How to clean up completely SIM-Map from contacts on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step guide

The Xiaomi Redmi SIM card can store up to 250-500 contacts (depending on the operator), but over time this memory is clogged with outdated numbers, duplicates or unnecessary entries. Unlike the phone’s internal memory, managing contacts on SIM requires separate actions – they can not just be “selected and deleted” as in the phone book. Más aún, cleaning errors can lead to the loss of all numbers without the possibility of recovery, unless you create a backup in advance.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to remove contacts from the SIM-Xiaomi Redmi cards (relevant for Redmi Note 12 Pro models)+, Redmi 11 Prime, POCO X5 and others MIUI From standard system tools to hidden engineering menu features, choose a method for your situation, and we will also tell you how to avoid typical errors (for example, when the phone does not see contacts on the Internet). SIM) What to do if the numbers are still displayed after cleaning.

Why contact us SIM-The card must be cleaned separately.

Contacts to SIM-The card and the phone are two different storages, and even if you delete the number from the Contacts app on Xiaomi, it can stay on the phone. SIM And then reappear on the next import. Here are the key reasons why you should clean. SIM:

• 📱 Duplicate numbers: The same contact can be stored on the same SIM, and on the account Google/Mi Accounts that create confusion when searching.
• 🔄 Synchronization errors: When transferring contacts from phone to phone, old records from the phone SIM can overwrite current data.
• 📶 Limited space: SIM-The cards only support the name + number (without photo, email or additional fields), but take up space in the menu of the quick dial.
• 🔒 Security: When a phone is lost, an attacker can easily export contacts from the phone. SIM, if it's not protected PIN-code.

On Xiaomi Redmi, SIM contacts are displayed in a separate tab of the Contacts app (commonly called “SIM” or “SIM Phone Book”). If this tab is empty but you’re sure there are numbers, the problem may be in the display settings or data corruption on the map.

Method 1: Standard removal through the Contacts app

The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app (also called “Phone” or “People” in MIUI’s global firmware), which is suitable for selectively deleting individual records or groups of contacts.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Go to the SIM tab or SIM Phone Book (may be called "SIM1"/"SIM2" for two cards).
3. Press and hold your finger on the contact you want to remove, then select the others (a tick will appear).
4. Slip on the basket icon (or “Delete”) in the top menu.
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the SIM tab is missing:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Contact Storage and Turn on Display SIM.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the tab appears after a restart.

Create a backup copy of contacts|Check the balance SIM (Some operators block access at zero balance)|Disable synchronization with Mi Account/Google time-out|Make sure that SIM-card unprotected PIN2 (can block editing)

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Chinese version of the app, especially the option to remove contacts from SIM In this case, use Method 3 (Engineering Menu) or Method 4 (USSD-team).

Method 2: Mass disposal through export/import

If there are many contacts on SIM (e.g. 100+ records), it is inconvenient to delete them one at a time, which can help export to the file, edit the list on the computer and import back only the desired numbers, which is also useful for transferring contacts from SIM to the phone or to the cloud.

Instructions:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Choose Export with SIM and save the file in.vcf format (to a memory card or internal drive).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and edit the.vcf file in a text editor (like Notepad++) by removing unnecessary entries.
4. Return to Import/Export, select Import to SIM and upload the edited file.

If there is an error when importing "failed to keep contact", check:

• 📶 Network signal: SIM-The card must be active (not in flight or without a network).
• 🔐 PIN2-code: Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block editing contacts without any contact information PIN2. You can find him in the communication room.
• 📱 Firmware: On MIUI Update over 12 version may be required through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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Before mass deletion, export your contacts to Google Account or Mi Cloud.This will protect you from accidental data loss if you have a personal account. SIM-The map will suddenly stop reading.

Method 3: Cleaning through an engineering menu (for power users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the delete button is inactive), you can use the Xiaomi engineering menu. This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions. SIM-map.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require a code: ##36446337###
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the SIM Management block and tap it.
4. Choose the right one. SIM-Card (if there are two) and click Erase Contacts.
5. Confirm the action. It'll take 10 to 30 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The engineering menu may be missing or blocked.In this case, use Method 4 (USSD-Method 5 (PC software) and other options in the engineering menu are not recommended to be changed, as this may disrupt the network.

If the contacts are still displayed after cleaning, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Remove and re-insert SIM-map.
• 🔧 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

Method 4: USSD-clean-up SIM (Not all operators are working)

Some mobile operators support USSD-Contact management teams on SIM-This is the fastest method, but it doesn't always work, depending on the policy of the operator and the type of system that you use. SIM (conventional).

Try entering the following commands in the Phone application:

• For MTS, Beeline, MegaFon: *#99# Then, in the menu that opens, select Contact Management → Delete everything.
• For Tele2: *#100# Follow the instructions in SMS from the operator.
• Universal command (rarely): *#31# If you have a menu after dialing, look for SIM Toolkit → Phonebook Management.

If nothing happens after the command is entered:

• 📵 Make sure that SIM-card active (there is a network signal).
• 🔄 Try to enter a command with another SIM-cards (if the phone is two-sim phone).
• 📱 Update your phone firmware on older versions MIUI support USSD may be limited.

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USSD-If the commands don't work, use alternative methods (engineering menus or PCs) if the commands don't work).

Method 5: Cleaning SIM through a computer (for advanced users)

If none of the previous methods helped, you can connect Xiaomi Redmi to your computer and use specialized programs to work with the computer. SIM-This method requires a card reader or support. ADB phone-on.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Programme SIM Card Editor (for Windows) or GSM SIM Toolkit (cross-platform).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🔐 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the Redmi screen).
2. Run the program. SIM Card Editor and select yours SIM-map.
3. In the menu, find the Phonebook or Contacts section.
4. Select all contacts (or needed) and click Delete.
5. Save the changes and extract SIM-card (if card reader was used).

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Not all programs support modern programs USIM-maps (used in the 4G/5G network).
• ⚠️ In case of incorrect operation of the program SIM-The card may be blocked - you will need a replacement in the cabin of the operator.
• ⚠️ MacOS or Linux may require additional card reader drivers.

What to do if your SIM contacts are not deleted

If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in hardware limitations or data corruption on the computer. SIM-Here are the possible causes and solutions:

If SIM-The card is physically damaged (for example, after falling into the water), it is better to replace it. Modern nano-SIM costs 50-200 rubles in communication salons, and transferring the number takes 5-10 minutes.

To check the performance of the SIM:

1. Remove the card and inspect the contacts for scratches or oxidation.
2. Try to insert it into another phone (not Xiaomi).
3. If the card is not determined, contact the operator for a replacement.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the SIM on Xiaomi Redmi