How to rewrite contacts from phone to phone SIM-Xiaomi Redmi card: all ways

Transfer contacts from the internal memory of the smartphone to SIM-The map in Xiaomi Redmi devices is a challenge that users face when changing their phone, resetting their settings or switching to a new tariff. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances, from limitations to limitations. SIM-cards (maximum 250 contacts per card) to firmware features MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from standard tools to workarounds for old models.

It’s important to understand that current versions of MIUI 13/14 hide the export option on the SIM in the main menu, but it remains available through Settings → Google → Backup or third-party apps. We tested the methods on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and Xiaomi 13/14 flagships – the instructions are universal for all Android devices 10–14.

If you’re using a two-sim Redmi model with a hybrid slot (nanoSIM + microSD), consider that when transferring contacts to a second SIM card, it may need to be repositioned to the main slot, due to the limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip used in most of the brand’s devices.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Google Contacts if it is installed by default). However, in MIUI 12 and later, the option is hidden: you need to look for it in additional settings. Here is a step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-card (if no option - see the section about the MIUI 13/14).
5. Tick the necessary contacts or click Select all.
6. Confirm the export and wait until the completion (can take up to 2-3 minutes with 200+ contacts).

⚠️ Note: If the contact list shows duplicates (e.g. from Google Account and Devices), combine them through Settings before exporting. → Combine and fix. Otherwise, SIM Only contacts from the selected source will be recorded.

Remove duplicates in the contact list

Check the vacant space on SIM-card (maximum 250 records)

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

Turn off sync with Google for export time (optional)-->

Method 2: Export via Settings (for MIUI 13/14)

In the latest versions of MIUI firmware, the option to export to the SIM card is moved to the backup section, which works even if the Contacts app does not have the corresponding menu item:

1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Scroll down and find Export Contacts on SIM (may be called Local Export).
3. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and confirm the action.

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Data Export

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models with Android 13 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This method is blocked by security policies, so use a third-party application.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

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Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in tools don’t work, install one of the verified apps:

• 📱 Sim Contacts Backup – Supports package exports/imports, keeps history of changes.
• 🔄 Copy to SIM Card – a simple interface, works without root rights.
• 📇 Contacts Optimizer – further clears doubles before export.

Instructions for Sim Contacts Backup:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to your contacts.
3. Select Export to SIM and select the contacts you want.
4. Click Export and wait for the notification of success.

⚠️ Note: Applications may request access to SMS and Call Log – this is necessary to save the associated data (for example, the date of the last call). → Annexes → Permits.

💡

Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts in Google Account. Go to Settings → Google → Backup → Contacts → Enable and wait for sync.

Method 4: Manual transfer via VCF file

If SIM-The card does not support writing (e.g. eSIM or some carrier cards), export the contacts to a.vcf file, and then import them to a new device:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file.
2. Select the VCF format and save the file to internal memory or microSD.
3. Transfer the file to a computer or other device.
4. On the new phone, import contacts via Import from the VCF file.

This method is universal, but does not solve the problem of transferring directly to SIM. However, the.vcf file can be downloaded to services like Google Contacts or iCloud for further synchronization.

Mistakes in the transfer of contacts and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems.

• 🚫 Error "Cannot export contacts: SIM-The card is full (maximum 250 records) or protected PIN2-Solution: Remove unnecessary contacts with SIM or PIN2 through settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM → Reset PIN2.
• ❌ Contacts exported partly Reason: Limitation on length of name/number (SIM Solution: Before export, edit contacts: replace Cyrillic with transliterate (e.g., Ivanov» → «Ivanov), remove special characters from the rooms.
• ⚠️ No export options in MIUI 14 Reason: Xiaomi removed the feature from the interface to promote cloud services.Solution: Use third-party apps or ADB-team.

If the SIM contacts are displayed in characters after export, the problem is the encoding.

1. Import contacts to another phone (such as a Samsung or iPhone).
2. Use the Sim Card Recovery app to restore encoding.

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Before mass editing contacts (for example, replacing Cyrillic with transliterate), create a backup through Google Account, which will allow you to restore the original data in case of an error.

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work and third-party apps don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and check the connection with the command: Adb devices
4. Export contacts to contacts.vcf: adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts --where "deleted=0" --projection display_name:phone_number > contacts.vcf
5. Open the file in the text editor, format the data to the requirements of SIM (max. 20 characters per name, only numbers in the number) and import through a third-party application.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Before executing commands, be sure to back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the version of MIUI, the Redmi model and your technical skills.

For most Xiaomi Redmi users, the second way (via Settings) or the third way (third-party apps) is optimal.If you have a model older than 2020 (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro), try standard export - it should work without restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions