How to transfer contacts to SIM-Map on Xiaomi: all working methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone card often raises questions among users – especially after updating to the phone MIUI 13/14, So the manufacturer simplified the interface, but hid some of the features. 9, where the export option was available in two clicks, modern models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 pro POCO F5) roundabout.

In this article, we’ll look at the current ways of 2026, including hidden MIUI features, circumventing operator restrictions (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and solving common errors like “insufficient SIM memory” or “contacts don’t show up after transfer.” We’ll look at both standard methods through Settings and alternatives using Google Contacts, third-party apps, and even ADB for advanced users.

Why Xiaomi has hidden the export of contacts on SIM

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi is gradually removing support for operations with SIM-I'm using maps from the main interface:

• 📱 Google policy: in new versions of Android functions work with SIM They're considered obsolete, and manufacturers have to hide them to meet Google Mobile Services requirements (GMS).
• ☁️ Priority of cloud services: Xiaomi is actively promoting synchronization through Mi Account and Google Contacts, where data is stored in encrypted form.
• 🔒 Security: SIM-The cards have limited memory (typically up to 250 contacts) and do not support encryption, making them vulnerable to leaks.

However, the portability remained — it was simply moved to Settings → Additional or made available through USSD codes. Next, all working methods with your Xiaomi model in mind.

Method 1: Standard export via MIUI settings

This method works for most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi). 9A, POCO M4 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Lite) with MIUI 12-14: SIM-The card must be inserted into slot 1 (main), otherwise the option may not appear.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map → Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate all).
5. Confirm the export. It takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on the number of records.

⚠️ Note: If the items Export to SIM-No card, so your firmware has hidden it. Go to Method 2 or Method 3.

Method 2: Using USSD code (for all models)

A universal method that works even on Xiaomi with custom firmware. Uses hidden operator commands to control SIM-Suitable for MTS, Beeline, Megaphone and Tele2.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Enter the code ##869434## and press the call button.
3. Select SIM Management → Export Contacts to SIM.
4. Mark the contacts and confirm the transfer.

🔹 Note: Some firmware code may not work – in this case, try an alternative:

##3646633##

(Opens the engineering menu where you need to select SIM Toolkit → Export Contacts).

Method 3: Export via Google Contacts (if SIM is not supported)

If you SIM-The card does not allow you to record contacts (for example, eSIM or nano-SIM cards without memory), you can first export the data to Google Account and then sync it with another device.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Google Accounts.
2. Select your account → Contact Sync (enable if disabled).
3. Get back in touch. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
4. Select Export to the VCF file (save in the Downloads folder).
5. Send the file to your email or copy it to another device where the SIM supports the recording.

⚠️ Note: When exporting to VCF Notes and additional contact fields (e.g., date of birth) are lost. Use Method 5 for full reserve.

Method 4: Contact transfer applications

If the built-in methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications, and the best results were:

• 📲 Sim Contacts Manager (free, no advertising) – supports batch export and editing of records on the Internet SIM.
• 📲 Copy to SIM Card (there is a premium version) - can convert formats and restore damaged contacts.
• 📲 Contacts Optimizer – additionally cleans duplicates before export.

How to use:

1. Install the app from Google Play (links above).
2. Launch and provide access to Contacts and Warehouse.
3. Select Export to SIM → Mark contacts → Confirm.

⚠️ Note: Check reviews before using – some applications (e.g, SIM Contact Transfers contain hidden advertising or collect data, and we recommend turning off the Internet before exporting.

💡

If the app requests access to SMS, refuse! This is not required to transfer contacts and may be a sign of spyware.

Method 5: Advanced Method through ADB (for Power Users)

If you’re using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader or custom firmware (like LineageOS), the standard ways may not work, and Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.

Procedure:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command: adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts to get a list of contacts.
3. For export to SIM use: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.INSERT -t vnd.android.cursor.dir/contact -e sim true

🔹 Important: This method requires command line knowledge. A team error can lead to data loss.

💡

ADB-The only way to transfer contacts to SIM in custom firmware, where standard functions are removed MIUI.

Solving Typical Transfer Errors

Even after successful export, users face challenges, and the most common solutions are:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI: in some versions (for example, MIUI 14.0.4) Export bug was patched.
• 📶 Type SIM-Cards: eSIM and virtual SIM (For example, from Yota, do not support contact recording.
• 🔧 Access rights: C Settings → Permissions verify that the Contacts app has access to storage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi