How to transfer numbers from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways + fixing

Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-The map seems like a simple task, but in practice users face a lot of nuances: from the lack of an option in the menu to export errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer numbers (including hidden ones), explain why some contacts may not be copied, and show you how to get around the restrictions. MIUI 14/15. We will pay special attention to models with hybrid slots (for example, Redmi Note). 12 Pro+), where SIM-map shares space with memory card.

It is important to understand: modern SIM-Cards (especially nano-SIMs) have a limit on the number of contacts they can save, usually between 250 and 500 entries, and if you have thousands of numbers, you'd better use a cloud backup or a.vcf file. But if the goal is to back up on a physical medium or transfer to another phone without the Internet, our guide will help you do it without loss.

Why you can’t just copy your contacts SIM-map?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that the option of exporting to the SIM-The map is missing from the menu:

• 📱 Politics MIUI: Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi hid a direct export option for the SIM, But the function stayed in the system, it was just hidden deeper.
• 🔄 Type SIM-Cards: On devices with eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) or hybrid slots (POCO X5 Pro) the option may be blocked automatically.
• 📇 Contact format: SIM-The cards only support the name + No photo, no email, no extra fields, if the contact contains that data, it won't move.

In addition, some operators (such as Tele2 or Yota) block the SIM recording from the network, in which case only the replacement of the card or the use of alternative methods will help.

Method 1: Standard export via Contacts (operates on MIUI 14/15)

Despite the hidden feature, most Xiaomi models (including Redmi 10C, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) have an export option on the SIM.

1. Open the Contacts app (a 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 (if no option - see Hidden Method).
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate) → Export.

The process will take 10 seconds to a minute depending on the number of numbers, and the Export notification will appear after completion.

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

Check the free space on SIM (via ##4636##)

Turn off sync with Mi Cloud (Settings → Accounts)

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

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⚠️ Note: If an error occurs when exporting contacts Failed to export, try to remove and re-insert SIM-In 30 percent of cases, this solves the problem of media recognition.

Method 2: Alternative method via Settings (for hidden option)

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 15 Global for Xiaomi 13 Lite), the export option is hidden to return it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
3. Return to the Contacts app and repeat the steps from Method 1.
4. If the option never appears, use the engineering menu access code:

##3646633##

From the engineering menu, select Telephony → SIM Management → Export Contacts to SIM. This method only works on Qualcomm processors (Snapdragon) and may not be available on MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 9A).

Method 3: Use third-party applications (if standard methods don't work)

If none of the above methods worked, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most reliable ones:

• 📲 SIM Contact Manager (free, no ads): – Supports batch export/import – Works on Android 13/14 — Keeps contacts encrypted UTF-8 (cirillic)
• 🔄 Copy to SIM Card (paid, 99)₽): — Automatically filters incompatible contacts – There is a backup function before export – Supports dual-symbol phones

Instructions for SIM Contact Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to your contacts.
3. Choose Export to SIM → mark the necessary contacts.
4. Click Start Export and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: Applications for working with SIM-card requires rights android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS and android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE. If the export option is inactive after installation, check the permissions in Settings. → Annexes → Permits.

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Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts in.vcf format via Settings → Google → Backup. This will protect your data when crashes occur.

What to do if the contact is not transferred to SIM-map?

If the export process ends with an error or only part of the numbers are transferred, check the following points:

• 🔍 Problems with SIM-map: - Try inserting SIM to another phone and export contacts from there. – Make sure the card is not locked with a PIN (enter it in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 📵 Operator restrictions: – MTS and Beeline cards usually do not block recording, and MegaFon can limit the number of records to 200. SIM new (cost) ~100₽ salon).
• 🔧 Technical limitations: Contact with symbols +, (, ) Remove the formatting before exporting. - If the contact name is longer than 20 characters, SIM-map.

If nothing helps, use the following workaround:

1. Export contacts to the.vcf file (via Contacts → Export to File).
2. Copy the file to your computer and edit it in Excel or Notepad++, leaving only numbers and names.
3. Import the cleaned file back to your phone and then re-export to SIM.

How to transfer contacts with SIM-Maps back to Xiaomi?

If you need to return the numbers from SIM-cards to your phone (for example, after resetting your settings), do the following:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Allocate).
4. Select an account to save (such as a Device or Google).
5. Press Import and wait until it is completed.

Imported contacts will appear on the list in 10 to 30 seconds. If some numbers don't show up, check:

• 🔹 Are they duplicated with existing records (enable the display of duplicates in contact settings).
• 🔹 Are they saved in the correct account (switch the display in the top menu of the Contacts app).

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Import with SIM-The card doesn't restore contact photos, notes, or extra fields.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

We have collected typical problems of Xiaomi users when working with contacts on the Internet. SIM-map and ways of eliminating them:

If your problem is not described in the table, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Restart the phone and repeat the export.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions