How to transfer contacts from Google Account to SIM-Xiaomi map: 3 proven methods

Transferring contacts from Google Account to SIM-The card in Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face when changing the device, resetting settings or switching to a different tariff. MIUI offers convenient synchronization with the cloud, sometimes requires physical backup SIM — Especially if your new phone doesn’t support Google Contacts or you’re temporarily deprived of internet access.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods of transfer (including hidden MIUI features), explain why some contacts may not be copied, and provide solutions for common errors - from the lack of an "Export on SIM" item to problems with Cyrillic encoding. All instructions are relevant for Xiaomi on Android 13/14 and MIUI 14/15, but most steps will also be suitable for older versions.

Why SIM Transfer Is Relevant in 2026

In the era of cloud services, moving contacts to SIM-This may seem like an anachronism, but there are a few scenarios where this method remains indispensable:

• 🔄 Platform Change: Switch from Android to iOS (or back) without data loss iCloud/Google synchronization is not available.
• 📵 Offline reserve: SIM-The card serves as a physical backup in the absence of the Internet or a cloud failure.
• 🔒 Privacy: Some users prefer to keep their contacts locally, avoiding cloud services.
• 📱 Temporary phone: When using a backup device without being linked to a Google Account.

It is important to consider the limitations SIM-map:

• 📇 Only keep a name. + number (without email, addresses, photos).
• 🔢 Limit on the number of records (usually 250-500 contacts).
• 🌍 Problems with Cyrillic encoding on old SIM (It is decided to choose the right format).

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

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI feature.It works on most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others with Android 12+.

1. Open the Contacts app (Icon) 📇).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → «Contact management».
3. Select "Import/Export» → «Exports to SIM-map».
4. Tick the necessary contacts (or click “Select all”).
5. Confirm the export, wait for the notification of success.

If the item “Export to SIM” is not on the menu, the reason may be:

• 📱 Absence SIM-cards in the slot (check the physical connection).
• 🔄 Related version of Contacts (update via Google Play).
• 📵 Limitations of the operator (some of them) SIM block).

Method 2: Transfer through Google Contacts (web version)

If the built-in export to MIUI doesn’t work, use the Google Contacts web interface.This method is universal and suitable for any device, including Xiaomi.

1. Open your browser on your PC and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same Google Account as you do on your phone.
3. Click Export (on the left of the menu).
4. Select the format “Google CSV” (or vCard for compatibility).
5. Download the file to your PC, then transfer it to your phone (for example, via Telegram or cable).
6. On Xiaomi, open the file through Contacts» → «Import from the file and select the target — SIM-map.

⚠️ Note: When exporting to CSV Cyrillic names can be displayed by cracosabres to avoid this:

🔹 Use the vCard format (.vcf) instead of the vCard format. CSV. 🔹 Before exporting in Google Contacts settings, set the encoding UTF-8 (settings → Exports → Additionally).

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for older models)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 12 or older (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the built-in tools may not be available, in which case the “Copy to SIM Card” or “SIM Contacts Manager” app from Google Play will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install one of the applications at the link: Copy to SIM Card SIM Contacts Manager

contact

storehouse

"Export on SIM"

Confirm the operation. The app will show you the number of successfully copied contacts.

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may request excessive permissions:

🔹 Rankings on Google Play (should be) ≥ 4.0). 🔹 Date of last update (current versions - no older than 2023). 🔹 Reviews for viruses or advertising.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

1. “Can’t export contacts to SIM” error

Causes and solutions:

• 📶 No network: Some operators block the recording SIM Solution: Turn on mobile data or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Application Failure: Clear the Contacts cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Incompatible SIM: Older cards (e.g. from MTS 2010) may not support recording.Solution: Replace SIM new in the operator's cabin.

2 Cyrillic names disappear after transfer

Critical feature for Xiaomi users in Russia and CIS: SIM-Some carrier cards (such as Tele2 or Iota) use encryption by default. GSM 7-bit, It's not Cyrillic, it's to fix it:

1. Export contacts in vCard format (see Method 2).
2. Use applications like SIM Card Encoder to force you to change the encoding to UTF-8.
3. Before transferring, replace the Cyrillic symbols with the Latin alphabet (for example, "Ivan" → "Ivan").

3. There's not enough space for SIM-map

Standard SIM can hold 250-500 contacts, but the real limit depends on the operator.

• 🧹 Remove old records from SIM via Contact → SIM → Delete.
• 📊 Break up exports into parts: Move contacts in groups of 100 pieces.
• 📁 Use microSD: If your Xiaomi supports memory cards, export contacts to.vcf file on drive.

💡

Before the mass perenosom, back up your contacts in Google Drive: open Contacts → Settings → Export → Save to Google Drive.

Comparison of methods: which to choose

The choice of transfer method depends on the Xiaomi model, the version of MIUI and your tasks.

For most users, the first method (embedded export) is optimal, but if you encounter errors or use an outdated model, the combination of the web version of Google Contacts + the conversion application will be more reliable.

💡

If you need to move your SIM contacts back to Xiaomi, use the path: Contacts → Import with SIM → Select an account to save (Google or device).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions