How to send contacts to SIM-Map on Xiaomi: All working methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone card may be needed in a variety of situations: when buying a new phone, resetting your settings, or even if you want to have a backup of important numbers, even though today’s devices are increasingly synchronized with cloud services, SIM-The map remains a reliable physical medium that is independent of the Internet or Google account.

Many Redmi users, POCO Xiaomi’s flagship models are facing a problem: in the latest versions MIUI contact-export function SIM It's hidden deep in the settings, or not in the usual form, because manufacturers are gradually abandoning support for outdated storage formats. SIM-map – both through standard tools and with the help of third-party applications.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including workarounds for new versions. MIUI 14/15, We also know what restrictions are imposed. SIM-Map of the number and format of the saved contacts.

Why Contacts Are Not Transferred to SIM-map?

Before we get into the instructions, it’s important to understand what the typical issues are: In Xiaomi phones (especially on MIUI 12 and later), the export feature on the SIM may not be available for several reasons:

• 📱 Firmware limitations: In the latest versions MIUI Developers have removed the direct export button in the contact menu, leaving it only in hidden sections.
• 🔒 Type SIM-Modern nano-SIM and eSIM often do not support recording of contacts (especially if the operator has blocked this feature).
• 📇 Contact format: SIM-The card stores numbers in an outdated vCard 2.1 format, which does not support fields such as email, addresses or multiple phones.
• 🛠️ Contacts: If you use a third-party application (such as Truecaller), the export function may not be available.

Besides, not everyone SIM-For example, virtual eSIMs from MTS or Tele2 are often devoid of this function, and physical cards from some operators (for example, Yota) may have a limit on the number of records (usually up to 250 contacts).

If you SIM-The card does not support the record, you will see a notification like "Can not export contacts. SIM-The card does not support this operation. In this case, you will have to use workarounds, which we will describe below.

Method 1: Standard export through "Contacts" (MIUI 12-15)

The easiest method is to use the built-in export feature in the Contacts app. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12-15 firmware, but the path to settings may vary slightly.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and find the Import/Export Contacts section. → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Select the contacts you want to transfer (you can mark everything), and click Export.
5. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 1-2 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

If the export items SIM-The map is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Contacts → Warehouse → Export of Contacts

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

Make sure there is free space on the SIM (usually up to 250 contacts)

Close all background apps that may block access to contacts

Connect your phone to charge if your battery level is below 20%

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Important nuance: When exported to SIM, only the name and primary phone number will be retained. Additional fields (second number, email, birthday) will be lost. If critical, consider exporting to.vcf file (see Method 3).

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SIM-If the process is stalled, restart the phone and try again.

Method 2: Transfer over the "Settings" system (for older versions of MIUI)

In MIUI 10–11 firmware (and some budget models like the Redmi 9A or POCO C31), the contact export function can be accessed directly through system settings, which is also suitable if you have a custom Contacts app.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Import / Export.
2. Select Contact Exports on SIM-map.
3. Mark the contacts you want (or click Select All).
4. Confirm the export and wait for notification of successful completion.

If this section is not available, try another way:

Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Local contacts → Export

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A2/A3 with pure Android), the feature may be called Copy Contacts on SIM and be in the Contacts menu → Settings → Contact Management.

Method 3: Export to.vcf file and then import to SIM

If direct SIM writing is not possible, you can use a workaround: first export contacts to a.vcf file, and then import them to SIM through a special application, which is universal and works even on newer versions of MIUI 14/15.

Instructions:

1. Export to.vcf: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file. Select contacts and save the file in the phone's memory (e.g., in the Download folder).

Import on SIM

• Install the SIM Contacts Manager app (available on Google Play).
• Open it, select Import from the device and specify the saved.vcf file.
• Click Export on SIM and wait until it is completed.

This method is convenient because it saves all contact fields (second number, email, photos), but requires an Internet connection, and can also be used if you reset your phone to factory settings and want to restore contacts.

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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, check which slot is inserted before exporting. SIM-The card you want to transfer contacts to is usually Slot 1 (main).

Method 5: Use of management applications SIM-contact

If standard methods don’t work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and they are especially useful for Xiaomi owners with custom firmware or outdated versions. MIUI. Here's the top.-3 test-driven:

• 📲 SIM Contacts Manager – allows you to import / export contacts, edit them directly to the Internet. SIM, supports backup.