How to copy contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: 4 proven methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-The card in Xiaomi smartphones often becomes a headache for users - especially after resetting or buying a new phone, SIM-The card has a limited number of records (usually) 200-250), But it does guarantee access to contacts even without the Internet. MIUI Regularly changes the location of functions, and in new versions (for example, MIUI 15) standard export SIM It may disappear from the menu.

In this article, we will discuss 4 Relevant ways to copy contacts SIM-map for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — from the budget Redmi Note 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 We will pay special attention to the workarounds for MIUI 14/15, where the function is hidden, as well as typical errors such as "failed to export contacts" or "SIM-card does not support the operation. If you are faced with the fact that the phone does not see contacts on the SIM After the transfer, you will find a solution here too.

Why is it better to duplicate your contacts SIM-map?

In the era of cloud services, the idea of storing contacts on SIM may seem an anachronism, but there are at least 5 situations where this method is indispensable:

• 🔄 Resetting the phone to factory settings — SIM-Your contacts will remain intact even if you forget your Google account details.
• 📱 Switching to a new phone without access to the Internet (for example, roaming or when the main device breaks down).
• 🛡️ Account hacking protection – if your Google or Mi Account is blocked, contacts are blocked SIM remain available.
• 🌍 Traveling abroad – many local SIM-The cards do not support data roaming, but calls and SMS work.
• ⚡ Quick exchange of contacts – just insert SIM to another phone to access the numbers.

Of course, the method has limitations: SIM-The card only stores the name and number (no photos, email, or addresses), and the memory rarely exceeds 250 records.

⚠️ Note: If you are using eSIM (virtual) SIM-The map is not possible to transfer contacts to it – this function only works with physical nano-SIMs.

Method 1: Standard Exports via Contact Menu (MIUI 12–14)

This is the easiest method, but it doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. If you have MIUI 15 or newer, skip this section and go to Method 2.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Tick the contacts you want to copy (or click Allow).
6. Confirm the export – the process will take 10–30 seconds depending on the number of records.

If the item Export to SIM-card is not in the menu, it means:

• 📱 You. MIUI 15 or later (function moved to Settings).
• 🔒 Yours. SIM-card blocked PUK-code (unlock it through the operator).
• 🚫 The operator has disabled the support of the storage of contacts on SIM (It is important for some virtual operators).

Check that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Make sure there is enough space on the SIM (usually 250 contacts maximum)

Disable VPN – it can block access to system functions

Close all background apps, especially instant messengers-->

MIUI 12 or older

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

MIUI 15 or newer

I don't know.-->

Method 2: Export via Settings (MIUI 14–15 and later)

In recent versions of MIUI, the contact export function has moved from the Contacts app to system settings, which works on all current Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F5.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → scroll to the App section.
2. Select Application Management → Contacts.
3. Put your memory (or storage in some firmware).
4. Click Contact Exports → Choose On SIM-map.
5. Confirm the action - the system will show progress-bar.

If there is no export item in the Memory menu:

• 🔍 Try to find the function through Search in the settings (laptop of the screen) on request "Export contacts".
• 📲 Update the Contacts app via Google Play – sometimes the feature returns after the update.
• 🛠️ Install an alternative contact application (such as Truecaller or Simpler Contacts) that supports exporting to the UK. SIM.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the standard methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

Instructions for Copy to SIM Card:

1. Install the application and provide access to Contacts and Warehouse.
2. Select Copy Contacts to SIM.
3. Check the contacts you need (you can filter them by group).
4. Press Copy and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SIM Card Contacts may request access to SMS Refuse unnecessary permissions, because you don't need them to export contacts.

💡

Before using third-party applications, back up your contacts in VCF format (via Contacts → Export) to protect your data if the program is not working properly.

Method 4: Manual transfer through contact editing

If the automatic methods don't work, there's a manual method, long but reliable, that's suitable for carrying some important contacts.

How to do this:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
2. Tap Edit (pencil in the upper right corner).
3. Scroll down and press More. → Copy on SIM-map.
4. Confirm the action – the contact will be duplicated on SIM.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ It takes a lot of time with lots of contacts.
• 📵 Not all contact fields are portable (e.g., additional phones or emails are missing).
• 🔢 Names longer than 15 characters can be cropped (depending on operator).

To speed up the process:

• 📋 First, export all contacts to the file. VCF (via Contact → Exports).
• 🖥️ Open the file on your computer and sort by priority (e.g. family, work, friends).
• 📱 Move it to SIM Only the most important numbers.

Typical errors and their solutions

When exporting contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and we have collected the most common ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods helped:

• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📦 Clear the app cache Contacts: Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI bug SIM frequently correct.

💡

If the phone doesn’t see SIM contacts after transferring, try pasting the card into another smartphone. If the contacts are displayed there, the problem is with your Xiaomi settings, not with SIM.

How to check if your contacts are successfully copied to SIM?

Transferring contacts is only half the story, and it's important to make sure that the data is actually recorded on the Internet. SIM-A map and can be read. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Put three points on it. → Contact management.
3. Choose to display contacts with → tick off SIM-map.
4. Check if the transferred contacts appear on the list (they are usually marked with the SIM icon).

Additional checks:

• 📱 Put it in. SIM In another phone, the contacts must be automatically displayed.
• 🔍 Use the app. SIM Card Contacts to view the records on the map.
• 📝 Export contacts with SIM back to the phone (via import with the SIM-maps) and compare with the original.

⚠️ Note: Some phones (such as iPhones) do not support reading contacts with the device. SIM-Use another Android smartphone to check.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi