Why SIM-card contact transfer is still relevant in 2026
Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but many users still prefer backups to the cloud. SIM-This is not a nostalgia, but a practical solution: a SIM allows you to quickly restore numbers on a new phone without the Internet, protects against accidental deletion and works even when the device is reset to factory settings.
However, the method has limitations: SIM-The card only has a name. + number (no photo, email or address) and memory is limited 250–500 In this article, we will discuss all working methods of transferring contacts for the Redmi Note. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models, from standard functions MIUI to the new versions of the firmware.
⚠️ Important: Before you start, check if yours is supported. SIM-contact card: some virtual operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota) this function can be disabled.
Method 1: Standard export via Contacts (operates on MIUI 12-14)
The easiest method is to use the built-in export feature in the Contacts app.It is suitable for most Xiaomi Redmi models, but may not be available on custom firmware devices or in some regional versions of MIUI.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management.
- 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
- ✅ Select the necessary contacts (or click Select All) → Exports.
If the export items SIM-No map, so your version is not MIUI It doesn't support it. In this case, move to Method 2.
Free space on SIM-card (minimum 10% of the number of contacts)
Is it connected? SIM-card (not in the slot for the second SIM card)
Contacts are not duplicated (doubles are deleted in advance)
The phone is not in power saving mode (may interrupt the process)-->
Method 2: Transfer over phone settings (alternative to MIUI 14+)
In newer versions of MIUI, the contact export function is sometimes hidden in the system settings, which works even if there is no export option in the Contacts app.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
- Press Import/Export Contacts.
- Select Export on Export SIM-map and target SIM (if).
- Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (it can take up to 2-3 minutes for 200+ contacts).
⚠️ Note: If this menu doesn’t have an export option, it’s possible that you’re not on the menu. SIM-The card does not support recording contacts. Try inserting another SIM (for example, from MTS or Beeline) and try again.
What happens if contacts are not exported?
Method 3: A bypass through VCF-File (for experienced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can export contacts to a.vcf file and then import them to the.vcf file. SIM-This is a third-party application that requires more action, but it's guaranteed to work on any version. MIUI.
Algorithm:
- Exports to VCF: Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file: Save the file (e.g. contacts.vcf) to internal memory or to SD-map.
- Import on SIM: Install the app ES File Manager or File Manager+. Open the saved.vcf file and select Import on SIM-map.
Critical detail: some applications for working with VCF-If the files are not properly processed by Cyrillic names, then if the names are replaced by "crackers" after import, rename the contacts in Latin before export.
Standard export through Contacts|Through phone settings|VCF-file + third-party|Never put on a pass. SIM|Another way.-->
Limitations and problems when transferring contacts to SIM
Transfer of contacts to SIM-The map is not the perfect solution. Here are the main pitfalls faced by Xiaomi Redmi users:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not all contacts are exported | Limitation SIM-cards (usually 250 contacts) | Breaking up exports into parts or using the cloud |
| Names are displayed by the Cracosabras | Encoding incompatibility (UTF-8 vs. GSM 7-bit) | Rename contacts in Latin before export |
| No export options at MIUI | Update firmware or regional restrictions | Use Method 2 or 3 of this article |
| Contacts are duplicated after importation | Import merger error | Remove duplicates manually or through the Cleaner app |
⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-cards in Redmi, export contacts only to the SIM that is installed in Slot 1. In some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) write to the second SIM may cause a failure.
💡
Before mass exporting contacts, back up your contacts to Google Contacts or Mi Cloud. This will take 2 minutes, but save your data if something goes wrong.
How to check if contacts have been successfully transferred
After export, make sure that the contacts are signed up for SIM-This card is correct:
- Extract. SIM-A card from Xiaomi Redmi and paste it into another phone (like an old Samsung or Nokia).
- Check if the contacts are displayed in the phone book of the second device.
- Bring it back. SIM-Map back to Redmi and open Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-If the contacts are imported without errors, the exports are successful.
If the contacts are not displayed:
- 🔄 Repeat export by selecting only 10-20 contacts for the test.
- 📱 Try another one. SIM-Card (preferably from another operator).
- 🔧 Update your phone to the latest version MIUI.
💡
Export of contacts to SIM-The card is not a backup, but a quick transfer method. For a reliable backup, use Google Contacts or Mi Cloud.