How to transfer numbers to SIM-Map to Xiaomi: All working methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-map in Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) Although modern devices store numbers in the cloud or internal memory, the relevance of the data is often questionable. SIM-The storage remains: it's a backup in case of a reset, quick sync with another phone or work in areas without Internet. MIUI hides this feature deep in the settings, and in new versions, removes standard export tools altogether.

In this article — 5 Proven ways to transfer contacts to SIM-map, including circumvention of restrictions MIUI 14/15, Work with.vcf files and recover from reset. We will analyze the nuances for different models (from Redmi Note). 12 before Xiaomi's flagships 14), We'll warn you against common errors and show you how to avoid data loss when you duplicate numbers. SIM-The map as a storage location, there is a solution.

Why does Xiaomi not have a “Export to SIM” button?

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has removed the direct option of transferring contacts to SIM from the interface.

  • 📱 Google: Android restricts entry to SIM security vulnerabilities (contacts on the card are not encrypted).
  • 🔄 Previous articlePriority of cloud services: Xiaomi and Google promote sync through accounts where data is better protected.
  • 🛠️ Technical limitations: modern SIM-cards (especially nano-SIM) have a small amount of memory (up to 250 contacts).

But the feature stayed in the system, it was just hidden, and below you will find ways to activate it, including hidden engineering code for older Xiaomi models (until 2020).

📊 How do you usually store your contacts before Xiaomi?
Nana SIM-map
In the memory of the phone
On Google account
In the VCF file
Another way.

Method 1: Standard export through “Contacts” (MIUI 14/15)

In the latest versions of MIUI, the SIM port option is partially back, but it doesn't work on all models.

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management.
  3. Choose Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
  4. Mark the contacts you need (or click Select All) → Export.

⚠️ Note: if the export points are SIM-No card, your model doesn't support it. Go to Method 2.

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

Check the free space on SIM (menu ##4636## → SIM information)

Turn off sync with Google during the transfer

Make a backup copy of your contacts in VCF-file-->

Method 2: Through the Engineering Menu (for older Xiaomi)

Devices up to MIUI 12 (e.g. Redmi 5/6, Mi A2) run a hidden code for forced export.

##3646633##

Next:

  1. Go to Connectivity → SIM Card → SIM 1 (or SIM 2 if the card is there).
  2. Select Phonebook. → Export Contacts to SIM.
  3. Wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

🔴 Warning: the engineering menu may contain options that affect the operation of the network!

What if the code doesn't work?
If you enter #3646633## and the message “Communication is not available” appears, then 1. Your Xiaomi model blocks the engineering menu (relevant for devices after 2021). 2. You have custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), where the menu is disabled. 3. SIM-The card does not support contact recording (check in the operator's cabin.

Method 3: Export to VCF → Import to SIM via third-party software

If standard methods do not work, the workaround:

  1. Export contacts to the file: in Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Export to file (select.vcf format).
  2. Download the SIM Card Contacts (or Copy to SIM Card) app from Google Play.
  3. In the application, select Import from VCF → specify the saved file → Export to SIM.

✅ Pros of the method:

  • 🔄 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the newest (Redmi Note 13, POCO X6).
  • 📊 Allows you to edit contacts before the penos (delete duplicates, correct numbers).

❌ Cons:

  • 🛑 Requires third-party software installation (risk of advertising in free versions).
  • 📶 I need a seat on the floor. SIM (Check it out via ##4636##).

Method 4: Transfer from Google Account to SIM

If your contacts are synced with Google, they can be exported to SIM via a workaround:

  1. Open Google Contacts in your browser on your PC.
  2. Select the necessary contacts → Export → vCard (for iOS) → Export.
  3. Tip the resulting.vcf file on your phone (for example, via Telegram or cable).
  4. Use Method 3 to import on SIM.

💡 Tip: Before exporting from Google, filter your contacts by labels (for example, “Work” or “Family”) so you don’t carry everything in a row.

1. Delete old SIM contacts via ##4636## → Phonebook → Delete.

2. Break it. VCF-file for parts of 100 contacts (use the service) VCF Splitter).

3. Insert SIM to another phone (such as a Nokia button), clean it and repeat the procedure.-->

Method 5: Restore contacts on SIM after resetting Xiaomi

If you reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset) and the contacts were only on SIM, restore them like this:

  1. Insert the SIM into your phone and wait for the network to be recognized.
  2. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Import with SIM-map.
  3. Choose where to save contacts: in Memory phone or Google account.

⚠️ Attention: if SIM-The card is damaged or the phone can't see it, try it:

  • 🔌 Reset the device with the removed SIM (paste).
  • 🔧 Wipe your contacts. SIM squirt (smooth!) and then squirt the slot.
  • 📱 Insert SIM to another phone and export contacts from there.

Table of methods compatibility with Xiaomi models

Xiaomi modelMIUI versionMethod 1 (standard)Method 2 (Engineering Menu)Method 3 (VCF + Application)
Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X514/15❌ No.❌ No.✅ Yes.
Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold 314 HyperOS⚠️ Partially.❌ No.✅ Yes.
Redmi 9/10, POCO M412.5–13✅ Yes.❌ No.✅ Yes.
Mi 9/10, Mi A311–12✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.

📌 Conclusion: for new models (MIUI 14+) More reliable use of Method 3 (through VCF). For the old ones (MIUI 11-12) Method 2 (engineering menu) is suitable).

💡

Before penos contacts on SIM always make a backup to VCF or Google – this will protect you from data loss in case of a crash.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t see the contacts on SIM after the transfer.

Decision:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone.
  • 📶 Check if it's active. SIM in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → SIM 1.
  • 🔧 In the dial menu, dial ##4636## → Phone information → update the data SIM.

Problem 2: Some numbers are missing when exporting.

Decision:

  • 📊 Check if the contact limit is exceeded. SIM (usually 200-250).
  • 🔍 Export contacts in portions of 50 pieces.
  • 📎 Make sure that the numbers are kept in an international format (e.g, +79123456789, not 89123456789).

Problem 3: Only names without numbers are transferred to SIM.

Decision:

  • 🛠️ Use the app. SIM Card Contacts and in the export settings, select Full Contact (Name) + Number).
  • 📝 Check the encoding of contacts: some characters (e.g., “e”, “#”) may be cropped.
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to SIM and then to Xiaomi?
Yes, but with nuances: On iPhone export contacts to VCF through settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts → Export.Slip the file to Xiaomi and use Method 3 (import app on the site) SIM). ⚠️ Note: iPhone does not support direct recording on SIM, so that's the way through VCF mandatory.
How many contacts are placed on SIM-Xiaomi?
Depending on the type of SIM: Standard SIM: up to 250 contacts. Micro/Sano-SIM: 100-200 contacts (operator restriction). eSIM: no support for contact storage. Check the free space through the engineering menu (#4636## → SIM information).
Why did the photos of contacts disappear after the transfer to SIM?
SIM-The cards only store names and numbers -- photos, emails and other fields are not supported. To keep the full data: Export contacts to the VCF (It stores all the information. Import. VCF Google Contacts or Phone Memory.
Can you automate the transfer of contacts to SIM on a schedule?
No, MIUI does not support automatic export to SIM. Alternatives: 📅 Use Tasker. + plugin SIM Card Contacts to create a schedule task. 🔄 Update your backup to Google regularly (it syncs automatically).
What to do if SIM-The card does not support contact recording?
Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or virtual operators) SIM) They block this function. Solutions: 📞 Contact the operator's office to request a replacement SIM on a model that supports a phonebook. 🔄 Use Method 3 (VCF + third-party software) for bypass transfer. 💾 Store your contacts on Google or on a memory card (through export to the Internet) VCF).