How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways of 2026

Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-The map seems like a simple task, but in practice users face limitations. MIUI, It's a kind of storage format, and it's even a little bit of hardware, and unlike copying to the cloud or to the computer, writing to the computer. SIM Most cards only support names and numbers (without email, addresses or photos), and memory rarely exceeds 250 contacts. However, this method remains relevant for backup, moving to a new phone without a Google account, or use in regions with unstable internet.

In this article, we will look at all the working ways to transfer contacts to SIM for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard MIUI tools to workarounds for models where the function is hidden or disabled. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, why contacts are not displayed after transfer) and alternative solutions for devices with MIUI 14/15, where the interface has changed. If you use Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 or older models like Mi 9, the instructions will be suitable for everyone.

Before you start, check two key points: your format. SIM-cards (nano-SIM, micro-SIM or eSIM – the latter does not support the storage of contacts) and version MIUI (In new firmware, the path to functions may be different. SIM the operator does not maintain a record of contacts (for example, virtual eSIM or some other LTE-maps), the methods in this article won’t work – an alternative backup method will be required.

1. Standard transfer through MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in export feature in MIUI. It works on most devices, but in the latest firmware versions (starting with MIUI 12.5), the path to settings has changed, and in some regional builds the function may be hidden.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export of contacts → Export to SIM-card.
4. Select the contacts to transfer (you can mark all or select specific ones) and confirm the action.

If the item Export to SIM-card is not in the menu, it means:

• 📱 Yours. SIM-The card does not support recording contacts (check in the phone settings section). SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔄 You have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where the feature is disabled.
• 🌍 Your region in phone settings – China (in Chinese versions) MIUI export SIM frequently blocked).

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the space available on SIM (usually up to 250 contacts)

Turn off sync with Google/Mi Account during the transfer

Battery charge of at least 30% (in case of failure)

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Important: When exported to SIM, MIUI automatically crops names longer than 20 characters and removes all special characters (such as dashes or brackets in rooms). If you have contacts with the format +7 (999) 123-45-67, only 79991234567 will remain after the transfer.

2. Transfer through Google Contacts (if the standard method does not work)

If your MIUI version does not have an option to export to SIM, you can use the Google Contacts workaround, which is suitable for devices with a synchronized Google account and requires an Internet connection.

1. Open Google Contacts in your browser on your phone or computer.
2. Select the contacts you want (or press Ctrl+A to select all) and export them to the.vcf file (vCard format).
3. Copy the.vcf file to your phone (for example, via Google Drive or Telegram).
4. Open the file on your phone and select the Save to option. SIM-map (if this option appears in the menu).

If the SIM save option doesn't appear, your firmware is blocking that path, so try the following method.

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If when importing a.vcf phone offers to save contacts only in the memory of the device, import them first into the phone book, and then repeat the standard export to SIM through the MIUI settings.

3. Use of third-party applications

For devices where the built-in tools don't work, third-party apps from Google Play will help, and we tested a few solutions and selected two of the most reliable ones:

Sim Contacts Manager

An application with a simple interface that allows you to export contacts to SIM and edit them directly on the map. Supports (package transfer) and shows occupied / vacant space on SIM. Minus: contains advertising, but no purchases.

Copy to SIM Card

A more advanced tool with the ability to filter contacts into groups (for example, only "Family" or "Work"). There is a function to back up SIM contacts to the cloud. Plus: it even works on custom firmware.

The instructions for both applications are the same:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. Select contacts to transfer (you can filter by account – Google, Mi Account or phone).
4. Press Copy to SIM and wait until it is completed.

Standard (MIUI Contacts)

Google Contacts

Sim Contacts Manager

Copy to SIM Card

Other/Not using-->

It is important for owners of Xiaomi with two SIM-maps: applications by default save contacts on SIM In slot 1 if you need to move them to the second. SIM, Change the cards temporarily or use the Sim Card Switcher app to force the slot selection.

4.Contact transfer on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 8–11)

If you have a device older than 2019 (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A1, Redmi 5 or Mi 8), the MIUI interface will be different. In older versions of the firmware, the export function on SIM was more noticeable, but had its limitations.

1. Open Contacts → Press the Menu (three dots) → Import/Export.
2. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
3. Tick the required contacts (or click Select All).
4. Confirm the export. The system will show the number of successfully copied contacts.

Old phones often had a problem with encoding: Russian names were displayed in Krakozyabr. SIM-The cards use an outdated standard GSM 7-bit Solution for storing text:

• 🔤 Before the penosom, replace the Russian letters with the Latin alphabet (for example, "Ivanov" →"Ivanov").
• 📱 Use it. SIM-a card of the operator supporting Unicode (for example, MTS or Beeline of new releases).

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users face problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Another common situation is that once you've moved, the contacts are duplicated, which happens if you've imported them from SIM to your phone before and then exported them back again, to avoid duplicates:

⚠️ Warning: Clean before the penosom SIM-map from old contacts. MIUI Select Contact Management → Clean up SIM. If you don’t have the option, use the Sim Contacts Manager app.

6. Alternative methods of backup

If SIM portability is not possible (e.g., you have an eSIM or a no-contact card), consider alternative methods:

• 🖥️ Export to.vcf: save contacts to a computer or flash drive. Suitable for long-term storage.
• ☁️ Sync with Mi Account: All contacts are automatically backed up in the Xiaomi cloud (available when logged in to your account).
• 📱 Bluetooth Transfer: Send contacts to another phone in.vcf format (suitable for one-time transfer).
• 🔗 Services like My Contacts Backup: Create a backup in the form of a QR-code-in-apply.

For maximum reliability, we recommend combining methods.

1. Export contacts to.vcf and save the file to Google Drive.
2. Sync with Mi Account (set up in Accounts → Mi Account → Sync).
3. Move the most important numbers to SIM-card (in case of loss of phone).

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SIM-A card is not a reliable store of contacts; it can get damaged, lost or erased when you change operator, use it only as a temporary or backup medium, and store the main database in the cloud or on your computer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi