Transfer contacts with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro to SIM-card: 4 working methods

Why SIM-card transfer is relevant for the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the need to transfer contacts to the new model. SIM-maps -- whether it's preparing to change devices, backing up or wanting to have access to numbers on any phone -- despite the rise of cloud services like Mi Cloud, SIM-The card remains a reliable physical medium, independent of the Internet or Xiaomi account, but the process of transferring on this device has its own nuances: limitations. MIUI, Features of contact formats and memory limits SIM.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to export contacts, from the standard tools of the Redmi Note 8 Pro to workaround solutions for cases when the option is blocked. SIM" newer MIUI You'll also learn how to avoid data loss during portability and what formats are supported. SIM-maps of different operators.

Preparation for transfer: what you need to know in advance

Before you start exporting, check out a few key points:

📱 Version. MIUI: In firmware newer MIUI 12.5 export option for SIM It may be hidden. Please specify your version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
📇 Type SIM-maps: Standard SIM (Mini/Micro/Nano) support 250 Contacts, while eSIMs are up to 500. Check the limit with your operator.
🔄 Contact format: SIM-The cards only retain the name + No photo, no email, no extra fields, no more data will be lost.
🔒 Operator lockdown: Some SIM (For example, MTS or Beeline may be restricted to contact recording.

If you plan to migrate contacts from a Google account or Mi Cloud, first sync them with your phone: go to Settings → Accounts. → Google/Mi Account → Synchronize contacts and wait until the process is complete. SIM will be unavailable.

📊 How do you usually keep your contacts?

Only on the phone.

Nana SIM-map

On Google account

In Mi Cloud

Another way.

Method 1: Standard export via MIUI settings

This is the simplest method, but it doesn't work on all firmware versions.

Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person’s silhouette).
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
Select Export on Export SIM-card (if no option - see Method 3).
Tick the necessary contacts or click Select all.
Confirm the export and wait until the completion (can take up to 2-3 minutes for 200+ contacts).

If the Export button on the SIM is inactive or absent, the reason may be:

🔹 Absence SIM-cards in the slot (check Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
🔹 A filled memory SIM (Remove old contacts via #4636## → «Information on SIM»).
🔹 Limitations of the operator (e.g, SIM from Tele2 Not keeping track of contacts).

☑️ Preparation for export through MIUI

Check availability SIM-slot-cardUpdate the Contacts app in the Play MarketSync your contacts with Google/Mi CloudMake room for the SIM (if necessary)Restart your phone before exporting

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM Redmi Note 8 Pro automatically converts numbers to international format (for example, the number is not available, +79XXXXX instead 89XXXXX). If your contacts are stored in a local format, they may not show correctly. Before transferring, check the format of the numbers manually!

Method 2: Export through the Google Contacts app

If the standard method doesn't work, use an alternative app from Google, which often bypasses the limitations of MIUI:

Install the Google Contacts app from the Play Market.
Open it and allow access to contacts.
Click on the three bars in the upper left corner → Settings → Export.
Select Export on Export SIM-card (if no option - see the following method).
Confirm the action and wait for notification of successful transfer.

The advantage of this method is that it supports package exports and works more consistently with large contact databases (300+ records).

📌 The app may not display contacts that are synced only to the Mi Cloud (they must first be copied to the phone book).
📌 Some fields (such as notes or additional phones) will be lost.

Export method	Support for MIUI 12+	Max. Contacts.	Data stored	We need the Internet.
Standard (MIUI)	❌ Often absent	250	Name + number	❌ No.
Google Contacts	✅ Yes.	500	Name + number	❌ No.
Third-party annexes	✅ Yes.	1000+	Name + number + email	⚠️ Sometimes.
Manual input	✅ Yes.	Unlimitedly	Any fields.	❌ No.

If your MIUI version does not have an option to export to SIM, you can use the hidden engineering menu, which requires caution, but is effective for MIUI 12.5-14 firmware:

Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##3646633###
Go to Connectivity → SIM Card → SIM 1 (or SIM 2 if you use a second card).
Find the Contact Export or Write Contacts to SIM option.
Select contacts for export and confirm the action.

If the engineering menu does not open:

🔧 Check if the operator has blocked access (relevant for some). SIM from MegaFon).
🔧 Try the alternative code: ##4636### then go to the Info about SIM → Menus. → Exports of contacts.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?

If nothing happens after entering the code, the reasons may be as follows: 1. SIM-Maps (e.g. corporate) restrict access to the engineering menu. 2 Updated firmware: B MIUI 14+ The codes can be disabled. Try to roll back on MIUI 12.5 via Xiaomi Firmware Updater. 3. Entering error: Make sure you enter the code without spaces and with the correct ## characters. If none of the codes worked, you will still need to use third-party apps or manual input.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to disruptions SIM-Do not edit other settings unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, accidentally changing the settings of Network Lock can block the network.

Method 4: Third-party applications for export

If the standard methods don't work, use specialized utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

Sim Contacts Manager (Play Market): 🔹 Supports export/import in.vcf format. 🔹 It allows you to edit your contacts directly to SIM. 🔹 It's not rooting.
Copy to SIM Card: 🔹 Intuitive interface with the selection of individual contacts. 🔹 It can save up to 1000 records (depending on the SIM).

Super Backup & Restore

🔹 Besides SIM, supports exports XML/CSV.
🔹 Can backup your Google Drive.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Contacts are not displayed on SIM	Incompatible number format	Use the Sim Contacts Manager app to convert
Exports interrupted	Lack of memory on the SIM	Delete old posts via #4636##
Names are displayed in hieroglyphics	SIM encoding (relevant to Chinese cards)	Move your contacts to your PC via.vcf, then import back
The app doesn't see SIM	SIM does not support recording	Check the card on another phone or contact the operator

💡

If you don’t have a number of contacts after transfer, try exporting them in small batches (50 each) to avoid problems with large databases (200+ contacts).

Alternative solutions: When nothing works

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

📱 Manual input: Time-consuming, but reliable. Suitable for 20-30 contact.
📱 Export to.vcf: Export contacts to the file via Settings → System system → Backup → Local backup. Copy the contacts.vcf file on your PC. Use online services (e.g., online services, VCF Converter) for conversion to format SIM.

Contacting the service center

Mi Flash Tool

For users who frequently change devices, we recommend that you refuse to use the SIM-Storage in favor of cloud services:

🔹 Mi Cloud: Automatic sync with any Xiaomi device.
🔹 Google Contacts: Access from any Android device.
🔹 Telegram: You can save contacts in.vcf format in "Saved messages».

How many contacts are placed on SIM-card from MegaFon/Beeline/MTS?

Limits depend on the type SIM: 🔹 Standard. SIM (Mini/Micro/Nano): before 250 contact. 🔹 USIM (4G/LTE): before 500 contact. 🔹 eSIM: up to 1000 Contacts (but not all phones support recording) can be specified through the code ##4636## → Information on SIM.