How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways of 2026

Why copy your contacts to SIM-Map and when it is relevant

Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi to SIM-The map may seem like an archaic solution in the era of cloud services, but in practice, it remains a viable option in several key scenarios, SIM-The card serves as a reliable offline reserve: if the phone dies, breaks down or is stolen, you can quickly restore numbers on the new device by simply inserting a card.

The relevance of the procedure increases for users who often change devices (for example, when buying used Redmi or other devices). POCO), Or travel with a few people. SIM-And some Xiaomi models are based on maps. MIUI 14 automatically sync contacts only to the cloud, not to the cloud SIM β€” So, hand export becomes necessary, but it's important to remember that you're not going to export. SIM-The card stores only names and numbers, without photos, email and additional fields.

Preparation: What to check before copying

Before you start the transfer, make sure that your SIM-The card supports the storage of contacts. Modern nano-SIM (and even more so eSIM) often do not have this feature, it is only available on micro-SIM and mini-SIM of the old model:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner β†’ Contact management.
  3. Choose Import/Export Contacts β†’ Exports to SIM-map.

If paragraph c SIM-If you have a card that is missing or inactive, your card does not support the function. SIM-The card usually holds 200 to 500 contacts (depending on the operator), exceeding the limit will lead to an error.

πŸ“Š How often do you move contacts between devices?
Once a year.
Only when changing the phone.
Never.
I'm constantly in sync with the cloud.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (Two cards at a time, the system can suggest you choose a slot for export, make sure you choose the card that has enough space, otherwise the contacts will be written on top of the old ones without warning.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12/13/14. Instructions are universal for models Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others:

  1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
  2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner β†’ select Contact Management.
  3. Tap Import/Export contacts β†’ Export to SIM-card.
  4. Tick the contacts you want to copy (or click Allow).
  5. Confirm the action with the Export button.

It's going to take 10 seconds to a minute depending on the number of contacts, and when you're done, you're going to see the Export notification. SIM-map and paste it into another phone – contacts should be displayed in the address book.

Make sure that SIM-Card supports the storage of contacts

Check the free space on the map (the menu "Storage")

Disable sync with Google/Mi Account (if only local contacts are needed)

Backup your contacts to your phone (in case of a crash)-->

Method 2: Copying through phone settings (alternative method)

If the standard method does not work (for example, due to glitches) MIUI), Try exporting contacts through system settings. This is a method that works for shell devices. MIUI 14 and newer:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the contact list and tap it.
  3. Select Warehouse. β†’ Exports of contacts.
  4. Indicate. SIM-map.
  5. Confirm your choice of contacts and wait until it is completed.

This is especially useful if you have custom firmware or modified software installed where the standard Contact app doesn’t work properly, but beware: some versions of MIUI may not have this section, leaving only the first way or use of third-party apps.

What happens if contacts are not exported?
If the process is stuck in the copying phase, try the following steps: 1. Reboot the phone. 2. Remove and re-insert. SIM-map. 3. Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application in the settings. 4. Try to export contacts in small batches (on the basis of the 50-100 If nothing helps, maybe it's not, SIM-The card is damaged or does not support the recording function.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools fail, third-party tools from Google Play will come to the rescue, such as the Copy to SIM Card or SIM Contacts Manager app, which allows for flexible export management, including field selection (name, number, email) and batch processing, the main advantage being eSIM support (in some cases) and the ability to bypass operator restrictions.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install one of the applications (e.g. SIM Contacts Backup).
  2. Grant permissions to access contacts and storage.
  3. Select contacts for export (you can filter by group).
  4. Specify target. SIM-map and start the process.

Important: Some applications require root rights to work with SIM-Maps on new versions of Android (12)+). Without them, functionality may be limited. Before installing, check reviews - many utilities contain advertising or paid features.

AnnexSupport for MIUIRequires root.Advertising
Copy to SIM CardYes (to MIUI 14)No.There is.
SIM Contacts ManagerYes (all versions)Partially.No.
SIM Card ContactsYes (with limitations)Yes.There is.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even when following instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter problems copying contacts, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”΄ Mistake "SIM-The card does not support the operation: SIM-The card is too new (for example, 5G-ready) Try another card or contact the operator for a replacement.
  • πŸ”΄ Contacts are not fully exported: Check if the storage limit is exceeded SIM. Remove old numbers or break up exports into pieces.
  • πŸ”΄ Names are displayed in hieroglyphics: This is an encoding problem. Try exporting contacts without Cyrillic characters or using a third-party application with Unicode support.
  • πŸ”΄ It freezes by 99%: Restart your phone and try again. If it doesn't work, clear the cache of the Contacts app.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with a hybrid slot under the second SIM or a memory card, make sure the slot is configured correctly. in some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) MicroSD is the priority, and SIM-The card may not be recognized for recording contacts. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.

How to Check Successful Copying and Recover Contacts

After export, make sure that the contacts are actually signed up for SIM-This is the map:

  1. Extract. SIM-card and paste it into another phone (you can try it on a friend's device).
  2. Open Contacts. β†’ Settings β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  3. If contacts are displayed, the export was successful. If not, repeat the procedure or try another method.

To restore contacts on the new Xiaomi:

  1. Put it in. SIM-phone-card.
  2. Go to Contacts. β†’ Contact management β†’ Import with SIM-map.
  3. Choose where to save contacts: on your phone or in your Google/Mi Account.

πŸ’‘

If you plan to move contacts between devices often, back up in.vcf format (business card). To do this, select Export to the device from the export menu - the file can be sent by email or saved to the cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I copy the contacts with SIM-Maps back to Xiaomi?
Yes, for that, go to Contacts. β†’ Contact management β†’ Imports/Exports β†’ Import with SIM-You can choose which contacts to import and specify the target account (phone, Google or Mi).
Why not? SIM-The map does not show photos of contacts?
SIM-Maps only support text data: names and numbers. Photos, email, addresses and other fields are not saved. For full reserve, use export to.vcf or sync with Google Contacts.
How many contacts can be kept in one SIM-map?
The limit depends on the operator and the type of card. SIM (Until 2010) can accommodate up to 250 contacts, modern - up to 500. USSD-request (e.g. *111# for MTS).
Can I export my contacts to eSIM?
No, eSIM doesn't support contact storage -- it's a purely software module with no physical memory. Use cloud services or export to.vcf for backup.
What happens if the contacts are duplicated after export?
Duplicates occur when you import contacts over and above existing contacts. To avoid this, before importing: Remove old contacts from your phone (or transfer them to archive). Use the option to Combine duplicates in Contact settings.

πŸ’‘

Export of contacts to SIM-A card is not a substitute for a full backup. Always duplicate important data to the cloud or to your computer, because SIM-The cards may fail or be lost.