How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all working methods

Why SIM-card transfer is relevant for Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line, POCO and Mi) store the default contacts in a Google account or internal device memory, but many users still prefer backups to the device. SIM-card, especially when changing phones, traveling abroad, or using a second device, SIM-The card does not require the Internet and is protected from accidental removal when resetting settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to export contacts to SIM for Xiaomi phones running MIUI 12/13/14, including bypassing typical restrictions (for example, a limit of 250 contacts on one SIM or the lack of functionality in new versions of firmware).

Importantly, the procedure is different for nano-SIM, micro-SIM and eSIM — the latter does not support any storage of contacts at all. If your Xiaomi works with virtual SIM, skip this guide and use cloud services.

Preparing Xiaomi phone for the transfer of contacts

Before exporting, check out three key points:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: newer MIUI 12.5. standard transfer function to SIM It can be hidden. It's going to have to be activated through Settings. → Special facilities → Developer functions.
• 📇 Contact format: SIM-The cards only support the name + number (no photos, email or additional fields) All other data will be lost.
• 🔒 Blocking the operator: some SIM (For example, corporate ones, you can't record your contacts.

If you use Xiaomi with two SIM-In the cards, the system will suggest you select a target card for export. Make sure that there is enough free space on it - one entry takes up ~100 bytes, and the total limit is usually 250-500 contacts (depending on the operator).

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app

This is the easiest method, but it doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models, and the instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and the Mi 11/12/13 flagships:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management → Imports/Exports.
3. Click Export on SIM-map.
4. Check the contacts for transfer (or select All) and confirm the action.

If the export items SIM-No card, so your firmware has hidden it. Go to Method 2.

⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM Xiaomi automatically removes all special characters from names (e.g., “Ivan”) ✈️» It will become Ivan. It will also lose the linked accounts of WhatsApp or Telegram.

Method 2: Transfer through system settings (for new versions of MIUI)

In MIUI 13/14, the export function on SIM is often moved to Settings.

1. Open Settings → Memory → Contacts.
2. Select Import/Export Contacts.
3. Tap Exports on SIM-map.
4. Indicate. SIM-If you have two cards, then you can confirm the transfer.

If there is no function here, try activating it through the developer mode:

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Enable export to SIM

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work, install one of the apps you’ve tested:

• 📲 Copy to SIM Card (free, no advertising) - supports package exports and shows the occupied place on the SIM.
• 📲 SIM Contacts Manager (paid version) – allows you to edit contacts directly to the SIM.
• 📲 Contacts Optimizer – clears doubles before export.

The algorithm of work in all applications is similar:

1. Start the program and give access to contacts.
2. Select Export on SIM.
3. Mark the contacts you want (or all) and click Save.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SIM Card Contacts Backup requires root rights to work with Xiaomi. without them they may not see SIM-map.

Limitations and problems when transferring contacts to SIM

Even with successful export, you may face problems:

If the contacts are not displayed on another phone after the transfer, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility SIM with the device (some iPhones don't read the contacts with the device) SIM).
• 📵 Number format (should be) +7XXXXXXXXXX, not 8XXXXXXXXXX).
• 🔧 Receiver phone settings (enable contact display with SIM).

💡

Before mass export, test the transfer of 2-3 contacts, so you will make sure that the data is stored correctly and without loss.

Alternative methods of backup contacts

If SIM portability is not possible or convenient, consider alternatives:

• ☁️ Export to Google Account: synced automatically, available on any device. → Google accounts → Synchronization of contacts.
• 📄 Export to file VCF: saves all fields (photos, email, notes) Path: Contacts → ⋮ → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
• 🔗 Sync with Mi Account: Reserves contacts in the Xiaomi cloud. → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
• 💾 Local copy on SD-Card: Suitable for phones with memory card support (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro).

These methods have the advantage of storing all data (including photos, birthdays, and social media accounts), but they require access to the Internet or additional devices to recover.

💡

SIM-The card is only suitable for temporary storage of contacts. For long-term reserve, use cloud services or files. VCF.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi