How to transfer contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: all working methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi phones (including Redmi lineups, POCO And Mi is a common question, and despite the prevalence of cloud services like Mi Cloud or Google Contacts, it's still relevant. SIM-The storage remains: the card works without the Internet, does not require authorization and is suitable for backup. MIUI Direct export option may be missing or hidden.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of transferring numbers to SIM-I'll focus on the nuances of why some contacts aren't copied, how to check the space available for the system. SIM And what to do if the phone doesn't see the card, and let's look at alternative methods for devices without a physical slot. SIM (Xiaomi 13 Ultra with eSIM).

⚠️ Attention: SIM-Cards have a strict limit on the number of records — usually 250-500 contacts (depending on the operator); if the limit is exceeded, new numbers will not be saved, and old ones may be damaged!

1. Standard method: through phone settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in export feature in MIUI, but its availability depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. In new devices (Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 12), the option may be hidden or absent at all.

To transfer contacts to SIM:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Check the numbers you need (or click Select All) → Export.

If the export items SIM-map:

• 🔍 Check if it's inserted. SIM-slot-card SIM1 (Some models support export only for the main slot).
• 📱 Update the Contacts app via Google Play – sometimes the feature returns after the update.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: temporary crashes MIUI They can block access to the option.

Check the free space on the SIM (see Section 3)

Make sure the card is inserted into the SIM1 slot

Update the Contacts app to the latest version

Backup your contacts in Mi Cloud

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⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM Only phone numbers and names will be saved. Additional fields (email, addresses, birthdays) will be lost.

2. Alternative method: through the Google Contacts app

If the standard method doesn’t work, use Google Contacts, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices and supports exporting to SIM even where it is blocked in the native app.

Instructions:

1. Open Google Contacts (an icon with a colorful mug on a white background).
2. Click on your avatar in the upper right corner → Contact Export.
3. Choose. SIM-map as export target.
4. Mark the contacts and confirm the transfer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Works on devices without native export option (e.g, POCO F5).
• 📊 Allows you to filter contacts by labels (for example, only "Workers»).
• 🛡️ Less risk of data loss due to Google account integration.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Not all contact fields will be saved (e.g. profile photos).
• 📵 Requires an Internet connection to sync (if contacts are stored in the cloud).

Through phone settings

Google Contacts app

Special programs (such as My Contacts Backup)

Manual input

Another way.-->

3. how to check the vacant space on SIM-map

Before transferring contacts, make sure that SIM-There's plenty of room in the map. MIUI There is no built-in tool to check, but you can use it. USSD-commands or third-party applications.

Method 1: USSD-code

Dial on the phone keyboard:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, select Phone Information → scroll down to the block SIM-This map shows the number of used and free contact slots.

Method 2: Application of SIM Card

Install the Simple Mobile Tools (SIM Card) app from Google Play.

• 📊 Total number of contact slots.
• 🔢 Occupied and vacant place.
• 📱 Support for additional fields (e.g., second number).

⚠️ Attention: If SIM-The card has less than 10% of the free space, MIUI can block exports without notice, in which case delete unnecessary contacts from the card (via Contacts) → SIM).

4.Contact transfer via computer

If the phone refuses to export the contacts to the SIM, You can use a PC. You'll need it. USB-cable and program PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) or My Contacts Backup.

Method 1: Mi PC Suite

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
3. In the program, go to Contacts → Backup.
4. Export contacts to a.vcf file, then import it to SIM via your phone.

Method 2: My Contacts Backup

The My Contacts Backup app (available on Google Play) allows you to:

• 📤 Create a backup of contacts in a.vcf file.
• 📥 Send a file to an email or save it to the cloud.
• 🔄 Import contacts back, including transfer to SIM.

For transfer:

1. Install the application and create a backup.
2. Send the.vcf file to your email.
3. Open the letter on the phone, download the attachment.
4. Import contacts through Contacts → Imports/Exports → Import from the file by selecting the target SIM-map.

💡

If the phone can't see SIM-When you connect to a PC, try restarting the device with the card removed, then paste it back in. Sometimes that resets the reading errors.

5. Solving problems in the transfer of contacts

When exporting to SIM, Xiaomi users often encounter mistakes. Let’s look at typical cases and how to fix them.

Problem 1: No option for “Export on SIM”

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Operator Limitation: Some SIM-Cards (such as Tinkoff Mobile virtual cards) do not support the storage of contacts.
• 🛠️ Application Failure: Clear Contact Cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Problem 2: Contacts are not fully transferred

If part of the numbers is not copied:

• 📇 Check if the contact limit is exceeded. SIM (see section 3).
• 🔤 Make sure that contact names do not contain special symbols (such as emojis or characters) – they can block exports.
• 📎 Try to transfer contacts in small batches (50-100 pieces each).

Problem 3: The phone can't see SIM-map

Diagnostic activities:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Extract. SIM-card, clean the contacts (soft cloth) and paste back.
3. Check the card on another device – if it doesn’t work, contact the operator for a replacement.
4. Update IMEI (update after reset): dial ##4636## → Phone Information → Update IMEI.

6.Moving contacts to eSIM in Xiaomi

Xiaomi eSIM-enabled smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite, Xiaomi 12T Pro) do not allow you to store contacts on a virtual card, a technical limitation of the eSIM standard, which does not provide for the storage of user data.

Alternative solutions:

• 📱 Use the physical. SIM: If the phone supports both types of cards (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), put in SIM contact-holding.
• ☁️ Cloud Services: Sync contacts with Mi Cloud or Google Contacts – they are available without the Internet after the first save.
• 📁 Local Export: Create a backup to a.vcf file and store it in your phone’s memory (Downloads folder).

⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to factory settings, local.vcf files will be deleted! Regularly copy them to your PC or cloud.

7: How to protect your contacts SIM-map

Keeping contacts on SIM-It's convenient, but less secure than the cloud:

• 🔓 Loss or theft of a phone → password-free access.
• 💥 Damage to the map → loss.
• 📵 Limited number of copies (SIM wear out ~10,000 recording operations).

Protection recommendations:

• 🔐 Install. PIN-code SIM-map (in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map).
• 📲 Regularly (every 3 months) back up your contacts to Mi Cloud or Google Contacts.
• 🚫 Don't keep it on SIM Contacts with important data (passwords, access codes).
• 🔄 Check the integrity of the data periodically: export contacts with SIM Back to the phone and compare it to the original.

💡

SIM-The card is not a secure storage, but a temporary solution. For long-term backup, use cloud services or local copies in the format.vcf.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi