Introduction: Why to transfer contacts to SIM-map?
Modern Xiaomi smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but sometimes there is a need to transfer numbers to the cloud. SIM-This is true when changing your device (especially if the new one is not on Android), backing up without the internet, or using a second phone with limited features. SIM-The card remains a universal carrier, compatible even with push-button devices.
In this article, we will discuss all working ways to export contacts for Xiaomi phones based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including hidden functions and avoiding typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances with dual-sim models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), where the system can confuse SIM slots.
Method 1: Standard export through "Contacts"
The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Google Contacts if it is installed by default), which works on most Xiaomi devices, but may not be available on HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14).
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) → confirm the export.
If the export items SIM-No card, so your firmware is hiding it.
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Check the space available on SIM (maximum ~250 contacts)
Disable sync with Google/Mi Account during export
Close all background apps (especially messengers)
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Method 2: Through system settings (for MIUI 13–14)
Some firmware has the export function hidden in the system settings, a method that is suitable for Redmi 10C, POCO M5 and other low-end models where MIUI is simplified.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
- Click Contact Exports → Choose On SIM-map.
- Indicate. SIM-card (slot 1 or 2) and confirm the action.
Important: If there is no export point in the Warehouse menu, update the Contacts app via Google Play. Sometimes resetting the app settings (Settings → Apps → Contacts → Reset) helps.
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model
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Method 3: Use of the Application «SIM-contact»
Xiaomi phones with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra) may not have standard exports. SIM-Contacts that are often hidden from the user.
How to find and use:
- 🔍 Enter the search by settings (Settings) → Searching SIM-contact.
- 📌 Or go along the way: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Choose. SIM] → Contacts SIM.
- 📥 In the menu, click Import/Export. → Exports from phone to phone SIM.
Nuance: on some firmware applications SIM-The contacts only show the numbers already saved on the map. To see the export option, first import 1-2 contacts from the map. SIM on the phone and then the function will appear.
What to do if SIM-contacts are not displayed?
Method 4: Third-party applications for export
If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't work, use third-party utilities.
- 📲 SIM Card Contacts – Simple Export/Import, Dual-SIM Supports.
- 📲 Contacts Backup & Restore – Creates backups in.vcf format, which can then be transferred to the backup. SIM PC.
- 📲 Super Backup & Restore – Exporting Contacts, SMS call-book.
Warning: Check reviews and permissions before using third-party apps. Some utilities request access to SMS or geolocation - these are unnecessary rights for exporting contacts.
Instructions for SIM Card Contacts:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to your contacts.
- Choose Export to SIM → specify SIM-card (slot 1 or 2).
- Confirm the export and wait until the completion (can take up to 5 minutes for 500+ contacts).
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If the app does not see SIM-card, reboot your phone or change the slot (e.g., rearrange) SIM slot 2 to slot 1).
Mistakes and solutions
When transferring contacts to SIM-Xiaomi users often face typical problems. Let's analyze the most common problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No item "Export to SIM" | Outdated firmware or HyperOS | Update the software or use method 3 (SIM-contact) |
| Exports interrupted | SIM space shortage or system failure | Clean SIM from old contacts or reboot your phone |
| Not all numbers moved. | Limiting SIM to the number of characters in a name | Reduce contact names (remove emojis, additional fields) |
| Contacts are duplicated | Synchronization with Google/Mi Account | Turn off auto synchronization before export |
Critical error: if after export, the contacts on the SIM are displayed in characters, then the encoding of the card does not support Cyrillic, the solution is to use Latin-1 instead of UTF-8 (the setting is available in some third-party applications).
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Before export, check the format SIM-Nano-SIM (modern Xiaomi) does not support the storage of contacts, unlike micro-SIM or mini-SIM.
Transfer contacts from dual-SIM phones
On two-sim models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F5) The process is complicated by the need to select a slot, and the system can automatically export contacts to the wrong place. SIM-card, especially if one of them is used for the Internet (eSIM).
How to avoid mistakes:
- 🔄 Before export, mark SIM-maps in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Names SIM-Cards (e.g., “Worker” and “Personal»).
- 📌 In the export menu, carefully choose the slot (usually). SIM 1 - basic, SIM 2 - additional).
- 🔋 If the phone doesn't see the second SIM, Remove and insert it again (sometimes cleaning the slot contacts helps).
On eSIM models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), exporting to a virtual card is not possible – only for a physical nano-SIM.
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To avoid confusing the slots, insert SIM-export-card SIM 1 (usually located near the top of the phone).