Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi map: all working methods of 2026

Transfer of contacts to SIM-The map in Xiaomi smartphones seems like an easy task, but many users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of an option in the menu to errors in exporting. MIUI (12th) this feature is hidden due to format limitations SIM-But there are still a number of ways to move numbers to a chip, from standard tools to workarounds for dual-model models. SIM.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the current 2026 techniques, including hidden settings, working with.vcf files, and explain why some contacts may not transfer (for example, with multiple numbers or photos). Separately, we’ll focus on the nuances for the popular series — Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 — and show you how to avoid data loss when changing your phone. If you’re planning to upgrade to a new device or just want to back up on SIM, this guide will help you get it right the first time.

Why is Xiaomi hiding the option of porting to SIM?

Starting with MIUI 12. the function of exporting contacts to SIM-The map has become less visible, removed from the main contact menu, and the reason is technical limitations:

• 📱 Outdated storage format: SIM-The cards only support text numbers without photos, mail or multiple phones for a single contact.Modern Xiaomi address books store data in an extended format VCARD 3.0, incompatible with SIM.
• ☁️ Priority of cloud services: The company is actively promoting synchronization through Mi Account or Google Contacts, where data is stored in encrypted form and is available on any device.
• 🔄 Double-sided problems SIM: On smartphones with two slots (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The system does not always correctly determine which card to export to.

However, the feature is not completely removed, it's just moved, and in the next sections, we'll show you exactly where to look for it in different versions of the firmware.

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

This method works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO firmware MIUI 12-15, but requires strict follow-up. SIM-card inserted SIM1 — Some devices allow you to export data only to the first card.

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.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map (if no option - see the hidden method below).
5. Check the contacts for transfer (or click Select All) and confirm the export.

The transfer time depends on the number of contacts: 200-300 numbers will take 1-2 minutes. SIM-map before the process is complete – this can result in loss of some data or damage to the chip’s file system.

Check the balance. SIM-Cards (on some tariffs, the recording is blocked)

Make sure the card is inserted into the SIM1 slot

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

Connect your phone to charge (for models with a weak battery)

-->

Method 2: Hidden option in settings (for MIUI 14+)

In the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14 and later), the standard export path can be hidden.

1. Open "Settings»** (⚙️).

This method works even if the option is not in the main Contacts menu, but be careful: changing system settings can cause other functions to fail.

Method 3: Export via VCF file followed by import

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5), You can use a workaround: first export contacts to a.vcf file, and then import it to another one. SIM-This is a universal method, but requires an additional gadget (for example, an old phone with support). SIM-export).

Step 1: Export to VCF

1. Open the "Contact» → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Export to file and save.vcf to internal memory or to SD-map.

Step 2: Transfer to another device

• 📲 Transfer the.vcf file to another phone (e.g., via Bluetooth, Telegram, or cable).
• 🔄 On the second phone, import contacts from the file and then export them to the SIM-map through the standard menu.
• 🔙 Bring it back. SIM-map back to Xiaomi.

This method is guaranteed to work, but takes longer, and the main advantage is that you save all contact data (including mail and additional numbers) that is usually lost when exporting directly to SIM.

💡

If you don’t have a second phone, you can use online services to convert VCF to SIM format (like vcf-to-sim.com).However, be careful – only upload files to trusted sites to avoid data leakage.

Limitations and problems with the transfer of contacts

Even if you export successfully, you may face a number of challenges.

Another important nuance: contacts with multiple numbers (for example, work and personal) on the SIM-The card will only be saved with one number, usually the first on the list. To avoid this, divide these contacts into separate records before exporting.

💡

Before perenosom contacts on SIM, make sure to check whether your card supports data recording. Some carriers (for example, virtual ones like Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobil) have this feature disabled by default.

Transfer of contacts to a new one SIM-map

If you're planning to change SIM-card (e.g., switching to eSIM or replacing the chip with a nano format), the transfer of contacts can be done without loss:

1. Export your contacts to the old one SIM-map (any of the above methods).
2. Insert the new one. SIM-card to the phone (in the same slot as the old one!).
3. Import contacts from the old one SIM new: 📱 Open the "Contact» → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports. 🔄 Select Import with SIM-maps and specify the new card as the target. ✅ Confirm the transfer.

Important: if a new one SIM-check before importing if it supports contact storage, for example, some MegaFon or Yota tariffs block this feature to encourage the use of cloud services.

⚠️ Note: When moving contacts between SIM-If you use different operators' cards (e.g., Beeline on Tele2), you may lose Cyrillic names. To avoid this, rename your contacts to the Latin alphabet before exporting (e.g., "Ivan Petrov» → «Ivan Petrov»).

Alternative methods of backup

If the transfer is SIM-The card is impossible or inconvenient, consider alternative methods of backing up contacts on Xiaomi:

• ☁️ Sync with Mi Account: Automatically saves contacts in the Xiaomi cloud. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization. Plus: Data is available on any device with the same account.
• 📧 Export to Google Contacts: Add a Google account to your phone settings and enable contact sync. SIM-cards, as it supports all fields (mail, photos, notes).
• 💾 Local Copy on Phone: Export contacts to a.vcf file and save it to a secure folder (e.g., in Downloads or on the phone). SD-For security, archive the password file.

The advantage of these methods is to save all contact data (unlike the other method). SIM-For example, when you sync with Google Contacts, you can even recover your call history and attached files.

💡

For maximum reliability, use a combination of methods: export contacts and use the SIM-Map (for quick access) and Google Account (for full reserve).

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi