How to transfer contacts from phone to phone SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: 3 proven methods

Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus on the SIM-Map is a challenge that users face when changing their device, resetting their settings, or wanting to back up important numbers, even though modern smartphones synchronize their contacts with cloud services (Google Contacts, Mi Cloud), SIM-The card remains a reliable physical medium, independent of the Internet or accounts, but this method has a nuance: a limited amount of SIM memory (maximum). 250-500 contact depending on the operator, lack of support for fields such as email or address, and the risk of data loss due to incorrect manipulations.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods of exporting contacts to the SIM-Redmi 5 Plus card (Vince model), including standard tools MIUI And detours for cases where a function is hidden or unavailable. SIM-cards from Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon), as they often block the recording of contacts through the phone menu, and you will learn how to avoid typical errors such as duplicate recordings or loss of Cyrillic symbols when transferring them.

Why transfer to SIM-map is relevant in 2026

In the era of cloud technology, the transfer of contacts to SIM-This map may seem like an anachronism, but there are a few scenarios where this method remains in demand:

• 🔄 Change phone without internet access: if the new device does not support your Google or Mi Account account and Wi-Fi is not available, SIM-The card is the only way to quickly transfer numbers.
• 🛡️ Backup for clean reset: Before selling or repairing Redmi 5 Plus, many users prefer to keep contacts on physical media to avoid data leaks.
• 📵 Working in areas without a network: for example, on business trips or on sites with limited access to the Internet, where cloud synchronization is not possible.
• 🔒 Privacy: Some users don’t trust cloud services and only keep critical contacts on the cloud SIM-map.

In addition, the Redmi 5 Plus (released in 2018) doesn’t always work well with modern versions of MIUI, where the SIM export function can be removed from the interface, and in such cases, alternative methods (discussed below) become the only solution.

Preparation: What to Know Before the Penosom

Before you start the transfer, check out a few key points:

1. Type SIM-Redmi 5 Plus supports nano-SIM (4FF). Make sure your SIM is compatible. Older mini-SIM or micro-SIM will require cropping or an adapter.
2. Free space: one entry per SIM borrower ~140 bytes. Most operators have a limit of 250 contacts (about 35 KB). Check the current filling through the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Memory. SIM.
3. Number format: SIM-The cards only store the name and the phone number, fields like email, addresses or notes will be lost, and some operators do not support Cyrillic in contact names.

It's important if you use two. SIM-cards in Redmi 5 Plus, the system can suggest selecting a target SIM for export. SIM, slot-set SIM 1.

Check the type SIM-maps (nano-SIM)

Make room for the SIM (if necessary)

Make sure that the contact names are in Latin

Turn off sync with Google/Mi Cloud (temporarily)

Battery charge > 30%-->

Method 1: Standard export through the contact menu

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI function, but in the latest firmware versions it can be hidden.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and find Import/Export Contacts (in some versions of MIUI it is called Backup).
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Tick the contacts you want to move (or click Select All) and confirm the action.

If the export items SIM-No map, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Contacts → Memory → Export to SIM

Challenges and solutions:

• ❌ The button is inactive: check if it is inserted SIM-slot-card SIM 1.Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block the recording of contacts at the SIM level.
• ❌ “Not enough memory” error: delete old contacts from your computer SIM via the Settings menu → SIM-map → Memory. SIM.
• ❌ Names are displayed in Krakozabra: before export, rename contacts in Latin (for example, instead of "Ivan Ivanov" specify "Ivan Ivanov").

Method 2: Transfer through the application "SIM-contact"

If the standard method didn’t work, use a specialized application, one of the most reliable is SIM Contacts Manager (available on Google Play), which has the advantage of being able to export selectively and support Cyrillic alphabet (provided that the SIM allows it).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install SIM Contacts Manager.
2. Open the app and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. In the main menu, select Phone → SIM.
4. Tag the contacts you need or click Select All.
5. Press Copy and confirm the transfer.The process can take up to 1-2 minutes depending on the number of records.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It works even if the standard function is MIUI switched off.
• 🔹 Supports packet transfer (up to 500 contacts at a time).
• 🔹 It allows you to edit your contacts directly to SIM-map.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some apps contain ads or require a premium version for full functionality.
• ⚠️ Risk of data loss when a process is interrupted (for example, if the SIM is retrieved during copying).

💡

Check reviews on Google Play before using third-party apps. Some programs (such as SIM Card Contacts) may request unnecessary permissions such as SMS access or geolocation.

Method 3: Manual input via menu SIM-map

If the automatic methods don't work, you have manual input, which is laborious, but it's guaranteed to work on any firmware.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM 1: MegaFon).
3. Press SIM Contacts or SIM Memory.
4. In the upper right corner, click Add Contact (+ icon).
5. Type your name and number manually. Repeat for all the contacts you need.

To speed up the process:

• 📋 Use the clipboard: copy the number from the Contacts app and paste it into the input field on SIM.
• 🔠 For names with Cyrillic, try transliteration (e.g., "Alexei" → "Aleksey").
• 📊 Sort contacts alphabetically in advance so you don’t miss important numbers.

Attention! Some operators (like Beeline) limit the length of a contact name to 10 characters. If the name is longer, it will be cropped.

💡

Manual input is the most reliable method, but only suitable for a small number of contacts (up to 50).

Limitations SIM-maps: what to consider

Transfer of contacts to SIM-The map has a number of technical limitations that many users are unaware of:

These limitations are especially relevant for the Redmi 5 Plus, as the model is often used with the Redmi 5 Plus. SIM-For example, MTS and Beeline can block the recording of contacts with Cyrillic names, while MegaFon and Tele2 sometimes allow you to save up to 300 records.

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use SIM-card in another phone (such as a push-button machine), note that older devices may not support long numbers (more than 20 digits) or special characters (+, *, #).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring contacts to SIM, Redmi 5 Plus users often face typical problems.

• 🔄 Duplicate contacts: This happens if you export the same numbers several times. SIM through settings → Memory. SIM → Delete everything.
• 📵 Loss of Cyrillic: Some SIM-The cards only retain names in encoding. GSM 7-bit, The solution is transliteration or Latin.
• ⚡ Export failure: If the process is interrupted, check if the energy saving mode is activated. → Battery and productivity.
• 🔒 Locked-in SIM: Operators like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile can completely disable the contact recording function, and only manual input will help.

Another common mistake is trying to transfer contacts from Google Account directly to SIM. This is impossible: first you need to sync contacts with your phone (in the Contacts menu → Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync Contacts), and only then export them to the SIM.

⚠️ Note: If the contact is transferred to SIM They show up as empty records (no names), which means that the operator blocks the saving of text fields, so the solution is to use only numbers without names or contact the salon for a replacement. SIM-map.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions