Transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-The map seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties: the lack of an option in the menu, export errors or loss of numbers. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to copy contacts for Redmi smartphones, POCO and the Mi line on MIUI 12โ14, including hidden features and circumvention of manufacturer restrictions.
Xiaomiโs Feature: Gradual Withdrawal of Support SIM-contact in newer versions of firmware. MIUI 12.5, the export option may be hidden or blocked for some regions.We will show how to return this feature through the Developer Settings using the ADB-teams, as well as alternative methods using third-party applications. SIM-maps and restrictions of telecom operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2).
Why Xiaomi is removing the ability to copy contacts to SIM?
Starting in 2021, Xiaomi has been steadily removing support. SIM-Contacts from standard applications:
- ๐ฑ Outdated storage format: SIM-The cards only support the name + Number (maximum 255 characters per contact), no photos, email or additional fields.
- โ๏ธ Priority Cloud Services: Mi Cloud and Google Contacts allow you to sync data between devices without being tied to a physical card.
- ๐ Security: Contacts to SIM It is easy to steal by copying the card to another phone, whereas cloud accounts are protected by two-factor authentication.
- ๐ถ Restrictions of operators: Some SIM (eSIMs do not support the storage of contacts at all.
However, many users still need the feature โ for example, for backup before resetting the phone or when using two or more of the same devices. SIM-We'll show you how to get around these limitations.
Method 1: Standard export through Contacts (MIUI 12 and older)
If you have MIUI 12.0-12.5, the export option may still be on the menu.
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) top-right โ Select Contact Management.
- Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section.
- Select Export on Export SIM-map.
- Check the contacts you need (or click Select All) โ Export.
โ ๏ธ Attention: MIUI 13-14 is often missing. If not, go to Method 2 or Method 3.
โ๏ธ Preparation for export of contacts
If there is an error in the export of contacts, the reasons may be as follows:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SIM-card does not support the operation | Outdated SIM or eSIM | Replace the SIM with a new one in the operatorโs cabin |
| Lack of memory | There are already contacts on the map. | Remove old contacts through Settings โ SIM-map |
| Operation unsupported | Limit MIUI for your region | Use Method 3 (ADB) |
Method 2: Export through โSettingsโ SIM-mapsโ (hidden path)
In some firmware, the export option is hidden in the SIM settings. This method works on the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 and other models from 2020-2022:
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM 1).
- Tap on the contact. SIM-Cards (or Contact Management) SIM).
- Click Import/Export โ Export from your phone to SIM.
Important: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This path may be called otherwise, for example, additional settings. SIM โ Contacts. If you don't find it, search by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type in the query. SIM contact.
What to do if SIM-The card is not displayed in the settings?
Method 3: Unlock the function through ADB (for advanced)
If the standard methods donโt work, you can force the option of exporting via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and works on all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 14.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It could disrupt your phone. Follow the instructions exactly!
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings โ Additional โ For Developers. Activate USB debugging and confirm permission.
Connect your phone to your PC
- Use the original Xiaomi cable.
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Do it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global sim_contacts_export_enabled 1 This team will unlock the hidden export option.
- Restart your phone and check for the Export on SIM in the Contacts menu.
After this command, the export option will appear in the Contacts menu and will be available even after the MIUI update (until the settings are completely reset).
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If ADB does not recognize the device, install Mi PC Suite drivers from Xiaomiโs official website or use Google USB Driver universal drivers.
Method 4: Use of third-party applications (without root)
If the previous methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested 3 reliable applications that don't work with root rights:
- ๐ฒ SIM Card Contacts (by Simple Mobile Tools): Supports import/export SIM. Works on MIUI 13-14 without locks. Interface in Russian.
- ๐ Contacts Backup & Restore (by SimplerApps): Exports contacts to.vcf, which can then be downloaded to the.vcf SIM It allows you to selectively copy groups of contacts.
- ๐ Copy to SIM Card (by Bvolve Innovations): Specialized in working with SIM-It supports duality. SIM (you can select a target map).
Instructions for SIM Card Contacts:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to your contacts.
- Select Export on SIM.
- Mark the contacts you want (or click Select All).
- Confirm the export and wait until it is completed.
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Apps from Google Play may request unnecessary permissions (such as access to SMS or location). Before installing, check reviews and ratings - select programs with a rating of 4.5+ and more than 100K downloads.
Solving problems when copying contacts
Even after successful export, users are faced with common mistakes.
1.The contacts were not fully exported
SIM-The cards have strict restrictions:
- ๐ Maximum of 250-500 contacts (depending on operator).
- ๐ Only a name. + number (without email, addresses, photos).
- ๐ Limitation on the length of a name (usually 14-20 characters).
โ Decision:
- Break up contacts into groups (e.g. 200) and export them in parts.
- Remove the extra symbols from the names (commas, dash, emoji).
- Use abbreviations (for example, โIvanov I.โ instead of โIvanov Ivanovichโ).
2. Mistake ยซSIM-card blockedยป
If the SIM is PIN protected, export will be impossible.
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select your SIM โ SIM-card lock.
- Enter the current PIN (default: 0000 or 1234).
- Turn off the Block option. SIM-map.
3. Contacts are duplicated when imported to a new phone
This is due to a conflict between contacts on SIM and those synced through Google or Mi Cloud.
โ Decision:
- Before importing, turn off synchronization in Settings โ Accounts.
- Use the option to combine contacts in the Contacts app.
- Remove duplicates using the Duplicate Contacts app (available on Google Play).
Frequent Questions (FAQ)
Can I copy SIM contacts back to Xiaomi phone?
Why is it new? SIM-map (4G/5G) No export option is displayed?
How to copy contacts to SIM if the Xiaomi phone is not turned on?
Service centre
- Contact the official Xiaomi service with a check about the purchase.
- The masters can extract contacts through EDL-The mode (even if the phone is not turned on).