How to get your phone from Xiaomi to SIM-map: all ways and life hacks

Why SIM-card contact transfer is still relevant

In the era of cloud services and sync through Google Account, transferring contacts to SIM-This map may seem like an anachronism, but it's still in demand in a few key scenarios, SIM-The card is a reliable backup in case of a phone reset or breakage, and the data on it will remain even if the smartphone stops turning on. Second, it is the only way to quickly transfer numbers to a button phone or device without access to the Internet.

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones are faced with additional nuances: the manufacturer actively hides the function of exporting to the market. SIM newer MIUI (Since the 12th, to motivate this with "obsolete technology." But there's still a possibility -- it's just hidden deeper in the settings. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to transfer contacts to the Internet. SIM-Map for Xiaomi in 2026, including workarounds for models without direct feature support.

Preparation: What to check before export

Before you start transferring, make sure your SIM-The card meets two key requirements:

  • 📱 Card type: Micro-SIM or Nano-SIM only (outdated Mini-SIMs are not supported by modern Xiaomi smartphones).
  • 💾 Free space: one contact record takes up ~100-150 byte. SIM-card holds up 250 contact, but the actual number depends on the operator (some have a limit — 100-150 record).
  • 🔒 Absence PIN-query: if the card is blocked, unlock it in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map.

Also check the format of the storage of contacts on the phone:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Slip on any contact and select Edit.
  3. See the "Save in" box: if Google or Device is listed, contacts can be exported. SIM-map - they're already there.

⚠️ Note: Contacts saved in Mi Account or WhatsApp accounts on SIM-You can't move the card. You need to copy it to your phone's memory first through Settings. → Google → Backup → Synchronization of contacts.

📊 What version? MIUI You use your Xiaomi?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS
I don't know.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app (MIUI 12-14)

This is the easiest method, but it doesn’t work on all models, and the instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12 and other devices with pure MIUI (no custom firmware).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  2. Tap it on 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-map.
  5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the export.

If the export items SIM-The card is not on the menu, so your model uses a simplified version of the Contacts app.

☑️ Preparation for export of contacts

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Export through system settings (for hidden menus)

Since MIUI 13, Xiaomi has started hiding the SIM export feature from the main menu, but it can be invoked through system settings, a method that works on the Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T, and other flagships.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. In the search bar, enter Contacts and select the application.
  3. Slip it on the vault. → Data management.
  4. Select Contact Export and specify SIM-target.
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes with a large number of records).

If this route is not available, try an alternative route:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate the developer mode)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Enable “Debugging by USB”




Return to Settings → System → Additional → Import / Export

⚠️ Note: Some of the products are exported after contact SIM-The map is displayed without names, only numbers. MIUI, which can be corrected only through re-importation on the phone with subsequent editing.

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:

AnnexRatings.PlusesCons
Copy to SIM Card4.7★Simple interface, support for package exports, work with two SIM-cardsAdvertising, limit to 50 contacts in the free version
SIM Contacts Manager4.5★Preview of contacts before export, backup in CSVRequires access to SMS (suspicious permission)
Contacts Optimizer4.3★Cleaning duplicates before export, support vCardComplicated interface, export fees of over 100 contacts

The recommended algorithm for working with Copy to SIM Card:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Start it and give access to the contacts.
  3. Select Export to SIM and select the numbers you need.
  4. Specify target. SIM-If you have two cards, then you can confirm them.
  5. Restart your phone – sometimes fresh contacts are only displayed after a reboot.

💡

Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts in VCF format via Settings → Google → Backup. This will protect your data in case of possible crashes.

Method 4: Manual transfer through editing each contact

If all automatic methods fail, the time-consuming but reliable way is to manually save every contact, the only option for custom firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) where the export function is disabled at the system level.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
  2. Slip on Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Scroll down to the field Save in and select yours. SIM-map.
  4. Save the changes. Contact will be duplicated SIM-map.
  5. Repeat for all required records.

This method has two critical drawbacks:

  • ⏳ Time spent: 100 contact 30-40 minute.
  • 📵 Format limitations: on SIM-no photos, postal addresses or additional fields (name only) + number).
How do you speed up manual transfer?
Use the "Sharpen Text" mode in MIUI: long-press on the phone number → Copy → Insert in a new contact with saving on SIM. This reduces time by 30%.

Problem Solving: What to do if contacts are not transferred

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and we've collected typical problems and solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No item "Export to SIM"Simplified version of MIUI or firmware from the operatorUse Method 2 or third-party applications
Contacts were exported but not displayed on SIMContact cacheClear the cache in Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage
Mistake "SIM-card does not support the operation"Outdated SIM or memory deficitReplace SIM with a new one or delete old contacts from it
Only numbers without names were moved.bug MIUI CyrillicImport back to your phone and edit

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 🔧 Version MIUI: on beta versions, functions are often disabled. Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
  • 🛠️ Access Rights: Give the Contacts app all permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
  • 📶 Network operator: some SIM-maps, for example, Tele2 Virtual operators block the recording of contacts.

💡

If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, DO NOT use root access or modified firmware to transfer contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the transfer of contacts to SIM-map

Can I transfer contacts to SIM-Maps back to Xiaomi?
Yes, for that: Open Contacts → Management → Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-Specify the purpose of saving (Google or Device) Imported contacts will appear in the shared list via the 1-2 minute.
Why is it new? SIM-The map does not show the transferred contacts?
This is a typical MIUI problem. Solutions: Reboot your phone. Put the SIM in another slot (if there are two of them). Use a third-party SIM Card app to view the records.
How many contacts can be saved on SIM-mapping?
Depends on the operator: MTS / Beeline: up to 250 Megaphone./Tele2: before 200 Virtual operators (Yota, Tinkoff): 50-100 Check the limit through the contact USSD-request *111*58# (for MTS or *558# (for Beeline).
Can I transfer SIM contacts to iPhone?
No, iPhone does not support importing contacts with SIM-Alternative methods: Export contacts from the SIM Xiaomi-style VCF. Send the file to your email and open it on your iPhone. Use iCloud to sync.
Will the export of Xiaomi work with two? SIM-map?
Yes, but there are nuances: Select the target SIM from the export menu (usually SIM 1 or SIM 2). On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the export works only on SIM 1. If both SIMs are from the same operator, the contacts can be duplicated.