How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-Map: 5 proven methods

Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-The card is a task that users face when changing devices, backing up or switching to a different tariff, even though modern smartphones sync contacts with a Google account or Mi Cloud, SIM-The card remains a reliable physical medium, independent of the Internet. MIUI (12-14) exportation SIM hidden deep in the settings or not in the menu – this is due to Xiaomi’s policy to promote cloud services.

In this article you will find the most relevant ways to transfer contacts to the SIM-Map for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others, we'll look at both standard methods through phone settings and workarounds using third-party apps. SIM-cards by number of saved contacts (usually no more than 250) and storage format (name only) + number, without email or addresses).

Why Xiaomi is hiding the function of exporting to the SIM-map?

Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi is gradually removing the option of exporting contacts to SIM from the main menu.

• 📱 Priority of cloud services: The company is actively promoting Mi Cloud and synchronization with Google Contacts, where data is stored in encrypted form and accessible from any device.
• 🔒 Limitations SIM-maps: Old standards SIM (2G/3G) Support only text-based contact formats without additional fields, making them less user-friendly than the cloud.
• 🛠️ Technical difficulties: Modern phones work with vCard (.vcf files), and convert to format SIM It requires additional algorithms that Xiaomi prefers not to implement.

However, the export function on SIM remains in the firmware, just to be “retrieved” through hidden settings or alternative methods, and we will show you how to do this without root rights and complex manipulation.

Method 1: Standard export through "Contacts" (for MIUI 12-14)

If your Xiaomi runs MIUI 12 or later, try this method.It works on most models, but may not be available on some firmware for the European market.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-If this option is not available, move to the next method.
5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All) and confirm the export.

If the export items SIM-The card is not there, so your firmware does not support it.

Method 2: Through phone settings (hidden path)

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9, POCO M3), the export function is hidden in the system settings.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Press the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open Additional → Special Features.
4. Scroll down and find the Control. SIM-map.
5. Choose yours. SIM-map and tap Import/Export contacts.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may not have this path. If there is no export option after step 5, try the method using Google Contacts (method 4).

This method doesn’t work on all devices, but it often helps owners of Redmi low-end models, where the manufacturer hasn’t removed the feature completely, but simply moved it to another place.

Method 3: Use the SIM Contacts Manager application

If standard methods don’t work, install the third-party SIM Contacts Manager app from Google Play, which is free and doesn’t require root rights.

1. Download and install SIM Contacts Manager.
2. Open the application and provide access to Contacts and Warehouse.
3. Select the Export to SIM tab.
4. Mark the contacts for transfer (can be filtered by groups or alphabet).
5. Press Export and wait for the process to be completed.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 It works on all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 14.
• 📊 Allows selectively export contacts (e.g., mobile number only).
• 🛡️ Does not require superuser rights or complex settings.

⚠️ Note: The application may request access to SMS — It's necessary to work with SIM-This access cannot be denied, otherwise the export will not be possible.

💡

Before using third-party apps, check reviews on Google Play. avoid programs that are rated below 4.0 or have few installs (less than 100K).

Method 4: Export via Google Contacts (if SIM is not supported)

If you SIM-The card does not allow you to record contacts (for example, 4G LTE SIM Memory free, use Google Contacts as an intermediate step:

1. Export your contacts from your phone to your Google account: Open Contacts → Settings → Import/Export → Export to Google. Select your account and confirm sync.

contacts.google.com

Exports → vCard

.vcf

.vcf

Contacts → Import from the file

Method 1

Method 3

This method is longer, but more reliable if you have a modern one. SIM-You can save a.vcf file as a backup.

Method 5: Manual copying of contacts (for small amounts)

If you only need to move a few contacts, you can do it manually:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down and tap the Copy on SIM-Card (if there is an option).
4. Confirm the action. The contact will be copied to SIM.

Check the limit in your settings SIM-map.