Transfer of contacts to SIM-The map in Xiaomi smartphones seems to be an easy task, but many users face problems: there is no option in the menu, not all fields are saved, or the phone simply does not see. SIM It's a storage place, and it's because of the firmware. MIUI In this article we will analyze all working methods - from standard export through "Contacts" to workaround solutions for new Redmi models, POCO Xiaomi 12/13/14.
Modern. SIM-cards (especially nano-SIMs) have extremely limited memory — usually no more than 250 contacts, with only name and number (no photos, email or addresses) saved. If you need to move the full base, consider exporting to.vcf to Google Drive or syncing to Mi Account. But if the goal is to back up to a physical medium or transfer to another phone without the Internet, our guide will help you do it right.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a SIM Export button?
In the latest versions MIUI 12-14 the manufacturer removed the direct option of exporting contacts to the SIM-It's a map from the interface. It's connected to a number of factors:
- 📱 The Limitations of Android 10+: Google is gradually abandoning support for the storage of contacts on the Internet SIM Cloud Services (Google Contacts, Mi Cloud).
- 🔄 Nano-SIM format: Modern cards do not support data writing – only reading (except: legacy mini-SIM with file system).
- 🛡️ Xiaomi is promoting its own Mi Cloud as a more reliable way to back up.
But it's still working at the system level, it's just been hidden, and we'll show you how to access it through hidden settings or third-party tools.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is released after 2021 (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi) 12T), the probability of successful export SIM In this case, we recommend using alternative methods from section 5.
Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app (MIUI 12–14)
This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12-14 firmware, but requires pre-configuration.
☑️ Preparation for export of contacts
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) → Contact management → Import/Export of contacts.
- Select "Export to" SIM-If this option is not available, proceed to Method 2.
- Tick the necessary contacts (or click “Select all”).
- Confirm the export. It takes 10 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the number of records.
⚠️ Note: If after exporting the contact SIM If you don't see them, try restarting your phone or inserting the card into another device, you may need to manually update your contact list via ##4636## (engineering menu).
| Xiaomi model | Support for SIM exports | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/10 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Works through "Contacts → Management → Export" |
| Xiaomi 11T/11 Lite | ⚠️ Partially. | Resetting of the "Contacts" application settings is required |
| POCO X3/X4 | ✅ Yes. | The option is hidden in "Additional settings" |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ❌ No. | Only through third-party applications |
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
If standard export is not available, you can try activating the hidden feature through the engineering menu, which works on 70% of Xiaomi models, but requires caution.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636## (if it doesn't work, try ##36446337### for MediaTek).
- Go to the “Phone Information” section (or “Phone Information”).
- Scroll down to the SIM Management block and tap Update SIM Contacts.
- Select “Export to SIM” and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: Do not change other options in the engineering menu – this may disrupt the network or GPS. If the message “Code is not supported” appears after entering the code, your model is not compatible with this method.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If the built-in methods didn't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:
- 📲 Sim Contacts Manager (Play Market): Supports export/import SIM. It works with nano-SIM (but not with all operators.
- 🔧 Copy to SIM Card (APK): More stable for older Xiaomi models (until 2019) Requires permission to access contacts and SMS.
Instructions for Sim Contacts Manager:
- Download and install the app from the Play Market.
- Open it and give access to your contacts.
- Select “Export to SIM” → mark the necessary contacts.
- Confirm and wait until completion (may take up to 5 minutes).
💡
Before using third-party applications, back up your contacts in.vcf format via Contacts → Export, which will protect your data in the event of a crash.
Method 4: Alternative methods (if SIM is not supported)
If you SIM-The card does not allow you to record contacts (which is true for 90% of modern nano-SIM), consider these options:
- ☁️ Export to file VCF: Open the "Contact» → «Management» → «Export to file. Save the file to a memory card or to the cloud. Transfer the file to another phone and import.
- 🔄 Synchronization with Mi Account: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. Turn on contact sync. Sign in to the same account on the new phone, and the contacts will automatically connect.
- 📱 Bluetooth Transfer: Activate Bluetooth on both phones. In Contacts, select Share» → «Bluetooth».
💡
The.vcf file is a universal format for transferring contacts, and can be opened on any smartphone, including an iPhone or iOS device.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When transferring contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often face problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| “It is impossible to export to SIM.” | SIM-card does not support | Use alternative methods (VCF, Mi Cloud) |
| Exports have passed, but contacts are not displayed | Cache failure of the "Contacts" application | Clear the cache in “Settings → Applications → Contacts → Memory” |
| Not all contacts were moved. | SIM limit on number (usually 250) | Break up exports into parts or use VCF |
| There is no option “Export to SIM” | Limitation of MIUI 13/14 | Try an engineering menu or third-party apps |
⚠️ Note: If, after export, SIM The contacts are displayed in hieroglyphics, the problem is the encoding:
- Delete all contacts with SIM via Contacts → Management → Delete with SIM.
- Repeat export by selecting UTF-8 encoding (if available in the application settings).
Safety: What to Know Before Perenosom
Transfer of contacts to SIM-A card is not the most reliable way to store data. Here are 3 key risks to keep in mind:
- 🔓 Lack of encryption: Contacts to SIM They're stored in plain text, and if you lose your card, you can read them on any phone.
- 🗑️ Easy to lose: SIM-Cards are more likely to be broken or lost than cloud backups.
- 📵 Limited functionality: SIM no photos, mail or additional fields (name only) + number).
Safety recommendations:
- Back up.vcf before exporting to SIM.
- Do not store contacts with important information (passwords, access codes) on SIM.
- After transferring to your new phone, sync your contacts to your Google Account or Mi Cloud immediately.
💡
For maximum security, use two-factor authentication in Mi Account, which will protect your contacts even if you are not in contact with the user. SIM-map will fall into the wrong hands.