Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users face the problem of transferring contacts to the smartphone. SIM-Unlike older push-button phones, where this feature was available in two clicks, modern Android devices (especially shell-based ones) MIUI) They hide it deep in the menu or remove it altogether. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to export contacts to the Internet. SIM Redmi 8 – from standard tools to workarounds, taking into account the limitations of the operating system.
It is important to understand that SIM-These cards have very limited limits: they only store names and numbers (no photos, email, or addresses), and the memory capacity rarely exceeds 250 contacts. If your goal is to back up or switch to another phone, consider alternatives like Google Contacts or Mi Cloud. SIM — The only option is to follow the instructions below.
Why does Xiaomi Redmi 8 not have a SIM Export button?
Smartphone manufacturers (including Xiaomi) are gradually abandoning the SIM contact copy feature for several reasons:
- 📱 Outdated format: SIM-The cards use the vCard 2.1 contact storage standard, which does not support modern fields (e.g. multiple numbers per contact).
- ☁️ Priority of cloud services: MIUI Actively promotes synchronization through Mi Account or Google, where data is stored in encrypted form.
- 🔒 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators block the recording of the SIM due to the risk of spam spreading.
However, Redmi 8's export function on SIM is technically preserved, but hidden, and can be called through the standard Contacts app or third-party utilities, followed by step-by-step instructions for each method.
Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app
This is the most reliable method, but it doesn't work on all MIUI firmware. If you have a global version installed (not Chinese), the odds are higher.
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
- Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section and click on it.
- Select Export on Export SIM-map (if no item is available, see alternative methods).
- Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate) → Export.
It can take a few minutes, especially if there are many contacts, and when you complete the process, you will notice, and then you will check that the data is actually recorded, you will insert the SIM into another phone, and you will open the phone book.
☑️ Preparation for export of contacts
⚠️ Note: If there is no Export item in the Contact Management menu SIM, So, your version. MIUI In this case, use Method 2 or Method 3.
Method 2: Export via “Phone Settings”
An alternative route is through system settings, running on MIUI 11-14 firmware (including Redmi 8):
- Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts.
- Put it in the storage (or memory).
- Choose Contact Exports → specify SIM-target.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
If this path is not available, try updating the Contacts app via Google Play. Sometimes, after updating, hidden features return.
What to do if SIM-map is not defined?
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If the standard methods didn't work, install one of the specialized applications, and we tested a few and selected the most reliable ones.
| Annex | Reference | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy to SIM Card | Google Play | Simple interface, support for package exports | Advertising does not work with double-sim phones |
| SIM Contacts Manager | Google Play | Shows occupied space on SIM, editing contacts | Paid version for export > 100 contacts |
| Contacts Backup | Google Play | Exports in VCF+ format to SIM | A complex interface for beginners |
Instructions for Copy to SIM Card (recommended):
- Install the application and open it.
- Tap Select Contacts → tick the right ones or tap Select All.
- Choose Copy to SIM → confirm.
- Wait until the end (the app will show the number of copied contacts).
⚠️ Note: Some apps request access to SMS and Call Log. Refuse unnecessary permissions - they are not required to export contacts.
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Before using third-party apps, check reviews from the past 2-3 months. Some utilities stop supporting new versions of Android after updates.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you copy contacts to SIM, Redmi 8 users face typical problems.
- 🚫 Mistake «SIM-The card does not support the operation" Reason: the operator blocked the recording (often MTS or Beeline). SIM Another operator (e.g. Tele2 or Yota) and try again.
- ⏳ Exports freeze 0% Cause: conflict with another application (e.g. Truecaller) Solution: Close all background programs through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
- 📵 Contacts are not displayed after export: SIM-Solution: Remove old contacts from the SIM via the Contact Management menu → Imports/Exports → Remove from SIM.
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
- Click Clear Data and Reset Settings.
- Restart the phone and repeat the export.
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Before resetting your Contacts app settings, make sure all data is synced to Google or Mi Cloud.This operation will delete local contacts!
Alternative methods of backup
If SIM transfer is not possible, consider more reliable options:
- ☁️ Google Contacts Sync with Google account automatically saves all contacts in the cloud. → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
- 📱 Xiaomi's Mi Cloud offers 5GB for free.Activated in Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Contacts.
- 📄 Export to file VCF A file with the.vcf extension can be copied to a computer or flash drive. → ⋮ → Management → Export to file.
The advantage of these methods is to store all data (including email, addresses, notes), whereas SIM stores only names and numbers, and cloud services allow you to restore contacts on a new phone in one click.