How to transfer contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi phones: all ways

Why SIM-card transfer is relevant for Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but sometimes there is a need to save them on the Internet. SIM-This may be needed when changing devices (especially if the new phone is not from Mi), for backups without the Internet or for problems with syncing Google Account, unlike the old "calls", where the default contacts were saved on the Internet. SIM, into MIUI This feature is hidden deep in the settings – and doesn’t always work the same on different models.

It's important to understand: SIM-The cards are limited. They only support basic data (name) + number, no photos, no additional fields or account binding, maximum number of contacts depends on the operator, usually it is 200-250 If you need to move more data, consider alternative ways (we'll talk about it below).

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 Wherever MIUI the function of exporting to SIM
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions for different firmware versions (including: MIUI 14)
• ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• 🔄 Alternative methods of transfer (through PC, cloud, third-party applications)

Preparation: What to do before transfer

Before you start exporting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss or disruptions in the process.

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-Nano-SIM card (like most modern Xiaomi) but previously used in older phones, it can have limited memory for contacts. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Memory of contacts.

Preparation checklist:

Create a backup of contacts in Google Account|Check the format SIM (nano/micro/standard)|Make sure you're on SIM enough room|Close all background apps (especially messengers)|Connect your phone to charge (in case of a long operation)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Even if you move your contacts to SIM just in case, exports can go wrong. MIUI has a built-in backup feature:

1. Open the Contacts app
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports
3. Select Export to file and save.vcf to internal memory or Google Drive

If you have a Redmi Note 10/11 or older, the path may be different: Settings → System and Device → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contact Menu

This is the easiest method, but it doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. If your phone's menu looks different, go to alternatives.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner (⋮) → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Select the contacts you want to move (or click Allocate).
5. Click Export and select the target SIM-card (if two of them).
6. Confirm the action. The process can take anywhere from 10 seconds to a few minutes -- don't interrupt it!

If the export items SIM-map:

• 🔄 Try to update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 📱 Some of them. POCO and Redmi with MIUI 13+ function moved to Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Default memory.
• 🛠️ If SIM-The card doesn’t appear in the list, retrieve and paste it again (sometimes rebooting the phone helps).

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If exports are stuck in the Preparation phase, try to turn off mobile internet before the procedure, and some Xiaomi 12T users have reported that this solves the problem.

Method 2: Transfer over Phone Settings (for MIUI 12-14)

In newer versions of the firmware, the export function can be hidden in system settings, which works on most models, including the Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management → find Contacts in the list.
3. Tap on the default memory.
4. In the Contact Export section, select On SIM-map.
5. Follow the system's prompts for contact selection and confirmation.

On some devices (such as the Mi 11 Lite), the path may look like this:

Settings → Memory → Additional → Import / Export contacts

If the system produces an error "Cannot export contacts":

• 📶 Check if it's active. SIM-Card (sometimes you need at least one successful connection to the network).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is above 20% — MIUI can block operations at low charge.
• 🗃️ Try to make room for SIM, Remove old contacts (via Settings) → SIM-map → Contact management).

Method 3: Alternative methods of transfer

If the standard methods don’t work, use one of these options, and they’ll work for any Xiaomi model, including the Black Shark and the old Redmi 4/5.

📥 Export via file VCF + importation SIM

This method is universal, but requires a second phone (or adapter for the device). SIM-map).

1. Export contacts to the.vcf file (as described in the Preparation section).
2. Transfer the file to another phone (or insert the SIM into your old device).
3. Import.vcf to the new SIM via the contact menu.

💻 Transfer via computer (for the purpose of Windows/Mac)

You will need Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or Android File Transfer for Mac.

• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
• 📁 Copy the contacts.vcf file from the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → Backup → AllBackup.
• 📤 Send the file to another phone and import contacts to the phone. SIM.

☁️ Cloud Transfer (via Google or Mi Cloud)

If you have access to the Internet, this is the most reliable method:

1. Sync your contacts with your Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).
2. Insert SIM into your new phone and log in to the same Google account.
3. Move contacts from your account to SIM via the export menu.

Important: Contacts saved on SIM-maps that do not sync to the cloud automatically. Once transferred, it is recommended to create a separate backup manually.

Compatibility table: which models support export to SIM

Not all Xiaomi devices work equally with the export function, and below is the data on popular models (based on user feedback and tests).

If your model is not in the table, try searching forums (e.g., 4PDA or Xiaomi Community) for "[model] export contacts to SIM." Often users share workarounds.

Addressing common mistakes

When you migrate your contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users are faced with typical problems. Here's how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after exporting the contact SIM displayed as an "Unknown Number" (without names), which means that SIM-The solution is to use the Latin alphabet while saving names or to transfer contacts one by one.

Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them:

• 🚫 "Exports impossible" → Check if the energy saving mode is enabled (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode. Turn it off and try again.
• 🔄 "Contacts are not fully transferred" → SIM-The card may have a limit on the number of records. Break up the export into parts (e.g. 100 contacts at a time).
• 📵 "SIM-map not found" → Try inserting it into another slot (if the phone supports Dual). SIM). Some Redmi slots on the SIM2 works more stable.
• ⏳ "The process hung" → Wait. 10-15 If nothing happens, take it out and paste it in. SIM Reboot the phone again.

If none of these methods worked, try manually entering critical contacts via the SIM menu:

1. Open Contacts. → press three points (⋮) → Contact management.
2. Choose. SIM-map (at the top of the screen will appear the inscription "Memory: SIM").
3. Press + and enter the data manually.

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On phones with MIUI 14 and a new HyperOS interface (such as Xiaomi 14), the SIM export function may be temporarily disabled, in which case use alternative methods or wait for a firmware update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions