How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to SIM-card: 5 proven ways

Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-You may need a card in a variety of situations, such as buying a new device, resetting your settings or switching to a different brand. Despite the fact that modern smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, many users still prefer backup to the Internet. SIM — Especially when it comes to the budget models Redmi or Poco, where memory is limited.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer contacts to the SIM-map for Xiaomi devices based MIUI 12-14, including hidden features and workarounds for older models, you will learn how to avoid common errors (such as limits on the number of numbers saved) and what to do if the phone can’t see SIM-card.

Important: The procedure may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the phone model. If your device runs on Android One (like the Mi A3), use methods for pure Android.

1. Standard method: through contact settings

The easiest way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 And Xiaomi 13. The main condition is yours. SIM-The card must support the storage of contacts (usually microSIM or nanoSIM with file system). GSM 11.11).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Choose all) → confirm the export.

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Attention: Some of them SIM-For cards (especially virtual eSIMs), there may be no export option. SIM-The card usually stores only phone numbers and names – photos, email and other data will be lost.

Free space on SIM-card (usually up to 250 contacts)

SIM format (not all nanoSIMs support recording)

Absence PIN-request SIM (may block access)

Google syncs disabled (to avoid duplications)-->

2. Alternative method: via MIUI settings

If the standard method didn’t work, try an alternative way through system settings, which is relevant for MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS shell devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage of contacts.
2. Choose. SIM-Default storage card (if option available).
3. Return to Contacts app, click on any contact → Edit → In the "Save in" field, select SIM-map.
4. Save the changes. Repeat for all the contacts you need.

💡 Note: On some firmware (e.g. global version) MIUI for Europe), the item “Contact retention” may be referred to as Contact Storage or hidden in the section Additional.

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If you're an option "SIM-Map is inactive, try temporarily disabling sync with Google Account in Settings → Accounts.This often solves the problem of blocking the record.

3. Transfer contacts using Google Account (for backup)

If your goal is not so much to move to SIM, As much as backing up before resetting your phone, it's more convenient to use Google Contacts. This way stores all the information (including email, addresses, and notes), as opposed to using Google Contacts. SIM-map.

How it works:

• 🔄 Sync your contacts with Google: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact synchronization (turn on the switch).
• 📱 Export contacts to your new phone: When you first turn on, select a recovery from your Google Account.
• 💾 Manual export: go to contacts.google.com, select Export →.vcf → save the file to the computer.

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Note: If you export your contacts to SIM first and then sync with Google, you may see duplicates. Before syncing, delete the contacts from SIM or turn them off in the Contacts app settings.

Nana SIM-map

Google Account

In the cloud Xiaomi

I use third-party apps.

I don't save it, I keep it on my phone.-->

4. Use of third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)

On some Xiaomi models (especially with custom firmware or older versions of MIUI), the built-in tools may not work, in which case third-party software will help. We tested 3 reliable applications:

🔧 How to use it:

1. Install one of the applications from the table.
2. Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
3. Select contacts to copy (usually there is a Select All option).
4. Press Copy to SIM or a similar button.

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

If you have a device older than 2019 (like the Redmi Note 5, Mi 8 or Poco F1), the MIUI interface may be very different.

📌 Instructions for MIUI 8–11:

• 📞 Open the Contacts app → press the menu (three dots) → Imports/Exports.
• 📤 Select Export on Export SIM-The map (in some versions it is called copying on the map) SIM).
• 🔍 If there is no option, try the path: Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Import/Export of contacts.

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Note: Xiaomi with MIUI 9 and below may need to disable battery optimization for the Contacts app, otherwise the export will be interrupted. You can do this in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find Contacts and select Without Limits.

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On older Xiaomi models, it is recommended to remove unnecessary contacts with the company before exporting. SIM-The limit of 250 records is reached quickly.

6. Problem Solving: What to Do If Contacts Are Not Portable

Even with the right actions, transferring contacts to SIM can lead to an error.

🛠 Additional advice:

• 🔄 If contacts are duplicated after the transfer, use the Connect Contacts function in the Contacts app.
• 📶 Before exporting, turn off mobile Internet – this will speed up the process.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is more than 20% or the process may be interrupted.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's contact transfer