be found on the operator's website or in the communication salon.
• 📱 The phone can't see. SIM after extraction - gently wipe the contacts of the card with a smooth (without pressing!) and insert it again.

Special attention should be paid to dual-simulated phones (Xiaomi). 12T Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+). When cleaning one SIM-To avoid this, disable the second card in the settings before the procedure (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → turn off the second SIM).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions