Transferring contacts from phone to phone SIM-Xiaomi map: all ways with nuances

Transferring phone numbers from Xiaomi device to SIM-The card may be needed in a variety of situations: when changing the smartphone to a model of another brand, backing up before resetting settings or simply for insurance in case of loss of the gadget. While modern cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Contacts offer more convenient storage options, recording contacts directly to the user. SIM This is especially true for owners of devices with limited access to the Internet or those who prefer physical data backup.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods of exporting contacts to the SIM-Smartphone card Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware) and focus on common errors, such as why some numbers are not portable or how to circumvent the entries limit. If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), at the end of the article you will find some recommendations.

Preparation: What to Know Before Transfer

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

• 📱 Version. MIUI: In the firmware older MIUI 10 Contact menu interface may differ. Current screenshots in the article correspond to MIUI 14 (2023–2026.).
• 📇 Type SIM-Cards: Make sure your SIM Supports contact storage (most modern nano-SIMs do, but some virtual eSIMs don’t).
• 🔢 Limitation on the number of records: Standard GSM allow for the preservation SIM Up to 250 contacts (up to 5 numbers and 2 emails each) will result in data cropping.
• 🔄 Backup: Create a backup of contacts in Google Account or Mi Cloud in case of a crash.

It is important that you use two SIM-maps, the system will prompt you to select the target for export. SIM, call-proof (SIM1 or SIM2).

⚠️ Attention: Transfer to SIM It deletes all the contacts that were previously stored on it, and if there were old numbers, they can't be restored!

Method 1: Standard export through “Contacts” (MIUI 12–14)

This is the easiest method, requiring no additional applications, and is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Mi 11/13 and others.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Check the contacts for transfer (or click Select All) → Export.
6. Confirm the choice SIM-If you have two cards, wait until you have finished.

The process can take from a few seconds to a minute, depending on the number of contacts, and when completed, the Export notification will appear.

⚠️ Note: If after export some numbers are displayed as +79XXXXXX without names, which means that SIM No contact data is saved. Solution - move one contact or use Method 3.

Method 2: Transfer through the “Settings of the phone”

An alternative way is through Xiaomi’s system settings, which is useful if the Contacts app is unstable or there is no export item on the menu.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Tap Import/Export contacts.
3. Select Export on Export SIM-map and follow the instructions on the screen.

In some firmware (e.g. MIUI for Europe), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Google → Google account → Contact synchronization → Export

If there is no export point in the settings, update the Contacts app via Google Play or use Method 3.

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Before exporting, sort contacts alphabetically (Contacts → three dots → Sort) to help you find missing numbers faster after transfer.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don't work (for example, due to custom firmware or MIUI error), third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 3 applications that are guaranteed to cope with the task:

Instructions for Copy to SIM Card (the easiest solution):

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click Select Contacts and select the ones you need.
3. Select Copy to SIM and confirm.
4. Wait until the app is completed, and the number of successfully copied contacts will be shown.

⚠️ Note: Some applications request access to SMS You don't need permission to move your contacts.

Problem Solving: Why Contacts Are Not Delayed

If there are any mistakes in the export process, check these points:

• 🚫 SIM-card blocked: Enter PUK-code if the phone asks for unlocking.
• 📵 No connection to SIM: Reboot your phone or move the card to another slot.
• 📛 Contacts tied to Google: By default MIUI saves the numbers to your Google account. Before exporting, transfer them to Local Memory (in the Contacts app» → press on the contact → «Change» → «Save in» → «Phone»).
• 🔳 There's not enough room for SIM: Remove old numbers through Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Contacts SIM.

If the contacts are exported but not displayed in the call list:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage.
2. Click Clear the cache and restart the phone.

Transferring SIM contacts back to your phone

If you need to return SIM numbers to your device (for example, after resetting your settings), use the reverse process:

1. Open Contacts → Three Points → Contact Management → Import/Export.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Specify where to save: in Google Account, Local Memory or Mi Account.
4. Confirm the import.

Important: When importing, duplicates are not automatically deleted, so to avoid chaos in the phone book, before importing:

• 🧹 Remove old contacts (if they are outdated).
• 🔍 Use Contacts Optimizer to find duplicates.

Features for custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If your Xiaomi is running on unofficial firmware, standard MIUI methods may not work.

1. Install the Simple Contacts app (from F-Droid) – it supports export to SIM.
2. Or use it. ADB-teams (required) USB-Debugging: Adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts --where "display_name NOTNULL" Then export the data manually via adb pull.

For Android-based firmware 13+ Additional permission may be required WRITE_CONTACTS For applications, it's issued through ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS

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On custom firmware standard export MIUI not working – use third-party applications or ADB-team.

FAQ: Frequent questions